Isle of Man TT - advice please!
Discussion
Hi all,
After the disappointment of Le Mans this weekend (24 Heures - cars!) our group are planning on heading to the Isle of Man next year - some on cars and some on bikes (including me!)
We've never been before, so I'd really appreciate some info - I know you have to book early so I wanna get it sorted asap.
Whats the best format? We don't mind camping or are B&B's better? Camping is always a laugh if there's some campsites and stuff, plus with someone driving a car luggage on the bike isn't a problem.
How long does it all last? Is it a week long thing of practices and pre-races etc, or just the race weekend? I think its the 30th May this year?
Any recommendations for ferry companies, camp sites or anything else would be really appreciated.
Cheers
After the disappointment of Le Mans this weekend (24 Heures - cars!) our group are planning on heading to the Isle of Man next year - some on cars and some on bikes (including me!)
We've never been before, so I'd really appreciate some info - I know you have to book early so I wanna get it sorted asap.
Whats the best format? We don't mind camping or are B&B's better? Camping is always a laugh if there's some campsites and stuff, plus with someone driving a car luggage on the bike isn't a problem.
How long does it all last? Is it a week long thing of practices and pre-races etc, or just the race weekend? I think its the 30th May this year?
Any recommendations for ferry companies, camp sites or anything else would be really appreciated.
Cheers
Ferry company first. Steam Packet, or you ain't going!
I usually camp when I go. There are several very good sites on the Island. I stayed at Glen Wyllin in Kirkmichael on 2 occasions. http://www.isleofman.com/business/g/glenwyllin/
Website is out of date but contact details are there. Book far enough in advance and you can get one of their furnished tents to cut down on the luggage.
A nice walk up to the Mitre Bar and you're a pavement's width away from the action.
The TT is 2 weeks long. 1 week practice and 1 week racing.
I usually camp when I go. There are several very good sites on the Island. I stayed at Glen Wyllin in Kirkmichael on 2 occasions. http://www.isleofman.com/business/g/glenwyllin/
Website is out of date but contact details are there. Book far enough in advance and you can get one of their furnished tents to cut down on the luggage.
A nice walk up to the Mitre Bar and you're a pavement's width away from the action.
The TT is 2 weeks long. 1 week practice and 1 week racing.
Edited by MrsMiggins on Monday 16th June 22:47
Thanks very much for that!
So is it best to just book a ferry and a campsite seperately or are there companies who do a bundle deal? Also, this may be silly, but are the "tickets" for the TT or is it a turn up and watch afair?
Finally, when is best to go - does it all kick off on the 30th May or is that the first race day? We won't be able to go for 2 weeks, more like a long weekend i.e. Fri - Mon or something like that?
Cheers
So is it best to just book a ferry and a campsite seperately or are there companies who do a bundle deal? Also, this may be silly, but are the "tickets" for the TT or is it a turn up and watch afair?
Finally, when is best to go - does it all kick off on the 30th May or is that the first race day? We won't be able to go for 2 weeks, more like a long weekend i.e. Fri - Mon or something like that?
Cheers
as above have said its best to book your ferry first and asap....if you are limited to how long you can stay then its prob best to stay for the middle weekend..that was you get fri night practise session then saturdays superbike race then mad sunday events all around the island
campsites of hotels can be found here http://www.gov.im/tourism/travel/accommodation/isl...
www.iomtt.com is a good place for further info
hope that helps
campsites of hotels can be found here http://www.gov.im/tourism/travel/accommodation/isl...
www.iomtt.com is a good place for further info
hope that helps
The TT is a turn up and watch event, but you probably want to spend at least 1 day in the Grandstand and that'll cost you.
Other than that the knack is to find a good place to watch, and that depends on what you want to see...Kirkmichael is amazing because it's a small village with a very narrow road and the bikes go through it at 150+
Loads of places on the mountain will allow you to see the bikes maxed out - Gooseneck is very popular. I could go on - you've got the whole track to choose from and once you learn your way around you'll start to consider subtleties like "inside the track or outside it?".
The TT starts on 30th May next year so Mad Sunday is 7th June. Like y2blade I'd recommend your long weekend covers that weekend - if it's your first visit you want to soak up the atmosphere.
My top tip is to go clockwise around the island whenever you're on the circuit; makes it much less likely you'll round a corner and meet someone head-on who is taking the racing line and is on your side of the road.
Other than that the knack is to find a good place to watch, and that depends on what you want to see...Kirkmichael is amazing because it's a small village with a very narrow road and the bikes go through it at 150+
Loads of places on the mountain will allow you to see the bikes maxed out - Gooseneck is very popular. I could go on - you've got the whole track to choose from and once you learn your way around you'll start to consider subtleties like "inside the track or outside it?".
The TT starts on 30th May next year so Mad Sunday is 7th June. Like y2blade I'd recommend your long weekend covers that weekend - if it's your first visit you want to soak up the atmosphere.
My top tip is to go clockwise around the island whenever you're on the circuit; makes it much less likely you'll round a corner and meet someone head-on who is taking the racing line and is on your side of the road.
also since 2007 the mountain has been one-way for the whole of the fortnight , so get up early to avoid road closures due to wannabee racers smashing themselves up during non race days
keep safe and dont try and chase the fast/local boys.
keep your wits about you and you will have a great time
keep safe and dont try and chase the fast/local boys.
keep your wits about you and you will have a great time
Mike_C said:
Does it matter which side of the island you camp on, i.e. North, South, East or West?
Also, the ferries seem a bit...sporadic? Hard to get a good set of crossings by the looks of it!
i have heard that the quarterbridge campsite is VERY good...and walking distance from douglas prom...where all the good stuff happensAlso, the ferries seem a bit...sporadic? Hard to get a good set of crossings by the looks of it!
are you set on camping?
i personaly always stay in douglas area
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