A Quiet May Day Weekend In Tandragee

This May Bank holiday weekend in Tandragee was unusually quiet. The decision not to run the Tandragee 100 Road Race this year made the town a rather surreal place.

The familiar ning ning ning and brrrrrrrrrrrrem brrrrrrrrrrrrem distant sounds of the race were missing, making Saturday feel like just another Saturday. Likewise the throngs of motorcycle enthusiasts flocking towards Tandragee - nowhere to be seen.

Many of the local businesses and organisations that look forward to the Tandragee 100 as a boost to their income certainly noticed the difference.

Last week some of those all familiar indicators that Tandragee was going to come alive on the Saturday were missing. Like the big sign that mysteriously appears on the railings at Ballymore Church "Bikers Big Breakfast this Saturday from 7.30am" and the yellow AA signs reminding us of the road closures on Friday evening and Saturday.

However, thankfully some of the traditional events leading up to the Tandragee 100 did take place.

On Sunday 18th April the Tandragee 100 supporters club congregated at the Leisure Centre car park. Despite a gloomy damp morning, spirits where high as they set off on the fundraising Bike Ride around the County Down countryside taking in the spectacular views of the Mournes and Down's undulating countryside, and not forgetting the obligatory stop off at Newcastle for an ice cream. 

Then on Monday 26th April the supporters club held a motorcycle display outside the Ballymore Inn. Many different bikes were on display including some of the racing bikes that normally take part in the race.

May we also take this time to remember those riders who have lost their lives in past races held at the Tandragee 100. On Bank Holiday Monday a group of bikers set out from Lusk and made their way to Tandragee, where they will complete a lap of the Tandragee 100 course and lay a wreath at Marlacoo Corner, where Martin Finnegan tragically lost his life 2 years ago to the day.