The second race in the series was to be held in Donard on the 6^th of Apr. Unfortunately an overnight snow caused the organiser Leinster Chairman Pat O’Reilly to abandon the race for safety reasons. This was most disappointing, especially for David and Helen McFarland who had come down the night before. The race was rescheduled for the 20^th of Apr. A field of eight started for the second race in the series. With Michael Griffin opting to do a 96 Km qualifier and Helen McFarland unable to attend, however a new entry to race riding was Larry O’Neill. Do we call him second jockey to Edward Allens yard? After an anxious start by some riders all eventually got away. The morning while dry was extremely cold add to this the high number of gates that had to be opened and it was easy to appreciate why the speed might not be quite as fast as at the Kinnity race. While all got through the midway inspection Evelyn Moore did get a bit of a fright with a high heart rate and a representation. The average present time was 7Mins 54Secs almost a full minute longer than the finish average at Kinnity. Evelyn's represent would have contributed to this. All set off on their second loop and returned home in pretty much the same order as they left the vetgate. Jane Stanley was first home at 17.67KPH, she was followed in some 27Mins later by Evelyn Moore and Mum Terry. However when the handicap came into play Evelyn Moore was the winner, with Terry second and Jane Stanley in third. The average presentation time was 10Mins 39Secs a long way up from the first race but it did appear from anecdotal evidence that the cold on Church Mountain did drain the horses somewhat. 

When you look at the results table you will see that Jane Stanley is now in first position overall, with Evelyn Moore in second and Thomas Roche in third. We can now look forward in confidence to the third race in the series where the handicap has changed considerably and is over a smaller range.

There were some misgivings about the parameters for this series in the initial planning stage. Rider and Horse preparation and management has been excellent and what was supposed to be a challenge to riders, horses and crews has not materialized because the participants are so far ahead of the game. It says a lot about the way the organisation has progressed at Gold level, when one thinks that a few years ago 80Km at 10KPH seemed like the end of the World.

The ILDRA race ride series is now well on its way. After a very anxious and nervous time during the lead in to the first race, at Kinnity, a nice field of eight participants went under starters orders at 0900 hrs all having passed the veterinary inspection with soon to be dentist Conor O’Hara. Held on St Patrick's weekend to avoid clashing with Easter the following weekend, the weather was very kind and ideal for endurance. Not having had a race for some time those who remained at the venue were some what startled by the early arrival of the crew vehicles in the venue for the halfway inspection. This boded well for the start of the series. All the riders were getting stuck in to the spirit of the series and enjoying themselves.

Setting the pace out in front was a group of three Jane Stanley, Michael Griffin and Thomas Roche. These riders had supported one another by all taking their turn to keep the pace up. They were quickly followed in by Helen McFarland and shortly afterwards by Bernie and Dawn LeadonBolger and Terry and Evelyn Moore. All passed the vet with an average presentation time of 5Mins 23Secs this was exceptionally good given the speeds they were riding at. To give an indication of how competitive everyone was there was only 16 Mins between first and last entering the vetgate after 40 Km riding.

The second loop was just as competitive as the first loop. With the three amigos up in front setting the pace. Helen McFarland set her own pace in behind them, as part of her overall year plan, while a gap opened up with the remaining riders. WOW a race ride over at 15 Mins to 2PM an organisers dream. In a very tight finish Michael Griffin came in just ahead of Jane Stanley with just 2 seconds between them after 80 Km (50 Miles) how bad can that be. They were quickly followed by Thomas Roche and Helen McFarland. The winning speed was 19.04KPH and the average presentation time was 7 Mins. After a presentation of Easter Eggs and Rosettes to all the burning question became “what is my handicap for the next race”. This was going to change the whole complexion of the race tactics for the remainder of the series. The results to date complete with handicaps and results can be seen elsewhere on the web site. Check them out.

