A wee run in sunny northern Ireland yesterday

[andyruss]

Had a nice wee run on the bike yesterday. Was originally planning an early start and heading for Donegal, but the football on Saturday night and a few (too many!) beers ment a bit of a lie in on Sunday morning. So after a bit of a later start I set off from Randalstown and went out through Ballymena and towards Cushendall. Turned off before Glenarrif and up through Newtowncrumlin. This way takes in some good single track roads all the way down to cushendun.
Then from Cushendun it was onto the Torr road and up over Torr Head. It was as nice a day as I can remember up that way with some fantastic views over to Rathlin island and Scotland. Stopped for a quick brew up before Ballycastle, and the wife phoned to say they were heading to Jordanstown shore with a wee BBQ. So with the promise of a bit of bbq'd meat I turned round and headed to meet them. Back over Torr Head then and onto the coast road. I do like the road from Waterfoot along the coast but on a sunny Sunday it has too much traffic for my liking, but at least it gave me the chance to take in the secenry.
All in all, a nice day out on the bike and weather like that really makes you appreciate what a pretty wee island this is.
A few pics to follow (not many, or not great but I'll post them none the less)

[andyruss]

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A bit of "soft roading"

[andyruss]

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Glendun viaduct

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A few of the single tracks spolied by loose gravel

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[andyruss]

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View going up Torr road

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The locals!!

[92kk k100lt 193214]

You brought back some nice memories there. We can enjoy the pictures but the pleasure is all yours or anyone who rides it. I was out for a bike run with my son yesterday, it being Father's Day and when we were having lunch afterwards at the waterfront in Kinsale a Vstrom parked up near us and he was fancying one big time.

One of our guys lives up in Co Down and organised a route up on those roads last September. We had weather like you had and I don't care what anyone says but that route is better than many of the better known great motorcycle routes. Some fabulous routes in Ireland but that one is definitely in the top rides. The best places to ride, to stop...... ice cream on the seafront at Ballycastle. No one should come to ride over here without seeing the North Antrim Coast.

He always organises for a Saturday for the same reason you mentioned.....no Sunday drivers.

Ice cream in Ballycastle at 5pm, motorway home and having tea at 11pm with bike parked up, stopped to eat on the way. 515km from Ballycastle to home and worth it.

At the moment we are just planning our Norn Iron trip for next September. Date not finalised but will be more likely 13th 20th or less likely 27th starting from Hillsborough. Anyone with a venerable K is particularly welcome and a few of us are planning camping again at Tollymore Forest Park.

[650ginge]

You have reminded me what I am missing. Originally from randalstown but didn't bike until I moved down south.

Must get up for a weekend soon.

I haven't yet got the photo rally points up that way.

[Heff]

Been over most of that route at some time.

Stunning scenery and great roads (thumbs)

[Flintlock]

Nice route, nice roads, nice pics

[jonvdh]

Great pics, cheers for sharing!