Isle of Man TT first timer
Discussion
Hi all,
As the title says, I have never been to the Isle of Man TT but I would really like to go and was hoping to get some advice on how best to do it.
My first question would be on which days to go. I want to make the most of my time there. The next question would be which tickets to buy? There is a large range with ridiculous differences in prices. Im sure there is a reason why you pay more for some tickets but will I regret cheaping out? Is there anything else important I need to know? Some tips on cheap accommodation and would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Leo
As the title says, I have never been to the Isle of Man TT but I would really like to go and was hoping to get some advice on how best to do it.
My first question would be on which days to go. I want to make the most of my time there. The next question would be which tickets to buy? There is a large range with ridiculous differences in prices. Im sure there is a reason why you pay more for some tickets but will I regret cheaping out? Is there anything else important I need to know? Some tips on cheap accommodation and would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Leo
Any time is good. Cheapest is camping but you WILL get a lot of rain. The 1 year I went it rained co scantly for 8 of the 9 days we were there. Tents floated away. We needed a big tractor to tow the stuck little tractor which was towing vans out of the mud. The main race was cancelled that year. The Norton didn't run well.
All in all I vowed never to go again. I may try my luck in a few tears when my boots dry out eventually...
All in all I vowed never to go again. I may try my luck in a few tears when my boots dry out eventually...
I've only been once, for race week. Any of the days are good, the atmosphere and the racing are always good.
In contrast to the post above, I think it rained for about 3 hours over the whole week, the rest of the time was bright sunshine and high 20s.
What tickets are you referring to? If you're on a budget, all you need to worry about is getting there and staying somewhere. There's no need to pay anything to watch the bikes go past.
In contrast to the post above, I think it rained for about 3 hours over the whole week, the rest of the time was bright sunshine and high 20s.
What tickets are you referring to? If you're on a budget, all you need to worry about is getting there and staying somewhere. There's no need to pay anything to watch the bikes go past.
I have been several times, yes it can rain but I have also had scorching weather as well. Advice as follows:
- Book you ferry tickets asap, the best routes go very quickly...last time I want a return was £180 (bike)
- If you like a bit of evening entertainment get some accommodation or camping within walking distance of Douglas (taxis can be hard to track down)
- As it's April already your going to struggle for lodging unless your prepared to take somewhere off the beaten track (some places do have space nearer the event if regulars turn it down)
- It your going in a car expect it to be hard to find parking
- Buy an OS map of the island and plan some viewing spots depending on weather
- Most of the viewing points can be remote, so pack food, water and sunscreen with you for a day, also get a radio. It used to be that you were stuck on the inside of the track depending on where you went but now there is access in Douglas to get on the inside/outside when racing starts. Be mindful of where you are else you can get stuck for several hours (especially on the Mountain)
- Police can be really hot, and can fine you with pop-up court houses...only push on in the unrestricted areas
- The Mountain is now open as one way for 2 weeks so you don't need to partake in "Mad Sunday" anymore, I recommend an early start or early evening when the roads are quieter
I love the place and it's a must for any petrolhead....missed it for a few years now so really wishing I could get back
JD
- Book you ferry tickets asap, the best routes go very quickly...last time I want a return was £180 (bike)
- If you like a bit of evening entertainment get some accommodation or camping within walking distance of Douglas (taxis can be hard to track down)
- As it's April already your going to struggle for lodging unless your prepared to take somewhere off the beaten track (some places do have space nearer the event if regulars turn it down)
- It your going in a car expect it to be hard to find parking
- Buy an OS map of the island and plan some viewing spots depending on weather
- Most of the viewing points can be remote, so pack food, water and sunscreen with you for a day, also get a radio. It used to be that you were stuck on the inside of the track depending on where you went but now there is access in Douglas to get on the inside/outside when racing starts. Be mindful of where you are else you can get stuck for several hours (especially on the Mountain)
- Police can be really hot, and can fine you with pop-up court houses...only push on in the unrestricted areas
- The Mountain is now open as one way for 2 weeks so you don't need to partake in "Mad Sunday" anymore, I recommend an early start or early evening when the roads are quieter
I love the place and it's a must for any petrolhead....missed it for a few years now so really wishing I could get back
JD
Ive been twice and have had a great time on both occasions, total mixed bag of weather but it does not matter as everyones in the same boat. if the weather is bad the crossing can be rough! Worst part I remember was waiting to disembark on the ferry, many people see the ship cargo doors open and start up their bikes....Dont!
