Area bikers brave the cold for Polar Bear runs

Around 50 motorcycle enthusiasts braved temperatures that hovered in single digits Monday to ring in 2018 with a nnual Polar Bear runs.

About half of those began their day at Marion's Black Diamond Harley Davison.

"We wanted to offer something for our customers to get them out during the winter," employee Tina Emery said. "There is no charge. We just want to offer an opportunity for our customers to have some fun."

General Manager John Gooden said the Polar Bear ride is an annual event.

"This is by far the coldest it's ever been," he said. "Last year, is was 37 degrees, and we had about 50 or 60 turn out."

Emery was surprised that more than a dozen riders were enjoying complimentary coffee and donuts about 30 minutes before the official start of this year's ride.

Gooden said the weather was not much worse than at the Blessing of the Bikes, where riders rode to the Bald Knob Cross through driving rain.

Monday's planned route was to ride through Giant City State Park, Makanda and end up in Carterville at the Wyld Hog.

"Bob Fonbelle opened up to do a private party for us," Gooden said.

A second group of riders left from the northern end of Williamson County about two hours later. The Ranch hosted its 11th-annual Polar Bear Run, partnering with the Whisky Chapter of the Band of Brother Motorcycle Club.

According to owner Terry McVey, this is another in a series of fundraising events she sponsors to help others in her community.

"We are doing this to support Todd and Amy Auton," she said. The funds will be given to the couple to help with expenses after Todd had open-heart surgery last month.

The riders were scheduled for stops at the Marion VFW, Herrin American Legion and the Benton American Legion before returning to the Ranch for dinner and an auction.