Seen a comment from Olaf about St. Pat's weekend and noticed no one has started a thread.
So here it is.
Let's hear who's going, what day is favourite and ideas about where we are meeting up.
Only about 5 weeks away.

I'm in.

Saturday is probably best and I can meet anywhere so happy to go with the flow.

Thanks Comberjohn, that post was your cue to please arrange some good weather and an outing. I am on for it and probably Saturday too.....next question is where. I missed the one last year due to my LT being indisposed so am happy to fall in with whatever is decided. Count me in!

At the rate we are going with weather HoverK100 will be able to join us.....


So far....:
Comberjohn
Markzz ?
Ringfad
92KK
Corkboy
88KE
88KE + 1?
Pat OD
John Aero [met him on another site!]
Sgmayhew
Cluain Si
Cluain Si +1
Cluain Si +2
Trapper
Bjorn trying hard...

Afraid I have some bad news on the weather front.
Had to remove the fairing again. Some repairs needed to the mounting points and not sure I can be bothered at the moment.
So it's back to being naked again!
As you all know, that means we'll probably need studs in the tyres for that trip.
Any suggestions for a route?
We had a good day last year despite the freezing conditions on the way down. We should maybe try to keep it as central for everyone as possible, bearing in mind the time of the year. As I listen to the rain outside...
What about Wicklow area or Glendalough area? Or maybe more inland.
You would welcome to come up to the Mournes area but it's a long trek from Cork for March.

Removal of fairing is tempting the weather. Admittedly I have been out in all the recemt weather, floods, storms etc without malfunction or otherwise so I can only imagine what a naked K would be like in winter. Maybe location might be subject of later discussion. I can remember extremes from 6 inches of snow to heatwave 20c on that weekend.

I am suspecting you need to get that fairing back on as soon as possible. I would be one for a trip to the Mournes but have a suspicion work commitments might restrict it. Perhaps the baker might send a special delivery!!

The fairing and panels need a bit of surgery and probably a respray. 
Will offered me a top half at the right price(€20 wasn't it, Will?). Would still need a respray. Maybe later in the year I'll spend a bit more time on it.
May be buying another K bike with a fairing next month... 

I'm game at the moment, pending developments. (Irene's dad just had a double bypass - so things are in flux).

I took the wheels off the K1100 today., to drop them down to get the tyres on. The brakes need a good seeing to - including new pads.  I think because they are behind the big mudguard, they catch all the crud and get forgotten about.
The tires were frightening and to think I drove down from Dublin on them   

I have the full service kit etc. which will be going on at the end of the month, so she should be on the road for St Pats definitely.

I put in the Odessey battery (couldn't help myself).  Everything came on, but no starter, or petrol pump.  A lot of head-scratching later, and found that she will not start with the sidestand down, even in neutral. Once I had her started she sounds really good, no rattles or knocking to be heard.

88KE got a 2nd placed photo in the Photo contest.....

'K Bikes as seen by a Snail'

Lovely shot Will.......got my vote too.

Well, it seems sunnier days are back and hopefully Comberjohn is not having to join a Welsh boy soprano choir after removing his fairing to go naked in winter....88KE busy fighting off some pneumonia germs and all is so quiet. Time to activate the Irish Eccentrics again!!

Looking at March 15th and its just about 2 weeks from us.....so some thoughts or ideas? How many are off road for maintenance?

Are we looking at Stradbally for March 15th or any other suggestions? I don't mind travelling a bit further if is makes it easier for a few others, longer days and so on. Back to you Comberjohn....

88KE and myself are both headed to some serious maintenance, mine will be after March 15th [water pump and timing chain] in anticipation of a camping trip to France in May to meet up with TacKler Johncob and Bikerboy.

The 15th is good for me.

I should have all the servicing/maintenance finished this Saturday on the LT, so it should make its inaugural outing that day.

No ideas yet of venue, but somewhere equidistant for all participants sounds good.

