On the way to IOM

Sunday 28th Aug 2016

We met up at 9.30 to ride the 250 ish miles to Chester. Soon into the ride it started to rain, just a shower. A few miles further it rained again, this time heavier. Then the sun came out and we were dry again..this was the story of our ride until be reached Bala in Snowdonia, Wales. From here the sun shone and the roads were great.. just need to watch out for the sheep!

On route we did have a sat nav moment which caused me to lead our group down a very narrow and dirty country lane, for miles. Unfortunately one of our group, who shall remain nameless, managed to fall off having encountered a particularly muddy stretch..thankfully only minor damage to his bike but both he and bike covered in mud ? Standing in the hotel shower that night in his riding gear cleaned him up!

Arrived hotel around 6.30pm and later met up with our Spanish friend, Juan, who rolled up on his Harley. Multiple beers later it was time for bed..all in all a great day.

Monday 29th August

A quick blast on the Mway and through Birkenhead tunnel we arrived at the Steam Packet IOM pier. We met up with Colin, accompanied by his wife  on pillion and one of their lady friends..so now we are 6.

We rode on board the SeaCat with all the other bikers, parked up as instructed and then noticed the piece of rope and rag waiting. No ratchet straps on the Steam Packet.. The rag was to protect the seat as the rope was used to tie the bike up!! We were ready to sail.

3 hours later we arrived in Douglas IOM ..the hotel was just 250 yds from ferry port.

We got changed and walked up to the TT start line and paddock. All very informal bikes and racers everywhere and amazing array of race bikes of all ages.  We watched the start of the Manx GP newcomers race as they blasted off at 10 sec intervals to do 4 laps of the 37mile course. When they came through to start the 2nd lap at full speed we were just a few feet away as they came past at prob 150mph on a normal public road…scary! We then went to the pits to see them pull in for refuelling for laps 3&4.

By now it was gone 6pm and time for beer..we walked back into town and suddenly caught the smell of curry wafting on the breeze.. Followed our noses and ended up in a very nice curry house. We finished in a pub for nightcap and then to bed. Another good day ?