No one has mentioned the elephant in the room so thought I would be the first.
There was some talk about having a meet up around the 21st? Any thoughts? 

Wondered when you would be back...and looking forward to the first outing of the year [not that the Ks are all parked up for the winter].

Indian036 aka Bill has booked himself a trip to Dublin for the weekend. So yes definitely a meet up on the cards on 21st.

Not quite sure how it works out, for time being he is booked into Jury's Inn Christchurch. Maybe now is time to get the ball rolling and see what we do. Would be nice to get him on a K down to Stradbally Fayre and out to some nice routes in Wicklow. There as mention of a route too.

I am not 100% sure of being there as my daughter mentioned playing a concert in Antwerp that weekend.

Any other feedback anyone, especially Bill?
Can you bring any motorcycling gear? I'm sure we can find you a helmet.

Greetings to my Irish Eccentric friends.

The time to leave Australia is fast approaching (next Monday), after my son's wedding on Saturday in Thredbo (the Australian Alps) which, having seen the real thing, is but a pale imitation. Highest mountain in Oz, not far from the wedding site, is only 2222m or about 7100ft.

I expect to be able to take boots, jeans with CE armour, jacket and gloves. Helmet is a bit of a problem to bring from Oz, so a helmet would be appreciated.

I finished up cancelling the Jury's Inn accommodation due to cost, and have an airbnb room at Temple Bar on Wellington Quay. Previous experience with airbnb has been mostly positive, except for the parking safety in Berlin, where my son-in-law's car was stolen from us! Hosts and places have been fine.

Thanks again for the welcome you are giving me. I've been so impressed with the K100 fellowship since joining, and have been telling my friends how good it has been.

Regards,

Bill

Bill

Let us know head size and will see what we can do for you. Temple Bar is a good spot, especially as you wont be worrying about parking a bike or car. Literally a stones throw from Trinity College and Book of Kells, so many other places near you too.

A feature of Dublin is a bicycle to go scheme. http://www.dublinbikes.ie/ a very good way of just wandering at a very small cost. Its very cheap and located all over the place.

I am hoping we can organise a means to get you to Stradbally and a route around Wicklow or somewhere.

Don't forget, as soon as you wake up, point your compass west and don't look back.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Bill

Let us know head size and will see what we can do for you. Temple Bar is a good spot, especially as you wont be worrying about parking a bike or car. Literally a stones throw from Trinity College and Book of Kells, so many other places near you too.

A feature of Dublin is a bicycle to go scheme. http://www.dublinbikes.ie/ a very good way of just wandering at a very small cost. Its very cheap and located all over the place.

I am hoping we can organise a means to get you to Stradbally and a route around Wicklow or somewhere.

Thanks, Olaf,
My helmet is a Bell medium, 57-58cm.

Old and a bit overweight is a fit for a big old BMW, but not sure how I'd look on a bicycle! Fortunately, I'm old enough to not worry too much about that any more, so I'll look into it. I look much worse when doing an imitation of a drowned rat, so the bicycle idea is weather dependent.

I'm so looking forward to catching up with the Eccentrics next month.  

Bill

Well, ladies?
The silence is deafening. 
So far it's me and a definite maybe from Olaf.
Bill is coming all the way from the other side of the world. Surely we can get a few bodies together for such an event?
What about a repeat of the year before last, the Boyne Valley.
You've got Newgrange, a 5000 year old tomb. Trim Castle, where scenes from Braveheart were filmed and also the Hill of Tara where the Irish Kings were crowned.
Other routes may also be available. Suggestions?
I have a flip front 60/61 or an open face with visor which is labeled 60/61 but I would say it's nearer 58/59.
The open face is as new. Bjorn bought it but never used it and it's too small for me. 
Neither are a 'brand' but are legal.
Don't forget the nit lotion, Bill!

I'm in -I have to check the Helmet size but I have a spare flip front and an open face that's about the 58 mark (That might be cruel to an Antipodean at this time of year tho').

I would like to do the Newgrange run - we found nice roads up there.

88KE wrote:I'm in -I have to check the Helmet size but I have a spare flip front and an open face that's about the 58 mark (That might be cruel to an Antipodean at this time of year tho').

I would like to do the Newgrange run - we found nice roads up there.

Current is a flip front, but this Antipodean lives in one of the cooler parts of the country. 

I don't have enough hair to hide a nit, especially as I just had what little I have trimmed for my son's wedding tomorrow. 

Whichever road will be new to me, so all good. The road is a bonus. Meeting some eccentrics will be the highlight for me, I'm sure. 

