A big Thank you and Well Done to Will and Olaf for organising an excellent meet up and rideout yesterday. Good turnout of 7 Kay's, a GS and a Yamaha fazer. Great to put faces to names and make a few new friends.

Hopefully someone who had a decent camera will post up some pics.

Roll on the next one......eh Comberjohn

Yes, I'd second that. Thanks to Will and Olaf for organising things. I think that the first meet up of the middle aged, Irish K100 eccentrics, sorry, enthusiasts, went really well.
We rode around some really interesting parts of the Wicklow mountains that I hadn't seen before. Made all the better by the good company.
I have a few photos that I'll put up later after, after I work out how to.
I warn you now, its not a pretty sight.
The opinion seems to be that the next meet might be in the north.
Just need to get Will to explain how to forecast the one sunny day we've had in two months, a fortnight in advance.
Ju-ju perhaps?

Thanks to everyone for a great welcome and a superb ride-out. The route planning was excellent and the roads almost clear - just for us. Though a few non K owners in the farming community had their machines out just to steady the pace

Lads I appreciate the thanks to Will 88KE and myself but in truth it was Will who did the spadework on the route, the Streetview Shots etc

I got to Stradbally at 9am and we had a table sorted out for breakfast as everyone rolled in. Bikes outside the window. It was a wonderful day and perfect weather. By the time I got home I had 380 miles up on the day. A long run but it was fantastic. The breakfast, lunch and the company were all superb. Anyone who missed it missed a great day. A chance to put faces to names.

Next time round a trip up north would be fantastic and some mouthwatering routes were discussed.

As for forecasting the only sunny day a few weeks in advance.....I met torrential rain for my last hour home.....just a reminder of how well the LT does in the wet I didnt stop to put on wet gear and got home bone dry. Auntie Aga had my gear all nicely dry when I got up this morning.

I am looking forward to next year already.

You little beaudies! It's great fun to get together with a mob you only 'know' from the forum. There are some really good, genuine people out there. In the telling of the tale later on when a random person innocently enquires how you all met, you can respond sheepishly...."On the internet"!

Well done guys,

Is Ireland becoming the new Australia?

Cheers,
Paul.

Hi Paul,

We aim to be the best....I am sure lots of those in Australia hail from here originally!!

We were thinking of the lads there as we made our way round......

Photos and footage will appear in due course.

92KK

Again thanks to Will for initiating and organising the meet. It was great fun, with ideal weather, an interesting route and great company. It seems that John has (been) kindly volunteered for the next one - but why wait until next year?

aye! ...indeed ...why wait a whole year ?

we have a couple of courageous locals that have almost 2 hours or more to get to most starting points for some of our local rides ....unless there is a convienient meet place along the path that is closer to them . awesome blokes actually .

This seemed a good idea but a lot of people have commitments of one kind or another.

Comberjohn suggested up north which was a great idea. John had the longest drive to the meeting point at I think 140 miles, I had 113 miles. I think most had at least a one hour drive to the meeting point.

If we make it an annual event then its probably more likely we will get a good turnout. We were all solo riders but someone took a shine to a stunning K1 only to be disappointed to discover the passenger seating area is in fact hard fibreglass and you rest your feet in skyhooks. I believe we were later described as very polished genetlemen of a certain age.

I will have about 240 miles to a meeting point up north and would most certainly make it a weekend trip. However from Dublin and many places it would not be more than 2 hours.

The format worked really well, a meeting point where we had breakfast to break the ice, bikes parked right outside on a main street so no one had to look for it, a petrol station next door, a well researched route with every part known to someone. A nice lunch venue and suitable planned lunch stop. And a few scenic stopping points along the route. The route length was 174 km or about 110 miles and was about right. No mechanical or breakdown issues. Not least the weather prevailed.

However if a suggestion combined with a two week prediction of a good sunny day arises for a spin up north this year I would be on for it.

92KK.

Comberjohn wrote:I think that the first meet up of the middle aged, Irish K100 eccentrics, sorry, enthusiasts, went really well.
......
Just need to get Will to explain how to forecast the one sunny day we've had in two months, a fortnight in advance.
Ju-ju perhaps?

