‘Easy riders’ take to the streets in homage to Honda

The vroom of powerful engines will be heard in East Cork next week as more than 300 owners of Honda Goldwing motorcycles from all over Europe hold a major gathering.

Youghal will host the 28th annual Goldwing Treffen (the German word for gathering) with some classic mototrcycles on display between Aug 16 to 19.

Local organiser Paddy Crowley said that Honda aficionados from Norway, Holland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Britain will mix with Irish bikers to show off the classic machines.

The toys for big boys don’t come cheap, but such motorbikes won’t lose their value like cars.

“A new Honda Goldwing 1800 would set you back €30,000 and one of the (three-wheeled) trikes cost €43,000. The older bikes go back to 1974 and if they are maintained in good condition are valuable,” Paddy said.

“People do keep them well, because they are a pride and joy.”

The enthusiasts will be based at Youghal GAA Club during their stay, but will branch out on tours.

“They will start arriving in the town next Wednesday. On the Friday we are organising a ride up over the Commeragh Mountains into Cahir and we will come back into Clogheen, over The Vee into Lismore, Tallow and back to Youghal,” Paddy said.

At around 9.30pm that day the motorcyclists will switch on all their lights for what should be a “spectacular light parade” from the town out to Summerfield and back.

On the Saturday they will form a convoy travelling to Cobh to attend that town’s annual regatta, arriving there at approximately 2.15pm.

Another drive-through will take place in Youghal at around 3.30pm at which the bikers will fly the flags of their respective nations.

Youghal Chamber will organise a major food fare featuring dishes from these nations in the town that afternoon.

Cllr Barbara Murray (FG), the mayor of County Cork, will be on hand to oversee the events.

“It’s great for the town and there should be a marvellous atmosphere there. We’re hoping lots of people will come to Youghal to enjoy the festivities,” Cllr Murray said.