The May Bank Holiday is the traditional date set for the annual REV-UP 4 DSI motorcycle run. Now in its 12th year, this fantastic event for motorcyclists of all ages, raises much-needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Our three-day adventure commenced last Saturday, departing Dublin from Joe Duffy Motorrad, a salient supporter over the years. As is tradition the 1,000 kilometre route is kept a secret, with the first leg of the route handed to riders informing them of their checkpoint. For this year’s rev-up, on day 1 we stopped briefly in the picturesque village of Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. After some heavy downpours along the way, a hot lunch in the village’s Otter pub refreshed us for the remaining ride to Tralee later that evening.
The Rose hotel in Tralee was to be our base for the weekend, with ample secure underground parking for all riders and support crew. Sunday was a fantastic day’s riding, taking in some of Ireland’s most attractive scenery. We rode from Tralee to Killarney and onto Dingle, travelling over the Healy Pass, the Ring of Beara and Molls Gap. These twisting undulating roads are the perfect terrain to put the new BMW R1200 GS Rallye to the test. The GS Rallye sits between the iconic GS and GS Adventure in BMW Motorrad’s extensive line-up of motorcycles, it boasts some GS Adventure features with spoked wheels and wide enduro-style footrests.
One new piece of technology it’s equipped with is Dynamic ESA, essentially an electronic suspension that alters automatically depending on riding mode selection and weight. On previous models the rider would adjust the settings to account for luggage or a pillion, with this new system there’s no need to change anything as the suspension alters automatically. With the riding mode set to Dynamic (my preferred setting) the throttle response is sharp, the upright riding position makes for a comfortable ride even across some pot-hole-strewn roads. The GS Rallye handles the Irish country roads with impeccable manners, there is sufficient grip and feedback to the rider instilling assurance and riding pleasure in abundance. The striking blue, red and silver colour scheme certainly makes this GS stand out from the crowd, gaining admiration from fellow riders.
130 motorcycles and 30 pillions participated in this year’s Rev-up 4 DSI, all contributing to raising a very significant €100,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland. Twelve years since its inception Rev-up has raised almost two million euro for Down Syndrome Ireland. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the foresight of one of its key founders, Aidan Lynam. Aidan tragically lost his life on this event two years ago, he is always in our thoughts and never more so than on the Rev-up weekend. Rev-UP 4 DSI will continue to raise funds for this worthy charity, one that was very close to Aidan’s heart.
Aidan Lynam