K100 eccentrics I resent resemble that remark!!!! I have to agree the company was excellent. Uplifting Gentlemen would best describe the contingent for me,

Forecasting is simple - avoid doing the Irish rain Dance (i.e. washing your car for two weeks beforehand

The praise is welcome but unecessary guys, seriously! It wasn't a huge effort to cobble it together and I felt like I was cheating a bit as they were so close to home for me.

I'm really delighted you all enjoyed the route. The R430, Abbeyliex to Carlow, and Woodenbridge to Aughrim are my two favorite biking roads and and thankfully tourists and tractors miraculously dissapeared at Woodenbridge and we had a lovely quick blat along the twisties to finish the day off nicely. Those of us heading home via the N11 had the joy of doing it back again after Tom, Olaf and co headed south.

I got some reasonable footage on the helmet cam but I was shoved out in front most of the time since I chose the route so in hindsight it would have been better to be last and let others see everybody else, anyway I'll Youtube that once I get the head around how to edit the footage down.

88

Some Piccies....

The meeting point:


The line up...(Trapper's K1 just out of shot on left)

L to R 88KE (lt), Electric monk (rs), 92KK (lt), Tom Flynn (lt), Toms friend's Fazer behind, Tom's other Friends GS, ComberJohn (rt), SGMayhew (LT).

Petrol stop back in Carlow where Tom's friend on the GS had to break out (He told the missus he was only popping out for breakfast and was a good way from home :pale: )

The people L to R Olaf, Stephen, John, Alyn, Steve

letting some slow moving agricultural traffic off at the Meetings of the Waters, Avoca Vale.


Stephen, Alyn, John, Olaf & Tom in Background.

Last stop...Aughrim Forge
.

Tom Flynn is camera shy I think

88

marvelous !!!!.....

So some of you fancy a run up to sunny Ulster.
This is something we talked about when we met up. Northern Ireland gets such a bad press from the media that tourists will visit the south but would never think of travelling north. Its so quiet here, its boring!
I'm happy enough to organise it but need a bit of feedback on it before we go any further.
I have a couple of scenarios in mind.
First would be the Antrim coast road. If you haven't done it yet, you need to.
Mile after mile of bends, good views, plenty of places for a bite to eat and point Percy at the porcelain. On some of the bends, your helmet is literally only a couple of feet from the rock face. This is Joey Dunlop country.
Channel 5's 'Fifth Gear' motoring program regard it as the best driver's road in the British Isles.
Downside, its a long, long drive from Cork, Olaf.
Other idea would be a trip around County Down. I have an outline of a route in mind that involves good motorcycling roads, great scenery, ferry trip and, of course, the Mountains of Mourne. Again, plenty of facilities for the weary traveller.
This is only a long drive from Cork, Olaf. (one long less!)
For those who would like to travel up the day before, there are plenty of accommodation choices in this area, from B&B's to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle.
For those who are careful with their money, i.e. tight, I would throw open the somewhat limited facilities of my 'umble abode. Yes, its not that big.
I have a back garden that is quiet, private and would take a several small tents. In addition, I have my 10' by 14' wooden workshop which is lined, has a covered wooden floor and lighting. Might even brush it out.
The wife has threatened to move me into it several times so it must be OK.
Anyone is more than welcome.
Now, when do we have it?
Unfortunately, its no longer June.(or July for that matter!)
So if we are going to do it this year, you are probably looking at mid September. Any later and days are getting shorter and weather is getting more unpredictable. This summer has been very predicable so far. It rains, a lot!
September can be a very settled month for weather here.
Alternatively, we can wait for next Spring when the weather will be wonderful!
Don't forget though, you're a long time dead.
Thoughts please.
Doesn't have to be a big number to be interested. Remember, three can be a crowd and I don't need much of an excuse to go for a run.

Some of my photos. Worked it out in the end.

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Bellys filled.

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Alan's K1.

[img][/img]
My baby. Whadiya mean I stole it?

[img][/img]
Irish eccentrics get together 2012.