The second CTR of the year seen a jump in distance from 40km from the first ride up to 80km however the highest mileage used on the day was 64km by a few combinations including Michael Griffin and Dhaakirah, Jane Stanley and Sunami. Larry O Neill and his grey Arab mare competed at 48km, and Terry Moore and Evelyn Moore also competed at CTR level. Emer Lennon and Karen Kiely were also out competing on their two greys. Ride organiser Yvonne Croke was happy to see good weather on a course which in previous years had produced some awful wet days. It was mainly a sunny day with one or two light showers. The course itself is just outside the small town of Portlaw and consists of two loops, all forest tracks some of which is very good going allowing for very fast times among the 64km riders! The nice going and fast ride times of the course should attract more riders to make the slightly longer trip down to Co. Waterford next time. The good going also gave riders a good opportunity to prepare for the first of the race ride series to take place in Kinnity two weeks later.

There was heavy rain forecast for Sunday 20 January.  This was the day of the second of the 2008 Leinster rides.  The morning started as predicted but cleared in time for the riders to embark on the 10 mile track which Tommy Roche had organised.  Despite the heavy rain which had fallen the previous week, the track across St Kevin’s Way, up Church Mountain and across the Scalp rode well.   There was no rain until late afternoon which allowed the riders to savour the views of the surrounding mountains and the Blessington Lakes.  Seven of the twenty eight riders enjoyed the track so much they did it twice.   When all the “hard work” was done some of the riders and organizers retired to the Hollywood Inn to sample “the best chips in Ireland”.  A cake with the requisite candles and sparklers was produced to mark Brona Kearney’s birthday.  This provided a fitting ending to a good day. 

Tommy Roche

The first Leinster Branch ride for 2008 took place in Stranahealy in the Glen of Immal in Wicklow.  There was an accurate weather forecast of a break in the storms for the day of the ride.  However, in true “Irish Weather” fashion, a heavy frost occurred instead.  This lead to some cancellations among intending riders.  In spite of that 27 people and their mounts turned up at Fenton’s Pub to start the ride.   The ride was a loop of approximately 15 Kilometers over some fine forest tracks.  The tracks were not affected by the frost and some people opted to do two loops.  The track sometimes came out of the forest into clearings where riders got a breathtaking view of all the surrounding mountains.  A good day was had by all and there were many promising to return to repeat the experience in Hollywood a fortnight later.

Thomas Roche – Rider Organiser.

The course rode well and ensured success for most of the riders and horses in achieving their targets.  However, the chilly weather conditions made keeping the horses muscles warm the crewing issue of the day.  Sadly, Terri Moore’s Galeshill Boffin was eliminated for lameness at the midway vetting when he was requested to represent before continuing onto the second loop of the ride. 

Tommy Roche and Silver successfully regained Gold qualification and Thomas Roche Junior went Platinum with Jasione Fluxiani.  The Catterall sisters successfully completed their 80kms with Ellanora going Gold and Charlie Four Socks looking as if he would do another 80km with ease!  Helen McFarland achieved her target for C’mall of 2,500 miles.   Louise Fingleton and Max were unfortunate enough to  be eliminated for lameness at their Final Presentation after they had completed the 64km course and will now have to wait until next season before going for their Silver Final again.

The large turnout of new Pleasure Riders including some Trec competitors and a large contingent of riders from county Kildare enjoyed their introduction to the sport of Long Distance Riding and have promised to come to the Fancy Dress Ride on November 4^th!

 Results:

 96km CTR     Thomas Roche Jnr (Jasione Fluxiani)

80km CTR     Tommy Roche (Silver); Robyn Catterall (Ellanora)

Hannah Catterall (Charlie Four Socks); Evelyn Moore (Galeshill Dawn)

64km CTR     Michael Griffin (Abdullah)

48km CTR     Helen McFarland (C’mall)

40km CTR     Yvonne Croke (Said); Larry O’Neill (Bluebell)

32km CTR     Elaine Hughes (Cosmic Khaption)

After the disappointing news that the Home International and Celtic Challenge Endurance competitions would not be held at Barbury Castle, England due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak, Pat Conn, organiser of the Red Dragon Endurance Festival saved the day when it was agreed to host the competitions alongside the Red Dragon Festival.

