Update April 2010

The St.Patrick’s Day run had about 20 bikes and was enjoyed by those who went.

Just to say thank you to all who were able to take part in the wee run today
and made it such a success,again we were blessed with good weather dry
roads(most of the time) and it was good to see some old faces and some new
ones too which
all made for good company,I counted sixteen bikes (there may have been more)
and two trikes (well I think that's what you call Trevor's Panzer)

Also like to say a big thank you To our Route Master Jim for having taken
the time and made the effort to Recce the route in advance to make the day
go that bit more smoothly (I'll not mention our prodigal son's who couldn't
find Dunfanghy but had a good time for all that going by the grins on there
faces when we were all reunited)

God |Bless all

Norrie

Lisburn Independent Methodist. A good night was had with the kids in Lisburn. We had a some chorus’s, a quiz ,a talk and then some hot chocolate and cookies before playing games and letting the kids loose on the bikes.

At Kilcooley Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship we had a good night of fun and fellowship. We have been asked to come back and take their youth club. 

Monthly Meeting - Tuesday 9th March
Kings Hall Bike Show - The show was well attended and we had some good opportunities to talk to people. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped on the stand.

Jim has informed us that there are 24 bikes going on the Scotland trip.

We had a visit from Howard Anderson of BMF who explained about BMF and the benefits being a member.

AGM - Tuesday 9th February 2010 - We had a very good AGM which saw one of the best turn outs that I can recall. Our Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer were unanimously re-elcetd and will serve for another year. Ann Gardiner has stepped down as Chaplin and been replaced by Seamus who can be contacted via our "Contact us" page.

Vintage Motorcycle Club meeting - Tuesday 21st July - Anne, Tommy and John represented CMA at the Vintage clubs monthly meeting. We were briefly interviewed by their chairman an dthen took many questions from the floor about CMA, our activities and our beliefs. It was a very interesting evening and we were made very welcome.

Street Reach - Grace Baptist Church and Tullycarnet Presbyterian - Tuesday 21st July - We found ourselves double booked this night so thanks to everyone who turned out to cover both events. Roy, Andrew, Colin, William (and daughter), Davey, Ken & Wha all turned up and took part in this special youth outreach event.

Ring of Kerry Weekend Road Trip - 19th - 21st June 2009 -The saddle sores are still fresh as I write this update - great weekend, great weather (mostly!), great roads (mostly!) and great company (well, mostly - Roy!).

14 bikes, 1 trike, 1 car - 15 men, 4 women and 1 Katie!.

800 miles covered and some spectacular views enjoyed.

Bangor Elim Bike Show - 23rd May 2009 - The 7th Annual Bangor Elim Car & Motorcycle show was a resounding success. Despite blustery and showery weather affecting some of the UK FMX stunt shows there was plenty to keep visitors interested. With upwards of 100 static exhibits inside the church halls and other exhibits in the surrounding car parks something in the order of 5000 came through the church doors to enjoy the event. Full credit must go to Phil McKee and his band of helpers for the excellent job they do in organising this event. To have so many people coming in to a church environment and seeing Christians as ordianry people is a tremendous witness and we trust God and His Spirit to complete and develop the seed that has been sown.

Website/Clothing - Various items of CMA-NI Branch clothing are available for members to order including hoodies, sweatshirts and polo shirts. If anyone would like to order anything please get in touch via the website or contact William directly.

Straid Mens Outreach - There was a good turn out of bikes at Straid Congregational. It was a good evening with about 50 men attending most of which didn’t attend this church.

Quay Vipers "Snake Bite Rally" - Friday 25th - Sunday 27th September
This is one of the biggest biker rallys on the NI calendar with over 1000 bikers attanding over the course of the weekend. We ran a Holy Joes tea & coffee tent at this event, as in previous years, and the demand was incredible. A huge thanks to all who took part and manned the "Urns" throughout the day and night. If you didn't make it why not put it in your diary for next year. 

China Outreach - One of our members, Colin Thompson, spent some time in China during the Summer working with the local church - check out our "Special events" page for his reports.

Radio Ulster "Sunday Sequence" feature - Sunday 16th August.
Radio Ulster contacted us regarding an item which they were running on "Unusual Christian hobbies" (Their words not mine!). We had short notice but thanks to Seamus, Brian and Anne for their input on what turned out to be a very positive feature. Interviews with Guy Martin and Ryan Farqhuar gave some depth to the piece and a little insight into how CMA is perceived amongst the racing fraternity.

HOGS Rally - Coleraine Rugby Club - Friday 7th August.
A first for CMA at the Hog rally and our Holy Joes coffee bar was well received. Radio Ulster Sunday Sequence attended and ran a piece on Christians in the biking community. Thanks to everyon who helped out on the stand serving tea and coffee.

Ancestors Rally - Friday 31st July - Saturday 1st August.
Roy & John set up a Holy Joes tea and coffee stand at this rally. Unfortuantely the weather on Friday was a wash out but kindly the organisers let us set up inside. Thanks to Davy, Ken & Hua for their valuable support. Roy did the overnighter and had some good conversations into the wee small hours. 

Hells Angels rally - Saturday 25th July -
Customs House Square, Belfast. Roy attended with Trevor Kane to run Holy Joe's

Bikers Service - Clough Paris Church Sunday 26th July - There was a good turn out of 9 members of CMA at this event to mark the start of race week for the Mid Antrim races. The event is the idea of a local Christian and bike fan who is keen to "get the message of the gospel out" amid what is a dangerous sport.