[img][/img]
Typical of the roads we were on.

[img][/img]
End of the run. Only 140 miles to home.

As they say, feck this for a lark. I want to do this!!

I am on for September. I know its a long drive but a sleeping bag and whatever is good, and hopefully the dog house I mean workshop has some straw in it if your good wife is the kindly sort. I dont know why I was thinking of Basil Fawlty just there....A few well chosen offerings from my local pottery shop and some home baking might be well placed as I could not arrive empty handed!! Other option is stay Dublin and drive up on the morning but I know hospitality up north is better.

Failing that I do have a two dog I mean man tent. I dont mind long drives. The drive from Cork to Belfast is actually only 3 1/2 hours on motorway at K bike speeds. I think more than me would go too.

Preferences for a Saturday or Sunday?

92KK

Good man Olaf.
Would recommend the Saturday as there aren't as many dawdlers on the roads. Sunday seems to bring more of them out.
Any preference on which route?

John,

Last time I saw the North Antrim coast was from the sea and I know it is great. I am ok with either as there are others who maybe it might be the difference in a day trip or an overnight. For me it is overnight either way so it won't matter.

The length of 110 miles seems perfect for the day but I am sure we could manage more in good weather if we are flexible. Might be an idea to look at the longer route up Antrim and see how it wokrs then if you shorten it.

I do know any route will be good. I have a feeling you might get quite a few takers from Dublin too. 8/15/22 September??

92KK

Great pics ComberJohn, good camera. Def better than my iphone!

Next time you steal a bike will you get one for me too?

Mid september Saturday run - I'm in. I might take the opportunity to do a long overdue visit & stay overnight with a cousin in Crossgar. I havent seen the Antrim Glens since I was in my late teens and I can still recall the beauty of them so that would be my vote.

Should we move this to a seperate thread?

88

88KE

New thread indeed....This is another great idea.

92KK.

great pics john ...

Good stuff John. Any route in September will be fine, except 14-15th when the forecast is terrible I'm told, so I'm leaving the island then.
Stephen

Nice pics. Nice t shirt, I think. And I thought someone was playing a trick with the K1. Saw the bike and then saw Yamaha. Then realised it is 2 bikes. Has anyone seen my glasses? I know I left them on the top of my head here somewhere.

rossco

I did exactly the same thing with the Yamaha K1

September can be a beautiful month and a visit to Northern Ireland is nice anytime - so count me in

New thread started. 'Irish Eccentrics Autumn Run 2012'

its addictive isnt it ?

glad you guys got to taste what we have experienced down under

may your rides be many and enjoyable ...cheers !

Yes, Charlie, addictive and no known cure.

Paul.

Very jealous I missed the run. Only joined the forum yesterday. Bike leaking gear oil from a couple of places plus front master cylinder leaking brake oil. Would love to meet up in new year when bike sorted.

Welcome gmcq. Great to see you and if you can get a few miles in during September come meet up. We would love to see you.

92KK.

gmcq wrote:Very jealous I missed the run. Only joined the forum yesterday. Bike leaking gear oil from a couple of places plus front master cylinder leaking brake oil. Would love to meet up in new year when bike sorted.

gmcq- if the biek isn't sorted just drop over for the meetup and breakfast to say hi to the gang. (See comberjohn's new thread for details)
88KE

88KE & 92KK,

Thanks guys, just the incentive I need to try and get the bike sorted. If not, I will try and make breakfast:D

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:John,

Last time I saw the North Antrim coast was from the sea and I know it is great. I am ok with either as there are others who maybe it might be the difference in a day trip or an overnight. For me it is overnight either way so it won't matter.

The length of 110 miles seems perfect for the day but I am sure we could manage more in good weather if we are flexible. Might be an idea to look at the longer route up Antrim and see how it wokrs then if you shorten it.

I do know any route will be good. I have a feeling you might get quite a few takers from Dublin too. 8/15/22 September??

92KK

7/8/9 Sep. Irish Sidecar Rally in Co.Wicklow. Will be a few Brick outfits in attendance.