With an early start, some a lot earlier than others, the Irish team arrived in Builth Wells, Wales on Thursday 27th September, ready to take on the Scots, the Welsh, the English and riders for the first time from Cornwall.

With all the team members through the Friday vetting, Thomas Roche Jnr on Jasione Fluxiani, Edward Allen on Mr Flint and Dorothy Heath on Tír-na-nÓg started on Saturday morning at 7.30am from the Royal Welsh Showgrounds.  Their first leg of the 80km took them out towards the Fwauncestse Hills.  This proved very tricky as the mist was down and the going was very slippy under hoof.  As they made their way over the Rhuian Hills and on towards the Llandeilo Hills at just short of 40km, Dorothy's horse lost his footing, slipped and fell.  Neither horse nor rider was hurt but unfortunately had to retire. Thomas and Edward carried on through the two Vet Gates and made their way home over the Aderedw Hills.  By this stage the mist had cleared and the sun was shining.  They vetted successfully and Edward & Mr Flint were through the first stage of their 2 Day 120km ride.

8am saw the start of the Red Dragon race of 160km over two days.  Yvonne Croke on Braveheart and Judith Hyndman on Ardkill Mo both encountered the same difficulty with the weather.  Yvonne was on hand with encouragement and support to Judith, who had never attempted this distance before. Unfortunately the long journey had taken its toll on Braveheart and Yvonne made the difficult decision to retire him after successfully presenting at the first Vet Gate.  This meant Judith had to go it alone.  Luckily the weather had picked up and Judith was able to take in some of the stunning views Builth Wells had to offer and finish Day 1 successfully.

At 9am Robyn Catterall on Ellanora, Cora Keary on Beancroft Joe Hatter and Tommy Roche Snr on Silver began the 80km over two days (40km each day) that they had been chosen to ride.  Tommy (I'd better not say his age but over fifty) was given strict instruction not to get off his horse to open the gates on route, "Let the young ladies get off," were his instructions before the start!  With the girls hopping off, Tommy's job was to keep the jokes and banter flowing.  In just over 3 hours they crossed the finish line with smiles.

Sunday morning came quickly, with Judith setting off at 8.30am.  Her crew had increased with Yvonne stepping in to help.  Her expertise was greatly appreciated, and even though she didn't get to finish herself, she was going to make sure Judith did!

Just before 9am Robyn waited at the start line for her riding partner for the day, ILDRA Chairman Edward Allen, who would be riding with Robyn to complete his 120km.  As there was a change to the route it was Robyn's job to map read.  Up on the Llan-fraith hills they were met by a photographer who had them posing in the sunshine.  Thumbs up, arms around shoulders and on their own.  No-body can say that these two didn't enjoy themselves as their crews could hear them laughing before they could see them.  Only a few minutes behind them were our Novice riders, Louise Fingleton on Max and Juliet Jobling-Purser on Turbina.  Louise who was taking a break from her studies was soon to discover that she was actually riding with an Olympian: Juliet has represented her country at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics in her former sport of Eventing.  I think Juliet finds endurance a lot more relaxed.

With Cora and Tommy already on course for their next 40km it was the turn of Linda Pullman on Rinka and Brona Kearney on Charmer to leave the Showgrounds to start the 48km that lay ahead of them. To ride 48km on flat ground is an achievement but to ride 48km over the Welsh Hills was made extra special for the team. Brona who suffers from Fredricks Ataxia (a degenerative disease of the nerve tissue of the spinal cord) and Scoliosis proved that Irish eyes were smiling when the vet said "PASS" at their final vetting.  I know that anyone who was there felt proud and were overcome by emotion by this achievement.  This was felt more so by her mother, Mary and Godfather Larry.

