Shinobi's Saturday Coast Run
It's not often we get to read or indeed write ride reports at this time of year, but today was so good in terms of the weather and the run that a report was just waiting to be written.
This rideout came about at pretty short notice. Shinobi only posted at 8-30pm on Thursday evening, but a few of us were available and a plan was drawn up.
It didn't look very promising when I wheeled the bike out to the front of the house at 9am. Mandy's Volvo gives a good idea of what to expect.
Padge arrived to collect me and we set off to meet the lads. A few of Shinobi's mates on Jap fours were out too for the run, but they were not taking the exact same route as us. Too many GS type roads in mind apparently.
After a lovely run through the hills above Carrickfergus we dropped down towards Larne and had a great view of the inner harbour.
After a quick refuelling we set off up the coast road proper. The views in this part of the country are stunning.
Looking across towards our Scottish neighbours.
We had a great breakfast at a wee café in Cushendall, the name of which escapes me. A full brekkie with tea set me back the outrageous sum of £4.60. Tuned-In joined us here as he doesn't like to venture too far from home. 
After the above remark I'd better watch my back. Look out he's behind you.
More scenery on the way up to Torr Head.
Where the local tourist guide (Tuned) was giving Sugarcube the usual spiel.
It is a lovely spot though.
At Murlough Bay there is a track down to the shore where this wee house is situated.
It is owned by the National Trust but has a lot to recommend it to the typical GSer.
Nice sea views;
Room for plenty of GSes.
And a great driveway which should discourage most visitors. Perfect.
A few more miles along the coast we stopped at Kinbane Head. There is a pathway down to the ruins of a castle built about 1544 by Colla McDonnell. The path goes right out to the tip of the head, seen here bathed in bright sunlight.
Our final coastal stop was above Carrick-A-Rede. Carrick Island is accessed from the mainland by a rope bridge, which has been taken down for winter. In the background is Sheep Island.
Tuned-In left the group at this point and the rest of us decided to retrace our steps back as far as Cushendall. This is the view of Cushendun coming back from Torr Head.
On our way from Cushendall to Broughshane and on towards Ballymena we took some boreens across the hills. The early evening light showed the surrounding country in lovely colours.
Shinobi, Padge and Sugarcube managed to ride a short track. I was glad that I declined to join them as apparently it was quite slippery.
Shinobi
Sugarcube
Padge
By now we were starting to lose the light so we turned for home. I was back at the house for 6-30pm after a 225 mile run. What a cracking day out.
It's a pity we couldn't have had a few more join us, but there again it was organised at pretty short notice.
Thanks to Shinobi for the excuse to get out today and to Padge, Sugarcube and Tuned for the company, great roads and mighty craic.
For anyone planing a trip to Ireland, this part of the country should definately be on your must do list.
It's not often we get to read or indeed write ride reports at this time of year, but today was so good in terms of the weather and the run that a report was just waiting to be written.
This rideout came about at pretty short notice. Shinobi only posted at 8-30pm on Thursday evening, but a few of us were available and a plan was drawn up.
It didn't look very promising when I wheeled the bike out to the front of the house at 9am. Mandy's Volvo gives a good idea of what to expect.
Padge arrived to collect me and we set off to meet the lads. A few of Shinobi's mates on Jap fours were out too for the run, but they were not taking the exact same route as us. Too many GS type roads in mind apparently.
After a lovely run through the hills above Carrickfergus we dropped down towards Larne and had a great view of the inner harbour.
After a quick refuelling we set off up the coast road proper. The views in this part of the country are stunning.
Looking across towards our Scottish neighbours.
We had a great breakfast at a wee café in Cushendall, the name of which escapes me. A full brekkie with tea set me back the outrageous sum of £4.60.
Tuned-In joined us here as he doesn't like to venture too far from home. After the above remark I'd better watch my back. Look out he's behind you.
More scenery on the way up to Torr Head.
Where the local tourist guide (Tuned) was giving Sugarcube the usual spiel.
It is a lovely spot though.
At Murlough Bay there is a track down to the shore where this wee house is situated.
It is owned by the National Trust but has a lot to recommend it to the typical GSer.
Nice sea views;
Room for plenty of GSes.
And a great driveway which should discourage most visitors. Perfect.
A few more miles along the coast we stopped at Kinbane Head. There is a pathway down to the ruins of a castle built about 1544 by Colla McDonnell. The path goes right out to the tip of the head, seen here bathed in bright sunlight.
Our final coastal stop was above Carrick-A-Rede. Carrick Island is accessed from the mainland by a rope bridge, which has been taken down for winter. In the background is Sheep Island.
Tuned-In left the group at this point and the rest of us decided to retrace our steps back as far as Cushendall. This is the view of Cushendun coming back from Torr Head.
On our way from Cushendall to Broughshane and on towards Ballymena we took some boreens across the hills. The early evening light showed the surrounding country in lovely colours.
Shinobi, Padge and Sugarcube managed to ride a short track. I was glad that I declined to join them as apparently it was quite slippery.
Shinobi
Sugarcube
Padge
By now we were starting to lose the light so we turned for home. I was back at the house for 6-30pm after a 225 mile run. What a cracking day out.
It's a pity we couldn't have had a few more join us, but there again it was organised at pretty short notice.
Thanks to Shinobi for the excuse to get out today and to Padge, Sugarcube and Tuned for the company, great roads and mighty craic.
For anyone planing a trip to Ireland, this part of the country should definately be on your must do list.
I really needed to know that 
