Roon Tha Toon 3

It is recognised that Ballymoney is the true heart of road racing and on Monday 4th August 2008 the town once again reverberated to the sound of racing motorcycles in the 3rd instalment of “Roon Tha Town”. 

Many months of preparation had gone into staging the event and putting in place a programme to enthral and amaze the public by members of the VJMC (Northern Counties) in conjunction with Nutt Travel/Promotions and Ballymoney Borough Council.

The circuit to be used this year was the original one from 2006 but with the paddock area at Dalriada School where a static display of classic motorcycles could be enjoyed. The event would be in the form of parade laps by each entrant around a closed road circuit within Ballymoney town. The holding area was to be in St James Road with the machines moving to the start on Model School Road and circulating in a clockwise direction into High Street and then Townhead Street to the finish.

As the day of the event approached the entry list grew with every type of racing machine from private collections, most of these machines will only be seen at this event or at classic & race shows. This event gives the present day riders and past-masters the chance to re-acquaint with race proven machinery many of which were race winners in the 70`s and 80`s.

A souvenir programme for the event was published with the cover picture of Robert Dunlop on the JPS Norton leading Joey Dunlop (Honda) at Ballysally roundabout in 1991. Robert was a staunch supporter of this event and will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him, he leant support to the organisers on many occasions, his presence on motorcycle circuits throughout the land will be sorely missed. The event has in the past donated to the “Joey Dunlop Foundation” as their chosen charity but for 2008 the decision was taken to select the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice in respect of Roberts links with them. The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice helps families in their times of crisis and Robert was a family man.

The 38 page programme contained a full entry list of riders and machines; it also included some excellent photography from the previous 2 years of the event plus sponsors advertising and club details.

On Monday 4th the school car parks became a hive of activity with crowd control barriers, transporters, machinery etc arriving every few minutes. By early afternoon the place started to look like a true racing paddock and the static display was taking shape. The barriers were distributed along with recital bales and safety equipment but could not be put in place until the appointed time. By late afternoon the public began to assemble eager to find the best vantage points around the circuit while the barriers, bales etc were moved into their final positions and the organiser’s liased with the local PSNI officers on safety issues/crowd control/Ambulance routes etc.

As the crowds grew on a pleasant summer evening most took the opportunity to walk around the paddock area to observe machine preparations and photograph the exotic machinery on show, such as the RC 164 Honda to be ridden by Ralph Bryans, RS 250 Honda on which Joey won the millennium TT, To be ridden by his son Gary, RG 500 Suzuki with Geoff McMullan on board and many RC 30 Honda’s, TZ 250 & 350 Yamahas, Ridges, Norton’s, Suzuki’s and many more superb examples of racing thoroughbreds from the past 80 years of our sport.

“Ecurie Sportive” was the motto chosen by the Hailwood family in the 1960`s to adorn Mike’s leathers and van, it means “For the love of the sport” and without the love and passion of the enthusiasts who rescue, restore and collect these machines the public would never get to see them.

By 6PM the racing machines moved to the top of the paddock in readiness to enter the holding area in St James Road. The smell of Castrol R in the air and the sound of 2 Strokes and 4 Strokes revving to warm up had everyone eagerly anticipating the evening’s entertainment. Clerk of the Course Billy Nutt completed his final safety check of the circuit and all communications were checked before Guest of Honour Ralph Bryans (1966 World 50cc Champion) on the RC 164 Honda got us underway.

The next 3 hours was packed with entertainment as every machine lapped the circuit to the applause of a large crowd of approx 3000. Every head would turn to follow in admiration as the Manx Norton roared into view, the deep throaty Honda had the photographers snapping away and the high revving Yamaha’s gave the impression of speed in such a tight environment.

During the mid session interval a number of classic cars completed laps of the circuit. Commentators George McCann and Harold Crooks kept the crowd well informed as to the riders and machinery on view with their extensive knowledge of the marques. Everyone will have their own favourites, Japanese, British or European but there was something to please all and the good weather helped bring out many family’s to enjoy the evenings attractions.

The VJMC (NCS) wishes to thank all who made their machinery available and to all who assisted in the smooth running of the event, especially St Johns Ambulance, Marshals Association, Scrutineers, James Murray Fabrications, Ballymoney Borough Council and in particular the local PSNI without the assistance and support of whom an event like this would not be possible. The PSNI promote Bikesafe for the benefit of all motorcyclists, details are available at your local station.

As the evening drew to a close the majority of VJMC (NCS) members stayed to remove crowd control barriers, bales etc to return the area to normal. The VJMC (NCS) meet at Coleraine Rugby Club at 7:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month; everyone is welcome to attend as a guest or new member. The annual Classic Bike Show run by the club takes place at the Antrim Forum on the weekend of 1st & 2nd November 2008 with Japanese, British and European machines on display along with Trade Stands, Auto jumble and Special Guests, so come along and enjoy the craic.