Irish Photo Rally 2016 is now live.
http://irishphotorally.com/forms/photo-rally-2015.pdf

I would like to do the photorally this year. I see the Princess Victoria monument is on the list to commemorate the sinking in January 1953. My Mums uncle was Purser on the Victoria and his brother in law was also a crew member, neither survived.

Wondering should we arrange a few outings around some of the locations.

If anyone is going to France with us Eccentrics the Fort Meagher is on the mouth of Cork Harbour, we could catch it on the day of the ferry.....

Memorials and statues are ok but I like the oddball stuff that's hard to find and, sometimes, get to!
Stuff like the Achill Henge from last year.

" />

Or from this year's, 5. St Peter's Church, Laragh, Co Cavan. Erected by the owner of a mill in Laragh village in 1891 after he brought it from Switzerland while on his honeymoon. Stopped being used in 1962 and will probably disappear in the next few years as its made from corrugated tin. Like something from the Munsters!

" />

2,yes two, completed entries for the 2015 Photo Rally have already been received.

I don't really get that. The photos are almost certainly poor and there's no prize or benefit to completing it first. 
I had thought of doing the Iron Butt ride around Ireland a couple of times but always come to the same conclusion, what for?
I intend taking my time and seeing the countryside on the way to the points. Would like to get some good photos while I'm at it, too.
It feels like a long time since the Rally finished in November and I've been waiting for the new list ever since. If it was over in a week I don't think I would be bothered.
Only going to do one or two at a time and take a few weekends out of it between now and October.
Planning on a run up to Ballycastle on Saturday, so might stop at Larne for my first one, the Princess Victoria Memorial.

tomfoley wrote:2,yes two, completed entries for the 2015 Photo Rally have already been received.

Looks like the only kind of Rally they understand is the race kind!

I haven't done this photo rally thingy yet but it looks fun. I'm kinda keeping it for the future when I've less childcare duties.

Put one on the back and the rest in the panniers?

Dai wrote:Put one on the back and the rest in the panniers?

Tried that....their mother Didn't approve! 

88KE wrote:

Dai wrote:Put one on the back and the rest in the panniers?

Tried that....their mother Didn't approve! 

Oh Well, looks like Mother will have to go then, or maybe buy her an outfit, and for the pun opportunists on here, no not a new set of clothes, a sidecar outfit.

Comberjohn wrote:I don't really get that. The photos are almost certainly poor and there's no prize or benefit to completing it first. 
I had thought of doing the Iron Butt ride around Ireland a couple of times but always come to the same conclusion, what for?
I intend taking my time and seeing the countryside on the way to the points. Would like to get some good photos while I'm at it, too.
It feels like a long time since the Rally finished in November and I've been waiting for the new list ever since. If it was over in a week I don't think I would be bothered.
Only going to do one or two at a time and take a few weekends out of it between now and October.
Planning on a run up to Ballycastle on Saturday, so might stop at Larne for my first one, the Princess Victoria Memorial.

A run up to Ballycastle on Saturday? Is that what you told the powers that be at home?

Seems the reality was rather different and a nostalgia trip back to proper K land was on the cards. However at least we believe this now is a cure to that occasional urge to strip your K down to a naked bike and provoke the weather gods.

Time to start planning a few leisurely weekend trips methinks



Rod ;-)

Nicely Divided into weekend loops!

Yes, that's it, exactly Will

Now, where's my route planner ?

;-)

14 15 16 17 18 19 I was thinking those Munster ones could be nicely done in a loop..... don't forget the Shannon cross river ferry near number 15. Could make a camping weekend on that one. Eagle Point near Bantry is not too far from 19......

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 all work in a very nice radius from Stradbally and Nore Valley camping....

20 21 22 23 24 work very well from Westport House, another great camp spot....

1 2 3 4 5 6 wonder would they work on the Norn Iron weekend......

Anyway since there are clusters maybe a few meet ups during the year could be organised to take in some of them. .....

You'll struggle to do six in a weekend without a lot off preparation.
Some are hard to find and some are difficult to get to.
Last August I got the last six or seven sites in the south west and it took me from the Friday morning to Sunday evening. Covered almost exactly 1000 miles.
I got the weather, see my video from Connor Pass, except it pissed down around Cork on the Sunday morning.
I'm going to take a bit more time this year and only cover two or three in a weekend and see a bit more of the country.
It's not a competition, it's to be savored.
Start in the spring and don't leave it too late in the season. You'll meet more saddos like yourselves and get a bit of a yarn.
That's what it's all about. 
There's no way Olaf could meet a stranger, start talking about K's and leave in under an hour! 
That's your schedule shot straight away.
I started later last year and was disappointed how few I met.

Well put Comberjohn.

What I put up there would indeed need a lot of planning and of course your weather stone would have to be having a few good days.

