Popular motorcycle ride-out celebrates tenth anniversary

AN annual motorcycle ride-out which has raised more than £20,000 for various charities in memory of a much-loved biker from the Omagh area is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

This year’s Basil McKane Ride-out, which takes place on Sunday, May 5, will benefit the Air Ambulance NI and Marie Curie.

The event see bikers from across the country coming to Omagh in memory of Basil McKane, who died in 2014 at the age of 51.

Mr McKane was part of a small local group who loved nothing more than getting out on the open roads on his motorbike on a Sunday afternoon.

His weekly companions and good friends, Trevor Boggs (TJ) and Bill McGrew, have been keeping his memory alive with the event over the last decade.

Every year, the motorbike aficionados enjoy a 110-mile scenic drive from Omagh to Portrush the week before the North West 200 Road Race.

Any riders interested in joining the charity memorial ride-out are asked to meet at the car park beside Omagh bus depot at 9.30am on May 5.

There is a minimum donation of £15 per bike, trike or scooter, with entry put into a raffle with prizes supplied by motorbike and accessory stores from across Ireland.

Hot food will also be available for purchase before departure.

The ride-out will set off at 11am.

Members of the public are welcome to come and see the fantastic array of bikes before departure.

Anyone who would like to donate but cannot attend the event can do so by contacting the organisers Bill McGrew on 07899 997581 or TJ Boggs on 07814 660836.