October 6/7 was the 10TH running of the TORC mothball rallye , a road/off road social rallye originally designed for the GS mob but now more likely to be frequented by XR 650,s ; 690 KTM ,s ; TM 450 R and the odd smattering of old XT ,s and the like . Big bikes but not that big anymore .
Twenty hardy souls attacked the long ride from destination home to Donegal and then the interesting and not always easy route around Cavan , Fermanagh , Donegal and Monaghan … some 800 K in total . By roads , green lanes , rivers and mountain plotted expertly by club president Allan Lechie tested the riders to a long 9 hour day with only the former mentioned Allan completing the route in total and in total darkness having endured a full drowning at the river ford very early in the day . Others dropped out during the day and more simply missed the routing to complete the course . Dave Creen ,Doctor Paul and Gordon Clarke ( yes , that one) missed the last route marker whilst Nick C towed UK visitor Glen Powell home quided by John barrett on the GPS .
Nick Collier found the big 990 Kaytoom just that , big and Mick White ran out of petrol but we believe Ken Peat sold him some . Neil collen and Jack pushed on well to complete route 1 and 2 before dark . Jimmy Ellis rode all the way from Cork on his 80,s BM and then back again , whilst Wheelo chickened out at the final bog crossing ( Tut) and local knowledge man Brian found the underwater bridge across . John and Brendan went missing en route but fixed the GPS and rejoined and Dave Mc Cann rode one armed following his recent cannon ball impressions at Kilworth .
Those who think such events are easy think again … they are relaxed and enjoyable ( weather permitting) but can be long and full of surprises …… fording rivers can catch you out .
Thanks to Allan for a great event .
