TT. Who has been for lots of years.

[Tinkicker]

Always wanted to go to the TT but never quite got there.  Closest was at the local bikers pub.  A group of us got together over a few pints and thought it would be a jolly wheeze to go to the IoM.

My task was to book the ferry for the year hence, but as often happens, when the time came for hands in pockets for the booking, everyone suddenly found themselves financially embarrassed and dropped out one by one.  By the time we waited for the cash throughout all the humming and hawing, there was just two of us prepared to go and the steam racket was fully booked.

 

Ended up on the Isle of Wight instead.  

 

I am told the atmosphere on the island was amazing back in the 70s and 80s.  Is it still as good today or has it been watered down somewhat over the years?

[RAYK47]

i went for the first time this year and it was amazing (obviously i cant comment on how its changed from the 80's), the weather obviously played a huge part in it but it was great.  The locals are friendly, the police leave you alone (unless you actually do something wrong).    The mountain course is so much fun to ride, and now it is one way for the entirety of the TT timetable it is a lot better.  No more mad Sunday carnage and quite quiet at some times.  

 

 

[skyrider]

54 minutes ago, RAYK47 said:

i went for the first time this year and it was amazing (obviously i cant comment on how its changed from the 80's), the weather obviously played a huge part in it but it was great.  The locals are friendly, the police leave you alone (unless you actually do something wrong).    The mountain course is so much fun to ride, and now it is one way for the entirety of the TT timetable it is a lot better.  No more mad Sunday carnage and quite quiet at some times.  

 

 

my first time was in 87 went with three mates the weather was a bit dodgy at times but we still had a good time good racing ( first time i ever saw a guy called JOEY DUNLOP) and at nights we went round douglas (i t was quicker to walk on the road with all the bikes on the pavement and people how times have changed) and later on we always went to the palace lido that was an eye opener brilliant 

[manxie49]

Definitely changed since the 80's, and I certainly recall those days that skyrider alludes to, especially being stood outside the original Bushy's bar watching all the motorcycle high jinx, with the local plod not only tolerating, but sometimes joining in, much to the crowds amusement.  Still a great venue, and you'll always remember your first time.  Road racing is second to none, I love it, along with the NW200.  As RAYK47 says, the mountain road is one way for the duration now, however, it gets closed at the drop of a hat.  Even minor spills will see the mountain road closed for 2hrs or more.  That then forces all traffic down the coast road, where they've introduced a lot of temporary speed limits all the way for TT and MGP.  You do need to watch your speed on those roads as well, unmarked Police bikes and cars, and they will book you, the days of giving you a ticking off seem to be long gone.  The atmosphere in general is great, very little trouble and your bike is pretty safe wherever you leave it.  There are one or two incidents but very rarely do you ever see or hear of bikes being stolen.  One other thing I would mention, is be careful on the minor country roads.  Big farming community and a lot of farm vehicles frequent them,  you also get some riders who forget the roads are two way, and one or two foreign riders who forget which side of the road to be on, trust me I know from experience.  Book early, especially accommodation, even camp sites get bunged.  Arrive with the right, laid back attitude, and you'll have a ball.