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By Walter F. Kern

The Polar Bear Grand Tour consists of 550 motorcycle riders who ride their motorcycles throughout the winter season each Sunday to points within NJ, NY, PA, CT, and DE. These polar bear riders have nothing to do with the other polar bears who are often found in the water in groups for special occasions.

We present here a gallery of the best Polar Bear Grand Tour motorcycle pictures and videos for the 2023-2024 riding season. My definition of "best" is probably different from yours. I just looked at the 937 pictures and 140 videos published during the season and picked what I liked best—whatever caught my eye or I thought was different or offbeat. The pictures and videos are ordered by run. I selected 97 pictures and 34 videos to be the Best pictures and videos for the 2023-2024 Polar Bear Grand Tour season.

All of these pictures and videos were taken by Polar Bear rider-photographers, since I spent all the season in Florida. I did do all the processing of the pictures and videos and the management of the website remotely from Florida. Also, all the captions presented below were done by me.

All pictures and associated captions are presented in the spirit of good humor as displayed by most motorcyclists. Captions are meant to entertain and never are offered as an insult or reflection on any person, motorcycle, or situation. Any picture and caption may be removed from these displays by contacting me at walter@motorcycleviews.com.

I want to publicly thank the Polar Bear rider-photographers who took pictures and videos for me this season. They were (including runs covered): Bernie Walsh (24); Dave Thompson (25), and Gary Rosen (1). All best pictures selected were submitted by Bernie Walsh (71), Dave Thompson (25), and Gary Rosen (1) for a total of 97 Best pictures. All best videos selected were submitted by Dave Thompson (34). Thanks guys for yor assistance, and I hope you will all continue to take pictures and videos next season.

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Dawn Patrol, Bridgewater, NJ, Sept. 03, 2023: (Extra Points Ride)

01: 'Do you have proof this is a motorcycle?' - photo by Dave Thompson
07: 'No windscreen required' - photo by Dave Thompson
13: 'Cute couple' - photo by Gary Rosen

VIDEO: 'Parking on the grass'(0:32) - by Dave Thompson

End Dawn Patrol Extra Points Ride


Cape May V.F.W., Cape May, NJ, Oct. 29, 2023:

01: 'See Natalie balance.' - photo by Dave Thompson
05: 'Street scene early' - photo by Dave Thompson
13: 'Flags over the V.F.W.'- photo by Dave Thompson
21: 'Blocking' - photo by Bernie Walsh
17: 'It's an open-and-shut case.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
23: 'I usually ride behind him.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
24: 'Buck's Co., PA HOG Chapter Polar Bears' - photo by Bernie Walsh
27: 'Orange and Black and Blonde' - photo by Bernie Walsh
30: 'Unintended stop?' - photo by Bernie Walsh

End Cape May V.F.W.


Irish Eyes Pub, Lewes, DE, Nov. 05, 2023:

41: 'Polar Bear group with their bikes' - photo by Dave Thompson
16: 'Hi, said the pillion' - photo by Bernie Walsh

End Irish Eyes Pub


Hooters of Somerset, Somerset, NJ, Nov. 12 2023:

10: 'Polar Bears from Camden County, NJ HOG group' - photo by Bernie Walsh
13: 'My Polar Bear Grand Tour patches' - photo by Bernie Walsh
18: 'Sign-in table' - photo by Bernie Walsh
22: 'Us' - photo by Bernie Walsh
24: 'BMW since 1923' - photo by Bernie Walsh
35: 'Flyscreen' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Many groups arrive.'(0:54) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Inside chatter'(0:31) - by Dave Thompson

End Hooters of Somerset


De Thomasi Inn, Vineland, NJ, Nov. 19, 2023:

08: 'The Polar Bear-Five' - photo by Bernie Walsh
10: 'Time Warp' - photo by Bernie Walsh
26: 'Harley competitor from day-one' - photo by Bernie Walsh
28: 'Great technique' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Circular madness'(1:00) - by Dave Thompson

End De Thomasi Inn


Hillbilly Hall, Hopewell, NJ, Nov. 26, 2023:

11: 'Reminds me of my first new bike (Nighthawk)' - photo by Bernie Walsh
20: 'Polar Bears admire a BMW.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'That's Hollywood'(0:55) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Watching the entrance'(0:57) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Picture time'(0:49) - by Dave Thompson

