Continuing our annual long weekends away in October, this year’s trip was to the Isle of Man for 8 bikes and 3 pillions. The forecast looked great. With so many recommended biking routes, and we had Phil and Jacko on board, who are long TT race supporters. They knew the Island like the “back of their hands”. We were excited, what could go wrong?

On the Thursday, we all met at M6 Lancaster services at 11.30am, and headed for Heysham for our ferry to the Island. Following a 5 hrs sail, we went straight to our luxury hotel, The Sefton, with its important underground, safe bike parking. The hotel is on Douglas front with its attached excellent restaurant and bars on the Harris Promenade. A 4-star hotel with pool, gym and beauty spa with a chill out area in a large amazing 4 story roofed atrium, adorned with large exotic plants, and fish pool, attached to the rear.

Friday, was a coastal trip to the south of the island to the Sound Cafe, via Castletown and Port St Mary. This was to be the first taste of the magnificent biking roads and scenery of the Island, which would continue throughout our stay. The newbies to the island were all very surprised how good it was, that Rich, compared the roads and scenery to his recent bike trip in New Zealand!!, albeit a lot smaller. At the Sound, it was a quick morning coffee, and after a unexpected shower, it was back on the bikes heading north up the coast to Peel to the bikers’ Breakwater Kiosk cafe and a visit to the castle. Here, the weather became slightly overcast and the temperature had dropped, so it had to be a cosy pub for a warm lunch. This was to be the old Creek Inn, which overlooked the yacht filled harbour. The day ended with a return to the hotel, and an excellent evening in the hotel restaurant.

Saturday – This had to be done, you cannot come to the Isle of Man without a blast around the TT course! The TT riders take 17mins to complete the 38 mile course with average speeds over 130 mph. Our sat navs said we may be able to complete the course, without stops, in 1 hour. So, eagerly, we rode away from the starting grandstand to at least beat the sat-navs one hour. With stops for photo shoots and quite a long coffee stop at the famous Creg, part way round. One of the best view points on the course to watch the eager and enthusiastic racers, we returned to the finish. Unfortunately, we set no records this time, as it took, somewhat a little over 2 hours!!! The day was dry and sunny and the course was perfect – quite an experience, as some of the course roads are completely derestricted and you can do whatever speed you wish – yes, with no speeding ticket! Now, it was still not lunch time, so the next visit was the northerly point of the island, the Point of Ayre, and on more biking roads along the west coast. Though the weather was again good, the place was very bleak and windy. After trying to look for local seals, it was back on the bikes and we headed south east to the Bride Tea Rooms for very large cream and jam scones and coffees. Then another “what’s next?” meeting took place? It was going to be south to Laxey for a trip up Snaefell with its amazing views. on the famed heritage electric tram, first ran 1895 and built in Birkenhead, The very full day ended back at the hotel, with another excellent evening meal, but in town this time.

Sunday – Following Friday’s slightly mixed weather we would return south to The Sound, but on slightly different roads and over long, stunning mountain roads, again with tremendous vistas. It was a long lunch stop at the Sound in its splendid cafe, and in the warm sun we walked down to the beach to watch the seals. Return was, again, along the coast for ice creams at Peel harbour, visiting the small bay of Niaryby on the way. A beautiful, peaceful, magical bay, with a couple of fishermen’s shacks. The visit was not without its difficulties, as the approach down and its return was quite a descent on its steep, twisting single track. But definitely worth a visit and so photogenic.

Monday – regrettably a sad day, as it was homeward bound on the 3 pm Sea Cat to Liverpool. This time only 2hrs 45mins sailing.

The Isle of Man is a beautiful place and so much a bikers’ heaven, wherever you go. Very clean and tidy, much improved from the past. I’m sure the 10% income tax has helped the Manx residents, and most importantly, they are so very welcoming. The question now is how is Manhoc going to better this holiday next year ?

see also   https://www.manhoc.hoc.org.uk/iom26.html

malc