Bill

Comberjohn wrote:Well, ladies?
The silence is deafening. 
So far it's me and a definite maybe from Olaf.

Apologies in advance, as I will not be able to make it.  Will try for later in the year though.

Well! That's the first one to wuss out.

I am still in and also have a spare open face helmet (58).

Bill let me know your arrival times and I can maybe also show some of Dublin (by foot).

Ringfad wrote:I am still in and also have a spare open face helmet (58).

Bill let me know your arrival times and I can maybe also show some of Dublin (by foot).

Early afternoon Friday from memory. Away from home for my son's wedding. Will get more specific when I'm in France soon. Fly Monday. 

Still pleasantly gobsmacked by the welcome. Thanks, guys. 

Bill

I am a tentative yes as well. 

I have a night out on the Friday night, so if I behave myself, I will be able to go on the Saturday.

Are people making a weekend of it, or is it the one day?

Just found out I'm on standby that weekend . I'll see what I can do to change that but it's usually a bit awkward.

Newgrange sounds good.

I will check out a few more possible Eccentrics.

1. As many as possible meet in Dublin to collect Bill.
2. Photo shoot at Guinness Gates :-)
3. Head to Newgrange (or other location TBA)
4. Back to Dublin
5: Meet up in Dublin for Drinks (locals only or find a bed)

What sort of time in mind? I have head heard of liquid breakfasts but these usually took the form of Irish Coffee on a Saturday morning.

I suppose needs to be early so maybe an overnight somewhere.....

What sorta date are we talking.
Bike Show in RDS on weekend of 27th Feb.

Rod

DeRodster wrote:What sorta date are we talking.
Bike Show in RDS on weekend of 27th Feb.

Rod

Bill is arriving Friday 20th March....

Stage 1 of arriving:  landed a short time ago in Schipol.

Welcome Bill and look forward to seeing you. My daughter landed there Saturday morning........poor thing was feeling homesick.

But she doesn't get on a K....ever.

I suppose its grounded transport now for the rest of your journey, if I recall you are not far from Schipol, in Aussie terms anyway.

DeRodster wrote:What sorta date are we talking.
Bike Show in RDS on weekend of 27th Feb.

Rod

Sat 21st March Rod,   In Lieu of St. Patrick's weekend meet so we can accomodate Bill (Indian036). Meet will be Dublin City (probably Centre for same reason and we'll head for the Wiklah hills).

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Welcome Bill and look forward to seeing you. My daughter landed there Saturday morning........poor thing was feeling homesick.

But she doesn't get on a K....ever.

I suppose its grounded transport now for the rest of your journey, if I recall you are not far from Schipol, in Aussie terms anyway.

Flew from Schiphol to Findel (Luxembourg), close to my daughter's place in Rodemack (Fr). 

Spent most of yesterday in (not on) a BMW going for a brief visit to friends in Arras. Son in law has a 20 yr old 540i. Love the power, but uses nearly twice the fuel of my K.

He changes his toy cars regularly, so I might have to buy this one from him next year.

Bill

have fun bill

Spent most of yesterday in (not on) a BMW going for a brief visit to friends in Arras. Son in law has a 20 yr old 540i. Love the power, but uses nearly twice the fuel of my K.

Bill you came close to being on the receiving end of some jokes about hedgehogs and BMWs....at 20 years old and a 540i you got a quick exemption.

And I was thinking...either you have a heavy right hand or ride the K properly or something funny about that 540i like a driver 'being careful' to avoid scaring the father in law. Sadly over here you had to buy a tank in the form of the 7 series to get that engine.

Its looking unlikely I will be going to Antwerp but will see how it works out. My daughter doesn't know yet if she will be performing and when she is competitive play mode she does not like distractions like family around. This is something I understand well so no worries.

How about we fix a time for the photoshoot. My question is....that particular gate, is it on the side of the quays or the 'inland' side? Not sure of my movements but may try to stay over for Friday night. Newgrange is a good bet and is a nice run from that photo shoot.

Then had this absolutely mad idea of a run up to the Kilmorey Arms and a Sunday morning at Newcastly.....but alas it is no more for the time being....

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Spent most of yesterday in (not on) a BMW going for a brief visit to friends in Arras. Son in law has a 20 yr old 540i. Love the power, but uses nearly twice the fuel of my K.

Bill you came close to being on the receiving end of some jokes about hedgehogs and BMWs....at 20 years old and a 540i you got a quick exemption.

