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On Saturday August 27th the Crew & Support Vehicles of the Annual Across Ireland Fun Run gathered together outside The Mansion House in Dublin. The weather was wet wet wet but this did not dampen the mood as we set off for our Crew Breakfast. At breakfast we met Gerard McSorley, Irish actor who starred in such films as Veronica Guerin, Bloody Sunday & Braveheart to name but a few. He told us about his father Michael McSorley, a high profile rider in the 1930’s who clinched the top trophy at the North West in 1934 when he won the 250cc class on his Rudge. When Gerard’s dad stopped competitive racing he took on a marshalling role each year at the North West as well as running a motorbike business in Omagh. It was on then to begin our journey in earnest. The bikes began to roll in and queues formed down Dawson St. to sign in for the run. The admin ladies were busy welcoming the participants and offering refreshments, and marking a dance card or two at the same time !! Music on the street, face painter to transform the childrens faces, and as you can see from some of our pics, the older kids too!! As the bikes parked up in their hundreds, the street looked like Motorbike heaven, as men women and children drooled over these well polished "Babys"!!

At 1pm the Marshalls, who later received some high praise from participants, donned their 'Lemon Sorbet' jackets, lowered their lids, and flicked on those flashy orange and white lights that everyone was looking out for in their right hand mirror !!! The atmosphere was electric as participants saddled up, revved and ready to go! The rain had gone and the sun was out along with The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, to send us on our way. The trikes led out the Run as it made its way through towns and villages in Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon & Galway, and yes, we did notice the fab banners en route, especially the "Wild Hogs",, mmm,,, wonder who that was meant for?? With the assistance of the Gardaí, some family and friends, a pit stop in Athlone for fuel and escort into Galway by Tribes MCC we arrived in Eyre Sq. in Galway to a very warm welcome from The Lord Mayor of Galway, Hildegarde Naughton. It was sun and smiles all round. The run then continued to the Clayton Hotel where the showers went into turbo boost, followed closely by the pumps, beer not petrol :-), and grubs up, ready for the nights entertainment provided by Equipped, the Dublin based rock band, led by Ciaran Donnelly motorcycle racer. We were also joined by Mr. William Dunlop for the night, his moves on the dancefloor are almost as good as those moves on the track!! Ms. Karen Feeney, Mondello Grid Girl 2010 and presenter of RPM Motorsport dropped in too, but she had to leave early as she was taking part in The Galway Rally the next morning. The song says "these boots were made for walking" but on the dance floor that night they were made for fancy footwork and fracais!

After a good nights sleep, or mornings sleep?? the Crew assembled outside The Clayton Hotel at 12.30pm to lead off the homeward bound journey. Again the sun was out, and that great buzz was still in the air as we headed for Ballinasloe for our fuel stop to get us home. Again the supporters and banners on the road side were noted and appreciated !! The weather dampened a bit but not the atmosphere as we rode out in convoy heading for Xtreme 45 motorcycle shop in Donabate in Dublin, where we were greeted by three lovely ladies serving refreshments. There are rumours going about that some people were trying out bikes in the shop for size,, to upgrade for next years run??? Well done to all for taking part, arriving safely, supporting Annual Across Ireland and MCI and the Medical Team, and many thanks to our sponsors, AXA,Dunlop, Xtreme45,chevrontraining ,MediLink ,RoadRacingIreland ,Buzz Printing and Barrys Balloons