Isle of Mann

[dcarver]

A friend has decided to visit the 09 running on the Isle and has some questions. I've never been hope some of you have..

Questions:

- can you change where you view the race during raceday? I assume the entire course (road) is closed for the actual race, but can you travel the road first thing in the morning?

- if not riding a bike there, have to use a car, what is the routine?

- places to stay?

- best place to view?

- do folks open up there homes, for 'rent' of course, so a feller could sleep in a bedroom at night instead of a hotel?

- any other helpful info?

TIA - dcarver

 

[NoCage]

A friend has decided to visit the 09 running on the Isle and has some questions. I've never been hope some of you have..Questions:

- can you change where you view the race during raceday? I assume the entire course (road) is closed for the actual race, but can you travel the road first thing in the morning?

- if not riding a bike there, have to use a car, what is the routine?

- places to stay?

- best place to view?

- do folks open up there homes, for 'rent' of course, so a feller could sleep in a bedroom at night instead of a hotel?

- any other helpful info?

TIA - dcarver

You may want to PM Thug... I think he went last year.

 

[Randy]

Spectating the IOM is on my 'bucket list'

 

[uctofeej]

Apparently, there is a "Mad Sunday" where anyone can ride their bike on it: videos

 

[orestes]

A friend has decided to visit the 09 running on the Isle and has some questions. I've never been hope some of you have..Questions:

- can you change where you view the race during raceday? I assume the entire course (road) is closed for the actual race, but can you travel the road first thing in the morning?

- if not riding a bike there, have to use a car, what is the routine?

- places to stay?

- best place to view?

- do folks open up there homes, for 'rent' of course, so a feller could sleep in a bedroom at night instead of a hotel?

- any other helpful info?

TIA - dcarver

It has been many years since I last visited the island but I doubt much has changed.

1 Yes you can move from one part to another, but only from a few carefully chosen points. You would need to study a good map to find the best routes ( an Ordnance Survey 1:50000 is probably best). Probably not very practical in a car. Be prepared to stay in one spot especially if the weather is bad.

2 Again from memory there are buses from Douglas to points around the course for those unable to use a bike or car, I suspect parking a car is going to be very difficult. Or take a helmet and get a lift (one year I crashed my bike 2 weeks before the races and I relied on others staying at the hotel to take me around). Also be prepared to walk.

3 Anywhere on the Mountain between Waterworks and Greg Ny Baa. There is a tram that runs from Laxey to Bungalow Station below Sneafel. Bottom of the hill at Glencruttchy Road (from a standing start to 160 in 1/2 a mile) Union Mills, Greeba Castle, the Pub at Ballacraine, Handleys (just past Cronk y Voddy straight) Kirk Michael, the Pub at Ginger Hall and for outright speed the drop down to Brandish and Hillberry to Signpost corner. There are places where you can be sitting in a hedge with the bike a couple of feet away at 190 MpH.

4 Yes. Contact the Isle of Man Tourist Board for details.

If your friend wants a very old map I'll gladly put mine in the post for him. PM me with the address.

Hope this is of some help. he'll not forget the experience.

Dave

 

[Murph]

Good info.

Attending this race is also on my life list.

I wonder what the body count is on "Mad Sunday"?

 

[artistonFJR]

My wife is Manx, though she's never been there, and I have been thinking about surprising her with a trip there for a while... (and a trip back if she's good). I know t would be a crazy time to go but I 'd love to be there for the races! Maybe next year as a b-day gift. I'll do some snooping for airfare and lodging, and bring a cuppl'o helmets just in case.

This is the motorcycle equivalent of the running of the bulls. (Oddly enough, this forum is often the running of the BULL!)

C

 

[orestes]

Good info.
Attending this race is also on my life list.

I wonder what the body count is on "Mad Sunday"?

I never used to ride around the course on Mad Sunday, its far too dangerous. But it was fun sitting behind the sandbags with a pint of ale at the "Greg" watching the last minute panic braking or escape road antics.

 

[R62FJR]

A friend has decided to visit the 09 running on the Isle and has some questions. I've never been hope some of you have..

< Four of us did the tour to the 100th TT last year - fabulous!>

Questions:

- can you change where you view the race during raceday? I assume the entire course (road) is closed for the actual race, but can you travel the road first thing in the morning?

< To some degree, yes. There are roads on both the outside and inside of the course, and you can move between locations. Having said that, picking a spot for the day and hanging there is far more practical and there's no shortage of people to talk to between races >

- if not riding a bike there, have to use a car, what is the routine?

< Being on a bike is really what its all about, do what you can to make it over on a bike. Getting ferry reservations early is recommended regardless of mode of travel >

- places to stay?

< Hotels on the promenade (expensive), home stays in Douglas, Ramsey, and many smaller locations. Most of the after hours goings-on are in Douglas and Ramsey >

- best place to view?

< Everyone has their own favorites. We spent a day in five or so different areas and all had their benefits. Try to spend one day on the mountain somewhere. >

- do folks open up there homes, for 'rent' of course, so a feller could sleep in a bedroom at night instead of a hotel?

< Yes, we had a nice place withing 5 minutes walk of the start-finish line in Douglas. Check the accommodation boards (https://www.iomtt.com/Forum.aspx) >

- any other helpful info?

< Ride the course as many times as you can handle the squids :blink: :assassin: :blink: . Last year they had the mountain portion of the course 1-way for the entire 2 weeks. (previously only for races and Mad Sunday. Hopefully they will continue with this>

TIA - dcarver

 

[timk]

There was talk a couple of years ago about a Isle of Mann type event to be held in Nova Scotia. Was I deliriouse????

 

[Murph]

There was talk a couple of years ago about a Isle of Mann type event to be held in Nova Scotia. Was I deliriouse????

I haven't heard of such a race in N.S. but they do have the auto rally that is held in September. Perhaps that is what you mean?

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

There was talk a couple of years ago about a Isle of Mann type event to be held in Nova Scotia.

That's true -- they appeared to be pretty far along in the promo and set-up for the event when it all came to a crashing halt.

I seem to remember that it was an insurance issue...?

I think it may have reverted to a road ride/rally type of event?

Was I deliriouse????

I don't know what, if anything, I should say about your bouts of delirium.... :huh: