Rachel Farrell
A CLUB of motorcycling enthusiasts who aim to improve life for others has raised over €1,700 for ‘Blood Bikes East’ in the past year.
While the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club’s main activity is touring the country on motorcycles they also support charities on the side.
Club chairman Jim McGrath explained that every year, members of the club put forward a charity of their choice.
“It all goes into a hat and whatever is pulled out is the charity we support for the year,” he said.
“We normally have a social in Shankill Tennis Club once a month. We also have a raffle at our end of year rally at the end of November.
“The money we raise from all of that goes to the charity.”
Last year, the club chose Blood Bikes East (BBE). The voluntary organisation provides free emergency transport between hospitals in the Dublin and Leinster area.
“Several members of our club are also volunteers in Blood Bikes so we were delighted to be able to support them,” Jim added.
In previous years, the club have supported St Vincent de Paul and Concern.
“As motorcyclists, we enjoy a good life and therefore we like to give something back to society,” Jim said.
The club now boasts over 200 members from all over the country.
They are the largest multi-make motorcycle club in Ireland, and their members are interested in motorcycles manufactured by all companies and all eras.
“Three of them are over 70 years of age,” Jim revealed. “Even though we’re called the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club, we have members from almost every county in the country.”
The club is now based in Shankill Tennis club but began meeting in Dundrum when they formed in 1971.
For many members, it’s not just about the motorcycling but the “comradery”, according to Jim.
“There’s a great social aspect to our activities,” he explained.