(Photo by Gwen Sour) Bikers from Mothman Harley-Davidson in Williamstown prepare to take off Saturday for the first Polar Bear Ride.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Dozens of motorcycle riders bundled up on Saturday to take part in the first Mid-Ohio Valley Polar Bear Ride, a cold-weather charity ride that began and ended at Mothman Harley-Davidson in Williamstown.

The ride, organized by the dealership’s marketing team, sent riders north through Parkersburg and Vienna before continuing on to Mineral Wells. Participants stopped along the route for fuel and breakfast before returning to the dealership to warm up and socialize.

“We’re doing the first-ever Polar Bear Ride, the MOV Polar Bear Ride,” said Jordyn Beattie, marketing manager at Mothman Harley-Davidson. “We wanted to get people out in the middle of winter, do something fun, and give back at the same time.”

Beattie said riders were encouraged to bring donations rather than pay a registration fee. The group collected pet food for the Humane Society of the Mid-Ohio Valley, as well as canned goods that were slated to be donated to a local church near Parkersburg South High School.

Coffee and donuts were provided for riders before departure, and organizers estimated about 50 participants for the inaugural ride.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Bikers take off from the Mothman Harley-Davidson in Williamstown on Saturday morning for the start of the Polar Bear Ride.

Beattie said the idea was inspired by traditional New Year’s Day polar bear plunges, with a Mid-Ohio Valley twist.

“I’m from South Carolina, and on New Year’s Day we run into the ocean,” she said. “We don’t have a beach here, but we do have motorcycles, so we figured we’d send them out in the snow.”

Matt Fritz, who led the ride, said the dealership regularly organizes warm-weather rides, but this marked its first winter event.

“We’ve done summer rides, including rides to Point Pleasant, but this is the first polar bear ride we’ve done in three years,” Fritz said. “It’s about getting people active. It’s cold, so everyone’s stuck inside — this wakes people up and gets them out.”

Fritz said the dealership plans to continue expanding its ride calendar, including a future spring or summer ride to Point Pleasant tied to the iconic Mothman Statue.

Organizers for the event said they hope the Polar Bear Ride becomes an annual New Year’s tradition, blending community engagement, charitable giving and a shared love of riding.