Rideout Reports & Photos 2009
Sunday 15 November 2009
Stop Press! Stig Unmasked!
Shocked residents and commuters alike where in for a surprise on Sunday morning when the infamous Stig was spotted racing through the streets of Co.Down. The Stig appeared to be testing the latest hi-tech sports car the MX5 made famous by hairdressers the world over. One local said “ I’ve never seen anything like it! He just flew through Warrenpoint chasing a gang of bikers who were fleeing for their lives!” Local Police traffic branch said they had been alerted to the incident but were unable to act as the Stig was just too fast for their patrol cars. Sgt J.Clarkson stated, “ It was reckless in these type of conditions. Anything could have happened. All it takes is a puddle on a bend and wham you’re in trouble, even if you are the Stig”.
MX5 seen over the Mournes.
The Stig posing on Newcastle beach.
A short time later the Stig was spotted at Newcastle posing for photos. He then took a break at a local café where it is believed tea and coffee were consumed in large quantities. No doubt the caffeine acting as a powerfull stimulant for the racing driver. That’s when it happened! The Stig’s helmet was off and onlookers where shocked at what they saw. One onlooker remarked “He just looked like an ordinary bloke! Like someone from a local club or something.” Enquiries are still ongoing but at present the only thing we know is that the Stig was heard to be called Sam by bikers nearby.
We’ll keep you posted!
Ride Out
Sunday the 15th November saw a good turnout at the rugby club with 8 bikes and a support vehicle in attendance. Thanks to Jeremy for organising this one as he expected poor weather and a low turnout. We were lucky yet again, as the Boners once again saw the sun come out and the ride was great. Starting from the club we took in Scarva, Newry, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Kilkeel and finally Newcastle for coffee and nibbles at the Strand. The sports bikes were having a great time at 70mph with The Restrictor desperately trying to keep up at 50mph. After refreshments it was back to Dromore via Ballynahinch just in time for the rugby!
Go on, Restrictor, get it inta ya!!
Sunday 20 September 2009
A brilliant day’s biking today. A great route, good weather, good company, and good craic! Can’t ask for more. Many thanks to Andy H and Drew for organising today.
There were 18 bikes out today, the most we have ever had so many thanks to everyone for turning up. A special welcome to our guest from Lizzie Drakes MCC (sorry, forgot your name!), a welcome to some new faces, who we hope will join the club and it was great to see Billy again after so many months away. Hope you all had a good day?
A quick briefing about the route, rest, fuel and lunch stops and we were away at 10:30 a.m. And that’s when Tom (The Restrictor) Montgomery Jnr decided to do his own thing. We all made our way down the A1 for a short distance before turning off into the countryside, whilst Monty decided, ”Oh no, that’s not for me. I’m going a different route.” Unbeknown to anyone else The Restrictor decides to take 4 other bikers along a completely different route. So there we were in a nice convoy riding along some great country roads when we arrived at Moneyslane. Jeremy and I decide to hold the junction to indicate the turning towards Hilltown and then Rostrevor. All bikers carried on so we waited…and waited…and waited. Fifteen minutes and still no sign of the last 5 bikers. It was a Sunday but Jeremy didn’t care – he selected the choicest language to vent his feelings! So, on we went and made our way to the first rest stop at Warrenpoint. And, who did we find there? The Restrictor and company already on their fifth fag! Jeremy still didn’t care that it was Sunday - he knew some other Anglo Saxon words and told The Restrictor (and everyone else within 400 yds) what he thought! Give The Restrictor his due though – he just kept on about his bike only being able to do 76 mph because it was restricted.
Sam and Jeff then left us to return home. The remainder of us carried on to Newry and made our way South down the motorway. A good run is all I can say about that! Andy H took us off the motorway towards Ardee and Kells but Drew didn’t fancy that off-slip and decided to bomb on past to the next one. He and some others caught up with us later.
But guess what? The Restrictor was at it again! He decides the route that was selected was no good so he decides to make his own one up, taking 2 others with him! A great run to Ardee where we had a 5 minute smoke break then another run to Kells for re-fuelling and and a cup of coffee. Oh! And who do we meet up with in Kells? The Restrictor and his gang. Monty Snr and Big Dave had a little grin on their faces and were slowly shaking their heads at The Restrictor who started to bang on about his bike being restricted to 76 mph!
The Restrictor is telling the guys about his bike being restricted to 76 mph. Big Dave is trying to hide the smirk.
Notice how everyone looks relieved – they don’t have to listen to The Restrictor going on about how his bike is restricted to 76 mph.
None of the bikes in this shot are restricted!