With all but one rider home, the rest of the team and supporters congregated at the finish line to cheer Judith home.  With only a few kilometres to go disaster struck as Mo threw a shoe, but with her crew's quick thinking, Judith was able to replace it with an equine boot and continue over the finish line to well-deserved applause.

All that was left now was the prize giving and with all the teams gathered the eagerly awaited results were annouced.  The Home International results were: 4th place - Wales, 3rd place - England, 2nd place - Ireland and 1st place went to Scotland who got all 7 members of their team round.  The Celtic Challenge results proved more difficult to judge as Wales, Ireland and Scotland got all their team members home.  The final result went down to heartbeats and timings - 4th place went to Cornwall, 3rd place went to Wales, 2nd place to Scotland and 1st place went to Ireland.  Robyn Catterall also picked up "Best Junior Rider" for this event.

Well done to all the team riders, crew and supporters.  Congratulations to Chef d’Equipe, Larry O'Neill for his continuing dedication and support to both of the teams.  A big thank you goes to the organising committee for such a memorable weekend.  Well done to all and we look forward to next year’s competition which is being held in Northern Ireland. (Report from Kathy Conly)

 Home International:      1^st Scotland 2^nd Ireland 3^rd England 4^th Wales

 Celtic Challenge:          1^st Ireland 2^nd Scotland 3^rd Wales 4^th Cornwall

Click here for Full Results including Timings (source: Red Dragon Website):

They started as they were to finish at this year's Marathon on 16th September, with Terri Moore (Boffin) and Michael Griffin (Dhaakirah) taking an early lead over Yvonne Croke (Braveheart), Karen Kiely (Tamburlaine Dakota) and Michael Moore (Simi).  Bernie Leadon Bolger (Shaka) was the only entrant in the Lightweight Division this year with the other combinations contesting the weighted (75kg+) class.  This year's pace was steadier than last year's on the first Loop with Michael, Terri and Bernie coming in to the halfway vetting together.  Some very competitive crewing saw Michael get away with a several minute lead on Terri but there was no way that the Gales Hill rider was letting up and she left the venue at a ferocious pace to close the gap on Michael and Dhaakirah.  After passing the midway vetting, Yvonne Croke took the decision to withdraw Braveheart as they will be competing on the Home International team at the Red Dragon at the end of the month and she did not want to take any risks with him.  This left Karen Kiely & Dakota in third place leaving the Vet Gate, with Michael Moore (Simi) travelling steadily in fourth place.  The second loop was run at a faster pace than the first, with Michael trying hard to hold on to his lead and Terri doing her very best to close the gap, culminating in an exciting racing finish which saw Terri & Boffin cross the line ahead of Michael & Dhaakirah.  However, with the excitement of the fast paced second loop and gallop  to the line taking its toll, Boffin's heart rate would not drop to the required 60 BPM in the time allowed which meant that First Place went to Michael Griffin & Dhaakirah, Second were Karen Kiely & Tamburlaine Dakota and Third were Michael Moore & Simi.  Rosettes and Prizes included the impressive Trophy for first place, rugs or numnahs for all participants and bags of feed generously sponsored by Kehoe Brothers Horse Feed Suppliers and were well received by the competitors, despite the wintry showers which descended immediately after the race.    Bernie & Shaka successfully completed and were presented with First Place in the unweighted division.

Thanks go to sponsors of prizes Kehoe Brothers Horse Feed Suppliers and to landowners, helpers and all involved in the Race.

There was a good turnout of CTR and Pleasure Riders who enjoyed the course mainly over stubble fields.  Congratulations to Emer Lennon and DVS Over the Ridge who completed Ridge's Bronze Final on the day.  More details of CTR & Pleasure Riders to follow.  See Photo Gallery for more pictures of the event.

Riders were lucky with the weather and stayed dry for the day which despite the low turnout in terms of numbers, was a success for CTR completions with no eliminations.

