I want to thank all those that attended the Polar Bear ride and cookout.  I received a lot of compliments on hosting and cooking, but really it was my pleasure.  I had a great time.  Besides, I didn’t do it all alone.  First I owe a huge thanks to my wife Dana without whom I wouldn’t have received as many compliments.  I want to thank everyone else that contributed.  I would like to list everyone, but inevitably I would forget someone so I’ll just say thanks to everyone who brought something or loaned me something.  

A few individual thanks…Thanks to Wayne Sloan, my Valkyrie Rider Cruiser Club brother who rode from up by Charlotte to join us.  Thanks to Bob and Susie and Larry and Betty from the Sumter CMA chapter for joining us and donating the plates, cups, etc.  Every time I’m involved in an event with them the weather is wonderful.  It must be friends in high places.  

Thanks to Ben, our illustrious State Officer for suggesting this event and letting me host it.  Thanks to Sandy (Lowcountry) for rallying her troops and bringing them up.  Thanks to Lil John for representing Midlands with Jerry.  Thanks to our newest SC First Officer, Mac ( Pee Dee ) for leading his group down.  

I also want to thank everyone who rode and contributed monetarily as well.  As I said, it was my pleasure, but the money donated was appreciated.  

A special thanks to Melody, my Sumter member who amazes me every time she shows up to one of our events considering she rides a Buell Blast all the way from Hartwell , Georgia .  

For those that couldn’t attend, you missed a good time.  Dave counted 32 bikes, but I think at that point two had already left.  We never counted heads, but considering Lil John and his family and Curtis and his family drove and I know there was at least six two-up on bikes - I’m thinking there was at least 46 people at the cookout.  

Lowcountry, Pee Dee , and some others left early, but after the cookout the remainder of us – about 20 bikes mounted up and rode up 521 to Camden .  When we got to I-20 Jerry from Columbia and Melody broke off to head west.  A little further into Camden , the Spartanburg chapter and Wayne broke off while the rest of us turned on Hwy 1/ 34 towards Bishopville where Mark and Lori dropped off.  The rest of us – about six rode back to Sumter on 441.  

It was about an 87 mile triangle route from Sumter and back.  

You can see the route map on the new “Where we’ve been” link off our web page.  The “2004 Past Rides” are linked from the new page and I’ve included our year summary on that page as well.  

As for pictures, our chapter photographer Guy Alexander was severely missed today.  I snapped a few and Dave snapped a few that I hope he’ll send my way, but without Guy’s touch I’m sure they’ll prove lacking.  Sandy is better than I am about posting pictures.  Hers are already posted so check them out if you wish:
http://www.lowcountryscrc.com/Polar/  

The Polar Bear ride was a success and by the time we got back to Sumter it was starting to feel like a real Polar Bear ride.