Nifty Fifty Honda bike run for ACTivate
DOZENS OF BIKES SET TO HIT THE ROAD ON MAY 14 FOR CDYS ACTIVATE YOUTH CLUB FUNDRAISER
THE Honda 50 motorbike is still regarded as one of the finest, although not the most sophisticated, pieces of machinery to have ever graced the highways and byways of Ireland.
Affectionately christened the ‘nifty-fifty, the motorbike was the mode of motorised transport of last resort for many and it stills holds a special place in the hearts of biking enthusiasts.
While they may be a rare sight on our roads these days, there are many clubs around the country dedicated to the humble machine and they regularly take out their trusty bikes to help raise funds for charitable causes.
Among these are the North Cork Honda Club, whose members will be taking to the roads of the region on Sunday, May 14 for a fundraising run in aid of the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service (CDYS) ACTivate Club.
Based at the ‘Big Blue Cube’ at Gouldshill in Mallow, ACTivate is a weekly youth club for young people on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Its principle focus is to offer children the chance to be themselves in a safe and supervised environment and, at their own pace, encourage them to interact and have fun with other children on the spectrum and their own siblings.
The chairman of the North Cork Honda Club, Garry Morrissey, said they were delighted to be hosting the event in aid of such a worthy cause.
“People can sign on from 9.30am at the Big Blue Cube, with the run set to get underway at 11am sharp. We will ride along an 80 mile track through North Cork taking in villages and towns including Dromahane, Bweeng, Millstreet and Boherbue before returning to Gouldshill,” said Garry.
He said the sight of Honda 50s, 70s and 90s on the road always stirs up fond memories.
“They are one of the most recognisable and versatile motorbikes ever made, which is why people still love them. A lot of them were pushed into ditches or left to rot in sheds, but thanks to clubs like ours they have become popular again and you see a lot more of them on the road,” said Garry.
“We are calling on people to dust down their machines and get them back on the road in aid of this wonderful cause,” he added.
While Garry said the event was called the Honda Run, it is open to the owners of all vintage bikes.
“The entry fee is only €20 and a great day’s fun is guaranteed with raffle prizes also up for grabs on the day,” said Garry.
For more information about the event visit www.cdys.ie or contact Garry on 087 721 4069.