CTRs:

80km Terri Moore (Boffin), April O’Raw (Scimitar), Karen Kiely (Tamburlaine Dakota)

48km Larry O’Neill (Bluebell), Brona Kearney (Charmer), Pat O’Reilly (Swift), Tommy Roche (Silver)

40km Thomas Roche (Mr Flint), Cora Keary (Beancroft Joe Hatter)

PRs:

32km Yvonne Croke (Braveheart)

16km Jane Damien (Noddy), Emer Irwin (Zola), Susan Lennox (Crackerjack), Emer Lennon (DVS Over the Ridge), Deirdre Scully (Saffron), Joanne Smith (Jenny), Erika Jackson (Lightning), Lucinda Donnelly (Black Magic)

Completed CTR's:

120 Km: Judith Hyndman (Ardkillmo), Robin Catterall (Ellanora). 

80Km:  Dawn Leadon Bolger (Cal Flomy), Celnal All (Flat), Dorothy Heath (Tir Na Nog).

64Km:  April O'Raw (Ykak).

48Km: Peter O'Carroll (Shonis Riona), Thomas Roche (Polly), Tommy Roche (Silver), Ashley Deegan (Smokey). 

40Km:  Larry O'Neill (Blue Bell), Cora Keary (Joe), Brona Kearney (Charmer), Emilly Miller (Penny), Louise               Fingleton (Max), Imberto Javoliei (Rocky).

50ER:  1st: Yvonne Croke (Diamond), 2nd: Kerry Burch (Savah), 3rd: Pat O'Reilly (Swift).

Report submitted by Nikki Boud (Ride Organizer)

Rain, rain, a little bit of a break then more rain!  But did it stop everyone enjoying themselves ( and there was a fair few of you)  ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!  It was great to have another day without mishap or any CTR’s being unsuccessful - Happy faces all around.  Oldcourt is an ever popular venue, with miles of grassy forest tracks and panoramic views of the Blessington Lakes not to mention the lovely little village of Manor Kilbride and the ancient ruins of Three Castles.

RESULTS

80km CTR: Michael Griffin - Abdullah

64km CTR: Cora Keary - Beancroft Joe Hatter

48km CTR: Jane Stanley - Tsunami; Helen Mc Farland - Just St. Jake; Thomas Roche – Silver; Robyn Catterall – Ellenora; Hannah Catterall - Miss Ellie

40km CTR: Terry Moore - Galeshill Boffin; Evelyn Moore – Jehol; Linda Pullman - Rinka

32km TR: Karen Kiely - Tamburlaine Dakota

Pleasure Riders: Sarah Hogan (Sienna); Debra Carr (Romeo); Pat O’Reilly (Swift); Bronagh Kearney (Charmer); Ger Delaney (Firebolt); Olivia Maroney (Darco); Lisa Conroy (Oisin); Louise Gobbot (William); Kim Mc Cormack (Breeze); Eileen Cosgrave (Cloud Nine); Yvonne Croke (D.V.S. Over The Ridge); Jim Ryan (Braveheart); Emily Miller ( Sheeba Fluxiani); April O’Raw (Ykara); Ruth Kirwan (Paddy Bear); Jim Corrigan (Sparky); Clare Stanley (Reggie).

Well done all and looking forward to seeing you all and more soon.   Thank you to the Oldcourt team: George Finlay Snr & Jnr, Amanda Finlay and Michael Griffin.  And to our vet John O’Shea and all the farmers and landowners who generously let us cross through their properties.

Over and Out Nikki Boud

Report submitted by Nikki Boud (Ride Organizer)

Glenmalure is one the most picturesque and best examples of a glacial valley carved out during the ice age.  It boasts fabulous views whether you’re gazing from the meandering tracks of Mullacor mountain where you have the good fortune to discover the magical sight of glenmalure waterfall rushing down to the Avonbeg River or venturing to the dizzy heights of Cullentragh Mountain to drink in the views of the scenic east coast and the breathtaking Sugar Loaf.  There’s all that without even mentioning that it’s an area steeped in Irish history and no doubt many of us have a relation down the line that fought a battle or two there back in the early 1900’s.