Of course we know what happens when a few Eccentrics get together...... so.

I can do one of them while the bread is baking. No 18.

So, maybe a few Eccentrics outings in Cork to tie in some of these.

Of course anyone coming to France can take in no 18 on the way to the ferry. There is an excellent pub for lunch less than a mile from the photo point. Eat outside on the terrace if its a nice day.
Maybe a group Eccentrics meet up on the Saturday we are heading off, a chance to meet up with TacKler as well....

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.802028,-8.294878,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1soXYlcucsCVbipfZIfXft5w!2e0?hl=en-IE

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.801834,-8.294716,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s2Kw2Z2sIy0z4bSEB9h6wzA!2e0?hl=en-IE

Good advice Comberjohn. Even though I've completed a good few photo rallies over the years, I always wind up rushing the last few. My brother and I covered 400 miles in a day last year. at least 80% of which was on by roads, lanes and boreens ( road for one cow). I still didn't get to complete all the points. An early start is essential as a K bike is not a pleasant place to be on a wet gravel and mud road on a dark and stormy night in October.
All the points are accessible on any bike so don't be put off by this. It is just to encourage an early start.

I'll try to do the photo rally this year, the munster ones should not be too hard to do over a few weekends without getting into a rush, as said above, it's about the journey rather then the destination. 

Have 2 weeks off in May and will try to get the ones west and maybe some on the east coast on the way home, if I don't get all of them, well that only means that there are some nice spots left on the map that I have not been to. 

if anyone from cork goes for a spin to the point in the area, it would be nice to make a group outing...

Sagi

If you want the one in Cork its a good spot for a coffee at Cronins, meet you there.

How about an Eccentrics meet up at Saturday 30th May when Tackler will be here? We would be heading for the ferry port around 2.45pm but could have a lunch and photo session fort he photo rally if anyone is up for it. Tackler and 88KE will be heading over from Gorey....

A little history....those who were transported to Australia, some would have been sent from Cork Harbour. Camden Fort was built by the English to protect Cork Harbour.

The point nearest to me, only 10k away, no 12 on the list, has the most unusual and bloody history. There are a number of accounts and most differ only slightly. Do a search for The Carrickshock Incident. We were there on Sat last and had soup etc in the very house where the people gathered on the day prior to the "Incident". The building is largely unchanged,save for the thatched roof which burned some years ago, and is currently owned by a very very large dog that allows two very nice people to live there with him. What a day. We went to Melleray Abbey as well but a bit dissappointing after Carrickshock's or Carriag-Seabhac (Hawks Rock) history.

Quite the fracas all right Tom
Seems a good stoning was had.
Probably best not to get yourself stuck in a low and narrow bohereen.

We live and learn

Rod

DeRodster wrote:Quite the fracas all right Tom
Seems a good stoning was had.
Probably best not to get yourself stuck in a low and narrow bohereen.

We live and learn

Rod

I am one of the few Kilkenny natives who has no interest in hurling, but for many years the Carrickshock GAA was,and probably still is for all I know, the most feared team in the county.

Just arrived in the post this morning.
Done it before but this is the first time I've entered it and delighted to get my gold badge.
What is they say about getting older? You start to appreciate the same things as when you were small. 

I am one of the few Kilkenny natives who has no interest in hurling, but for many years the Carrickshock GAA was,and probably still is for all I know, the most feared team in the county.

Hurling: An ancient Irish game and the fastest field sport whereby 15 mad Irish men in black and amber seek to attack and destroy another 15 mad Irish men under the pretext of chasing a small ball [size of a cricket ball] using sticks called hurleys. It is permitted to travel from one end of the field to the other by balancing and bouncing the ball on the end of a hurley so tackles are very determined. Some would describe it as ice hockey on grass.

No protective gear except a helmet and face protection.

If Darwin had watched this game he would have ruled on survival of the fittest a lot earlier.

Comberjohn wrote:
What is they say about getting older? You start to appreciate the same things as when you were small. 

...and then before you know it you're in nappies (diapers), toothless, dribbling and babbling incoherently all over again! 

Pessimist!

" />

First photo for this year's rally.
Princess Victoria Monument, Larne.
Went on up to Ballycastle. Nice on way up but sleet and hail and down to 2C on the way back.

They've just put up a slide show of last year's entries to the photo rally.
Good way to waste ten minutes.

Irish Photo Rally

First Photo Rally picture ever for me!, nice tour and what a day for it...

Mount Melleray Abbey

Well, that's the easy one done then. 
Keep it up, Sagi.

Comberjohn wrote:" />

First photo for this year's rally.
Princess Victoria Monument, Larne.
Went on up to Ballycastle. Nice on way up but sleet and hail and down to 2C on the way back.