And I was thinking...either you have a heavy right hand or ride the K properly or something funny about that 540i like a driver 'being careful' to avoid scaring the father in law. Sadly over here you had to buy a tank in the form of the 7 series to get that engine.

Got 10.5 L/100km in the 540i. I was solo and obviously driving. When the son in law is in the passenger seat, his most common statements are "faster" and "go to 6000 revs". Yesterday, speeds generally only a little higher than the limit mostly. 120 limit in Belgium & Luxembourg. 

As we don't have hedgehogs in Oz, I'm curious about which jokes I have  been exempted from. Enlightenment, please. 

Two of Vince's previous toy cars have been 328i and 530i V8. 

On the K, I usually get about 5.4 L/100km. 

540i is not common in Oz, but coincidentally, there is one in my street! Local Greek cafe owners had a 740iL and 730iL. 

On 20 March, I arrive at Dublin terminal 1 at 12:50. No idea how long to get through any formalities, but should be in the city by 2?

As the local experts, I am very happy to accept the advice of my kind guides re what and when. 

Bill

Hedgehogs...do you have porcupines?

2pm sounds reasonably good if you are on hand luggage only. Coach/bus service from outside terminal!

Wish I could make it over to meet up with the Irish Eccentrics and Bill, but alas, I'm still not free the weekend of the 21 Mar. I've kept a weather eye on things, just in case anything should change for the better, but sadly, it's just too far for a short weekend and too much going on (at work & home) at the same time to make a visit possible (pathetic, I know when Bill has come half way round the world). 

I recently got a 10% discount offer from Stena lines which very nearly tipped the balance, but I'm about to apply that the the 1-8 Aug visit (especially as Stena have increased their prices this year...by about 10%!).

Enjoy your visit Bill, you are in the hands of a truly remarkable and sociable group and will undoubtedly have a very memorable time. Dublin is beautiful too, so fingers crossed for some balmy weather to allow you to get the most out of your visit. As for the Guinness and the single malt whiskeys, perhaps an acquired taste in both cases, but a taste certainly worth acquiring!!

Of course, you (and any active forum member) would be more than welcome to free accommodation on this side of the Irish sea, but appreciate that your time is short and family time is priceless. I really must get myself a second visitors bike!

P.S. Much as I love Ireland...I will be rooting for England in the England/Ireland 6 nations rugby match on 1 Mar!!!!

P.S. Much as I love Ireland...I will be rooting for England in the England/Ireland 6 nations rugby match on 1 Mar!!!!

When political times were different .....The 1972 Five Nations Championship was not completed when Scotland and then Wales refused to play in Ireland following threatening letters to players, purportedly from the IRA. The championship remained unresolved with Wales and Ireland unbeaten. In 1973, despite similar threats, England fulfilled their fixture and were given a standing ovation that lasted for five minutes.

In other words you will be forgiven....I remember that well, the feeling was awesome.

In fact there has at times been a great atmosphere watching these games with both Ireland and England supporters together in the same pub.


He he we might get Bill back in August too...

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:In other words you will be forgiven....I remember that well, the feeling was awesome.

In fact there has at times been a great atmosphere watching these games with both Ireland and England supporters together in the same pub.

He he we might get Bill back in August too...

Thank you Olaf!

I don't really do spectator sports, but what I really love about the rugby is the fans can be mixed together, alcohol is allowed, and there seldom is any trouble or pseudo-religious friction....unlike football (soccer). Of course the fans want their side to win, but it remains "just a game" and the closer the result, the more exciting the game (the Scotland/Italy game was nail biting!).

It would be great if Bill was kidnapped able to return for the August meet.

No porcupines in Oz either. Closest we have is an echidna, but this is an egg laying mammal - a monotreme in a similar way to a platypus. 

BAE, I fully expect your prediction will come true. All reports coincide with your assessment of the Irish Eccentrics. I expect also to go to the bigger island to the East at some time. We had some time in London in 2013, and deliberately stayed only there for time reasons but will see more of England, as well as Scotland and Wales at some stage.

Sport in Australia is often passionate, especially in Melbourne, but usually in good spirit. Most problems have come in proper football (soccer), where teams previously had mostly European ethnic origins. Where there were problems, they were mainly ethnic feuds expressed against opposing fans. 
The distinctive feature is that Aussie sports fans are happiest when the national team beats England - regardless of the sport. I think England are the same with Oz.

Bill

indian036 wrote: The distinctive feature is that Aussie any sports fans are happiest when the national any team beats England - regardless of the sport. I think England are the same with Oz.

