Friday night, there is a fundraising event for the Hogg Rescue organisation, set up in memory of Phil Hogg, a local rider. His family have raised many thousands of pounds over the years and the money pays for the ambulances you see at the TT (among other motorsport events). The event is in the Palace Hotel (formerly the Hilton), and costs £3. There are raffles and auctions and Shaun Parker can tell you, some cracking bargains to be had... plus it's a great social night.
Saturday morning, 10.00 am, we meet at the Press Centre at the TT Grandstand, and after coffee and a chat, we go out in the minibuses.. passengers in one, drivers in the other, with mentors such as Stu Castles, Pete Alton, etc etc... lots of willing, very experienced competitors are on hand to help you learn the geography and the DON'Ts of the TT. They will answer your questions and guide you to find what is best for you.
We will have lunch when you get back after a couple of laps, and during this break you will have talks from Keith Mackay (sometime passenger and solo MGP rider and marshal) on safety, marshals etc. Also a short talk from Willie Clucas (chief Technical Official at the TT) and his colleague Harvey Garton (both slidey people.) Paul Phillips from the Motorsport Development Team will join us to highlight some things you need to know, and to offer support if you are struggling with the entry form... we hope you will all have entered by the end of the weekend. The Press will also attend and there will be a photoshoot, and some interviews for Manx Radio.
After lunch you go back out in the buses, but with your driver/passenger where possible. If you decide you want to go in a car, PLEASE take a mentor with you, and preferably don't drive... it is very easy to break speed limits, cross to the wrong side of the road, or otherwise get into trouble if you are trying to drive and learn the course at the same time. PLEASE TAKE CARE... this was one of the main reasons I started doing these weekends, as somebody got into very nasty bother doing just that.
Saturday night is traditionally the night out at the Manor in Willaston. The hosts there are great sidecar supporters and do us proud. They will be putting on food, and this time there will be a fundraising event... I will be having my hair cut off to raise cash for the Ben Fund and the Hyperbaric Chamber ... both organisations many of us have needed in the past and may in the future... bring your piggy bank and empty it into my bucket! Most of the Isle of Man's sidecar people come to this and it will give you a chance to meet them, and for more discussion about what works at the TT.
Sunday morning the minibuses and mentors will be available from 10.00 at the Press Centre, and we usually try to meet up for a last social get together at the Ginger Hall, for a quick lunch. Those of you with flights to catch will disappear then, and others may continue to circulate on the mountain course.
Monday... I start planning for the TT! Also, if you have not been able to come to the weekends, you can still have a trip across and I will arrange mentors, accommodation etc. Just contact me on helenbmerry@manx.net.