Fortunately we were blessed with the weather - the rain held off till everyone had finished and gone home.  It was a limited turn out but a happy one.  It was great to see a couple of new faces as well as the regular ones.  Fortunately all CTR’s passed on the day and it was great to see another of Michael Griffin’s horses Yasser Arafat reach their Gold Final with ease.

I would like to thank all my helpers because without them the event wouldn’t be possible and they include George Finlay and Michael Griffin, course markers, Amanda Finlay, vet writer and of course our veterinary panel Gerry Curtin and his able helper Edel.

So folks until the next time, enjoy the rest of your season and maybe we will see you at the next Glenmalure ride!

Report by Karen Kiely (Ride Organiser)

Time & Tide wait for no man (or woman) and knowing that ILDRA riders, however hardy they might be, wouldn't be keen on a Beach Ride at 3am on a Sunday morning meant a change of date for the ride from Sunday 15th April to the Bank Holiday Monday.  19 Riders took part and enjoyed the morning ride along the wide strand at Laytown/Bettystown and were rewarded on their return with a certain brand of "creme" egg in honour of the Easter holiday.  A special mention goes to Kim McCormack's King - despite being the oldest horse on the ride at 24 he was certainly the liveliest and pulled like a train from beginning to end.  Kim is considering entering him in the Laytown races later in the year!

Report by Pat O'Reilly (Ride Organizer)

If we thought the weather at Inistioge was bad, the snow showers and biting wind brought another challenge to horses, riders and crew at Donard on the St Patrick's Day Bank Holiday weekend!

Despite the tough conditions, the course rode well and there were no eliminations with one retirement among a large field of CTR riders.  Bernie Leadon Bolger & Insaneia took on the longest distance on the day, successfully completing 100km.  Not surprisingly, considering the weather conditions, Pleasure Riders were thinner on the ground with only six hardy individuals out on the day.

CTR Completions:

100km: Bernie Leadon Bolger (Insaneia)

80km: Jane Stanley (Sunami); Yvonne Croke (Dantean); Emily Miller (Salubrious Diamond); Jim Ryan (Braveheart)

64km: Helen McFarland (Just Jake); Terri Moore (Boffin); A Dargan (Milky Quartz); Suzanne Perry (Azeera); Helen Perry (Ismael); Amy Lennon (Topper)

48km: Michael Griffin (Dhaakirah); Brona Kearney (Charmer); Cora Keary (Beancroft Joe Hatter); Thomas Roche (Polly); Sharon Perry (Khazino); Katie Lennon (Shaiman)

40km: Evelyn Moore (Dawn); J Purser (Turbinia); Linda Pullman; K Dwyer (Lady); Shana McGuire (Corrib); Sophia Mills (Flash); Karen Kiely (Tamburlaine Dakota); Beth James (Irish Grey Star)

PR: Dawn Leadon Bolger (Shaka); Emma (Biddie); Marie (Abby); Fergus O'Connor (?); B Rogers; Kim McCormack (King) 

Report by Karen Kiely

Testing, extreme, atrocious - it's difficult to describe the conditions which riders, horses, crews & vet endured at the Inistioge ride.  Torrential rain, coupled with strong winds made for the most arduous ride of season and some would say the worst weather ever faced by ILDRA riders.  Despite the appalling conditions, everyone who made it down was in good spirits and made the best of a tough day.

