Deputy Mayor Ronnie Crawford presents the cup to Robert Watson

LISBURN'S Deputy Mayor took a nostalgic walk among 26 vintage motorcycles recently and said he was thinking once again of taking to the open road on two wheels instead of four.

Councillor Ronnie Crawford was meeting participants in the annual 'Lisburn Girder Fork Run' organised by the Vintage Motorcycle Club of Northern Ireland which began at the Civic Centre.

Despite some early morning rain he enjoyed viewing the machines and meeting their riders.

He decided the motorcycle he would most like to take home would be a 1964 650cc Triumph Bonneville.

Mr. Crawford presented a silver cup to the owner Robert Watson. Each of the other riders received a lapel badge depicting the Sunbeam belonging to last year's winner John Sloan.

As usual the badges were manufactured in Australia. The run was organised by Lambeg couple David and Joan Crawford who were helped in finalising the route by local rider Marvin Snowdon.

Mr. Snowdon led the riders on a lap of Lisburn City Centre before once again passing the Island Civic Centre aboard his old 125cc BSA Bantam.

A spokesperson explained the motorcyclists then proceeded to the Shanes Castle Steam Rally via the 'beautiful Antrim Lanes and B roads around Glenavy and Crumlin'.

She said they were the first motorcycle club to have been invited to the Rally and were 'extremely well looked after' by the organisers who provided a marquee and meal vouchers.

"On May Day in glorious sunny weather our members returned to put on a static motorcycle display. Again immense interest increased the club profile. Along with many others we were very grateful for the shade, seating and refreshments that our club stand provided,"she added.

"Many thanks to Lisburn City Council for their sponsorship, to all who helped in any way to make the Girder Fork Run and the May Day event a resounding success."

Ulster Star
06/06/2008