My IOM TT 2008

[-=JK=-]

Totally agree with Matty re the speed issue. There were some planks about taking too many risks.

As it was my first time, i loved the mountain section, although it was marred by the regular closures. The locals were a bit keen in their cars trying to race the bikes over the Mountain, but it all added to the fun.

I can't see any reason at all not to go back in 2009

[ray998]

must agree with mr r re the course I spent a week on the island and covered 971 miles lapping the corse,the cones are slowly growing in number and spoiling the experience of the mountain,the ramsey hairpin through the waterworks was a real challenge sadly not any more. ON a lighter note my 998 went well the whole week but for my last lap when she spat one of her fuel injection lines of dumping fuel over a very hot engine, was doing 140 at the time,having just filled up i thought i had lunched the engine it was 10 min fix but scary all the same

[RT farty]

Well
(Picture is at Peel, IOM during TT week)


I'm booked up for next year again, and I will be back there in August for the Manx GP too.

I am leaving the bike at home next year and bringing the ZZR1100 outfit with the family and probably a trailer with my 450 single on the back!

Yup the riding experiance is not what it used to be, but I would blame the pillocks on big Jap multi's that can't ride them more than the authorities, I could not believe the poor riding standards that seem to get worse every year.

You have to ask yourself how I (with my avarage riding ability) can keep up with lunatics on R1's through a set of bends, while they are getting there knee down and I'm just sweeping through on a 28 year old 900 Bevel!

The amount of times some idiot would dive through in front of front of me before slamming on his brakes because he was going too fast and I either damn near rammed him up the chuffer or just overtook him again in the bend was incredible- I was just waiting for someone to T bone me from behind after I'd set the old girl up for a sweeper.

Its because of those pea brained knob rots riding beyond their limits that the authorities have been forced to act!


Luckily I had more fun than being covered in chocolate and thrown into a Convent 6th form center due to the company I was keeping during TT week!

Rant over!

PS I can back up what Mr R said about the top racer not being allowed to race at the TT as I was stood next to Mr R when that top racer splilled the beans!

[MGP2008]

Glad you enjoyed our fabulous island.

The police have had to tighten up a bit on what they allow but all in all, if you don't drive like a nob and exceed village speed limits you should be OK. That doesn't apply to the rider of a red 916 (we think....) who passed us entering Ballaugh at 7.30pm on Tuesday as we walked to the pub. We all conservatively estimated his speed at 90+. He was well in the 30 limit (and the 40 that preceeds it) and only shut off because of Ballaugh Bridge. Its that sort of pin head that causes all the restrictions and no doubt some of the terrible accidents.

PS if it was you, you were going so fast we couldn't read your number although it was a UK reg. Good job as you would have been the first rider I had ever reported in my 37 years of being a biker.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year and hope the weather will be as good as the past two years.

I've posted this elsewhere but as its TT related, here's Sammy trials riding on a bevel 900SS

Sammy Miller

[RT farty]

Glad you enjoyed our fabulous island

Fabulous is the word. I would reccomend that all TT fans also visit the Island out of the TT period if you want to have a true manx experience.

It is just as friendly, but unlike the TT it is a wonderfull rural place with stunning scenery. You can go to Peel and paddle with seals, take boat trips to see the Basking sharks, bracing walks through glens, where everyone you meet says hello. Take in the finest Icecream on the prom at Peel or enjoy the freshest fish you've ever tasted in Ramsey.

Not to mention the empty roads that you will notice have less speed limits on than during TT week!

Last year I put my house on the Market and went to colledge to get my old sparkys ticket back when I heard that there was a shortage of Electricians on the Island, and if it was not for the Property crash on the mainland I can assure you I would be living there by now!!!

I'll just have to make do by returing for the Manx GP fortnight!!!

[Rob998]

JK, great write up. I love the IOM, I used to go regularly until sprogs put a hold on that little annual excursion!

While the TT is a fantastic experience, the GP is a worthwhile visit too, more relaxed but still a really good experience and it's far easier to find accomodation!

[andyrh]

Enjoyed reading all your posts chaps

So are the speed traps only on the entry to a 30 or 40 mph area or out on the open road?

I can't recall seeing any at the Northwest, also there weren't too many nutters outhere ruining it for everybody else.

Despite a number of you saying it ain't as good as it use to be, are you all going again next year??

[-=JK=-]

Originally Posted by MGP2008

PS if it was you, you were going so fast we couldn't read your number although it was a UK reg. Good job as you would have been the first rider I had ever reported in my 37 years of being a biker.

Nope, not me, mine is the bike in the pic on the front page (the yellow one)

I always behave in village speed limits. Stupid not to.

I'll deffo be back in 2009, and i have considered the GP, which i'd love to make.

[MGP2008]

I prefer the MGP. The weather is usually better and its not so crowded and there isn't as many maniacs. There is more emphasis on classic bikes which (being old myself) I find more interesting.

[Matty]

I will be there next year.

Met some amazing people in my camp site, we have all stated to meet next yr in the same camp.

I have already started the ball rolling to find an old van, the ropier the better with lots of character; then throughout the year we will set about modding it to first carry three bikes and our gear, but also help us with sleeping etc.

Any ideas on paint schemes will be gladly received, the wackier the better.

We already have the multi function horn sorted

Its just all a bit of fun, the idea stems from a colleague who used to frequent the Le mans Series in old hurses, ambulances and fire engines!

The ride from Heysham to Southampton took it out of me on my 749 with a mountaineering bag on my back that weighed more than my missus!

[RT farty]

I'm told if you have a van you can squeeze 4 bikes into you can save money on the crossing too!

[MGP2008]

Just an idea, if you are coming here on a bike thats not equipped for touring, why not parcelforce your stuff over (and back again) instead of wrestling with it on the bike. I think you can send 25kg over that way.

There are lots of people do that and it doesn't all get wet if it rains on the way. A vans better though if you're camping....

[charlieh]

Alan Jackson is racing the Desmosedici in this years Manx Grand Prix, he bought it to race in the Manx.

In many ways the "Amatuer TT" is better than 'the real thing', speeds are only about 5-6mph average lap speed, and there is far more variety of machines.

Two strokes 125 & 250; 600s', 750s', Classics; 250; 350; and 500s'....but no sidecars.

....and best of all, there are no-where near as many bikes, speed traps, or cones so you can enjoy yourself on the roads....within the law and your own capabilities

[Matty]

Just an idea, if you are coming here on a bike thats not equipped for touring, why not parcelforce your stuff over (and back again) instead of wrestling with it on the bike. I think you can send 25kg over that way.

Good idea that!

[Ghost]

Also worth a mention are the Southern 100 races in early July, in Castletown.

Mass start on a 4.25 mile quadrangle road course, evening races except for last day which is all day racing on the Thursday.

Very worthwhile.