88KE wrote:Some Piccies....

The meeting point:


The line up...(Trapper's K1 just out of shot on left)

L to R 88KE (lt), Electric monk (rs), 92KK (lt), Tom Flynn (lt), Toms friend's Fazer behind, Tom's other Friends GS, ComberJohn (rt), SGMayhew (LT).

Petrol stop back in Carlow where Tom's friend on the GS had to break out (He told the missus he was only popping out for breakfast and was a good way from home :pale: )

The people L to R Olaf, Stephen, John, Alyn, Steve

letting some slow moving agricultural traffic off at the Meetings of the Waters, Avoca Vale.


Stephen, Alyn, John, Olaf & Tom in Background.

Last stop...Aughrim Forge
.

Tom Flynn is camera shy I think

88

Who is Tom Flynn???

tom foley wrote:.......Who is Tom Flynn???

.

Jeeze....just realised the Fopah! Sorry Tom FOLEY.....Tom flynn is actually a business contact of mine. Sincere apologies! that was just force of habit when typing.

88KE

Finally got the time to get the helmet cam footage of the Run onto the pc and edit it. Camera quality is not great and this is only my second attempt at video editing so don't expect too much! Next time I'll try it from the back of the group, which I think would be more interesting.



88KE

Great to see and hear movement from the other side of the world. Certainly narrow roads, but no real farm machinery on the road to block things up. Keep on giving us reasons to get to your part of the world.

+1 will , thanks for posting ...good to see the little streams and roads of your end of the world ...

Excellent video. Except the bit at about 2:20. I thought you had run off the bridge. Gave me a bit of a heart start.

rossco

rossco wrote:Excellent video. Except the bit at about 2:20. I thought you had run off the bridge. Gave me a bit of a heart start.

rossco

Sorry about that bit Rossco ....I pulled a car out of that little river with my "fourby" one stormy night about 15years ago (actually the river was not so little on the night). I always look to the spot as I pass over the bridge!

88

Nice video ............did give me some flashbacks about years ago,
when I was down on this island where I had to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Thanks!

ainsjac wrote:Great to see and hear movement from the other side of the world. Certainly narrow roads, but no real farm machinery on the road to block things up. Keep on giving us reasons to get to your part of the world.

Even da oirisch are too smart to ride hardleys.

88KE wrote:

tom foley wrote:.......Who is Tom Flynn???

.

Jeeze....just realised the Fopah! Sorry Tom FOLEY.....Tom flynn is actually a business contact of mine. Sincere apologies! that was just force of habit when typing.

88KE

No worries, I didn't remember anyone of that name on the run, then I realised it was me,though I'm not normally camera shy.

tom foley wrote:....I'm not normally camera shy.

....I realised that on seeing others pics. Must be my lousy aim
88

ainsjac wrote: ...Certainly narrow roads, but no real farm machinery on the road to block things up..

The harvesting only came into play once we'd crossed the mountain then it got frustrating for a few miles.

The roads are narrow and the hedges high which is why the little camera has a bleached look to the sky, the light changes too fast for it unless you're in good open countryside.

88

Thought I would add a little colour....but cant get photo to upload.

92KK

Amazing to get footage like that from something so small.
It's inspired me to order a suction camera mount to stick on the screen to see what kind of results I can get from a small digital camera on video setting.

Comberjohn wrote:Amazing to get footage like that from something so small.
It's inspired me to order a suction camera mount to stick on the screen to see what kind of results I can get from a small digital camera on video setting.

And to think I got it off ebay for ...wait for it.....99p . Yes! 99p.!.....but the postage from Hong kong was €7. Still, it beats paying £80.

Viz the suction cup it should work ok if you're using a light camera but if its too heavy the vibes will ruin the video. On a cautionary note rig some sort of safety tether from the camera to the bike so it doesn't hit the deck ( in case the suction cup lets go ).

I downloaded a free editor called videopad and it took me a few goes to get the first output but it gets easier. I'd be happy to give you a simpleton's run down of it :geek:

88

Where exactly is the meet up north? I might make it. I have camped in Glenariff Forest Park.