All posts by Abhi

Featured, Motorcycle Meets, Reviews

THE SAFETY CATCH – Dunlops and their travails

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The Safety Catch is a play by Nick Snow that explores the dangers and excitement of motorcycle road racing.  The play explores the dangers and excitement of motorcycle road racing through the story of Michael Dunlop. The Northern Irish rider is Robert Dunlop’s son and Joey Dunlop’s nephew. They are two of the most successful road racers ever. The family is probably the most famous sporting family in Northern Ireland.

Motorcycle road racing is an exciting sport where riders go really fast on public roads. The Isle of Man TT is a famous event, but it can be dangerous too. Over 250 riders have sadly lost their lives while racing.

Andrew McCracken as Michael Dunlop. Photo: Al Craig

The Safety Catch

Back to the play now, it follows Michael as he prepares for the Isle of Man TT. It is set in the time following the death of his elder brother, William. Michael must decide whether he should continue racing, knowing the risks involved. He is torn between his love of the sport and his desire to protect his family. He seeks advice from his mentor, Liam Beckett, a former road racer.

The Dunlop family is the most successful in the history of the TT, with over 50 wins between them. The family has also given the sport many lives, not discounting the survivors’ trauma and challenges.

Venue
The Lyric Theatre, Belfast, October 31 to November 4, 2023.

Tickets available at The Safety Catch | Lyric Theatre Belfast

Fra Gunn as Liam.  Photo: Al Craig

The Safety Catch was first performed at The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton and The Playhouse, Derry, in 2022. It sounds like a must-see play for anyone interested in the Isle of Man TT or the Dunlop family story. I feel it is a moving and thought-provoking play that will stay with you long after you have seen it. Hopefully, we can take it in as motorcyclists and families.

    Cast and credits of The Safety Catch

    • Written by Nick Snow
    • Directed by Joe O’Byrne
    • Set design – Dee Armstrong
    • Sound design – Mark Gavin
    • Andrew McCracken as Michael Dunlop.
    • Fra Gunn as Liam Beckett (Reference: IMDB)

Interesting facts about the Isle of Man TT and roadracing in Ireland:

  • The Isle of Man TT is the oldest motorcycle race in the world, first held in 1907.
  • The TT course is a 37.730 miles (60.718 km) public road circuit that winds around the Isle of Man.
  • The fastest lap record on the TT course is 136.358 mph, set by Peter Hickman in the Senior TT race this year (2023). Lap Time of 16m 36.114s equating to 219.447 km/h
  • The TT course is known for its many dangers, including high speeds, narrow roads, and stone walls.
  • Between 1907 and 2023, there were 155 fatalities during official practices or races on the Snaefell Mountain Course and 266 total fatalities (this includes the riders killed during the Manx Grand Prix and Clubman TT race series of the late 1940s/1950s).
  • Northern Ireland has produced some of history’s most successful road racers, including Joey and Michael Dunlop.
  • Many road races are held annually in Ireland, including the North West 200, the Ulster GP, and the Skerries 100.
  • Roadracing is a very popular sport in Ireland and attracts large crowds of spectators.

Why do riders continue to race in the Isle of Man TT?

Riders race in the Isle of Man TT for different reasons. Some do it as a personal challenge, while others continue a family tradition.

The Isle of Man TT is an exciting motorcycle race that tests riders’ limits and is filled with thrilling moments.

Reviews

Motorbikes for sale Ireland

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Motorbikes for sale Ireland is where I started searching too when I needed a new motorcycle. I was trying to find the perfect motorcycle to fit my needs. I started by looking for motorcycles that cost around 3,000EUR, but it turned out to be quite a challenge to find a good quality one in today’s market, especially if you’re looking for a bigger model.

Ireland has seen a steady increase in motorcycle sales over the past few years. In 2019, there were over 9,000 new registrations of motorcycles, and that number is expected to continue to rise. If you look and listen to the motorcycles in Dublin, the most popular brands in Ireland include Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. You hear the wail of the inline-4 cylinder motorcycles well into the night. However, you do see some BMWs, Ducatis and the odd Harley-Davidson. With such a growing market, it’s essential to research and find the best motorcycle to fit your needs.

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Club Meets, Day Rides

2023 Kells Ride Out – Sunday Spins

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The 2023 Kells Ride Out was an exciting event for me. It would be the first event I was riding to in Ireland. It was supposed to be held in March 2023. Still, it got cancelled at the time. This annual gathering, held in the charming town of Kells, is in a county called Meath. So a good Sunday morning spin for me.

The ride-out occurred on a sunny summer day, with riders assembling at Park Ri in Kells. I barely washed my motorcycle, but I could quickly tell that people had been preparing their bikes for days. Engaging in friendly banter, I met a few friendly faces. Thanks to I’m that I met there, got onto a WhatsApp group now for Bikers in Ireland. The atmosphere was electric and noisy with revving engines. I miss having an inline-four, and the anticipation and excitement for the ride didn’t help. I had my insurance-friendly motorcycle learner “L” vest on for most of it. Still, other participants ranged from seasoned riders to newcomers eager to experience the thrill of riding in a group.

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BMW, Motorcycles

2007 BMW R1200GS specifications

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Why am I collating the 2007 BMW R1200GS specifications, which is now a 15-year-old motorcycle in 2023? Because the 2007 BMW R1200GS is now my latest motorcycle. When I started looking for a motorcycle to add on, it had to be the 1150 GS or the (K25) BMW R1200GS. Either of these motorcycles is a true icon of adventure motorcycling. So, I eventually ended up with a bike from 2007, though the 2014 Adventure was something I had looked at.

As one of the most popular and revered motorcycles in its class, the R1200GS has captured the hearts of riders worldwide with its unrivalled combination of versatility, power, and reliability, and this two-wheeled marvel has redefined what it means to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of adventure to new heights.

Furthermore, modern motorcycles boast an array of cutting-edge technology and rider aids. Returning to riding after many years, the bike comes equipped with a few things and not too many electronic aids. BMW’s renowned ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) enhances safety and ensure optimal traction in varying road conditions. But for me, features such as an adjustable windshield, heated grips, and a comfortable seating position make long rides a pleasurable experience, enabling me to explore for hours without fatigue. Yeah, I am getting old.

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Knowledge Base, Reviews

Done Deal motorbikes – what should you know?

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Are you in the market for a new set of wheels? Done Deal motorbikes are one of the many options for buying a motorcycle if you’re already in Ireland or planning on coming here. There are many motorcycles, makes and models, and you will find something to get you going. If you are a learner, do not make these beginner mistakes on a motorcycle.

If you want me to cover some of the other marketplaces for motorcycles, send them to me.

Disclaimer about the Done Deal Motorbikes

Before you go full throttle into the world of Done Deal motorbikes, please understand that this post is purely for guidance and don’t take advice from some nutjob on the internet like me. You are responsible for your decisions and deals.

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