Bill

As amended - it never ceases to amaze me how passionate people get about bladder kicking or leather whacking. 

Personally, I'd rather be out on my K100, meeting up with people with one common interest (K bikes) and respecting/accepting that we all may have different nationalities/religions/languages/political view points or any other outlooks on life.

Anyway, if you do happen to be marooned on the mainland and need a base...I'm just a PM away. It would be great to meet up.

Born Again Eccentric wrote:Personally, I'd rather be out on my K100, meeting up with people with one common interest (K bikes) and respecting/accepting that we all may have different nationalities/religions/languages/political view points or any other outlooks on life.

Anyway, if you do happen to be marooned on the mainland and need a base...I'm just a PM away. It would be great to meet up.

Out on the K100 -    +1

I hope not to be marooned, but I do hope to meet up some day.

Bill

Have we got a definate itinerary yet? I've managed to swap my on-call weekend but I'm still not going to be home from work until approx 01.00am on Saturday morning. If the cloud of smoke is going to be moving in this direction (north) then it would be easier for me to meet the rest of you later in the day.

Dai wrote: If the cloud of smoke is going to be moving in this direction (north) then it would be easier for me to meet the rest of you later in the day.

A timely post Dai, I just had a chat with Olaf late last night about a route...try this map link for a starting point on route discussions.

For those who cant see the map, the outline is:

1. Meet 9.30 (for 10.00am departure) at Fosters Place (Front of T.C.D.) 
   
2. A quick pop up to James Gate for a photo op.
   
3. Onto Bru na Boinne via port tunnell, (Visit to Newgrange and coffee +/or lunch in the cafe)
   
4. On to Trim Castle (Anyone wishing to cut out or back Sth/West can pop across to the motorways from her
   
5. Onward run from Trim TBD, suggestions please.
   

Will

I know a man in Trim who has the front end of a Fokker F27 aircraft in his garage...

Newgrange looks the best bet for me. Any approximate ETA, Will?

Dai wrote:I know a man in Trim who has the front end of a Fokker F27 aircraft in his garage...

Newgrange looks the best bet for me. Any approximate ETA, Will?

Is that the one that crashed coming into Dublin airport in the very very early sixties...? Thought I wouldn't remember, I saw it on the ground when I was a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhDdO_I7Usk

The Lourdes crash was a Douglas DC-4. No, the guy in Trim is the Irish manager of Air Contractors (as was) and the Fokker was scrapped as being end-of-life. He's building a full-size simulator with it.

That link was the Lourdes crash and I remember the plane at the side of the road.

We sort of reckoned on Foster Place about 9.30am. The Guinness Gate is just up the street so maybe 10am for that. Will mentioned about 45 mins ride time to Newgrange if we go by the tunnel that Born Again Eccentric is well familiar with but at this time the toll is €3. Europe's longest urban motorway tunnel. We do have to go through the M1 toll but its only €1 so not worth avoiding. Seems to suggest a coffee at Newgrange for around 11am or so. That's a nice time for Dai and Comberjohn and anyone coming from that direction.

Would like to be there for the start of the run but it'll depend on the temperature that morning.
I'll need to leave home about 7.30 to make the the start time and don't fancy having to pick the K16 up if it's a bit iffy.
Year before last it was around 0C until I was south of Newry and it was a bit scary going over the Mournes.
Will meet up at New Grange for around eleven as a fall back option.

11.00am is really good for me. It means I don't have to get up much before 9.00am i.e. I get a full night's sleep!

Jedi Girl sent text, planning to be there for theGuinness gate. 88KE says there is a Starbucks at Foster Place! Hope she gets the two K75s to come as well.

Anyone see this video of a car thief in Drogheda.

I'm in for this jaunt abw. 

A couple of beds plus mattress on floor available on South side of Dublin for anyone who needs it for the Friday and/or Saturday nights. Just let me know in advance if possible.

Stephen

sgmayhew wrote:I'm in for this jaunt abw. 

Stephen,

Just pay attention at the tolls this time!!

Made myself off for that weekend, so proportionally I'm in (if I can sort out the clutch in the meantime, that is). Master cylinder is gone in the R and the MZ is surely not able to keep up with the Beemers. Well, worst case scenario I turn up in a cage - I know it's not quite the same but it's a small price to pay for the joy of having the company.

Haven't got time to read through the whole lot but if Bill is still looking for a helmet, I have a whole collection in the house from S to XL - my pillions have all different sizes plus my own spare XL.