A few of the boys then left to go home whilst the rest of us carried on towards Enniskillen. A long run with good roads all the way. A cat decided to play chicken on the road by waiting until the very last second before darting in front of Andy H’s bike – cat made it across to the other side of the road by a whisker. Most of us got to Enniskillen, parked up and waited for the others. After 10 minuets or so we decided to get lunch at the KFC. Yes, you guessed it! The Restrictor turns up a short while later and yes, the same old story, “My bike is restricted to 76 mph”.
Whist sitting out side having a bit of a chat Garry was overheard to say, “I wonder if we can take the restrictor off The Restrictor’s bike without him knowing?” Picture the scene. It’s been done without his knowledge, The Restrictor gets on his bike, opens the throttle and wham – he’s doing a wheely up the road!!
The person taking this photo for us outside the KFC in Enniskillen has asked us if anyone rides their bike restricted.
The conversation goes something like this: Davy G, “Is your bike restricted Jeremy?” Jeremy, “No mate, is yours?” Davy G, “What and only do 76 mph? No bloody way!”
Drew walking down the line of bikes saying, “Restricted bike – No. Restricted bike – No. Restricted bike – No” and so on.
The last leg of the day was from Enniskillen to Dromore via Armagh. Again, we had some good roads, which was relatively free from traffic. The Restrictor continued to do his own thing and unfortunately Big Dave and Monty Snr got caught up with him – I think they just felt a bit sorry for him really. We kept on bumping into The Restrictor along the route at various rest stops and when asked what was keeping him, yes, “My bike is restricted to 76 mph.”
Well, it was a good day out. Throughly enjoyable motor biking roads and some good laughs along the way. Thanks to The Restrictor for being a good sport but really – get that bike of yours sorted! Thanks again, to Andy H and Drew for organising the day.
Sunday 16 August 2009
A trip with a difference – went on a boat, hit some bumpy country roads, went to the seaside for a fish supper…and found a square roundabout! Oh! And some good biking roads, some of which were devoid of traffic for a time.
Today’s rideout took us across Strangford Lough on the ferry to Portaferry. We decided to take in the tip of the Peninsula first, which of course meant riding on all the small country roads – Monty Jnr was not impressed. Davey completely ignored the ‘roads closed’ signs and was intent on making sure we were all able to remember how to do emergency stops whenever he missed a junction. We hit some bad weather up to Portavogie then just after Ballyhalbert the sky turned blue and we had sun the rest of the day.
Lunch stop was at Donaghadee for fish and chips. Andy H was all excited because he was at the seaside. Jeremy was beside himself as he couldn’t wait to see the Tall Ships sailing by. Andy H and Drew just couldn’t be separated all day – they even parked their Dukes next to each other and then started drooling. Sad!
Davey obviously decided that the next phase of the run was to make it up as he went along. We went into Crawsfordburn then straight back out and then some more back doubles to Newtownards. A couple of circuits around the shopping centre carpark showed everyone that we were bikers before parking up and going for coffee.
The run home was very interesting – espically that wee square roundabout Davey found in Comber – took everyone by surprise but a great experience. The run home cross country was good fun. A very enjoyable day with a few laughs along the way. Thanks Davey. Next month’s run will be organised by Andy H and Drew.
p.s. Andy, Jeremy, Drew and Andy H then went on another little blast cross country down to Newcastle, cup of coffee at Mauds (well Drew had cake but couldn’t finish it all) and then a good run home.
Donaghadee Harbour – Jeremy was to be very disappointed after this photo was taken on being told we weren’t staying to see the Tall Ships.
Andy is just about to tell Jeremy that we are not staying to watch the Tall Ships sail by. Gutted!
Sam trying to cover up how much pain he is in – he has just finished his 3rd fish supper! Ruth has just said, “I told you so”. Jeremy is spitting his dummy out big time now about not staying to watch the Tall Ships.
Dukes hazzard! Joined at the hip all day.
Typical. The Harley boys just dump their bikes wherever they like. Monty Snr can be seen telling Jeremy not to worry – the Tall Ships are due back in 18 years time.
Andy telling Jeremy – “Well if you’d let me have a go earlier we might have stayed for a while to watch the ships sail by!”
Sunday 19 July 2009
Quite a few members were missing because of work commitments or going to the Kells races today. However, we still had a good turnout with 10 bikes on the rideout. A welcome to our new member Jim and three mates of Tom Snr – we hope you all had a good day?
Monty’s Jnr & Snr planned the route for the day which took us along the coast road from Larne, Ballycastle, Bushmills, Ballymoney, Antrim and then home.