End Hillbilly Hall


Montgomeryville Cycle, Hatfield, PA, Dec. 03, 2023:

13: 'Boxer on display' - photo by Bernie Walsh

End Montgomeryville Cycle


O' Connor's (Toy Drive), Eastampton TWP., NJ, Dec. 10, 2023:

01: 'Santa's helper likes this bike.' - photo by Dave Thompson
13: 'Gifts for the children keep arriving from Polar Bears.' - Photo by Bernie Walsh
34: 'Older bikes are viewed by Polar Bears.' - photo by Dave Thompson

VIDEO: 'Toys for the kids are arriving.'(0:45) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'We have rain!'(0:32) - by Dave Thompson

End O' Connor's


P. J. Whellhan's, Blue Bell, PA, Dec. 17, 2023:

05: 'Santa helps take pictures.' - photo by Dave Thonpson
10: 'No rain makes them a happy couple.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Three leave directed by Santa'(0:59) - by Dave Thompson

End P. J. Whellhan's


Hamilton Tap & Grill, Hamilton Township, NJ, Jan. 07, 2024:

11: 'Black Spyder awaits the rainy ride home.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
14: 'Heated gloves will make the ride more comfortable.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
16: 'Twin Thumbs-Up signals no more rain.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
18: 'Ride-anywhere Kawasaki makes a great Polar Bear bike.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: '1 with music'(0:16) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Inside'(0:26) - by Dave Thompson

End Hamilton Tap & Grill


Chilly Chili, Ogdensburg Fire Dept, Ogdensburg, NJ, Jan. 01, 2024:

ch09: 'He might not even have a car.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
ch13: 'Blue and white bike' - photo by Bernie Walsh
ch21: 'Perfect color for Polar Bear riding' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Getting in line'(0:32) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Inside chatter'(0:51 - by Dave Thompson

End Chilly Chili's Run


Rhodes North Tavern - Sloatsburg, NY, Jan.14, 2024:

07: 'Checking the glovebox' - photo by Dave Thonpson
18: 'Longevity, Man and Machine' - photo by Bernie Walsh
26: 'When you go, then I'll go.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Lots of bikes'(0:52) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Who's going to take a picture of us?'(0:44) - by Dave Thompson

End Rhodes North Tavern


Pic-A-Lilli Inn, Shamong, NJ, Jan.21, 2024:

14: 'Do you think we were holding up those cars?' - photo by Bernie Walsh
15: 'Hmmm, mystery, my foot has disappeared.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Yes, it's a Harley.'(0:29) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'You will be there.'(0:19) - by Dave Thompson

End Pic-A-Lilli Inn


Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA, Jan. 28, 2024:

06: 'Polar Bear couple at Sign-in' - photo by Dave Thompson
33: 'Might a Triumph owner be asked about its unique look?' - photo by Bernie Walsh
42: 'This companion dog was seen on rainy days.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Twins'(0:47) - by Dave Thompson

End Victory Brewing Company


Woody's Roadside Tavern, Farmingdale, NJ, Feb. 04, 2024:

25: 'Kickstarting an old bike' - photo by Bernie Walsh
35: 'Headed to the Orange Bowl?' - photo by Bernie Walsh
48: 'Who needs fenders?' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Much chatter inside'(0:45) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Passing in front of Dave'(0:55) - by Dave Thompson

End Woody's Roadside Tavern


The Franklin House Tavern, Schaefferstown, PA, Feb 11, 2024:

06: 'Standing on the corner watching all the girls ...' - photo by DaveThompson
18: 'Another BMW' - photo by Bernie Walsh
54: 'Amish horse and wagon passing by Franklin House' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Open the flood gates'(1:00) - by Dave Thompson

End Franklin House Tavern


The Exchange, Rockaway, NJ, Feb. 18, 2024:

20: 'Polar Bear patches won and awarded today' - photo by Bernie Walsh
25: 'My black Boxer' - photo by Bernie Walsh
27: 'Standing on the sidewalk' - photo by Bernie Walsh
43: 'One way to keep warm' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Cars among the bikes'(0:26) - by Dave Thompson

End The Exchange


The Lighthouse Tavern, Waretown, NJ, Feb. 25, 2024:

