Report on “Mystery 500”.........2025

The “Mystery 500” was the result of lots of discussion among the committee after it was agreed to discontinue the Riders Rally. It was felt the R/R had run its course. After 50 years the format was dated and social circumstances made it more difficult to arrange accommodation while giving value for money and not having to use the same locations each year.

Many ideas were discussed with the onus on facilitating touring motorcyclists. With this in mind the committee decided to forgo badges, trophies etc. and replace it with monetary awards, while leaving routes to be decided by the riders.

A budget of €800 was agreed , broken into 3 prizes. First €500, second €200, third €100. It was for members only with no entry fee.

Many of the club members are seasoned riders who cover big mileage doing Photo rallies and Continental holidays etc.

The intention was to organise a route with 3 checkpoints. This would be a leisurely run with approximately one and a half hours between each checkpoint. At each C/P the rider would select a number which would go into the drum at the finish. Each rider would have 3 chances of winning a prize. There would be no high mileage and riders are encouraged to use R [ regional ] roads and enjoy the countryside.

Members started arriving at the Loughrea hotel Friday afternoon with many having picked up photo points on the way. With the forecast predicting sunshine for the next few days, and temperatures going into the high teens all was looking good.

As the members arrived at reception they were issued with an information sheet and a card with C/P locations, coordinates, contact details and opening & closing times of C/Ps. by Nessa Waldron, Janet Hill and Louise Tannam.

Saturday morning after a good breakfast everyone was ready to depart for the first C/P. the Pipers Inn near Killaloe. Paul Dixon & Ber Kenny were maning this C/P. From here they rode to Thurles Golf club where Dee McGinn & Andy Deane checked everyone in. Many of the riders stopped here for lunch which from reports was top class.

From here it was a leisurely run to the Spar service station in Birr. Plenty of 99s were consumed here due to the warm weather while the owner gave out free muffins to all the riders…..a lovely gesture !. Paul & Ber also manned this C/P.

It turned into the type of event it was intended to be, no great mileage with plenty of time at checkpoints to socialise, yet still getting back to the hotel on time.

Total distance was approximately 230 km. depending on what route was taken.

After the meal on Saturday, Kevin Cobbe and Martin Smith, two new members were welcomed into the club. Then it was time to use the new raffle drum which Conor Gill made. Paul Dixon put it to the test and it passed with flying colours……it was well made.

Ber Kenny pulled out the lucky winners ==

1St. Martin O’Brien……..€500

2nd.Gerry Kane………….€200

3rd.Rainer Wenz…………€100

Congratulations to them.!

In the absence of Stephen Whelan, Nessa arranged a collection for the staff who were mostly young college students working part time. The total amount came to €220, a very generous amount. When it was handed to one of the very polite young members of staff, I must say I have never seen such excitement on a person's face, he could not believe it and did not want to take it. After insisting he take it and share it among the other’s he still came back with another staff member to make sure it wasn't a joke. He eventually accepted it and the delight on his face for the rest of the night was a joy to watch.

We moved to another lounge after the meal and Teddy, Martin and John got the music going.

Sunday morning saw everyone depart in lovely weather……”it does make such a difference”. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the weekend. Maybe the name “Mystery 500” needs to change as there wasn't much mystery attached to it…… maybe the “Lucky 500” might be more appropriate.

In the early days of planning the event Mystery was foremost until logistics made it difficult.

The location of the Loughrea hotel suited the event and we had no problems dealing with the management, everything ran smoothly, good facilities, excellent food and pleasant helpful staff.

There was no shortage of craic and we had the usual quantity of slagging. After 3 days of constant sunshine, sure what would you expect.

My apologies to Paul,Dee, and Andy who had planned on riding it, but my accident changed that…….blame the Photo Event.

Thanks to John McClintock who discreetly solved a potential problem for the organizer’s.

All who attended will receive their points towards Member of the Year.

Jim.