Planning runs out on the Isle of Man - Advice please

[mrmr96]

I'm going on a road trip to the Isle of Man with some friends next month and would like some advice on decent driving roads. We will be there on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if that makes any difference.)

Can anyone offer advice or links to websites where this has been discussed before. (I did a quick google but not found what I'm after.)

Cheers all,
mrmr96

[cw42]

The island is a great place to go for a drive, and not so big that you'll get lost. Pretty much any road with the NSL sign is good for a blast, but the biggy is of course the TT route over the mountain. Just awesome!
I did a short vid when we were there back in 06, not the best, but you get the idea
http://www.scoobysmacs.co.uk/Videos/iom%20mountain...
Just be aware, speed limited roads, 30, 40 and 50, are just that, so don't go over the limit on those roads. Otherwise, go as quick as you feel safe for your skill level and road conditions at the NSL sign!

[mrmr96]

Cheers for the video, that looks like a lot of fun.

It looks like you went as part of a trip with some mates/club members. How were you received by the locals? Do they mind having people come over for the sole purpose of driving fast? Or did they seem to welcome the boost to the economy?

[Don]

mrmr96 said:

Cheers for the video, that looks like a lot of fun.

It looks like you went as part of a trip with some mates/club members. How were you received by the locals? Do they mind having people come over for the sole purpose of driving fast? Or did they seem to welcome the boost to the economy?

The Island is motorsport mad. A very, very special place. I've been over the mountain road at very high speed and had a great time. The locals are like anywhere - they love the tourists' money but wish they didn't have to tolerate too many of them. So long as you are well behaved you should be fine.

But DO NOT overstretch the Islanders hospitality. If there's traffic do not be blasting past at a closing speed of sixty miles an hour. Do not hoon anywhere they've put a speed limit. Unlike in the UK - almost precisely because they don't have an upper, national speed limit - they really mean the ones they DO have. If it says 20mph? Do it. Restrict your entertainment to the open road and don't go above your own limits and all should be well - and a hoot!

Whilst you are there remember that the Island has more to offer than fast driving. The scenery and walking are excellent.

Have a great time.

[Don]

Oh.

They take Drink-Drive offences even more seriously than we do here. I know to a bunch of petrolheads the very idea makes you shake with anger but it's worth mentioning. If you stay in a hotel out of town and want a glass of wine with dinner? You'll need to be eating in the hotel or getting the Mrs to drive!

[mrmr96]

Cheers for the tips:

- Stick strictly to the limits where they exist.
Good advice, there's really no excuse for speeding where there are limits, given that there's a derestricted bit just up the road!

- No drinking.
I don't plan on touching a drop while I'm there - it's not the point of the trip and so would hate to lose half a day to a hangover!

[cw42]

mrmr96 said:

Cheers for the video, that looks like a lot of fun.

It looks like you went as part of a trip with some mates/club members. How were you received by the locals? Do they mind having people come over for the sole purpose of driving fast? Or did they seem to welcome the boost to the economy?

Our group of scooby owners had no problems and even raised the odd smile or two from some of the locals, even the harbour master was happy to oblige on this particular day:

There were 2 porches in our group though, who by all accounts drove like idiots on a number of occasions. On our final day there, sunday, they were stopped by the local police and were asked to leave the island, as a local had reported there driving antics via mobile phone on the mountain route. They managed to stay the final night with the assurance that they would drive straight to the boat on the monday morning.
So be aware the locals know how to call the police if you're thinking of driving like a loon

[F308 MAN]

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

[mrmr96]

Nice photo.

cw42 said:

There were 2 porches in our group though, who by all accounts drove like idiots on a number of occasions. On our final day there, sunday, they were stopped by the local police and were asked to leave the island, as a local had reported there driving antics via mobile phone on the mountain route.

Interesting. The Police have powers of deportation based on a (unsubstantiated?) report from an MOP?

Of course it's best to treat everyone with respect and thereby avoid this potential problem. But at the same time people's perceptions of risk/danger vary and it would be a great shame to be asked to leave the island just becasue of the opinion of one local?

[cw42]

I think the Police had observed them as well, from a distance. Or maybe they were unlucky enough to have overtaken an off duty policeman

[mrmr96]

F308 MAN said:

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

I assume you live there?
What does the weather tend to be like around the end of March? Cold/Wet/Rain or Warm/Dry/Sun? (In fact, I'd settle for overcast and a bit chilly so long as it's DRY!)

[F308 MAN]

mrmr96 said:

F308 MAN said:

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

I assume you live there?
What does the weather tend to be like around the end of March? Cold/Wet/Rain or Warm/Dry/Sun? (In fact, I'd settle for overcast and a bit chilly so long as it's DRY!)

yes, i am fortunate enough to live here.
the weather is similar to uk, you pays yer money and takes yer chance !
cheers, d

[mrmr96]

F308 MAN said:

mrmr96 said:

F308 MAN said:

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

I assume you live there?
What does the weather tend to be like around the end of March? Cold/Wet/Rain or Warm/Dry/Sun? (In fact, I'd settle for overcast and a bit chilly so long as it's DRY!)

yes, i am fortunate enough to live here.
the weather is similar to uk, you pays yer money and takes yer chance !
cheers, d

Cool stuff. Fingers crossed then.

Looking on your profile, seems like you have a nice setup there. Retired on the IoM with a Ferarri! Does it get any better!? Good work Sir.

[F308 MAN]

mrmr96 said:

.... Does it get any better!? ....

nope !

[aquatix]

Here's a 1 hour route you can use straight off the ferry to really give you a taste for the roads there. Mainly back roads so little traffic to worry about, and a nice trip back to Douglas over the mountain road.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&a...

[*Kosta*]

mrmr96 said:

F308 MAN said:

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

I assume you live there?
What does the weather tend to be like around the end of March? Cold/Wet/Rain or Warm/Dry/Sun? (In fact, I'd settle for overcast and a bit chilly so long as it's DRY!)

If you are going the last weekend in March, watch out for circa 20 Mitsubishi Evos. I'll be in there somewhere!

[mrmr96]

aquatix said:

Here's a 1 hour route you can use straight off the ferry to really give you a taste for the roads there. Mainly back roads so little traffic to worry about, and a nice trip back to Douglas over the mountain road.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&a...

Cheers for that! I'll use that 'google maps to tomtom' convertor and take that route with me.

*Kosta* said:

mrmr96 said:

F308 MAN said:

give me a shout when you land ... i'll show you around.

I assume you live there?
What does the weather tend to be like around the end of March? Cold/Wet/Rain or Warm/Dry/Sun? (In fact, I'd settle for overcast and a bit chilly so long as it's DRY!)

If you are going the last weekend in March, watch out for circa 20 Mitsubishi Evos. I'll be in there somewhere!

Sounds like fun!