Opening up the Polar Bear Bike Club (PBBC) Season is bitter-sweet. It's bitter because we all know that if we are to continue in our sport through the winter season, we'll have to endure torturous conditions including biting cold, slippery roads, fierce winds, and snow. These conditions will be sure to test our resolve and our strength...

But, it's sweet; because if we endure we'll begin our next season stronger then our last! Because we'll get to see the same faces we see during the summer rides (only they'll be a LOT redder). Because after facing 25 MPH winds when its 30 degrees or less out, makes climbing a treacherous hill on a nice day, effortless!

Our first official PBBC for this season rolled out on November 30th, 2003. Four veteran PBBC club members and one newbie to our club made up our party of five daring spirits. We rolled out of 616 Harvard Avenue in Baldwin at roughly 9:50 am Eastern time.

There were 5 riders but only 4 bikes, which of course meant that Gary busted out his Burley Design Cooperative Tandem upon which Carmelita hitchhiked for her first tandem ride since she was a kid. Joel showed off his track standing skills with his fixed gear track bike. Joe began breaking in his brand new Specialized Roadie while Dan swept on his trusty Raleigh road bike. Quite an interesting mix of gear you might say.

Thrilling as all this was, there was the added excitement of fitting out several of the bikes with brand new Selle Italia saddles that the manufacturer had kindly loaned us for review. It only made sense to make the tandem into a test bed for this ride so Gary chose the Red, orange, and black XO Gel for the captain's seat, and Carmelita won first shot at the Lady Gel for her stoaker position. As they rode around the block to check the hasty fit, the initial responses were intriguing. Gary exclaimed, "this one would never make it out of the shop," but Carmelita found her seat comfortable...at first! Their stories would change!

A link to a more detailed review of the Selle Italia equipment coming soon!

Our fearless band rode out to Long Beach, mostly by way of a new back-road route, avoiding all but a short section of Long Beach Road. After being buffeted by 20 MPH winds along the length of the gorgeous bay side of the island, our little band eventually, but cheerfully, approached the boardwalk where the wind finally blew mercifully at our backs. Almost immediately a race ensued. At first Joel led the way with Gary and Carm trailing barely behind. Dan and Joe were bringing up the sweep taking in the surf when they decided it was time to show who was boss! Dan and Joe sprinted up and passed the pack, which sparked retaliation from Gary and Carm who muscled the tandem through to finish in 2nd and 3rd place (on one bike), one nanosecond behind Dan (and we timed it) while Joe and Joel came in at a dead heat for sweep with about the same margin!

Our group paused for a moment to discuss the race, to argue the finishing positions, and mostly just to absorb the beauty of a crisp and windy, wave pounded morning at the beach. It was then time to cruise on and head toward home. We jumped a on sidewalk to cross the Long Beach Road Bridge and headed north to Baldwin via mostly side roads. Joel split off around Oceanside to get back to his family. Shortly there after the four remaining riders arrived back at 616 Harvard Avenue. From there it was on to D.J. Houdeks for BRUNCH! And be assured, no one was shy about eating either!