It’s hard to believe The Ramblers haven’t seen the North Coast since last year, but what better way come back than at the North-West 200!
At 5pm precisely all the Ramblers runners and riders for this year’s edition raced to Portrush for a 2-day pit-stop at our Mill Strand Paddock on Ballywillan Road. With a bumper crop of new members to complement our own van-lifers, this year’s event promised to be something special.
Boasting an outstanding atmosphere and with so much to see and do, our usual Friday activities were suspended as members headed up the town to mingle with fellow racegoers and soak up the buzz of this hugely popular racing festival. Meanwhile, back at base, there was no shortage of craic as members created a festival atmosphere of their own in the hall with plentiful music and conversation.
Race day arrived and our petrol-headed members soon headed trackside to see those magnificent men on their flying machines. It was real hair-raising stuff, and that was just the weather! Meanwhile, those who preferred a more serene backdrop set out for Main Street to enjoy a tranquil shopping experience, a harbour-side seat or a pleasurable walk along the beach. Whatever the case, all members made it safely back to paddock for yet another great night of dancing to the sounds of Mr Reliable - Dave Kane!
With the racing over, Chief Road Marshall David had to depart early so it was up to Joe to wave the chequered flag on an exceptional weekend at our customary coffee morning. After filling us in on the latest club news, there was plenty of warm applause as he welcomed the many new members joining us for the first time: Clare Armour & Colette Doherty, Raymond & Linda Hunt, David & Julie Bell, Sean Ferguson & Zelda Hudson, Dessie & Maureen Nixon, Tom & Vivien Gibson, Nigel & Lorna Hamilton, Adrian & Jo Austin, Martin & Paula McErlean, Glenn & Dawn Bowers and Lesley & Elvina Funston. An especially warm (or perhaps cold) welcome to Stuart & Ann Paton and old friends, David & Christine Chew, who travelled all the way from sunny Spain to be with us.
With record breaking attendance at these last couple of events, we now head to Enniskillen for our annual AGM & Committee election. This is an enormously important event that happens every year in the life of our club. We sincerely hope as many members as possible will attend to hear about The Ramblers progress to date and help shape the road ahead. Every member counts, and every opinion is valued as we steer our club into the future.
See you there,
The Rambling Writer