Polar Bear Run 25 January 17th 2026 "Heading East"
Head West young man; Head East old guys and gals
So we are heading East this year. We will leave the launch point at 9AM or 0900 for those who just learned to tell time and then we will cannon ball (no stops) for 90 minutes and arrive at our destination. We will visit a museum and see all kinds of interesting stuff. Then you will have 3 choices for lunch: one of the best BBQ restaurants in the area, one of the best American (think meat like hamburgers) restaurants in the area or take a chance on food poisoning at a place that you pick. This is one adventure you do not want your ride to break down because we are going through dicey territory. Not that kind of dicey where you have to dodge bullets, just don't break down. If you are ready to take yet another chance - then click to sign up for this and head East.. For you history buffs - this was also the launch point for Polar Bear 1.
Launch Point: We blast off at precisely 9:00 AM EST. Launch Point will be the Breez-In/Exxon just outside Hopewell on Route 10 across from the road that goes to the Benjamin Harrison bridge, address is 10101 James River Drive, Hopewell, VA 23860 (intersection routes 10 and 156). Park in the lot - they offer gas, coffee, food and restrooms that may or may not be what you call clean. It's just the launch point; the destination has clean, well lit and stocked bathrooms.
Please note: In case of bad weather on the 17th we will switch to the 24th and try it again - that will be our only 2 chances for this run.
The usual questions with the usual answers
1. Which direction are we going? East - if you run into that big thing they call the Atlantic Ocean you've gone too far
2. How far are we going to be from the starting point - 90 minutes of cannon balling - no stops - carry one of those plastic urinal things if you have to guzzle down two pots of coffee to get moving in the AM
3. Will there be directions? Yes, only one set of directions with everything on it including the restaurant info - this way if you lose that one peice of paper you're screwed - so don't lose it
4. What happens if I break down? That would not be good as we are crossing bridges and you don't want your piece of crap to take a crap on a busy bridge
5. Where are we going to eat lunch? Highly rated BBQ place or highly rated American food place or spin the roulette wheel and may be get botulism at some dump
6. Very important: Bring Money, Cash Money
 | President Trump has approved this run. He wants you to drive the wheels off your fossil fuel burning, oil leaking, gas sucking wonderful old vehicle. Forget climate change and global warming and put those horses to work spewing carbon dioxide. |
 | Governor-Elect Spanberger of course doesn't approve the run. Here she is with her "hands up don't shoot" way of talking. She's all in on climate change, EV mandates and wants us to trust her on energy and a lot of other things like gun control. Just give Abbie a year and she'll have a cannabis store on every corner. |
 | Jay Jones says "Hellyeah" to the Polar Bear Run. He says hammer down until you hit 116. He'll be the AG soon. Call him if you need to have a speeding/reckless driving ticket "downgraded" to community service. You may have to work it at his PAC. |
 | We ain't riding in no airplace so don't wear pajamas. Dress like this little guy and keep warm. We will be crossing some bridges so if you can't keep it between the lines you may need to bring along a life jacket and serious hand warmers. |
 | I've got no clue what this guy has been drinking/smoking/snorting or whatever. But the Polar Bear Run is a time to have fun and enjoy freezing your heinie off. |
 | This is why we have two dates including a "weather date". No one wants to see your show vehicle on its nose in the snow. If one of those "S" words decides to fall over and over from the sky we will move to the "weather date". |
 | This makes me cold - frozen people - not as good as ice cream. Don't run off a bridge and end up looking like these guys. Pay attention to what you are doing - no one wants you to plow into their rearend and create a custom by crash car. |
 | These ladies know how to polar bear. They've gotten in the spirit or perhaps spirits and decided to get their chill on. Any women who wish to wear bathing suits in winter are okay with the guys. |
 | We will not be eating at Butt Sweet House even if it is "hot and fresh". You have a choice of two of the best restaurants in the area - one with BBQ and another with "American" food - whatever American is now. Not sure what sweet butt looks like and I don't want to find out. |
 | Since we will be going 90 minutes without stopping you may wish to invest in one of these. Be sure to get one with the no leak lid. And if you decide to use it be sure not to eat asparagus the night before the run. |
 | This guy is not ready for the run. He should have known we are not going in snow this deep. Hopefully some dog will find him and then bury the idiot like a bone. |
 | This woman is READY for the run. Note the nice warm hat she has on her head. You know what mom told you - put a warm hat on it's very important. |
 | If you see this sign you have missed a turn or two and went too far. |
 | The dogs are waiting for you to scroll down and sign up for the run. Anything has got to be better than trying to find something to watch on TV. |
You MUST Register!
Just send me an email or use the form below to let me know how many are attending. A club representative can also contact me to let me know how many club members to expect.
You can contact me by phone (leave message and speak English), email or use the form below:
Fred Fann
Phone: 804-590-9583
Email: fredfann@comcast.net
I'm ready for the Polar Bear!