A big thank you to everyone who came along on the 16th running of this event. If we thought the weather was bad last year, this year it was even worse!. The day started with frozen fog and ice and stayed that way for the duration of the day. We were more than surprised and happy with the turn-out for the start of the run at 'Toughers', as all these people had to negotiate treacherous back roads to get there. Three bikes were dropped due to the very bad icy condition of the car park, no-one hurt or no damage done, thank god. We held up the start of the run for 30 minutes until everyone was happy to move on.

The main roads were clear of ice by the time we moved on, however we still had long patches of freezing fog to contend with. The majority of the 'Marshells' were dispatched five minuites before the run started to take up their positions along the route, the rest stayed with the group. As organisers, we felt that due to weather conditions this was the best policy, as it avoids the need for any Marshell to try and pass the group. We used this method on every leg of the journey and it worked very well. Along the way we picked up more bikes,  and a large crowd was waiting for us in Carlow and at Paddies Country Pub. In Kilkenny, the group got split in two, using two different routes through the town, onlookers must have thought that the place was being invaded, with groups of bikes on every road leading into the town centre. We arrived at St Patricks at about 2.30pm, and due to the mix-up in town, the first became last, and the last became first to arrive. All in all over 180 bikes made the journey, with over 5,000 euro collected, plus loads of toys and hampers. On arrival, the residents and staff were there to greet us with soup and tea which was greatfully accepted. Santa went on a 'meet and greet' tour and took orders for his big day.

After the presentation everybody went their merry way and faced into a cold journey home, (we hope with  a warm glow inside!). Again, the Druids and Rooters would like to thank everyone who dragged themselves out of their warm beds, pulled their bikes out in the cold, faced the icy conditions and came on the run.