Brave (or mad) enough to complete CTRs on the day were:

CTR 64km: Jane Stanley (Sunami)

CTR 48km: Emily Miller (Salubrious Diamond); Yvonne Croke (Dantean); Jim Ryan (Braveheart)

CTR 40km: Michael Griffin (Dhaakirah); Terri Moore (Galeshill Boffin); Evelyn Moore (TBA); Bernie Leadon Bolger (Insaneia)

PR Completions (now these are the really mad ones): Kim McCormack; Eileen Cosgrove; Brona Kearney

If I have omitted anyone or got distances wrong, my apologies & please contact me to correct.

Report by Michael Moore (Ride Organizer)

Once again the weather favoured riders with a sunny morning and blue skies for our first visit to Wolfhill of the season.  There was a good turnout of both CTR and Pleasure Riders who enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere which always prevails at this venue.  There was a new 30.6km loop which added to the existing loop up to Fossy Hill and took in part of the trails over Fossy Mountain.  This new part of the course was testing but rode very well with alternating demanding climbs and downhill stretches.

CTR Completions:

50km - Terri Moore (Galeshill Boffin), Jane Stanley (Sunami), Stephen Cox (Breezey Country), Elaine Hughes (Cosmic Khaptian)

38.6km - Emer Lennon (Braveheart), Yvonne Croke (Salubrious Diamond), Brona Kearney (Charmer), Linda Pullman (Rinka), Ashling Purser (Turbinia), Cora Keary (Beancroft Joe Hatter), Tommy Roche (Polly), Thomas Roche (Kaydean)

Congratulations to Brona Kearney who successfully completed her 2nd Bronze Qualifier!

Report by Jim Ryan (Ride Organizer)

The first Competitive Trail Ride of the season got off to a great start at Bawnreagh; early morning frost thawed in the sun leaving only a few icy patches in some shadowed areas on the trail.  After the heavy rain at Stranahealy and the biting wind at Hollywood it was great to get a bit of decent weather for the ride.  In addition to the 9 CTR completions, 20 Pleasure Riders took part on the day.

CTR Completions:

48km - Elaine Hughes (Cosmic Khaptian)

40km - Jane Stanley (Sunami), Michael Griffin (Arafat), Wesley Griffin (Abdulla)

32km - Cora Keary (Beancroft Joe Hatter), Brona Kearney (Charmer), Peter O'Carroll (Shanis Riona), Tommy Roche (Molly), Thomas Roche (Polly)

Congratulations to Brona Kearney who successfully completed her 1st Bronze Qualifier.

Report by Thomas Roche (Ride Organizer)

Despite the forecasted bad weather, 26 brave souls ventured out for the second Pleasure Ride of the 2007 season.  They were well rewarded with the majestic views and good going on the trail.

Organizer Thomas Roche was well prepared for the "bracing" weather with a caravan installed at the forest entrance as a temporary office which did double duty as a refuge from the cold for riders and crew too!

Michael & Wesley Griffin braved the chilly conditions for the full 32km available with Terri & Evelyn Moore and April O'Raw completing 20km.  The remaining 21 riders completed the 16km loop.

A most enjoyable day was well rounded off when everyone retired post-ride to the Hollywood Inn for the "best chips in Ireland" followed by a chocolate fudge cake in honour of Brona Kearney's birthday.

Report by Thomas Roche (Ride Organizer)

The weather for the first outing of the 2007 Season at Stranahealy favoured the early starters with heavy rain following later in the day.

There were 31 riders out altogether and most made it back to the venue not long after the rain started.  The open fire and hot soup provided in Fenton's pub provided a warm welcome for returning riders!  Bernie Leadon Bolger & Insania and Michelle Byrne riding Shaka were the only two combinations to tackle the full 32km available with the majority of riders opting to stick to 12km.  The tree complete with Christmas decorations along the trail brought a smile to everyone's faces.

Rosettes (which necessitated an emergency run to Connolly Station on Friday night) were well received by the riders who made their debut on the day.  Yvonne Potter & friends and Pauline James were all interested in the upcoming schedule so the rain did not dampen their enthusiasm!  We look forward to seeing them out again.

Click here for list of Trophy winners for 2006 Season.

Click here.