First TT

[LarryC]

We are all set to come to the TT this year. For myself, Larry Coleman and Mike Taylor from Barnett Clutches this will be is our first visit to the TT. This is a life long dream come true to see the Isle and take in the TT races. We have planed our trip around the two sidecar races and I look forward to meeting some of you in the paddock. We arrive on May 31 and depart on June 9, wishing every racer well and looking forward to a great visit.

[Helen Gibson]

Looking forward to seeing you, guys.

[alanw]

Pity you wil miss the pre TT classic Larry never mind you can catch it next year cos after this year you will be totally hooked
Regards Alanw

[Fritz]

Larry, you will not be disappointed with any part of your trip to the IOM . Try to visit many places during practice to get the full feel of racing on the IOM Mountain course.

I can offer my 4 favourite viewing sites for sidecars.

1, Bottom of Bray Hill (very/very Fast down hill right hand bend)

2, Bradden Bridge Exit (seating in church yard),,,( left/ right chicane ) good for photo's

3, Sulby Straight (Sulby Glen Hotel side during practice for a pint or three- or Church side of the road for good old British hospitallity during the races) lots of Tea and cake (Don't forget your please and thank yous and you will be looked after by the people supplying the refreshments .Toilet/Porta Loo at rear of church if needed.. (Fastest part of circuit).

4, Ginger Hall,,,,both sides of pub are good impressive viewing spots/ also a decent pint and food if you need a meal.

Also there is a link road between Sulby Straight and Ginger hall via the Claddaghs which is a Free to use camp site and is home to lots of marshals and TT and Manx GP fans as well as local Manx folks for the duration of the TT festival...

Do try to visit the TT Riders Association HQ known as the 38th Milestone behind the grandstand where you will be made most welcome if you tell the people what you know and love about the IOM TT.


Regards
Fritz,,,,,,, ENJOY,,,

PS,,,,your must have item during your visit is either an iPhone/iPod or AM radio so you can keep up with everything on Radio TT, look out for examples of how to subscribe to various forms of Radio TT/Dashboard for LIVE practice and race times and positions.

And don't be hastey when buying your TT merchandice in the TT Paddock have a good look around Douglas town even along the promenade to find the best quality bargins.,,,,,,Nudge Nudge,wink wink say No more...

[LarryC]

Fritz, thanks so much for the great tips on seeing the races, I will be going over the map with your suggestions. I am attending a race this weekend with the SRA at Willow Springs in Southern Calif. and I expect to see Wade Boyd and get a few tips from him as well.
Cheers ( I think I am getting the hang of it !!)

[anp]

You could have a poll on the most favourite place

My favourite places were /are as some are more restricted now

The isle of Man Bank forecourt or the car park next door (restricted back from the wall now)
The Mitre pub Kirkmicheal and the adjacent school playingfields next door (oppsite Douglas road corner junction)
Top of Begarrow and Ballaugh Bridge by the Raven Inn ( I think joined by a small link road)
Ginger Hall Pub as already described
Harolds Farm at Gorselea
Ballacraine

All of these have really great spots to watch but get there early to get them Pubs & Food figure in most as well !

Depending where you are stopping you will have to make an allowance for the roads closing some time before the races start some are accesible after the roads close but tend to get more crowded

I agree if you like bikes you will not be dissapointed it the greatest place on Earth you will meet old & new friends each year my mate who is 70 this year has been going to the IOM since he was 14 and only missed a couple of years you could say he was keen !

[mum e]

Maybe the Stevesplace teashirts , will help you find the people on this forum. enjoy your trip.

[InkyAnn]

Don't forget waterproofs, suncream and midgie spray if you're planning on being anywhere on the Mountain, esp evenings! I'll be marshalling somewhere in Sector 9 as usual, hopefully Waterworks / Tower / Joeys.

Anne

[anp]

Your right there Anne we were stuck at the bottom of Begarrow one year for 7 or 8 hours the midges in the late evening were a pain

A small radio is another essential bit of kit to hear the race commentary and the messages in case of any delays I think you can still buy the tiny earphone TT radio tuned in to 1368 radio on the Island

It is possible to be stuck out on the course in one place especially if your on the inside for 7 or 8 hours if there is a delay due to weather elswhere on the circuit so if your in a location where there are no facilities you need to be prepared you never get bored during the delays you can always find someone to talk to

There are loads of other things to see on the IOM other than bikes like the Steam Railways, Trams, Laxy wheel, Snaefell, Calf Sound the list is endless

[rugbyfan]

Agree Paul, we're plagued with midgies at Westwood.

The radio must recieve AM (1368 Mhz), for commentary.

[Simon Smith]

What a small world.

I just bumped in to Larry and Mike at the National Motorcycle Museum.

They will be on the island tomorrow.

[anp]

So who is off to the TT is there a Steve's Place get together then ? or is that JC's stag do where do you all watch from ?

[Wine Girl]

What a small world.

I just bumped in to Larry and Mike at the National Motorcycle Museum.

I was there today... I did over hear 2 American accents talking about brake levers....was that you Larry & Mike!