The Weekend Run with Liam Gaskin — A coastal run in the 'Sunny South East' and Honda's huge biking milestone

Extra.ie​

3 days ago

For me, my bike runs are more about the journey and less about the destination, and this week's run is no exception.
I set myself a goal of getting from Wicklow Town to Wexford Town without touching a motorway or a dual carriageway. Just outside Wicklow Town on the coast road from Wicklow to Arklow, the first thing I saw was a clear road ahead.
It didn't last forever, but it was far more tranquil than other roads I could have taken. The clear coast road just outside Wicklow Town, on the way to Arklow — a biker's dream. Pic: Supplied
The next thing I saw was a large tower on the coast, which turned out to be the old Wicklow Head lighthouse, which dates back to 1781. However, it is now a holiday accommodation managed by the Irish Landmark Trust.
Their website states that it has two double bedrooms, a sitting room, a fully fitted kitchen, and all modern conveniences. You can even bring the little ones with you, as it provides a cot or a crib. Towels, linens, etc, are all supplied.
At my age, the deal breaker for me was the kitchen, which is 109 steps up at the top of the Lighthouse. I bet the views are amazing. You can enjoy this little bit of history for €800 for two nights. The old lighthouse might be old, but thanks to renovations, you can stay here for a couple of nights if you fancy it! Pic: Supplied
Onwards I rode past Blainroe to Brittas Bay, which I have mentioned before. I also passed the European Golf Club, which was previously owned by a great guy, Pat Ruddy, and his family.
It is reported to have been sold recently for €35 million. Pat designed and built this course himself and is, by profession, a great golf course designer.
The European is considered to be one of the best and most challenging links courses in the world. Tiger Woods played here on several occasions before competing in the Open at St Andrews.
About five kilometres further on, I came across a stretch of road that would appear to have been built using large rectangular slabs of concrete joined by a sliver of tarmacadam, which seemed bizarre. Needless to say, it is a very bumpy stretch for motorcycles.
I passed through Arklow, before weaving and dodging my way onto the R772 for Gorey. Now, this great stretch of road was once the main route from Dublin to everywhere in the 'Sunny South East'.
What will take an hour to travel on the M11 now would have taken anything up to two hours then, and yet we did it with a car full of kids asking: 'Are we there yet? '
I bypassed Gorey and arrived in Courtown, where everyone from Dublin was legally bound to visit every summer. It's a rite of passage that every Dub visits Courtown, Co. Wexford at least once in their life! Pic: Supplied
When my kids were a lot younger, I had a mobile home in Killmuckridge, just down the coast road from Courtown, where my then better half and the kids spent most of the summer.
I'd pop down every weekend to assume responsibility for entertaining the kids whilst the Mrs enjoyed a well-earned break from family duties.
I have great memories of entertaining my young family in Courtown on a wet and miserable weekend in the sunny southeast. Our favourite spot was Pirates Cove — a small, mainly indoor activity park.
This place has everything to take a bored child's mind off the rain for at least two hours. Adventure Golf, Bumper Boats, Bubble Rollers, Jeeps, Pirates Splat Shooting, Pirates Express Train, Bowling and on and on. You can check it all out here — take note, you may need it someday! Pirates Cove is a lifesaver on rainy days if you have a car full of screaming kids. Pic: Supplied
Enough nostalgia — next stop, Ballygarrett on the R742 for a spot of crab fishing at Cahore Beach. Now, all you need to catch a sand bucket full of tiny crabs is a net with a long handle on it — again, great entertainment for the Kids.
Along the R742 are some lovely little towns and villages, which in the summer heave with holidaymakers from all over Ireland. Killmuckridge, Blackwater, and Curracloe are all joined by one of the best motorcycle roads in Ireland, and it bobs, ducks and weaves its way to Wexford Town.
I didn't quite make it to Wexford Town as the rain came in and I opted to head home. My last stop, however, was at the most famous beach in Ireland, as the well-known beer ad says: 'Probably'. Curracloe Beach is the homeplace of the unforgettable D-Day invasion scenes in Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. Pic: Supplied
Curracloe Beach is where Steven Spielberg shot the D-Day invasion scenes for the film Saving Private Ryan.
The scene involved approximately 1,500 people, including 400 crew members, 1,000 FCA members, 500 Irish Army soldiers, and dozens of extras.
In the summer, this beach is as good, if not better, than any other golden-sanded beach in Ireland. One of the few remaining thatched cottages in Ireland today. Very well kept as well! Pic: Supplied
As I departed Curracloe, I came across this thatched cottage, a rare sight in Ireland these days.
I didn't quite make it to Wexford Town, but I did, however, avoid getting on any motorway or dual carriageway, and I loved every minute of driving on these secondary roads. They are the best roads for bike rides and weekend getaways.
The road surfaces are impeccably maintained, there are great little towns to stop off in, there is little to no traffic, and it's rare to find a straight stretch that lasts more than 500 yards—biker heaven.