Fintan

That sounds like you will be properly mobile very shortly.....excellent stuff. I decided due to time commitments at the moment to get Jimmy Ellis to do my timing chain etc etc as I cant get time away for another few weeks. 15th March is good for me too.

Oh don't worry, I am mobile all right.  I was at the BMW Club mini-thatch last weekend on the Transalp.  Together with a Motoguzzi, four Pan Europeans, a CBR, oh, and a few BMWs.

Had a great run (on my own - I don't do group riding that much) on Saturday.   Went to Birr to see the restored telescope, then on to Terryglass for lunch, up to Portumna, and around the lakes to MountShannon, Killaloe and on back over Silvermines to the Dundrum House Hotel in Tipperary.  The telescope was very interesting. Maybe we could go there on the 15th if people were interested?  It is a fascinating science museum, about the Pearsons (who invented the steam turbine among other things).

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:

88KE got a 2nd placed photo in the Photo contest.....

'K Bikes as seen by a Snail'

Lovely shot Will.......got my vote too.

Well done Will K looking great

Pat

Corkboy wrote:Oh don't worry, I am mobile all right.  I was at the BMW Club mini-thatch last weekend on the Transalp.  Together with a Motoguzzi, four Pan Europeans, a CBR, oh, and a few BMWs.

Had a great run (on my own - I don't do group riding that much) on Saturday.   Went to Birr to see the restored telescope, then on to Terryglass for lunch, up to Portumna, and around the lakes to MountShannon, Killaloe and on back over Silvermines to the Dundrum House Hotel in Tipperary.  The telescope was very interesting. Maybe we could go there on the 15th if people were interested?  It is a fascinating science museum, about the Pearsons (who invented the steam turbine among other things).

An excellent idea about Birr.......so where to start from? Stradbally?? Killaloe is nicely on the M8 back to Dublin for those who travel far.....

Main seal replaced, gearbox replaced, wont know if they are successful  for a while yet, water/oil pump on my bench at the moment in bits...  waiting on new seal kit and Large Toothed Gear & Shaft to arrive from motobins. Will probably have to do Timing chain after that. Hopefully that will get it back in the road in time for St. Pats get together 2014 !!!!.


Pat

I know its what we are used to......do we meet up at Stradbally and work from there? Over to Comberjohn, Markzz and GMcQ if coming.....

I have my day pencilled in for 9.30am Stradbally and seems we have a few takers too. Birr sounds a good bet, especially as I worked on restoring the Crawford Observatory in Cork and was a fan of Patrick Moore too.

Nice to get some different directions too.

A tentative maybe.
Sounds like a good trip but looks like it could be a 400 mile plus day for me, sans fairing, in March.
Still remember the drive down to Drogheda last St Pat's day. Around freezing  on the way down and hail and snow on the way back up!
Was a good day out, though.
I see Markz dipped his toe in the forum a couple of days ago but GMCQ hasn't been on since last September. Talk to us, Markz.
I have the 15th blocked out on my diary and the plan is I'll be there if the weather isn't too grim looking. I'm not working on the Monday so that'll give the Hypothermia a chance to subside.

I am not averse to heading a wee bit nor'ward on the trip........or heading in a loop from Stradbally someway that makes your trip a bit shorter. Us guys with full RT and LT fairings can handle whatever comes, as you well know. I suspect though that if the weather is bad there wont be much difference between 200 miles and 400 miles since rigor mortis will probably set in after 100 miles. Would be nice to get you out though.

Good interest too.

Don't want you to alter your plans just for me. Like I said, sounds like a good trip and if the weather isn't too bad, I'll be there.

Corkboy wrote: Had a great run (on my own - I don't do group riding that much) on Saturday.   Went to Birr to see the restored telescope, then on to Terryglass for lunch, up to Portumna, and around the lakes to MountShannon, Killaloe and on back over Silvermines to the Dundrum House Hotel in Tipperary.  The telescope was very interesting. Maybe we could go there on the 15th if people were interested?  It is a fascinating science museum, about the Pearsons (who invented the steam turbine among other things).