Hmmm! I think you need to get back in the wind,Comberjohn. Sleet and hail is hardly a problem on K16. Turn on heated seat and grips, a touch higher on the screen and some nice tunes on the sound system, abs eba etc.
Whats not to like? Like I said, Bentley Continental. We must meet somewhere on the photo rally this year.

It was still bloody cold, Tom. And, as the layer of sleet was building up on my screen and visor, the idea of picking it up was looming large in my mind.
So look for a white 2010 R1200GS this year. 
Yes, the big one was nice but with my wee short legs, it was a matter of when not if. Always had this image in my head of going down some track, finding it closed off and being stuck!
Traded it in a week ago for a cheque and the GS and love it. So much easier to handle. 
Did think of a water cooled one but always liked the twin cam, air cooled version. Someone has spent a lot on toys for it including panniers and box. It's about a 100kg lighter than the K1600 and going to make the Rally more of a pleasure this year.

BTW. Remember in the 60's we were all going to be standing on each other's heads by the year 2000.
Not be a problem for us by then. Do agree about educating the little bleeders  though. I see enough of them as a driving instructor with a degree in media studies. May as well be in basket weaving.
Ah, it's great to be old and cynical.

One of the photo rally points is in Crosshaven in Cork. Fort Camden.

So, 88KE, Tackler [Dave] and myself are taking Cork Roscoff ferry on Saturday 30 May. Sailing time is 4pm so its excellent for a lunch at 1pm, hit ferry port for 2.30pm.

We plan to have lunch and thought that Cronins pub in Crosshaven would be an excellent spot, has a terrace out front for parking bikes and on a nice day is a sun trap. Its a short distance to Fort Camden.

For anyone doing the photo rally this might be an opportunity also to catch up with TacKler. We wont get to go on a ride out but they will be travelling from Gorey leaving about 9-9.30am......probably via New Ross/Waterford/Youghal/Killeagh/Cork. A nice run from Dublin too.

And a very nice run to try out the GS..........

Comberjohn wrote:It was still bloody cold, Tom. And, as the layer of sleet was building up on my screen and visor, the idea of picking it up was looming large in my mind.
So look for a white 2010 R1200GS this year. 
Yes, the big one was nice but with my wee short legs, it was a matter of when not if. Always had this image in my head of going down some track, finding it closed off and being stuck!
Traded it in a week ago for a cheque and the GS and love it. So much easier to handle. 
Did think of a water cooled one but always liked the twin cam, air cooled version. Someone has spent a lot on toys for it including panniers and box. It's about a 100kg lighter than the K1600 and going to make the Rally more of a pleasure this year.

BTW. Remember in the 60's we were all going to be standing on each other's heads by the year 2000.
Not be a problem for us by then. Do agree about educating the little bleeders  though. I see enough of them as a driving instructor with a degree in media studies. May as well be in basket weaving.
Ah, it's great to be old and cynical.

Aye John, old and cynical as well. Enjoy the new lightweight when compared to K16. Next year go lighter still
Enjoy the rally and see you in the wind some time soon

Took a couple more pics today. Beautiful weather.


St Peter's Church, Laragh, Co. Monaghan. Made from corrugated iron 100 years ago.




Ardmulchan Church, Navan. Just down the river from New Grange.




The view from where I had my picnic lunch. The Boyne River towards Navan. Spectacular.

The view from where I had my picnic lunch. The Boyne River towards Navan. Spectacular.

Spectacular indeed John. Any idea what Castle that is?

That's Dunmoe Castle. Built by the D'arcy family in the 15th century.
Another place to visit if I can ever get the time.

Motorcycling is,ultimately, for the poor, i.e people who can't afford a car.What is the point of it all these days? Ride Outs, bike meets etc. Meaningless. How many forum members don't have a car as well as a motorcycle? If you have a car why do you need a motorcycle and vice versa?

I'd disagree with that, Tom. My wife's car uses less fuel and costs less to insure than my brick. Bikes these days are a luxury item - no, I don't own a car nor do I have a licence for one. At 56 years old I'm finally learning to drive under protest because the folks on the hill are thinking about making it stupid-awkward to get a car licence. The chances of me buying a car when/if I pass my test are less than zero.

Will be handy for transporting the larger lumps of Moto Guzzi to shot blasters, etc. 
Please, please can I have the lend of your car, dear?
I'm off to Donegal in the morning waste another day. Weather looks good, too.

Dai wrote:I'd disagree with that, Tom. My wife's car uses less fuel and costs less to insure than my brick. Bikes these days are a luxury item - no, I don't own a car nor do I have a licence for one. At 56 years old I'm finally learning to drive under protest because the folks on the hill are thinking about making it stupid-awkward to get a car licence. The chances of me buying a car when/if I pass my test are less than zero.

