Often when we travel, we miss out out seeing things or doing things that we would have liked to have done. Seems it's often a case of "oh well next time".
On our previous trips to Europe there have been a couple of things that we would have liked to have done that for whatever reason, we missed out on doing, So when it was suggested that a few of us get together for a boys only tour of the alps the gears in my head started turning. Could this be an opportunity to get some of this unfinished business done?
Leave was checked. No issue for me,I havnt got a real job, but Sam only had 2 weeks available. What to do? Did'nt want to go without her. The bastard fairys at Fairy bridge on the Isle of Man were calling too. And so it was decided that we would both go, but Sam would go and visit our friends Steph and Natalie in the South of France after the TT for a few days, then fly home from Nice, while I would go across to the continent to meet the boys.
A message was sent to my mate Bill in the UK. Hey old chap, old mate, old buddy. Whats the chances of borrowing your bike again? Of course being the legend that he is the answer was no problem. In fact he not only lent me his bike but went out and bought himself another one so he could Join us. at the TT with his son Tom and then later at Assen moto GP. How cool is that?
Ferry bookings needed to be made. This is no easy feat as crossings sell out almost immediately as they are released about 12 months before.
Accommodation was arranged at our friend Steve's house on the IOM.
Flights needed to be booked. BA had a sale on, so I booked my flights. We still weren't 100% sure about Sam, but figured we could always book her on the same flight later.
As it happens that wouldn't be the case and while we shared the same flight to Singapore, it was a strange feeling to say goodbye to Sam there and then meet up again at Heathrow as she went on Lufthansa via Frankfurt.
Jagged a good seat
The rooftop bar at Changi is a nice spot for a cool drink.
A short bus ride and Bill was at the station to meet us. He later set off for Liverpoool to catch the ferry across to the IOM with his son Tom. We had only been able to get a crossing a few days later, so we had a lovely night with Elaine, Lauren and Callum at teh local pub.
The next day we loaded up the bike and set off for a leisurely tour of the Beautiful Peak district. Great fun, no rush and stopping in at Pubs as we pleased.
This bloke was in a big rush and paid the price.
Ended up being caught in a massive downpour, so we sought shelter pretty early.
Next day was still raining, spent the morning looking around Liverpool and the surrounding area.
And then it was onto the ferry. As usual the accompanying side show kept us entertained even though it was pissing down.
Was nice to get in out of the rain and under way.
Met Stephan and Adrienne from Yorkshire. Nice couple couldn't understand a word they said but. Good Craic though and we would meet them again later in the week
Arrived at our digs late that night and next morning were up early for what would be our only full lap of the circuit which was a little disappointing, but due to the weather and a lot of rescheduling of races etc, it meant our track time was limited . Fortunately we have done heaps of laps on our previous visits.
Bray hill is daunting even at road speeds let alone at what those crazy fuckers do
Didnt have time to stop at Sulby pub this time.
We always stop for a beer at Ramsey corner regardless of the time.
Oh and the Creg
And of course a beer at the start finish to celebrate
Met up with our old mates the purple helmets who let me try out out one of their magnificent machines
That evening we spent in the promenade watching the Douglas beach races which is great fun
Next day another early start and off to our chosen viewing position which for the morning session was At Whitehorse park Kirk Michael. Great spot with the bikes coming past at nearly 300 km\h and the noise echoing off the buildings.
Sent chills up my spine.
After the first race we moved up the road to the local school. Was an awesome spot. Where else in the world could you drink beer in a school yard with bikes screaming past within arms lengths? No where that's where
A brilliant day finished off with a half lap of the course.
Weather wasn't great the next day so we spent it wandering around the town of Douglas doing some shopping and checking out the sights.
Tried to buy one of these but place was booked out. Might get one when we get home
Caught up with our new friends Steve And Adrienne again for a meal. Still couldn't understand a word they said but.
Also met up with this bloke. Yes that's Michael Dunlop. Where else in the world would you meet a an international living legend down the pub just playing pool ?
Fucking no where that's where. Only at the TT
Friday is Senior day at the TT. The most important race of the event and we were Lucky to have our friend Peter arrange an exclusive viewing area from the garden of one of the residents at Rhencullen. This place is normally out of bounds for spectators, so we felt very privileged.
Better than any corprate suite I have been in.
I cant get excited the side cars and the electric bikes are even worse.
The bikes on the other hand.
Now thats a different story.
Fuck me !!! What a spectacular place to see the bikes going past airbourne at 280klm/h here's a couple of our iPhone pics
Josh Brookes. Hes a dickhead but he does good jumps.
And here is a couple that Peter took. Yes his are much better than ours. He and his son Sam are great pikcha takers
A Brilliant day. Thanks Pete for arranging the spot. Was unforgettable.
That night we went and saw the Band Razorlight with Steve and Elaine. Id never heard of them before but they were great. A thoroughly good night. (Cept for the line up for drinks)
And just like that it was all over. I contracted a near fatal case of Man flu and spent the Saturday in bed, causing us to miss the post TT races at Billtown, which was a bit sad.
Was with heavy hearts we boarded to ferry across to Heysham. A week just isn't long enough at this spectacular place. Especially if the weather doesn't play the game. We haven't finished with you yet you bastard Fairy Bridge fairys.
We will be back !
Probably in 2020 for the Classic TT this time.