Manx Rally 2015 - anyone else going?
Discussion
asked this question already in the rallying thread, but not seen any responses?
Is anyone else going across to the Isle of Man for the 2015 Manx Rally in September?
We have never been before, so really looking forwards to it as a new venue.
As,I would love to hear from any one else going along, and also anyone who has been before and give us some locations and viewing tips too?
Thanks in advance.
Is anyone else going across to the Isle of Man for the 2015 Manx Rally in September?
We have never been before, so really looking forwards to it as a new venue.
As,I would love to hear from any one else going along, and also anyone who has been before and give us some locations and viewing tips too?
Thanks in advance.
I'm not going this year as it clashes with another event I've to be at but I've been several times before.
There are plenty of decent spots to watch from although how many of these will still be accessible with the new safety rules I don't know.
Brandywell cottage is usually good for viewing, both at the cottage itself and the jumps just before it if they're being used. The Castletown stage normally has a good atmosphere - it's usually run on Friday evening as two stages in one. Tholt-y-will hairpins can be good, there's a car park 5 minutes away from them too but you'll be locked in till the stage finishes. Also up at the "Snuff the Wind" mines just off the Round Table road.
There are plenty of decent spots to watch from although how many of these will still be accessible with the new safety rules I don't know.
Brandywell cottage is usually good for viewing, both at the cottage itself and the jumps just before it if they're being used. The Castletown stage normally has a good atmosphere - it's usually run on Friday evening as two stages in one. Tholt-y-will hairpins can be good, there's a car park 5 minutes away from them too but you'll be locked in till the stage finishes. Also up at the "Snuff the Wind" mines just off the Round Table road.
DelicaL400 said:
I'm not going this year as it clashes with another event I've to be at but I've been several times before.
There are plenty of decent spots to watch from although how many of these will still be accessible with the new safety rules I don't know.
Brandywell cottage is usually good for viewing, both at the cottage itself and the jumps just before it if they're being used. The Castletown stage normally has a good atmosphere - it's usually run on Friday evening as two stages in one. Tholt-y-will hairpins can be good, there's a car park 5 minutes away from them too but you'll be locked in till the stage finishes. Also up at the "Snuff the Wind" mines just off the Round Table road.
Excellent , thanks so much for the feedback!There are plenty of decent spots to watch from although how many of these will still be accessible with the new safety rules I don't know.
Brandywell cottage is usually good for viewing, both at the cottage itself and the jumps just before it if they're being used. The Castletown stage normally has a good atmosphere - it's usually run on Friday evening as two stages in one. Tholt-y-will hairpins can be good, there's a car park 5 minutes away from them too but you'll be locked in till the stage finishes. Also up at the "Snuff the Wind" mines just off the Round Table road.
Any other secret viewing tips?
nigelpugh7 said:
Any other secret viewing tips?
Hard to say - I don't want to suggest somewhere and then you find it's now a prohibited area. It's probably best to drive the stages yourself and see where is accessible and where is taped off. Some of the roads are very bumpy so be careful if you're in something low. The roads through Druidale and the Curraghs are the worst for potential sump-scraping incidents. The last stage is usually the "Classic", running through Druidale to Brandywell then down Injebreck into Douglas, finishing at the TT Grandstand. Watching at the Grandstand is pretty good, you get to see the champagne spraying as well as the stage action.
Go prepared for all seasons of weather. It can be lovely and sunny near to sea level but cold, wet and foggy up the mountain road.
Bump!
I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
DirrieMore said:
Bump!
I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
I would be surprised if that Agila is still on the road somehow. I would be surprised if they actually wanted to come over in it again!I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
DirrieMore said:
Bump!
I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
That's great thanks for the bump too!I've heard a few machines, straight cut gearboxes et al out on a recce on the road behind chez moi but not, as yet, seen more than a couple of local Trophy Rally runners. As far as viewing goes the above suggestions are spot on and I can't recommend Brandywell Cottage highly enough especially as this year the cars go from Little London, round the hairpin (also worth a neb) before hitting the twin yumps on the way into the junction. I'll never forget the sight of George Collister monstering his Evo over said yumps.
Another good spot, especially for photos, will be the ford on the Cornaa road. Park in the large area opposite the Glen Mona hotel and look for the public right of way heading steepish downhill, it's a ten minute trek max. If you have a mountain bike the Baldhoon stage offers a good spot at the south eastern edge of Conrhenny plantation. There's a large car park a mile out on the Creg ny Baa back road, ride (or walk, takes 15 mins) parallel with the main road towards the Creg then follow the perimeter track all the way to the end. Good, fast approach and a stunning view (though last time I stood with a buch of Welsh guys in steady rain).