Leave it until there is nothing in front of you otherwise you get choked out by all the fumes...it was really bad
Another tip if you are going by bike is riding around the island, do not hug the central white lines, reason is there have been many many head on accidents on bends, you also get a hell of a lot of riders from Europe and remember they sometimes forget which side of the road they should be driving on in an emergency situation!
Riding over the mountain section is fun too on "Mad Sunday" but you really must look behind you when overtaking, you may think you are going fast but many are faster and really go for it!
The Atmosphere is fantastic on the island. I would recommend Douglas B&Bs if you can find one now!
Leave it until there is nothing in front of you otherwise you get choked out by all the fumes...it was really bad
Another tip if you are going by bike is riding around the island, do not hug the central white lines, reason is there have been many many head on accidents on bends, you also get a hell of a lot of riders from Europe and remember they sometimes forget which side of the road they should be driving on in an emergency situation!
Riding over the mountain section is fun too on "Mad Sunday" but you really must look behind you when overtaking, you may think you are going fast but many are faster and really go for it!
The Atmosphere is fantastic on the island. I would recommend Douglas B&Bs if you can find one now!
Hi, I have been a couple of times, I think the best time to go is Thursday of Practice week you can experience the atmosphere building, make sure your there for mad sunday(not to ride round the circuit) go to Peel where it is more like a bike festival . Then stay for as much of the racing as you want, it doesn't need to cost anything you can get great views of the racing for free. Enjoy!
Hello Leomay
I see you've had some great top tips already. It's worth remembering that the TT is a "festival" as well as a world famous road race.
I was born on the island - and although I no longer live there - I was in the past a volunteer TT Marshall at places such as Quarter Bridge, Ballagarey, Crosby and Greeba - so having been lucky enough to "attend" this event on more than a handful of occasions I'm hoping I can give yourself and perhaps other "Pistonheaders" some valuable "top tips".
When to go?
For 2017 it depends on whether you intend trying to get over on a motorcycle, car or scheduled flight.
I'm probably right in saying that you'll very much struggle in June 2017 to get on a ferry (other than as a foot passenger) - as the ferry will have been booked up for at least 8 months or so.
Don't dismiss travelling over by air though.
If you just want to go for a long weekend or a few days as it were - then in my honest opinion the very best time to go is on or before the first Friday of "practice week" - i.e. the last day of qualifying/practice - Friday 2nd June 2017
Then if you can afford the time - I'd return on the following monday afternoon/evening after that day of racing
That way will get to see:
The Friday evening practice session (if it's scheduled?) that starts about 6pm
On Saturday the Superbike race at 11am and the first sidecar race at 2pm
During Sunday you could get to see more of the beautiful island as well as the spectacle that is "Mad Sunday".
Finally another two races on the monday - the Supersport race at 10:45am and the Superstock race at 2:15pm
How to get there?
You can actually do things on a fairly decent budget. Ideally you should hire a car or visit with your own transport - however although public transport is not extensive - with some planning (looking up timetables of the local buses) it could be very possible to give the course a "glancing blow" and more than wet your appetite for a future visit!
Arrive by air at Ronaldsway Airport - take a local bus from the outside the airport terminal to Douglas bus station.
Or if arriving by ferry - simply walk from the Ferry terminal to the main bus station in less than five minutes.
Top tip - bring or hire a pushbike! If you're only visiting for a few days then why not!?
Almost paralleling the TT course for the first six or seven miles or so (i.e. from Quarter Bridge to Ballacraine) is a disused railway track that has mostly been turned in to a public cycle path/roadway. It runs along the bottom section of the course.
I suggest you study Google maps very carefully - and search for the very many access points between the disused railway line and the TT course - but please do not trespass on private property !
Accommodation.
The Isle of Man simply doesn't have enough hotel rooms on the island to cope with visitor numbers - so your best hope is to contact the IoM Tourist Board and ask for "Home-stay" details.
They should be able to supply you with a list of local residents telephone numbers /contact details whose homes have been inspected by local government and approved for use as temporary tourist accommodation.
