Tips for first timers..... 1. Bring a head torch, the island is a tax haven and no one likes paying tax. Subsequently, the street lighting is turned off outside of the city quite early. Stay safe whilst walking along the dark streets. Bring loads of kit. Mail your dirty laundry home. 2. If youve wanted to go for years but the ferry fees put you off, consider visiting just before the start of practise week or during practise. The steam packet do a £99 TT taster for bike and rider. Alternatively, chain your bike up at the port and go on as a foot passenger. Remember to take your lid. Folk will give you a lift if youre hitch hiking. 3. Respect the speed limits in built up areas. The local bobbies are fantastic, many roads have no speed limits but they come down hard on those speeding in villages. 4. Security. The main theft on the island is heating fuel. Generally speaking cars and bikes dont get pinched. Remember the island is only 24 miles ish long. Leave your massive chains at home. Most people leave the keys in their bikes (incredible but true) 5. Locals. Make an effort with them. The island is a sleepy place outside of the racing. The locals are very friendly and will generally give holidaymakers a lift if they see you stood at the roadside. Be sure to have a chat with them in the pub. Invariably they will offer to do your laundry, permit use of their showers etc. They might also offer to store your tent until next year ;-) Dont take the piss, a box of chocolates, a Christmas card, beer and flowers go a long way. These people have very good memories. Do it right and they will be long time friends. But upset a manxman and it takes three generations to get forgiveness. 6 theft. Lots of things are left out, unlike in England. If you steal something and youre caught. The party is over. You can never go back. Everyone will get to know your name because everything is so close knit. Youll probably get a hiding off the other boys visiting too.. For pissing on their chips. 7. Foreigners. Be polite, lots of people travel a long way every year from around the globe. Dont hassle the Germans or rip the piss out if them. Odds are, youll see them again the following year. 8 women. Many of the girls bin their boyfriends off before TT ! Watch out for jealous exs hovering nearby. 9. The mountain road. No matter how quick you think you are, there will be a lot of quicker people. Do not go mental on the mountain road because youll come off and hurt yourself. Check your mirrors regularly before entering a bend. If theres someone coming up quick behind you, indicate, move slowly and give him lots of space, even if it means surrendering your line. Dont get drawn into silly battles, youll get hurt. If youre going fast, good forward observation is the key. Look as far ahead as you can, to give you maximum chance of stopping should you need to. 10. Other unrestricted roads. Be aware of side roads and little old ladies pulling out to go to the shops. Just because its unrestricted, it doesnt mean you have to go flat out. Show some restraint and think about the hazards of people joining and turning off the unrestricted roads. Also think about cats and dogs and kids in the villages.. Erm and wallabies ( seriously ) lol 11. The track. When the roads close it is a track. Never step onto it. Keep your helmets and loose items well away from the dropping/rolling zone. The racers are taking a big risk already. They dont need some nobber on the track who a dropped his phone/camera or lid onto the road. The result is likely to involve the death of the rider(s) and spectators. 12. Marshals. Listen to them. If you spot a hazard, tell them immediately. 13. Post offices, we dont use them in England much, but Manx post offices are a real eye opener... They sell fishing rods, food, milk, paint, wallpaper, pies, beer, bacon sarnies and more. Be sure to visit them. 14 Jurby junk. No trip to the island is complete without visiting this place.. Ive been upteen times and Im still gobsmacked. 15 other shops Most shops have motorbikes in them, as do dental surgeries, barbers and doctors. This is normal. Also expect to see cats and dogs in places you wouldnt. Banks, post offices, butchers, fish shops. The Manx are not silly and PC. They have the freedom to flourish. Youll soon get into the zone ;-) 16. Showering on campsites/outdoors. There are also families visiting. By all means, wash in the rivers if youre camping and (solar)shower outdoors. Keep your back to people/the roads and people will just laugh at seeing your bare arse, rather than getting offended. If YOU get offended..Chill out, Expect to see a few bare arses, its not uncommon, especially on the hotter days. Any more suggestions will be appreciated... Over to you guys!
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:38:54 +0000
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