19: 'Entering off the road' - photo by Bernie Walsh
24: 'I might be in Backroads magazine.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
26: 'Waiting' - photo by Bernie Walsh
28: 'Where is everyone?' - photo by Bernie Walsh
45: 'Orange is the new black.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Much chatter'(0:45) - by Dave Thompson

End The Lighthouse Tavern


Buck Hill Brewery, Blairstown, NJ, Mar. 03, 2024:

28: 'Buddies' - photo by Bernie Walsh
42: 'Turning with ape hangers' - photo by Bernie Walsh
48: 'Gold patch' - photo by Bernie Walsh
50: 'My phone and my Polar Bear mascot' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Jammed up in both directions'(0:57) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Busy busy inside around the tree'(0:46) - by Dave Thompson

End Buck Hill Brewery


Long Valley Pub, Long Valley, NJ, March 10, 2024:

03: 'Our Chairman' - photo by Dave Thompson
11: 'Yes, this is a Spyder 3-wheeler.' - photo by Dave Thompson
14: 'Bernie's high vantage picture-taking point' - photo by Bernie Walsh
33: 'Ice tea time' - photo by Bernie Walsh
39: 'Gold Wing' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Bernie gets high.'(0:45) - by Dave Thompson

End Long Valley Pub


Bahr's Landing, Highlands, NJ on March 17, 2024:

03: 'Bridge, Bay, and Bike' - photo by Dave Thompson
16: 'Heading back' - photo by Dave Thompson
17: 'Bikers Against Cop Killers (B.A.C.K.)' - photo by Dave Thompson
30: 'Down the hill to Bahr's Landing' - photo by Dave Thompson

End Bahr's Landing


Stars and Stripes H-D, Langhorne, PA, March 24, 2024:

12: 'First Norton I've seen at a Polar Bear Grand Tour event.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
17: 'Immaculate Indian' - photo by Bernie Walsh
20: 'She has Stars in her eyes.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Inside chatter'(0:34) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Highway noise'(0:50) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Bikes approach from under bridge.'(0:36) - by Dave Thompson

End Stars and Stripes H-D


The Hickory BBQ Smokehouse, Kingston, NY, Apr. 07, 2024:

01: 'Blue and White, very non traditional.' - photo by Dave Thompson
10: 'Did I leave my keys on my bike?' - photo by Dave Thompson
15: 'Jim and Natalie' - photo by Dave Thompson
16: 'Nearby is Woodstock' - photo by Bernie Walsh
20: 'Five Polar Bears try to spoil Bernie's picture-taking.' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Dangarous traffic'(0:51) - by Dave Thompson
VIDEO: 'Beep beep!'(0:22) - by Dave Thompson

End The Hickory BBQ Smokehouse


Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck, Sweetwater, NJ, April 18, 2024:

01: 'Sweetwater' - photo by Dave Thompson
03: 'Rider in blue and white matches bike colors.' - photo by Dave Thompson
08: 'Colorful Sign-in table' - photo by Dave Thompson
19: 'NO Colors and NO Weed signs mark ends of a brnch area.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
26: 'A Polar Bear rides pillion.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
33: 'RED' - photo by Bernie Walsh
34: 'WHITE' - photo by Bernie Walsh
35: 'and ... BLUE' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Family Day on motorcycles'(0:50) - by Dave Thompson

End Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck


Plumsted Grill, Cream Ridge, NJ, Apr. 21, 2024:

03: 'Pins' - photo by Dave Thompson
09: 'Panhead kickstart' - photo by Bernie Walsh
11: 'All the Polar Bear awards' - photo by Bernie Walsh
13: Our photographer, Dave, also got all the awards.' - photo by Bernie Walsh
28: 'Knucklehead' - uphoto by Bernie Walsh
33: 'Indian' - photo by Bernie Walsh

VIDEO: 'Nice older bikes'(0:47) - by Dave Thompson

End Plumsted Grill


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Best Pictures from Past Seasons:

Best Pictures of the 2022-2023 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2021-2022 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2020-2021 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2019-2020 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2018-2019 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2017-2018 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2016-2017 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2015-2016 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2014-2015 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2013-2014 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

Best Pictures of the 2012-2013 Polar Bear Grand Tour Season.

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