For the second year in a row Right To Ride’s Trevor Baird accepted an invitation to take part in the East Antrim DUP Motorcycle Ride-Out.
Joining Sammy Wilson on Saturday 17th September with over 28 motorcycles riders and pillions, the ride started out from the East Antrim DUP Office in Larne.
Starting off under better weather than the previous year, the more “modern” motorcycles were joined by a few BSAs, Triumph, a Métisse and a BMW with sidecar ridden by both old and young riders.
Following a power point presentation to explain the days planned ride and marshalling, which was accompanied by scones, tea and coffee, the ride out set off out from Larne and headed onto roads over the hills that are not so well travelled.
Lunch was at Ballymoney Borough Council Office and Muesum, but best laid plans can go wrong. Trevor managed to separate himself from the main group, left turn? No just head straight on! Not knowing where North was pointing, luckily, he was joined by one of the marshalls and eventually made it to Ballymoney.
At Ballymoney we were treated to a sumptuous cold buffet, with homemade potato salad and cupcakes – hmmm!
But the food was to be Trevor’s downfall.
The Mayor Of Ballymoney, Councillor Ian Stevenson welcomed the group and invited everyone to view the museum and the special display put on of famous road riders from Northern Ireland down the ages.
Heading on from Ballymoney to the Antrim Coast Road, the ride out turned off after Ballycastle and round Torr Head.
This was the first time Trevor had ridden Torr Head and concentration was needed on the torturous road, especially as cyclists were puffing and panting up steep hills in their own torturous way.
After a few heavy showers and the more “relaxed” route down the Antrim Coast Road, the ride finished at the Curran Court Hotel back in Larne, where the group was treated to an overly sumptuous meal.
Right To Ride’s, Trevor Baird said, ”The day wasn’t about politics, just riders out for a good run and talking bikes. The route was definitely adventurous on roads I had never been on, exploration and adventure can be found close to home.”
A ballot with prizes from local businesses took place raising funds for the local constituency office and with over £400 raised Trevor didn’t even win a can of chain lube for the BMW shaft drive!
But what about Trevor’s downfall?
Well after polishing off dinner which included a very large portion of Lemon Meringue, he headed home. But in the early hours of the morning, Trevor, (who is waiting for an operation to remove one of his internal organs) found himself in casualty at the local hospital in considerable pain. After being checked over, given pain killers, he was sent home and warned about the consequences of over indulgence in the good food department!
Thanks to Sammy Wilson for the invitation and to all those who organised a great day out.
Hopefully Right To Ride will be going to next year’s ride out albeit short of an internal organ.
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