shepards rest meet 2017

[timbo]

Cool as f@@@ mate 

[timbo]

Just an update, as the Shep's Rest is only a week away. Basically I have got absolutely f### all squared organised 
But don't worry, cause it will all be marvellous 
I'll be there from Thursday, as will Dave and Pat, in the camper, with another Wirral Wobbler, Martin, on his Sunbeam, ( OK, so its two thumpers in one engine  ). Also Robin will be there all the way from deepest Dorset.
The 'rabble' arrive off the boat into Belfast at 6.30 on the Friday morning. By the time they get off the ferry and on the road, itll be about 7, so I will meet them all for breakfast in Slims Cafe in Draperstown short of 8 ish 
Once everyone is set up and happy at the Shepherds Rest, we will have a Friday ride out for those that fancy it. Cheap bar snacks in the pub Friday night.
Saturday, breakfast at Slims, then rideout will leave there at 11 ish. I promise it won't all be C and D class roads this year 
The sidecar fellas will have their own rideout, and I believe there is also a fast rideout planned by my mate Gerry, for those that want a blast on their big boys toys 
Saturday night we all have our sit down two course dinner together in the pub, and lashings of ginger ale.
Sunday, most will head home, but I also have another ride out to a couple of big local bike collections for those that fancy. Then back to Shepherds Rest for Sunday evening.
Monday, and what's left of our bedraggled Thumpeteers, will head south for the Wicklow Mountains and Donard campsite. I will hopefully have an interesting visit/tour planned on the way down.
Phew, I better get my finger pulled out, as reading this has just scared the s#### out of me, as I've nothing organised 
Oh, and for those not coming, its not too late to book the Ferry. Use Nutt Travel for best price.

[Mart]

Hi Tim,

I booked my return a couple of months ago, Rosslare to Pembroke Dock, so we will part company at Rosslare and meet up again at Cwmdu. I thought that I had booked an overnight ferry but I checked my ticket and the ferry docks at 0046. Doh. I have now booked a room in P.D. so I can catch up on my beauty sleep, and have some breakfast, before setting of to join you at Cwmdu. The senior moments are arriving thick and fast these days. Looking forward to a great week.

If you haven't booked your ferry yet you could always have an extra week in England and come on the " Bike 4 Life " Festival the following Sunday 30th April, With Dan and me and 3,498 others [if there are any tickets left]. And off course we could take a few interesting trips  in the intervening week.

Mart

[SRXpatriate]

Hi Tim,

Howzitgoin'! Hope to be there Friday. Will take my time travelling up from Westmeath as I will have to use C and D roads, seeing that they will be missing from the rideout on Saturday

Looking forward to seeing you fellow Thumpeteers and safe travels to all,

Rene

[timbo]

Nice one Rene 
And thanks for your kind offer Mart, but I'm already going to be away a while, and have a few other trips in the pipeline, so I reckon that would be stretching it for me 

[timbo]

OK folks. So, the rally stickers and Thumper Club stickers are ordered, and after a few phone calls earlier, I've managed to organise the following.

Friday: a nice thirty mile ride out along the Glenelly Valley, and Gortin Lakes to the Abingdon Collection near Omagh. We're booked in as a group for 13:00. I've never been to this recently opened up private collection, but believe it is excellent. Friday evening there will be light bar snacks at £3 per head.

Saturday: Ride out will leave Slims Cafe in Draperstown at 11:00, and will be a leisurely ride around the Sperrins, with a visit to Wellbrook Beetling Mill along the way. Grub on Saturday night will be a sit down two course buffet at £10 per head. I will need numbers for this by Saturday morning please.

Sunday: I've made a block booking for breakfast/brunch at Randall's Cafe for 11:00, as its just round the corner from a large private collection we are booked in to visit near Antrim. Then we will make the short journey to Patterson's Spade Mill, (its better than it sounds!), for a tour. Sunday night I was thinking we could maybe have a bar b que for ourselves in the Shepherds Rests beer garden/patio.

Monday: not sure about breakfast, as Slims is closed, and in the wrong direction anyway. But I have it arranged for us to visit a fantastic private collection near Omagh for 11ish. This place is invitation only, and we are tagging on to a visit by the Morris Minor Owners Club. Then, on our way south, we are booked on a group tour of the Battle of the Boyne heritage sight near Drogheda, for 14:30. We then finish up at Donard campsite in the Wicklow Mountains for Monday and Tuesday night, where Nuala is awaiting our arrival

[Mark]

Hi Tim, Return Rosslare to Pembroke. Which day what time? Apologies if you've already told us but I am an old persoon. Mart

Mart, returning Rosslare to Fishguard on the 9am crossing Thurs 20th.

[Mark]

Tim, you seem to have it all in hand, the whole itinerary looks perfect, see you Friday.

[Dave#22]

Tim...I hope you've booked decent weather, not like last year when we came over on the mopeds and it snowed...in April.
Dave.

[indiantim]

Thanks Tim for your hard work organising this, it's much appreciated.

[timbo]

I'm allergic to hard work! Its a pleasure, and sure it gives us all an excuse to meet up, plus I get to visit places I'm interested in too 

[Dave#22]

Hi Tim, will petrol stations be open on Friday & Monday?...especially the one in Draperstown.
Dave.

[timbo]

I would think so, though I'll check on my way up tomorrow. I've even arranged for us to go and look at a few bikes on Thursday evening, just down the road, and these ones are all for sale. See you tomorrow 

[Dave#22]

I'll bring my chequebook....

[Guzziless Steve]

The petrol station in Straw village (which used to be just an old pump outside a shop) has been done up now to a proper service station and is closer to the Shepherd's Rest.