2026 Erin Go Bragh Rally
2026 Erin Go Bragh Rally
By Morris Garagian
Springtime in the Valley arrived at the perfect time: the resurrection of a long-time favorite run – The Erin Go Bragh (Ireland Forever) Rally. After a hiatus of a few years, Bro Martin, being a son of the old sod, decided that the Rally needed to be reinstated and this event also coincided with Bro Russ’s concept of a VBAC event every month. It also didn’t hurt that a temperature of 78 was predicted. Needless to say, Green Goblin had to go topless (hood down)!
The morning of Mar. 14 saw an energetic group of LBC folks arrive at Village Green Park at the kick-off instruction meeting. Jay & Nick (MGA), Russ & Tammy (TR-4), Dan & Daniel (XKE), Christopher & Yvonne (TR-3), Jon & Collin (MG Midget), Bill & Gail (TR-6), and Morris & Goblin showed up to catch to instructions from Martin (MGB ‘Jenny’). Soon after examining the prizes that could be won, it was clutches out for the adventures of the day.
It didn’t take too long for Morris to ignore the specific directions that Martin had provided and try to take a short cut leaving the park. Immediately it was determined that something was drastically wrong when a late model Dodge Ram 250 was facing down Goblin! Quickly, disaster was averted when Goblin initiated a quick U-turn. Thankfully Jon, who was following, realized Morris’ blunder and made corrections.
The rest of the rally was great fun! Stopping at the various locations that Martin had pre-determined, members spotted the answers to the various questions before continuing. A total of seven different locations gave a great opportunity to leave our steeds to get clues. Morris greatly appreciated this because, during the Blossom Run, Goblin’s starting system was having problems and this run verified that Morris had corrected the issues. One park that was particularly pleasing was the Clovis Botanical Garden. Readers, if you are not familiar, please go and enjoy. It is truly an area treasure!
After the urban park visits, Martin modified the route to include some ‘open throttle’ running on CA 168 and some foothill travel before arriving at the Red Caboose for some lunch and catching the results of the rally. A great choice! Very light traffic that included a few bicyclists that appreciated the LBCs.
Unfortunately, there was bad news at the Red Caboose parking lot. When Goblin pulled in, it was noted that the group was clustered around the front end of Jon’s Midget. While backing into a space, the Midget broke a tie rod. Terrible news for Jon, but everyone was thankful that the fracture occurred in the lot rather than in motion on Watts Valley Road with the two wheelers!
The Red Caboose had made special accommodations for us and the VBAC had their own private area to enjoy the awards presentations, our luncheon, and private conversation. The results of the rally were as follows:
First place: Jay (Driver) & Nick (Navigator), Tillamore Irish Whiskey
Second Place: Christopher (Driver) & Yvonne (Navigator), Irish red wine
Third Place: Russ (Driver) & Tammy (Navigator), Guiness beer
Congratulations to all! And thanks, Martin, for the great get together!
I would be amiss if I wouldn’t mention the absence of a member of the Erin Go Bragh fraternity: Our Beloved Mascot, Paddy Leprechaun is no more. Martin didn’t give many details on Paddy’s passing, but he was extremely moved as he hoisted his brew at the Two Ravens Brewery later and gave the Irish ‘Slaite’!
In closing: “May the road rise to meet you, may the strong wind be at your LBC’s back, may your rpms stay steady, your oil pressure up, your water temperature down, and may St. Patrick keep the Prince of Darkness in hell!”
And always: Safety Fast!