European Moto Trip - UK Adventure: Day 7

The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea, approximately equidistant from the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The closest land is southern Scotland. It is 52 kilometres (32 mi) long and, at its widest point, 22 kilometres (14 mi) wide. It has an area of around 572 square kilometres (221 sq mi).

Hills in the north and south are separated by a central valley. The extreme north is exceptionally flat, consisting mainly of deposits from glacial advances from western Scotland during colder times. There are more recently deposited shingle beaches at the Point of Ayre. The island has one mountain higher than 600 metres (2,000 ft), Snaefell, with a height of 620 metres (2,034 ft). According to an old saying, from the summit one can see seven kingdoms: those of the Mann, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Heaven and that of the Sea, or Neptune.

The main reason why we included this island in our tour is the main international event associated with the island which is the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race, colloquially known as "The TT", which began in 1907. It takes place in late May and early June. The TT is now an international road racing event for motorcycles, which used to be part of the World Championship, and is long considered to be one of the "greatest motorcycle sporting events of the world". Taking place over a two week period, it has become a festival for motorcycling culture, makes a huge contribution to the island’s economy and has become part of Manx identity. For many, the Isle carries the title "road racing capital of the world". And you can actually ride your bike in this circuit as the circuit is a 37 mile loop using some of the island roads. The fastest lap belongs to John McGuinness on a Honda CBR1000 in 17:12.30 minutes which translates to an average speed of 211.754 Km/h (131.578 miles/hour).

After arriving on ferry at about 6, we rode to our B&B. Paula went to bed as she was quite tired and I had a shower, took some early breakfast and took the bike to do the TT circuit. I did two laps and best time in lap 2 was 50 minutes. Ok, there was traffic, lights, stop streets and speed limits but regardless the 17 minute time is completely insane and it shows why the TT is the most dangerous circuit in the world. I absolutely loved the time I spent going around it and if you are a motorcyclist I would strongly recommend you do this. You will not be sorry.

I came back to hotel to get Paula and noticed that main light had gone off (LAMPF, or lamp failure in BMW language). We had to find a motorcycle shop (lucky they are open until 5pm on Saturdays) and exchanged lights.

We then went for lunch in Crosby and as we were eating the table next to ours commented on all the stickers on our bike and we started a conversation.

It turned out that this was the Knight family, father Gary and son Dan and their respective wives. Gary and Dan are very successful sidecar racers that have participated in the TT for sidecars and are competing in the World Championship this year. Paula noticed that Gary did not walk that well as he left the table ... tools of the trade I suppose. How about that, having lunch in the Isle of Man and meeting a true TT rider.

The island at this time of the year is beautiful, the autumn colours are out and together with the luscious green so prevalent in these parts it makes a special sight. Old castles, abbeys and just magic views looking down at the sea as we drive towards the ports were an added plus to the TT experience.

If you ever come to the Isle, ensure you drive south and visit the most southern point that looks upon the Calf of Man (island tht is a bird sanctuary). The views as the sun goes down are magnificent and we took out our binoculars and enjoyed the seals playing in the sea "just for us".