You basically get B&B in somebody's home for a very reasonable price (circa £35 - £45 per night I'm guessing?)
Should your B&B be close to the TT course - then that would be best of course.
I'm basing my advice on the possibility that you will (at worst) have no transport yourself.
Where to go?
Well - how long have you got? I could be typing all night! But for the purposes of this message - and presuming it'll be a short visit without your own transport - then I'll keep the viewing points within striking distance of Douglas!
And honestly - there really isn't a need to "pay" for entry to anywhere - unless you want a day at the Grandstand start/finish line or at places like Bradden Bridge of course.
So - as a starter - and clockwise from the start/finish line…..
Bottom of Bray Hill, Douglas - about a 3/4mile from the start line! You'll be ever so slightly blown away at the speed they go past you! Forget what you've seen on ITV4 (as excellent as that coverage is). Nothing can prepare you for that first bike going past!
But at Bray Hill you'll have to get there ahead of the crowds - be warned.
Bradden Bridge - just after Quarter Bridge - a slower section - and you will probably pay to get a viewing spot - but on a lovely day it's worth it.
Union Mills - about 3.5 miles from the start line - there's a pub here called The Railway - this is what I would call a fairly reasonable spot.
Get on your bike and cycle along the disused railway line to a point adjacent to (and south of) Marown Parish Church - just before the village of Crosby.
View the race from the Church grounds. Its a flat out 180mph+ section that will leave you speechless.
Crosby village - beyond the crossroads - just up the hill on the right (on the inside of the course) there's a pub called "The Crosby" (original!) Great vantage point.
Appledene - about 1&1/2 miles after Crosby - accessible from the disused railway line.
A more technical section for the bikes - but no less impressive.
Without your own transport - then beyond Ballacraine - access to the viewing points on the course becomes more of a challenge - but I'm happy to recommend those spots another time
If you have access to transport - or have the time to get a bus - then of course you could go much further afield.
I'm not that familiar with the viewing points just prior to the finish line at the Grandstand - but Signpost corner and Creg ny Baa are always popular sections.
Weather:
I disagree with the previous comment that it rains all the time!
The island is beautiful when the weather is fine - but like anywhere it can be challenging in poor conditions - just be prepared!
Have a look at the three of four day weather forecast before you travel obviously!
Of course there are good weather spells and bad weather spells - but heck that's life!
A few years ago I spent a long weekend at the Le Mans 24 hour race in a downpour! I got soaked for almost the whole duration of the weekend! I'm hoping for better weather this year!
The best tip I could give you though is to always try to book early for the TT - that's not always possible of course - but if you want to take your own transport - then you really do have to try.
Any way - the very best of luck. You'll have a great time I hope - and the atmosphere is excellent.
The visiting bikers (tourists) are a fantastic bunch of "like minded people" and I'm sure you'll meet great people, make new friends and get "hooked"!!
Safe travels
I see you've had some great top tips already. It's worth remembering that the TT is a "festival" as well as a world famous road race.
I was born on the island - and although I no longer live there - I was in the past a volunteer TT Marshall at places such as Quarter Bridge, Ballagarey, Crosby and Greeba - so having been lucky enough to "attend" this event on more than a handful of occasions I'm hoping I can give yourself and perhaps other "Pistonheaders" some valuable "top tips".
When to go?
For 2017 it depends on whether you intend trying to get over on a motorcycle, car or scheduled flight.
I'm probably right in saying that you'll very much struggle in June 2017 to get on a ferry (other than as a foot passenger) - as the ferry will have been booked up for at least 8 months or so.
Don't dismiss travelling over by air though.
If you just want to go for a long weekend or a few days as it were - then in my honest opinion the very best time to go is on or before the first Friday of "practice week" - i.e. the last day of qualifying/practice - Friday 2nd June 2017
Then if you can afford the time - I'd return on the following monday afternoon/evening after that day of racing
That way will get to see:
The Friday evening practice session (if it's scheduled?) that starts about 6pm
On Saturday the Superbike race at 11am and the first sidecar race at 2pm
During Sunday you could get to see more of the beautiful island as well as the spectacle that is "Mad Sunday".
Finally another two races on the monday - the Supersport race at 10:45am and the Superstock race at 2:15pm
How to get there?