This one might work, a little history too. Killaloe is a lovely place to stop too........ Stradbally 9.30am on 15th? Hopefully Comberjohn will arrange the usual weather.

I'm good for the 15th but may need to break out a bit early due to another committment.

A loop from Stradbally to Mountrath, on to Birr and down the east side of Lough Derg might be a nice spin for sure.

John

Mental telepathy at its best.

I just sent an email to anyone I have mail addresses for.......

That route seems excellent....

Olaf.

Please count me in. Looks as though Bricks might be the only thing flying around Ireland at that time.
Stephen

sgmayhew wrote:Please count me in. Looks as though Bricks might be the only thing flying around Ireland at that time.
Stephen

Can I ride your bike Stephen? Olaf wants me to turn up on something shiney !  

Hi All,
        I'll do my best to be free for that Saturday - so a tentative Yes. Congrats Will on a very nice pic - got my vote too.

Trapper

be good to see a few Eccentrics along for St Pats , as the banner is on its way to the Emerald Isle for the start of a limited international tour.

If its not too bulky it might even make its way to France in May....!!

I wonder now if we could get a group photo at Stradbally Fayre with the banner stretched out....a nice idea...!

Well, the good news is that the weather for our get together will be fine.
Started making the repairs to the fairing tonight and expect to have it back on for St Pat's weekend.
Just need to pick up spray can of Madison blue metallic in Belfast on Friday.
Hope it won't be too frosty or icy as I will have a 7am start that day.

John

I will be matching you for time on the button. 7am for me too. Oh, and Corkboy, mustn't forget the neighbours.

I shall call to the bakers on the way......

Thanks for the good weather too....looking like we might have some nice turnout!!

Looking like a good turn out....subject to Comberjohn getting the weather right. He usually does.

A few have mentioned some other commitments later in the day so a thought to aim to leave at 10.30? Gas up before breakfast?

The route looks really good and a stop at the observatory is an excellent idea. Not sure if anyone knows Killaloe/Ballina well but I asked someone for a little advice on where to go as there are some nice watering holes on the river. For anyone heading back its only a short distance to the M7. Seems we might head back towards Tipperary and meet the M8. Glen of Aherlow anyone?

I believe we might have a banner to autograph too.....

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:For anyone heading back its only a short distance to the M7. Seems we might head back towards Tipperary and meet the M8. .

You crazy guys with your funny names and water of life, but coming from across the globe, I always thought Tipperary was the long way?

Ah but this time it is the long way.....you see the M7 takes you direct from our place at Killaloe to Dublin which is where some of us must head for.

But for those of us with a little more time there is the option of travelling across to Tipperary and meeting up with the M8 which does happen to meet up with the M7 about an hour from Dublin. Two sides of a triangle.....the longer way for some but also suits anyone heading south or south east. I know that would not have been so obvious to someone who might not know the road or finding themselves without some water of life. The country is small enough that Stradbally is 2 hours from anyone in Belfast or Cork.....so we have a great variety of personalities and roads to ride on.

You need to take a sabbatical and spend about 6 months in Europe on the K....come to Ireland on a one way ticket.

Now for the Glen of Aherlow  http://aherlow.com/gallery/heritage/  ...tell me you don't like it...




Sometimes it can get busy....



But there is always room for a little solitude. Not me in the photo but one of my other interests.

Hi All,
Despite my best efforts, looks like my K will not be back on the road for the 15th.  I have an alternative set of wheels (Two Wheels) which would get me there, unfortunately it is not a BMW if there are no objections I would be happy to tag along.