Click this link to the Detecht map for the second leg of this run. Remember, when you open the map, enlarge it to see the details.
Or to put it another way, Honda has produced over half a billion motorcycles. For most of us, owning a Honda, particularly a Honda 50, was a rite of passage. Pic: Honda
Since its founding in 1948, Honda has developed and manufactured 500 million motorbikes, all based on its belief that 'the purpose of technology is to make people's lives easier'.
For most of us, owning a Honda, particularly a Honda 50, was a rite of passage. I remember it well, the excitement and freedom my Honda 50 gave me was beyond description.
Owning safety clothing was unheard of at the time. My denim flayers and surplus army jacket, with, of course, a great helmet, were all the protection I needed.
Over the years, I owned a Goldwing, a Deauville and a Magnum V4. All of which were brilliant in their own way and, unbelievably, rarely gave me trouble.
Honda built their first factory outside of Japan in Belgium in 1963. This would have been to cater for the growing demand for their bikes in Europe. Now they are truly a global brand with manufacturing units in 23 countries. I've always had a soft spot for Honda, and it's not just because of their bikes! Pic: Honda
I have a big soft spot for Honda, not just because of the bikes I owned, but because when I was in my early 20s, I handled their advertising account in Ireland. Reg Armstrong was the distributor at the time, and the bikes would arrive in Ireland fully assembled.
However, to create jobs during one of Ireland's many recessions, the Government offered significant tax incentives for production projects in Ireland, so everything changed.
The bikes came disassembled in crates, and they were then reassembled in Reg's factory near Ringsend. Thus, production took place, jobs were created, and the company benefited from excellent tax relief.
Honda began mass production of motorcycles at its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963, and since then, has expanded its production globally, adhering to its fundamental principle of 'producing locally where there is demand'. Honda exceeded their 20-million-unit target in 2018… is it any wonder why? Pic: Honda
As a result, Honda achieved its 100 million-unit milestone in 1997, its 200 million-unit milestone in 2008, and its 300 million-unit milestone in 2014.
In 2018, Honda's annual production exceeded 20 million units for the first time in its history, and global cumulative output reached 40 million units in 2019.
Although the annual production of all motorcycles temporarily declined due to COVID-19 in 2020, demand has steadily recovered worldwide to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, Honda has 37 manufacturing units in 23 countries and a dealer network of 30,000. Pic: Honda
In addition to petrol-driven models, Honda began producing electric-powered two-wheelers in 2024, presumably to support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050.
They have begun launching new models to meet the global demand for electric-powered vehicles. Currently, Honda has 37 manufacturing units in 23 countries and a dealer network of 30,000. Here is the history of Honda's most iconic models that have been produced to date. Pic: Supplied
All I can say is a massive congratulations to Honda and thanks for all the bikes.
For those looking for a bit of nostalgia, here's a link to a video Honda has produced to celebrate 25YM HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING & GOLD WING TOUR. Here is a link to Honda's 500,000,000 production celebration video for anyone interested.
My first impression of the KTM 890 SMT was that it was very sleek and stylish, but didn't strike me as a tourer. KTM delivers power that is smooth and precise, no matter where you're taking it. Pic: KTM
Once on the road, it felt light, responsive and powerful. If KTM took a shot of espresso and went on a Euro trip, the result would be the KTM 890 SMT. It's a great blend of supermoto and touring sensibility.
Whether you're carving through a Spanish mountain pass or just dusting off your morning commute, the KTM delivers power which is smooth and precise.
The gearbox is so smooth, I found myself glancing at the 5-inch screen to see if it had engaged. I'm not a huge fan of cruise control, but I liked it on the 890. I had visions of myself cruising along, with not a worry in the world, on my way to the Bikefest in Killarney this weekend.
Let's return to the 5-inch TFT dashboard for a moment. The KTM 890 SMT is compatible with the KTM Connect app, which can be downloaded to a smartphone and then synced to the bike.
From the app, you can follow turn-by-turn navigational guidance, make and take calls, listen to music, view the owner's manual, and more. Now that's what I call smart. KTM now features cornering ABS, allowing you to utilise full braking power in corners. Pic: KTM
I understand that the new, improved MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) offers superb grip. I didn't try it myself, but KTM has included cornering ABS, allowing you to use full braking power in corners.
A very clever 6D-sensor monitors and evaluates the bike's dynamic state, and the ABS responds appropriately, ensuring safety and stability during braking. I thought this would be very handy if I encountered a sheep on a bend in Wicklow.
As I headed towards Bray, I understood why this is a touring bike. The seat was really comfortable and it tooted along with ease. It passed my handling test in a small housing estate and on a couple of roundabouts as well, so thumbs up all round.
It also comes with my favourite riding modes, Wet, Dry, and Fast, as standard. An optional Track Mode is also available in case you feel like taking it for a spin around Mondello. If you're planning on going touring, I would recommend KTM for your needs! Pic: KTM
I couldn't help thinking this KTM is like a magnificent stallion; once you slide into the saddle and take control of it, you'll enjoy many years of exhilarating riding.