You can actually do things on a fairly decent budget. Ideally you should hire a car or visit with your own transport - however although public transport is not extensive - with some planning (looking up timetables of the local buses) it could be very possible to give the course a "glancing blow" and more than wet your appetite for a future visit!
Arrive by air at Ronaldsway Airport - take a local bus from the outside the airport terminal to Douglas bus station.
Or if arriving by ferry - simply walk from the Ferry terminal to the main bus station in less than five minutes.
Top tip - bring or hire a pushbike! If you're only visiting for a few days then why not!?
Almost paralleling the TT course for the first six or seven miles or so (i.e. from Quarter Bridge to Ballacraine) is a disused railway track that has mostly been turned in to a public cycle path/roadway. It runs along the bottom section of the course.
I suggest you study Google maps very carefully - and search for the very many access points between the disused railway line and the TT course - but please do not trespass on private property !
Accommodation.
The Isle of Man simply doesn't have enough hotel rooms on the island to cope with visitor numbers - so your best hope is to contact the IoM Tourist Board and ask for "Home-stay" details.
They should be able to supply you with a list of local residents telephone numbers /contact details whose homes have been inspected by local government and approved for use as temporary tourist accommodation.
You basically get B&B in somebody's home for a very reasonable price (circa £35 - £45 per night I'm guessing?)
Should your B&B be close to the TT course - then that would be best of course.
I'm basing my advice on the possibility that you will (at worst) have no transport yourself.
Where to go?
Well - how long have you got? I could be typing all night! But for the purposes of this message - and presuming it'll be a short visit without your own transport - then I'll keep the viewing points within striking distance of Douglas!
And honestly - there really isn't a need to "pay" for entry to anywhere - unless you want a day at the Grandstand start/finish line or at places like Bradden Bridge of course.
So - as a starter - and clockwise from the start/finish line…..
Bottom of Bray Hill, Douglas - about a 3/4mile from the start line! You'll be ever so slightly blown away at the speed they go past you! Forget what you've seen on ITV4 (as excellent as that coverage is). Nothing can prepare you for that first bike going past!
But at Bray Hill you'll have to get there ahead of the crowds - be warned.
Bradden Bridge - just after Quarter Bridge - a slower section - and you will probably pay to get a viewing spot - but on a lovely day it's worth it.
Union Mills - about 3.5 miles from the start line - there's a pub here called The Railway - this is what I would call a fairly reasonable spot.
Get on your bike and cycle along the disused railway line to a point adjacent to (and south of) Marown Parish Church - just before the village of Crosby.
View the race from the Church grounds. Its a flat out 180mph+ section that will leave you speechless.
Crosby village - beyond the crossroads - just up the hill on the right (on the inside of the course) there's a pub called "The Crosby" (original!) Great vantage point.
Appledene - about 1&1/2 miles after Crosby - accessible from the disused railway line.
A more technical section for the bikes - but no less impressive.
Without your own transport - then beyond Ballacraine - access to the viewing points on the course becomes more of a challenge - but I'm happy to recommend those spots another time
If you have access to transport - or have the time to get a bus - then of course you could go much further afield.
I'm not that familiar with the viewing points just prior to the finish line at the Grandstand - but Signpost corner and Creg ny Baa are always popular sections.
Weather:
I disagree with the previous comment that it rains all the time!
The island is beautiful when the weather is fine - but like anywhere it can be challenging in poor conditions - just be prepared!
Have a look at the three of four day weather forecast before you travel obviously!
Of course there are good weather spells and bad weather spells - but heck that's life!
A few years ago I spent a long weekend at the Le Mans 24 hour race in a downpour! I got soaked for almost the whole duration of the weekend! I'm hoping for better weather this year!
The best tip I could give you though is to always try to book early for the TT - that's not always possible of course - but if you want to take your own transport - then you really do have to try.
Any way - the very best of luck. You'll have a great time I hope - and the atmosphere is excellent.
The visiting bikers (tourists) are a fantastic bunch of "like minded people" and I'm sure you'll meet great people, make new friends and get "hooked"!!
Safe travels
Quick addition to the excellent post above, public transport is very good and there are temporary bus routes that go all around the track just before and just after the racing. Last year our bike spent time in the garage so we went to ballaugh by bus. You can also take the tram to the top of the mountain.
Gassing Station | Events & Meetings | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff