Ride Report: New Year’s 2024 Polar Run
Columbia’s American Legion Riders Chapter 202 kicked off 2024 with the first annual Polar Run. First item on the agenda was brunch at Truman’s Bar and Grill. We managed to fill one entire section of restaurant as more than twenty people showed up to celebrate together. While college bowl games played on the big screens we talked bikes, compared holiday gifts, and stocked up on pancakes before heading out in the cold. Carbo loading is critical in situations like that.
The temperature was 30’F as I pulled out of my garage. Although it was forecast to slowly get warmer as the day went on, it turns out the forecasters were wrong. It remained right at freezing the whole time, and I very much appreciated my Hippo Hands and heated grips. In the end, although seven us rode to Truman’s, only five bikes made the actual Polar Run journey. We were labeled as crazy, and I can’t really argue with that statement. All the smart ones headed home.
Our destination for the afternoon was The Big Tree, a 350-400 year old Burr Oak tree that predates the American Revolution. It is tied for national champion, representing the largest tree in its species. The tree is a local landmark and is a regular side trip for cyclists passing by on the Katy Trail. It turns out that I have been by it several times, but did not realize what I was looking at. Turns out there’s no substitute for local tour guides.
They say that whatever you are doing on New Year’s is what you’re going to be doing all year long. If that is true, 2024 is looking to be a good year. Nothing wrong with spending the year on two wheels with great friends. Happy new year to everyone I know and love.