Regards

Pat
                                  

As I turned up on the transalp the last time, I don't think I can have any objections  

Pat O'D wrote:Hi All,
Despite my best efforts, looks like my K will not be back on the road for the 15th.  I have an alternative set of wheels (Two Wheels) which would get me there, unfortunately it is not a BMW if there are no objections I would be happy to tag along.

Regards

Pat
                                  

Pat, don't let that stop you. I still laugh when I think of the day we took the photos at Stradbally Fayre. When I counted the bikes outside two were missing. Then I noticed around the corner were.....two Hondas. I am sure your K will be there in spirit so we may see you at Dunkettle about 7.15? I think a lot of Ks like to have a mate of a different species as long as they have company.

I am hoping to make it but I have work issues which might impinge.

rossko wrote:
You crazy guys with your funny names and water of life, but coming from across the globe, I always thought Tipperary was the long way?

I shall tag along as far as Birr and the observatory all going well, I will have to break out from there, which is not a long way from Tipperary Rossko but is close enough for someone like myself with documented sanity!

more toe dippin...sounds like a really nice run on Sat but sadly cant join in this one due to short notice work...bummer not beemer...

Comberjohn wrote:I see Markz dipped his toe in the forum a couple of days ago but GMCQ hasn't been on since last September. Talk to us, Markz.

Any chance we can get an updated headcount?

Corkboy (Fintan) Yes
ComberJohn Yes
Pat O'D Yes
88KE Yes
92KK (Olaf) Maybe
Markzz ?
Ringfad Yes
88KE + 1?
John Aero [met him on another site!]
Sgmayhew
Cluain Si
Cluain Si +1 (Tom) ?
Trapper ?
Bjorn trying hard...

Corkboy wrote:Any chance we can get an updated headcount?

Corkboy (Fintan) Yes
ComberJohn Yes
Pat O'D Yes
88KE Yes
92KK (Olaf) Maybe [most likely yes]
Markzz ?
Ringfad [Got called to assist in a charity cycle, just had an email apologising]
88KE + 1?
John Aero [met him on another site!]
Sgmayhew Yes.
Tom Foley.
Cluain Si Yes
Cluain Si +1 (Tom) ?
Trapper ?
Bjorn trying hard...

Dunkettle say 7AM Saturday morning?

Hi all,
         I regret that I have to drop out on this one:-((( Really hope you guys have a fantastic trip. Might get a spin myself tomorrow.

Look forward to seeing the trip pics.

Trapper

I am still planning to attend and have not sent an email, so someone else must be doing a charity event.

See you all on Saturday.

Ringfad wrote:I am still planning to attend and have not sent an email, so someone else must be doing a charity event.

See you all on Saturday.

Don't shoot the messenger...entirely my mistake. It was Rod sent the email.....He wont be with us on Saturday....

Hi All, can't make the Sat. Have a great day. See you all in the wind soon.

Won't be able to make it, destroyed by work roster .

Enjoy yourselves out there lads, I'll ask the gods for good weather!

So far I am still in.....

We got Corkboy, Cluain Si + friend and 92KK from Cork......all going well.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_2gz4NnCzByTUp1TTNrbnlhZE0&usp=sharing

Link to pictures from today. Thanks to everyone for a great day.

some great pics and weather cluain ci
thanks for sharing those with us ...

good to see the Eccentrics out and sharing the forum spirit, complimented  with fine weather.

Definitely a great day for all of us, a perfect example of how the forum has been really good. We missed a few familiar faces but the best thing is really that it is a no pressure thing. I only got to bed at almost 4am and had planned a 6.45am start. Needless to say that didn't happen but I managed a lie in and made Stradbally for just after 9.30am. It was very worth it.

I think this one was down to Corkboys idea of going to Birr.....so thanks Fintan for the idea and the company back to Cork.

Yes we were blessed with the weather and another great run.


The 72 inch telescope in Birr.



Myself and Stephen stopped off in Tyrellspass on the way back to Dublin



And thanks to Will for the stickers from CF's original design. A Happy St. Patricks day to all.