The weather was generally good with the odd spot of rain. It always seemed to be moving away in the direction we were going, which is no bad thing.
Our first stop was at Carrick – a quick fag and brief chat then we headed along the coast road to Larne.
Our next stop was at Glenarm for a cup of tea and bacon butty. There were 4 people trying to serve us at the van making a simple task of taking orders very difficult.
We then made our way along the coast to Cushendall and on to Ballycastle. The weather was good allowing us to enjoy the great views. A camper van hindered our progress somewhat but not Monty Jnr – he was leading and away he went overtaking everything in sight and sod the rest of us!
We parked up at the marina in Ballycastle and ended up in the Marina Hotel bar. The waiter’s face was a picture when he received the order of chips and coke from almost everyone. Two lads returned home via Armoy whilst the rest of us continued along the coast road to Bushmills. We had a quick stop to take in the great views of Rathlin Island and the Scottish islands before continuing on.
A relatively straightforward run home, but… we already knew that one half of group was breaking off to head for Lisburn whilst the remainder were carrying on towards Dromore. At one point along the airport road towards Moira Andy and Sam noticed two bikes were missing, Jeremy and Monty Jnr. One minute they were there the next minute no where to be seen. After several minutes Andy decided to turn round and check all was OK but fearing the worst. A couple of miles later he spots the two in a lay. Andy was relieved to see they appeared to be fine but still asked if everything was OK. Jeremy looked a bit bemused and said, “Yes, we just stopped for a fag”. You can guess the rest!
Anyway, another enjoyable day out on the bikes. Thanks to both Montys for planning the route.
Sunday 24 May 2009
Another very successful day with everyone saying they enjoyed themselves. Great weather, good dry roads, good company, what more could you ask for? We had a good run out to Newry, Tandragee, Banbridge then on to TK Diner for lunch. Well, some of us went that way and some of us had a little run down past Newry to see what the start of the new motorway looked like before re-joining the route! We all liked Jeremy’s little trick – complain about late arrival of food, say you wanted cooked onions instead of raw ones and you get your lunch for nothing – good effort. Of course, David G hovered in the background and they took pity on him so he got a £1 knocked off of his bill.
We all then joined the A One Tyres charity run. A great turn out, a very well run event and some very enjoyable riding on some great roads. Lets not talk about some of those marshalls, whizzing past and not crossing the central white lines though. Monty Junior was heard to say, “Fecking hell, that was the fasted I’ve ever ridden!” He won a motorcycling book in the ballot so says he is going to read it tonight for inspiration as he saw there was a chapter on how to use the throttle! Monty – only kidding mate.
A big welcome to some new members on their first outing with us: Davey G, Sam & Ruth, Andy S, Davey R, Stuart and Ricky. Good to see Monty Senior back – hope you bring your completed membership form next time? Drew, glad you could make it also.
Group photo before setting off.
Sam and Monty Junior looking chilled out.
Davey R and Stuart just happy to have their photo taken
Garry and Sam discussing the finer details of rolling a cigarette whilst the other Sam is explaining to Monty Junior that the twisty thing on the right is the throttle!
Meeting up at A One Tyres before the charity ride out
Sunday 19 April 2009
What a great day! Our second club run was to Kesh via Armagh, Dungannon and Omagh. Good grub in The Mayfly Inn, Kesh. A short detour via the scenic route to take in a great view of the lakes and then a good run back via Fivemiletown and Clougher. The only boring bit was the motorway!
We managed to recruit a fellow biker during a tea stop at Killymaddy and one more member paid his subs today. Mind you, that was the same member who forgot his mobile phone at the pub in Kesh and had to go back for it!
The other highlight of the day was Sam on his new Triumph Bonneville – he received some admiring glances on the way – not sure they were all bikers though! Oh! And of course I did that red light as well as stall the bike!!
It was good to have two visitors today; Rob and Monty (Tom’s Dad) – hope to see your membership forms and subs soon. We also managed to raise £75 for charity, which will be forwarded on to Quay Vipers MCC next week in support of the NI Children’s Hospice charity – thank you all for your donations.
Hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as Gina and I did and hope you all arrived home safely. Thanks to Paul and Sam for organsing today.
Meeting up at Dromore RFC before setting off.
All bikes in a row! Killymaddy.
Some of the guys having a break at Killymaddy.
Lunch in The Mayfly Inn, Kesh
What was going to be a 5 minute stop to take in the views of the lakes turned out to be a 20 minute break whilst Ray went back to retrieve his phone!
Rob (visitor for the day) and his Harley Davidson Road King
Enjoyed the views whilst Ray went to find his phone
