revUP4DSI

Day 1.
We assembled at Joe Duffy’s BMW Dealership ( thanks yet again for the hospitality and great coffee) and after registration and the usual “biker” chit-chat we eventually got on the road. Heading North we passed through the historic town of Slane and after the obligatory coffee stop at KC’s Garage in Kingscourt we ventured on to Cavan town. Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan taking part in his first Rev-up4DSI proved a big hit with members and families of the Cavan Branch DSI, posing for countless photographs.

In Enniskillen there was a photo call at McNulty’s bike shop with Sam Geddes of Adelaide Insurance services, one of our very generous sponsors. In Manorhamilton we stopped at The Milestone Pub for lunch and to meet with the Leithrim Branch DSI where yet again Tommy was a big hit. Back on the road we took the scenic route through Sligo, Boyle and Roscommon to Galway (although one nameless marshall from Cork tried taking the shortcut through Boston Massachussets!! You know who you are).

In Galway we assembled in Boston Scientifics premises where a fabulous and much needed spread of snacks and hot drinks were awaiting us. After fueling ourselves up we set off under Garda escort to Eyre Square where the Lord Mayor and Galway Branch were awaiting our arrival. After the speeches and photo calls the procession headed back to our hotels for a well earned meal and early night ( except a certain few ahem).

Day 2.
An early start had us heading through Oranmore towards the beauty that is the Burren. In slightly damp conditions we continued on through Lisdoonvarna to our next photo call in Ennis. Rumour has it a certain pair of gents ( one of whom is a very reputable motorbike instructor ) took a detour from here and caught the boat across the estuary and shall henceforth be known as “The Ferrymen”. After Ennis it was on to Limerick for lunch.

After lunch we took the coastal route through Foynes to Tarbert and on to Listowel, Tralee and Farranfore where we stopped for coffee and a photo call at Ulicks Pub with The Kerry Branch DSI. After a brief stop we headed for Macroom where we took the route through Coachford and Dripsey overlooking the Inniscara reservoir to the Anglers Rest to meet our Garda escort.

Under escort we paraded through the streets of Cork and were met in Patrick’s Street by the Cork branch and members of the Cork biking community. After dinner in the Silver Springs Hotel we had our speechs ( including a very rare one by our very own Maeve McCreery ) and awards ceremony.

Award winners .
Biggest Corporate sponsor; BMW Motorrad Ireland .
Most collected by an individual; Noel Casley;
Furthest travelled; Kevin Haughey.(USA).
Youngest participant; Bobby Breedy.
Veteran rider; Gerry Casey.
Best Bike; Noel Connolly.(HD Chopper).
Oldest bike; Sean McGinley (79 CX 500).
Smallest bike; Stephen Scanlon (Yamaha 125).

Special award for services to Rev-up4DSI. Jimmy Kennedy of Kennedy Motorcycles Drogheda.

Then it was onto the “big draw” for anyone who raised in excess of €3,000. The prize was an all expenses paid trip for two to the Valencia round of Moto GP in November and was won by Dave Bysouth and Bernie Johnson, well done you two and enjoy!

Day 3.
Setting off we headed for Dungarvan for a photo call with the Waterford branch, where despite wet(ish) conditions the turn out was fantastic with riders inundated with requests for photos on their bikes. Leaving Dungarvan we headed North through Clonmel for Kilkenny. At Kilkenny Castle we again had a fantastic turn out from the local branch.

On towards Carlow to Tullow, Baltinglass, Blessington, Saggart, Lucan and Palmerstown. At Palmerstown we gathered all the participants together at Stewarts Hospital for the parade to the Phoenix Park. Heading through Chapelizod two abreast and almost two miles long we did a lap of the phoenix park. Coming up the hill towards the Papal Cross there wasn’t a dry eye as we laid eyes on the massive crowd of family members and friends awaiting our return.
The roar of all the bikes being reved up 4 DSI truly had to be heard to be believed.

A special word of thanks to our sponsors and supporters .

Kate, Conor, Dave and all at BMW Motorrad Ireland.
Noel and Gemma at Access Lift Trucks.
Sam and Neil at Adelaide Insurance Services.
Dave, Fran and all at Thunder Road Café.
John, Ian and all at Mondello Park.
Liam at Buy and Sell.
Zoe at Dorna UK.

But most of all to you guys and girls who participated or supported those that did, a massive thank you to one and all.

Yet again…

“We Shared The Journey”