Sperrin Bikers to honour Aidan Clarkin with 2025 Memorial Charity Bike Run

The Sperrin Bikers RC has announced its annual charity bike run, set to take place on Sunday, 25 May 2025, in memory of Aidan “Aidy” Clarkin, a beloved motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in a collision on Lisnamuck Road, Tobermore, on 4 May 2023.

The event, which celebrates Aidy’s passion for motorbiking, aims to raise vital funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, a service providing life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Aidan Clarkin, affectionately known as “Aidy,” was a cherished member of the motorbiking community, renowned for his enthusiasm, camaraderie, and love for the open road.

The memorial ride, now in its third year, is a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy.

A spokesperson from Sperrin Bikers RC said:

“Our club stands united in honouring Aidy’s incredible legacy through our shared passion for biking. As the Sperrin Bikers, we are not just a community; we are a family, and Aidy was a major part of that. His spirit continues to inspire us every day.

“Together, we ride in memory of Aidy, cherishing the love and passion for biking that he instilled in each of us.”

A Scenic Ride for a Worthy Cause

Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI Katrina Hughes, Sperrin Bikers RC Members Joyce O’Hagan & Denise Davis

The charity bike run will commence at Main Street, Draperstown, outside The Market Inn, and will take riders on a scenic journey through Northern Ireland’s picturesque countryside.

The route will pass through Tobermore, Glenshane Pass, Ballymena, and extend as far as Ballycastle before returning to The Market Inn for tea, coffee, light refreshments, and a prize draw.

Participants are asked to contribute £10 per bike and £5 per pillion, with marshals ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Riders are advised to arrive with their bikes fuelled and ready for departure.

This memorial event not only pays tribute to Aidy’s adventurous spirit but also underscores the tight-knit bonds within the motorbiking community.

Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI Katrina Hughes, Sister of Aidan ‘Aidy’ Clarkin, Louise Donnelly and Sperrin Bikers RC Members

Over the past two years, the Sperrin Bikers RC has raised an impressive £10,063 for Air Ambulance NI, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting this critical service.

Supporting Air Ambulance NI

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, operates the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) across Northern Ireland.

The service, which runs seven days a week for 12 hours a day, delivers urgent pre-hospital care to patients suffering from serious injuries or medical emergencies.

Capable of reaching any location in Northern Ireland within approximately 25 minutes, the service responds to an average of two call-outs daily, including road traffic collisions, workplace accidents, and medical emergencies.

Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI, expressed her gratitude for the Sperrin Bikers’ efforts, stating:

“Every penny raised is crucial to the continuation of our service. We are incredibly grateful to the Sperrin Bikers for their dedication and passion over the years. We encourage everyone to join us for this special event and support this worthy cause.”

A Community United in Memory

The Aidan Clarkin Memorial Charity Bike Run is more than a fundraising event; it is a celebration of Aidy’s life and the values he held dear. The Sperrin Bikers RC invites motorcyclists and community members alike to participate, whether as riders or supporters, to honour Aidy’s memory and contribute to a cause that saves lives across Northern Ireland.

For those interested in joining the ride or learning more about the event, further details can be found on the Sperrin Bikers RC Facebook page.

How to Get Involved

The event is open to all motorbike enthusiasts, with participants encouraged to register in advance via the club’s social media page.

Spectators are also welcome to cheer on the riders at the starting point in Draperstown or along the route.

By taking part, attendees will not only commemorate Aidy’s legacy but also support Air Ambulance NI in its mission to provide rapid, life-saving medical care.

As the Sperrin Bikers RC prepares for this poignant event, the motorbiking community and beyond are invited to come together in a shared celebration of Aidy’s life, passion, and the enduring spirit of the open road.