All that said it'll be interesting to see how access has been affected by recent tragic events. I'll be looking out for the 4 guys in a Vauxhall Agila who venture over every year, usually met them at Grenaby but that doesn't feature this year nor does Marine Drive. I've taken the Friday and Saturday off work to watch, never done the Castletown stage so that's on my must see list. Whisper it but the forecast is actually reasonable too.
Look out for a badly parked green Puma!
Yep we are off on the ferry from Liverpool on Thursday evening, we stay for the whole weekend too, coming back on Sunday.
Appreciate all the tips about viewing spots too.
Finally and of course most importantly can we have some recommendations for some good pubs with good grub and nice atmosphere too please?
We are stoping in a self catering cottage near to Onchan, seems there is a good couple of places local to their, I think one is called the Views and the other is the golf club!
Have a look out for us, we will be in a big white Land Rover L322, and will probably have the landrover day tent pitched up and attached to the back of it too!
Come and say high,,and if we are cooking bacon sandwiches , then we might even chuck one on the grill for you!
nigelpugh7 said:
DirrieMore said:
Bump!
That's great thanks for the bump too!Yep we are off on the ferry from Liverpool on Thursday evening, we stay for the whole weekend too, coming back on Sunday.
Appreciate all the tips about viewing spots too.
Finally and of course most importantly can we have some recommendations for some good pubs with good grub and nice atmosphere too please?
We are stoping in a self catering cottage near to Onchan, seems there is a good couple of places local to their, I think one is called the Views and the other is the golf club!
Have a look out for us, we will be in a big white Land Rover L322, and will probably have the landrover day tent pitched up and attached to the back of it too!
Come and say high,,and if we are cooking bacon sandwiches , then we might even chuck one on the grill for you!
The Views has always been a popular place for meals and AFAIK that is the function part of the golf club. The Manx Arms in Onchan is ok and if the weather is good (during a rally? Surely not..) try the Cat With No Tail, it has a large beer garden and does food. Head up the Mountain road from Onchan, turn left at Cronk-ny-Mona, go along 1/4 of a mile and you can't miss it on the left. Head into Douglas and there's a choice on or near the Promenade. Papparazi (Italian) is great, Jaks (steakhouse) very popular and there's a steak/Indian place at the bottom of Summerhill Road which we ventured to during TT.
You won't starve over here! If you must have a kipper bap do NOT eat in in the car, no air freshener known to mankind can shift that aroma..
One last wee viewing tip: the TT grandstand is a great place to watch the finish, there's commentary and plenty of seats and the victor usually obliges with donuts at the end (it's also a lazy 10 minute stroll from my house) but if you want a wilder experience for the last stage head up the Mountain Road (again), ignore the road closed signs and park on the road just before Brandywell. You can see and hear the cars approaching from miles away before negotiating the bales and off down the Bhenn y Phott road towards Brandywell Cottage. It's a trade off, awesome view or champagne finish and parc ferme. Again this would depend on the weather: Brandywell is, I think, the highest bit of road on the island.
Thanks in advance for he offer of bacon baps
DirrieMore said:
Cheers guys!
The Views has always been a popular place for meals and AFAIK that is the function part of the golf club. The Manx Arms in Onchan is ok and if the weather is good (during a rally? Surely not..) try the Cat With No Tail, it has a large beer garden and does food. Head up the Mountain road from Onchan, turn left at Cronk-ny-Mona, go along 1/4 of a mile and you can't miss it on the left. Head into Douglas and there's a choice on or near the Promenade. Papparazi (Italian) is great, Jaks (steakhouse) very popular and there's a steak/Indian place at the bottom of Summerhill Road which we ventured to during TT.
You won't starve over here! If you must have a kipper bap do NOT eat in in the car, no air freshener known to mankind can shift that aroma..
One last wee viewing tip: the TT grandstand is a great place to watch the finish, there's commentary and plenty of seats and the victor usually obliges with donuts at the end (it's also a lazy 10 minute stroll from my house) but if you want a wilder experience for the last stage head up the Mountain Road (again), ignore the road closed signs and park on the road just before Brandywell. You can see and hear the cars approaching from miles away before negotiating the bales and off down the Bhenn y Phott road towards Brandywell Cottage. It's a trade off, awesome view or champagne finish and parc ferme. Again this would depend on the weather: Brandywell is, I think, the highest bit of road on the island.
Thanks in advance for he offer of bacon baps
Wow, great feedback thanks.The Views has always been a popular place for meals and AFAIK that is the function part of the golf club. The Manx Arms in Onchan is ok and if the weather is good (during a rally? Surely not..) try the Cat With No Tail, it has a large beer garden and does food. Head up the Mountain road from Onchan, turn left at Cronk-ny-Mona, go along 1/4 of a mile and you can't miss it on the left. Head into Douglas and there's a choice on or near the Promenade. Papparazi (Italian) is great, Jaks (steakhouse) very popular and there's a steak/Indian place at the bottom of Summerhill Road which we ventured to during TT.