Are you comparing like with like here. When your RS was new it was the motorcycling equivalent of a supercar, your wife would need to drive something like an Aston-Martin for similar performance at the time. You are talking about luxury motorcycles which,like luxury cars are not for the poor. Massively overpriced and overweight motorcycles,which I have had for years, are for the very rich few. Most people in our part of the World forget how rich they actually are. I'm talking about those who can only afford one mode of motorised transport for everthing, which the original motorcycles were for. Best of luck with the test......

Tom, not sure of your point, as you seem to be arguing both sides.  Around here I can think of 5 months when getting around in a car is infinitely more pleasant not to mention possible than a motorcycle.  I will grant you that the motorcycle as primary personal transportation seems to be more of a third world phenomena where it is not uncommon to see entire families with belongings going down the road piled onto a 125cc riceburner. 

However, motorcycles make splendid toys to fuss with and get about on for those in more affluent societies.  Being somewhat simple beasts they invite tinkering and the sensations while riding cannot be had in any other earthbound conveyance within the reach of most people.

I ride my K100 for fun and the fellowship involved. My wife won't go on the back (which may be a blessing), and the K won't carry the luggage that the car will.
Most important, the K won't tow my boat!

Bill

tomfoley wrote:Motorcycling is,ultimately, for the poor, i.e people who can't afford a car.What is the point of it all these days? Ride Outs, bike meets etc. Meaningless. How many forum members don't have a car as well as a motorcycle? If you have a car why do you need a motorcycle and vice versa?

Sagi, Becky, JediGirl,  Snod Blatter, Dai and Sidecar Paul come to mind. Not sure about ElectricMonk. I have put diesel in the car twice in the last 6 months. I like to meet up by a lot of weekends the bike stays parked up if I have used it during the week. Free parking in town covers all my running costs.

I have a brother who has never learnt to drive and never owned a car.

Could you all go and play on a new thread somewhere else?
I'm losing the will to live reading these opinions. I've access to two cars and two bikes, well, one and a half, and I don't care.
It suits me and I do it because I can. Haven't always been able to over the years, but there you go.
Of course it's a leasure activity and, if we had to choose, very few of us would be able to plump for a bike and nothing else if we're being completely honest.
So, if anyone wants to continue the very old, ruffy, tuffy, motorcyclist bullshit, please start a new thread.
Me, I'm just about to get my flask out and head for Donegal on my leisure vehicle. The sun is just breaking through the early morning mist, I can hear the wood pigeons in the trees behind me and spring is here at last! 
Remember, you're a long time dead.

Comberjohn wrote:Could you all go and play on a new thread somewhere else?
I'm losing the will to live reading these opinions. I've access to two cars and two bikes, well, one and a half, and I don't care.
It suits me and I do it because I can. Haven't always been able to over the years, but there you go.
Of course it's a leasure activity and, if we had to choose, very few of us would be able to plump for a bike and nothing else if we're being completely honest.
So, if anyone wants to continue the very old, ruffy, tuffy, motorcyclist bullshit, please start a new thread.
Me, I'm just about to get my flask out and head for Donegal on my leisure vehicle. The sun is just breaking through the early morning mist, I can hear the wood pigeons in the trees behind me and spring is here at last! 
Remember, you're a long time dead.

+100  I'm with you CJ 100%. And I'm about to chose to ride into the sunshine to the local camping store to get me a new tent (maybe) and some other bits & bobs....aggghhh why am I considering camping, perhaps camping is for the poor too (another new thread required!!)

I managed two of these yesterday - a 375km round trip.

I also managed lunch with my parents in Ardglass, Co Down -  so a great way to spend Easter Sunday.








8 Ardmulchan Church




4 Silent Valley Mountain Park Gates

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:

tomfoley wrote:Motorcycling is,ultimately, for the poor, i.e people who can't afford a car.What is the point of it all these days? Ride Outs, bike meets etc. Meaningless. How many forum members don't have a car as well as a motorcycle? If you have a car why do you need a motorcycle and vice versa?

Sagi, Becky, JediGirl,  Snod Blatter, Dai and Sidecar Paul come to mind. Not sure about ElectricMonk. I have put diesel in the car twice in the last 6 months. I like to meet up by a lot of weekends the bike stays parked up if I have used it during the week. Free parking in town covers all my running costs.

I have a brother who has never learnt to drive and never owned a car.

I think my problem is that I have had motorcycles for too long. 50 years coming up shortly and it all became pointless overnight. I was just wondering what the point of it all . I have nothing left to do and I have decided to retire from it all.

That's nice, see you around.

This is the Green Shop near Dungloe in Donegal.

It's not much to look at but its in a stunning part of the country and the journey to it on Easter Monday was great fun. Donegal was closed that day but found a nice place in Dungloe for a bite of lunch. Was very reasonable too, due to the current exchange rate for the Euro. 
Covered 295 miles and the roads were empty. Came back down the WAW to Donegal town and over the hills through Pettigo. Weather was terrific.