Source: The Daily Herald; by Xpistos Ekimogloy/staff writer
For the last 10 years, the Knights for Christ Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association has held the Polar Bear Run to raise money for charity. This year's event lead some to question the name of the event.
This has only been the second year that temperatures have been 15 to 20 degrees above normal since the ride began, member Chris Wood said.
Motorcycle enthusiasts from Maury and surrounding counties took advantage of higher-than-normal temperatures Saturday to start 2005 with a short trek through Middle Tennessee. The 10th annual Polar Bear Run sponsored by the Knights for Christ raised more than $3,000 for charity.
"If the weather keeps up like this, we are going to have to turn on the air," Wood said. "Calling the event the Polar Bear Run usually makes sense, although, it doesn't seem like it today."
More than 200 riders made the 60 mile journey around the mid-state during the Polar Bear Run Saturday. Riders wore leather and denim galore to start off the new year with one of the few motorcycle events in Maury County. Staff photo by Xpistos
The perfect riding weather made it easy for enthusiasts to turn out for the 60-mile trek through Middle Tennessee.
"This type of weather is excellent for riding, because you can were your full leathers and still be comfortable," Wood said.
Outgoing chapter president Daniel Allen said because there are so few chances to ride during the winter, this event gives motorcyclists a chance to get out on the open road.
"This weather is beautiful," he said. "During the winter, you don't get to many chances to get our and ride."
The journey started from Maury County Park out toward Fly then to the Natchez Trace Parkway to Williamsport and back to the park.
Marc Olaufsen was at the park to test drive some new remote control cars his daughters received for Christmas and was treated to a motorcycle show. Olaufsen's 6-year-old daughter Hannah said she wished she had some earmuffs.
"Them there motorcycles is loud," she said.
Her favorite bike was one with a white side car that totally enveloped its passenger, protecting her from the wind and any other potential weather hazards unlike her chauffeur.
"That one is so cool. I want to take a turn in it too," she said.
The event cost riders $15 to participate, which included lunch and door prizes. The proceeds for the Polar Bear Run go to a local charity every year, Woods said.
"It is an outreach for us," he said. "We look for groups that get involved with people and touch their lives."
The beneficiary of the event this year is the Maury Magic Riders, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children.
With more than 200 riders registering, this years event raised more than $3,000, Wood said, almost doubling the amount from 2004, $1,600.
"We were just ecstatic by the turnout and hope it will continue to grow every year," he said.