You won't starve over here! If you must have a kipper bap do NOT eat in in the car, no air freshener known to mankind can shift that aroma..
One last wee viewing tip: the TT grandstand is a great place to watch the finish, there's commentary and plenty of seats and the victor usually obliges with donuts at the end (it's also a lazy 10 minute stroll from my house) but if you want a wilder experience for the last stage head up the Mountain Road (again), ignore the road closed signs and park on the road just before Brandywell. You can see and hear the cars approaching from miles away before negotiating the bales and off down the Bhenn y Phott road towards Brandywell Cottage. It's a trade off, awesome view or champagne finish and parc ferme. Again this would depend on the weather: Brandywell is, I think, the highest bit of road on the island.
Thanks in advance for he offer of bacon baps
It sounds like we won't be short of places to eat great out!
Just one question, how busy will it be on the island for the rally as far as booking availability is concerned will we manage to get a place to eat on Friday and Saturday night easily enough?
As long as we can get some grub and a few pints of Guinness I am sure we will be fine!
The Manx government has set up camps and soup kitchens to provide aid for those coming over for the rally though there is considerable disquiet amongst the local population over the sheer numbers arriving on the shores of the island in the coming days.
Seriously though, while the above eateries will be busy at worst they'll ask if you can come back in an hour or so. You may be tempted to pass this time consuming alcohol though no-one is forcing you to do that..
Given that you're staying near Onchan the "L.A" is worth a shout, on the main road to Laxey:
http://www.dsleisureltd.com/liverpool-arms.html
If you're staying Saturday night an alternative would be the food and drink festival, held at the Villa Marina on the Prom featuring the best of Manx produce (seriously, try the cider!) plus this year there's live music. It's a fiver to get in and open until 9p.m.
https://www.gov.im/media/1348804/festival_programm...
Cheers
Seriously though, while the above eateries will be busy at worst they'll ask if you can come back in an hour or so. You may be tempted to pass this time consuming alcohol though no-one is forcing you to do that..
Given that you're staying near Onchan the "L.A" is worth a shout, on the main road to Laxey:
http://www.dsleisureltd.com/liverpool-arms.html
If you're staying Saturday night an alternative would be the food and drink festival, held at the Villa Marina on the Prom featuring the best of Manx produce (seriously, try the cider!) plus this year there's live music. It's a fiver to get in and open until 9p.m.
https://www.gov.im/media/1348804/festival_programm...
Cheers
DirrieMore said:
The Manx government has set up camps and soup kitchens to provide aid for those coming over for the rally though there is considerable disquiet amongst the local population over the sheer numbers arriving on the shores of the island in the coming days.
Seriously though, while the above eateries will be busy at worst they'll ask if you can come back in an hour or so. You may be tempted to pass this time consuming alcohol though no-one is forcing you to do that..
Given that you're staying near Onchan the "L.A" is worth a shout, on the main road to Laxey:
http://www.dsleisureltd.com/liverpool-arms.html
If you're staying Saturday night an alternative would be the food and drink festival, held at the Villa Marina on the Prom featuring the best of Manx produce (seriously, try the cider!) plus this year there's live music. It's a fiver to get in and open until 9p.m.
https://www.gov.im/media/1348804/festival_programm...
Cheers
Brilliant! That did make me laugh!Seriously though, while the above eateries will be busy at worst they'll ask if you can come back in an hour or so. You may be tempted to pass this time consuming alcohol though no-one is forcing you to do that..
Given that you're staying near Onchan the "L.A" is worth a shout, on the main road to Laxey:
http://www.dsleisureltd.com/liverpool-arms.html
If you're staying Saturday night an alternative would be the food and drink festival, held at the Villa Marina on the Prom featuring the best of Manx produce (seriously, try the cider!) plus this year there's live music. It's a fiver to get in and open until 9p.m.
https://www.gov.im/media/1348804/festival_programm...
Cheers
And what are you saying? That we spend more time drinking than actually spectating? Perish the thought!
Thanks again for all the great tips, we are really looking forwards to it.,
Cheers
Occam's Razor said:
Well we've finished the recce and had 4 runs over the shakedown stage, looking forward to the start at 7pm tonight on the seafront. Some of the narrower roads are getting a bit bumpy, some edges falling away, but the quick bits are very quick!!
Fantastic! We're on the Fast Cat coming across as we speak., will be there for some of the stage tonight then early doors in the morning., Look forwards to seeing you putting in some good times!
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