Report on club run Sunday 19th Jan 2025

The first club run of 2025 got off to a good start with everyone full of enthusiasm to get the season rolling.

The route selected was to ensure a good “All Round” wear on your tyres!

Our destination was Abbeyleix golf club. We travelled via Blessington, Baltinglass, Castledermot, Maganey, Ballickmoyler, Newtown, Swan and Spinx.

The weather was the usual January, dull and very chilly. We encountered no rain, just the odd damp patch from the overnight showers. Most of the roads were dry with not much traffic which gave us a good free flowing run. Not surprisingly there were no pillions on the run (it's still a bit on the cold side).

Sean and Ian Ryan met the group in Castledermot. From a reliability point of view we have always been lucky while on club runs, unfortunately Michael Coyne had an electrical problem before reaching Castledermot.

Andrew Kennedy, our regular back marker, stopped to offer assistance along with Smokie (Martin Reid). Naturally Andrew had to keep with the group but Smokie in true club spirit remained with Michael until he got going again. Michael made it home and picked up his Fireblade and was able to join us for lunch.

We were joined at the golf club by Teddy Larkin who rode up from Newbawn and Charles Ijeh who rode from Dundalk. It was a great start for those entering this year's “King of the Kilometres” Event.

30 members enjoyed a good hearty meal with generous helpings, particularly with the roast beef. It was our second time to use this venue and no doubt we’ll use it again.

There was no official route back, several small groups made their own way home. It was a round trip of 250km.

Gerry Kane’s son Sean rode with us to Castledermot on his Suzuki Vstrom. Gerry is encouraging him to join the club.

“Big brother” John Kane arrived on his new Suzuki Burgman scooter. He got a lot of ribbing over it but took it all in good spirits.

Martin Carragher….Membership Sec. was doing good business with renewals……thanks to all who renewed.

It was nice to have Roger Boardman out on his second club run riding a lovely 1,000 Moto Guzzi.

The club “Photo Event” will be released at the social on Tues. 28th. Jan…..so no excuse for not getting out and putting up the miles/ kilometres.

Until the next run, stay safe.

Jim.