Report on club run Sunday 18th.May 2025

Many thanks to Mick Nevin & Mick Nolan who volunteered to organise the May monthly run.

They meet at the usual location, Spawell Top Oil Templeogue. The great weather we are all enjoying at present guaranteed a good turn out.

They travelled down the N81 and after passing Russborough House, before Poulaphouca turned right for Ballymore Eustace. On the outskirts of Ballymore Eustace they stopped to regroup and synchronize their GPS’s. Mick Nevin was leading and Mick Nolan was doing Back Marker. Andrew Kennedy was enjoying a well earned rest from his usual role on the monthly runs. They then took the back roads to Dunlavin stopping off in Castledermot for a 15 min break. They then pushed on towards Carlow heading through the quiet village of Palatine . At the top of the village they took a sharp left down a very narrow road called the “Pure Mile”, and it’s exactly one mile, verified by many locals.

Passing the entrance to Ducketts Grove castle then on to Rathoe. By-passing Tullow they joined the N81 again to enjoy some of the lovely twisties. The N81 is a popular road with motorcyclists. If you are lucky enough to get it traffic free you can give your tyres a good all round workout.

They crossed the Slaney river and on to Ardattin. From there they passed the beautiful village of Clonegal (where the famous Wicklow Way ends) passing Huntington Castle. They crossed over the bridge of the River Derry, which was Ireland's first toll bridge going back to 1700 and controlled by the Esmonds at that time.

They followed the Derry river until it merged with the Slaney. Following this river they passed the back roads of Kildavin and Bunclody. These were lovely roads with views of the rolling hills and countryside. They eventually arrived at Rathwood Co.Wicklow where they met up with Dee, Teddy and Nash who went directly. Mick had arranged a cordoned off area for all the bikes. The food and staff here were second to none and all 35 members plus 3 guests enjoyed their stay. Unfortunately one member had to return as he left his glasses at the service station.

With Mick Nevin’s local knowledge he arranged a great run. Keeping a group that size together is no easy feat considering 3 guests may not have been familiar with the Drop off System.

So well done Mick Nevin & Mick Nolan for a very well organised run. You both are allocated 20 points each towards the “Member of the Year” award. (for the record all members who attend an official club event receive 10 points. If they organise a club run they get double)

Now who would like to organise the June run ????

Jim.