The West’s awake as Goldwingers hit town

GALWAY Racecourse was filled with roaring iron horses at the weekend as hundreds of bikers revved up their engines and went west.

More than 250 Honda GoldWings converged on Galway for the annual Treffen (Meeting of Friends), that attracts bike enthusiasts from all parts of Europe.

Yesterday the public flocked to Ballybrit to take a closer look at the spectacular bikes that can cost up to 30,000.

On Saturday afternoon the 250 Honda GoldWings paraded through the streets of Galway and each rider carried his country’s flag.

Those who travelled to the City Of Tribes came from over 16 European countries, including Britain Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Germany and Portugal.

Organiser Eamonn Toner said: “It was a great weekend for all those involved and the parade of nations in the city centre was something special.”

Those who made the journey included Paul Seabridge, his son Gregg, 11, and partner Annette Stevens from Stoke, Staffordshire.

Paul, an avid GoldWing fanatic who always makes the annual Treffen meeting.

The sidecar is so comfortable that young Gregg slept for two hours on the way to Galway.

“He could read, enjoy the scenery and listen to the sidecar’s built in stereo,” his father said.

Gregg is no stranger to the open road and he experienced his first tour when he was only seven months old.

Friday more than 50 bikes took to bending roads of Co Clare where they briefly stopped off to look at the Burren.

There was also a trip to Connemara. The bikers travelled along the coastal Spiddal road and later returned to Galway city.