I have been away all weekend on the Riders Rally. Organised by the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club (DMTC) it is a point to point rally. The great thing though is that they do not publicise the route, so it is only when you reach a checkpoint that you discover where the next one will be. In short, it is a mystery tour of Ireland by bike. 
This year was the 33rd Riders Rally. It is always held over the August bank holiday weekend. As far as is possible the route avoids busy routes in the country and larger towns. One can ride alone or in a group, stop off where you wish and generally just do your own thing. It is not a competitive rally. Good biking roads, great scenery and lots of miles on this event.
Accommodation for the weekend can be arranged in advance by the DMTC, or one can camp at the three overnight halts. My wife Mandy doesn't do tents
, so we had our rooms booked in advance.
Friday 175 miles
Mandy and I on the GS along with my mate Jim on his 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport set off at lunchtime to the rally start in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow.
After signing on to the rally we were given a route sheet to the next checkpoint which was to be the overnight halt at the County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co. Offaly.
There are always some nice bikes on the run. This 1969 R60 has been on the rally before and would go on to lift the oldest bike award on the Sunday night.
There were also some nice GS's on the rally too. These two caught my eye.
Saturday 390 miles
From Birr on Saturday morning we headed to our first "flythrough" checkpoint of the day at Pontoon, Co. Mayo. These checkpoints are usually at a pub in a wee village and the idea is that you stop, receive the route details to the next checkpoint, then head off again.
A nice wee spot in Pontoon for a cup of tea then off again.
From Pontoon we were sent to Castlefinn in Co. Donegal.
And from there to the overnight halt at Glencolumbkille on the Atlantic coast of Donegal.
On the way across we rode through the Glengesh Pass. Great roads for a GS.
Sunday 255 miles
From Glencolumbkille the route took us up along the Atlantic coast of Donegal to Falcarragh. A lovely run on a bright morning.
Then a run through Glenveagh National Park on our way to Monetneaney in Co. Derry.
Where we turned south again towards Cootehill, Co. Cavan.
On the way into Cootehill we were flagged down by a GSer who said a rider was down just around a corner. As we rode round the bend my heart sank as I saw my mate of 26 years Pokey and his bike lying in the verge.
He was coming into the bend (towards the camera) at about 70mph, hit muck on the road, lost the front and headed towards the telegraph pole, missing it by inches.
The bike wasn't too badly damaged. Both mirrors gone and the clocks destroyed, but he carried on with the rally.
Pokey himself was a wee bit sore, but didn't seem too bothered by it all.
After a lengthly stop in Cootehill where Pokeys mishap was the main talking point we headed for the final overnight location in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth.
A nice entrance road to Bellingham Castle Hotel and the end of the Riders Rally 06.
Traditionally on the Sunday night awards are given out in various categories such as oldest bike, youngest rider, smallest bike etc. Unfortunately this year Jim's Guzzi was beaten to the oldest bike award by the 1969 R60, but those of you who appreciate the older Italian twins will like to see the V7 anyway.
Monday 30 miles
After having way way to much to drink last night we rose late this morning. Having just 30 miles ride home we were in no hurry. The end of a good event can be a bitter-sweet feeling, knowing that normal life resumes tomorrow and it will be next year before we get to do the Riders again.
Over 850 miles in total over the weekend, more than 130 bikes on the rally, cracking roads and great company make this the best rally in Ireland in my opinion. For those of you in the UK, or Ireland for that matter, it is a great way to see parts of Ireland you may otherwise miss. A highly recommended event.
This year was the 33rd Riders Rally. It is always held over the August bank holiday weekend. As far as is possible the route avoids busy routes in the country and larger towns. One can ride alone or in a group, stop off where you wish and generally just do your own thing. It is not a competitive rally. Good biking roads, great scenery and lots of miles on this event.
Accommodation for the weekend can be arranged in advance by the DMTC, or one can camp at the three overnight halts. My wife Mandy doesn't do tents
, so we had our rooms booked in advance.Friday 175 miles
Mandy and I on the GS along with my mate Jim on his 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport set off at lunchtime to the rally start in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow.
After signing on to the rally we were given a route sheet to the next checkpoint which was to be the overnight halt at the County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co. Offaly.
There are always some nice bikes on the run. This 1969 R60 has been on the rally before and would go on to lift the oldest bike award on the Sunday night.
There were also some nice GS's on the rally too. These two caught my eye.
Saturday 390 miles
From Birr on Saturday morning we headed to our first "flythrough" checkpoint of the day at Pontoon, Co. Mayo. These checkpoints are usually at a pub in a wee village and the idea is that you stop, receive the route details to the next checkpoint, then head off again.
A nice wee spot in Pontoon for a cup of tea then off again.
From Pontoon we were sent to Castlefinn in Co. Donegal.
And from there to the overnight halt at Glencolumbkille on the Atlantic coast of Donegal.
On the way across we rode through the Glengesh Pass. Great roads for a GS.
Sunday 255 miles
From Glencolumbkille the route took us up along the Atlantic coast of Donegal to Falcarragh. A lovely run on a bright morning.
Then a run through Glenveagh National Park on our way to Monetneaney in Co. Derry.
Where we turned south again towards Cootehill, Co. Cavan.
On the way into Cootehill we were flagged down by a GSer who said a rider was down just around a corner. As we rode round the bend my heart sank as I saw my mate of 26 years Pokey and his bike lying in the verge.
He was coming into the bend (towards the camera) at about 70mph, hit muck on the road, lost the front and headed towards the telegraph pole, missing it by inches.
The bike wasn't too badly damaged. Both mirrors gone and the clocks destroyed, but he carried on with the rally.
Pokey himself was a wee bit sore, but didn't seem too bothered by it all.
After a lengthly stop in Cootehill where Pokeys mishap was the main talking point we headed for the final overnight location in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth.
A nice entrance road to Bellingham Castle Hotel and the end of the Riders Rally 06.
Traditionally on the Sunday night awards are given out in various categories such as oldest bike, youngest rider, smallest bike etc. Unfortunately this year Jim's Guzzi was beaten to the oldest bike award by the 1969 R60, but those of you who appreciate the older Italian twins will like to see the V7 anyway.
Monday 30 miles
After having way way to much to drink last night we rose late this morning. Having just 30 miles ride home we were in no hurry. The end of a good event can be a bitter-sweet feeling, knowing that normal life resumes tomorrow and it will be next year before we get to do the Riders again.
Over 850 miles in total over the weekend, more than 130 bikes on the rally, cracking roads and great company make this the best rally in Ireland in my opinion. For those of you in the UK, or Ireland for that matter, it is a great way to see parts of Ireland you may otherwise miss. A highly recommended event.