I also say that because KTM is offering a 4-year warranty on this bike, which endorses their confidence that the 890 SMT is so advanced and superbly engineered that little to nothing will go wrong with it — I imagine the usual terms and conditions apply.
I would recommend some KTM addons if you decide to go touring. A windshield spoiler would add greater protection from the wind on long runs. They also have a cool tank bag, heated grips and a Touratech top box. I like my comforts so that they would be on my list of must-haves. This model typically costs around €16,499, but you can currently purchase one for just over € 14,000. Pic: KTM
In my opinion, the 890 SMT will provide you with all the thrill you want, along with the comfort you need. It's what KTM do!
Charles at Two Wheels Motorcycles tells me that this stallion would usually cost around €16,599, but it's currently priced at €14,149 — you can use your savings to buy loads of extras!
Executive chef at Anantara, at the five-star Marker Dublin Hotel, Gareth Mullins has delighted patrons of five-star hotels in Ireland and Australia for over 20 years.
Throughout his career, Gareth has achieved extraordinary culinary success, including being appointed Head of Euro-Toques Ireland — a community of like-minded chefs, cooks, producers, and educators that celebrates the best of Ireland's food and drink. Gareth Mullins, executive chef at Anantara The Marker Dublin. Pic: Supplied
Gareth is also well known for his tips and recipes on Pat Kenny's radio show – and, of course, is a keen biker.
I have been on bikes since I was 17. I bought a Suzuki Katana 50CC; it was brand new and had a restrictor, so the maximum speed was 40 kilometres per hour.
I let one of my friends take a go, and he drove it into a parked van, bending the forks. A set of new forks and I was back motoring in no time
17! My brother Paul always had bikes, so I loved them since I can remember.
After the Suzuki, I bought a Vespa, which I loved, but I eventually got tired of pushing it because it was always breaking down, likely due to its Taffspeed exhaust. Too much power for the engine. My first real motorbike was a BMW GS 650,
I had to do the test, but it's all good. Funny story: The speedometer cable snapped on my way to the test, so I had to guess my speed, but I still passed all the same!
I did! I had been driving bikes for years before actually doing the test.
I now ride a Harley Softtail FXSTD, it's a lovely bike. Before this, I had a Harley Sportster 1200, and I did a custom job on this bike. This was the bike that I have been on more ride-outs on.
A couple of years back, I went with a few lads, including my brother Paul, all around Wicklow and Sally's Gap, a cracking place to ride motorcycles.
The challenge I had was a cool peanut-sized petrol tank, which looks class but held hardly any juice. I spent most of the time looking for petrol stations, but that was half the craic, nothing better than spinning around with mates on big noisy bikes.
I did hit some black ice on a winter's morning on a roundabout, broke a bone in my hand, but not too much damage to the bike, so it was all good.
My wife does approve of me owning bikes, as I have had one for most of my adult life. They are a safe way to travel if ridden with caution and care.
The challenge, which any biker will tell you, is that people take risks in cars. It's crazy how many people use their phones in cars; you have to be switched on and watch for their silly mistakes.
Not yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list. I can see this happening now that my kids are getting a little older.
Take all the available safety courses, and start with a bike that suits a beginner. Motorbikes need to be respected; learning how to ride correctly is an absolute non-negotiable
Learn how to use your gears and clutch to slow the bike. Watch for gravel, especially if you're fond of your front brake. Take it handy and you will love bikes for your whole life.
Finally, invest in a good lid and proper jacket, boots, and trousers. Don't buy cheap gear, as it could save your life.
This Australian grandmother is riding across Europe for the next two months on an Indian Chief Vintage motorcycle. The Creative Cruiser (also known as Christine Fisher Keeble) is travelling across Ireland over the next fortnight. Pic: Supplied
Her name is Christine Fisher Keeble, and she calls her bike Calamity. The weight of her Indian, fully loaded, is 500 kg.
She is an artist, barber, and has even written some stage musicals that toured Australia. Her slogan is 'Adventure before Dementia' — now that I can buy into.
Please take a look at this video to learn more about her.
Christine was in Ireland last week and is hilarious. She tells it as it is and doesn't pull any punches.
The biker was not impressed by how expensive Ireland is, however. The cost of fuel, food and particularly accommodation has shocked her. You can catch up on the latest instalment of her trip (Kilkenny – Cork – Rock of Cashel – Cahir Castle) here. Christine's fully loaded Indian… how does she ride it? Pic: supplied
Christine met a group of French bikers on her run, which highlights the number of bikers, who are typically high-net-worth individuals, who come to Ireland on their bikes to tour.
My great friend and riding buddy, Ger Colleran, and I did five days in Normandy last year, and we couldn't believe the number of European bikers coming to Ireland and returning home on the ferry.
You can check out The Creative Cruiser here, and listen to the song that was written about her by clicking this link.