Featured Touring The Isle Of Man

@andypandy and I spent a fantastic week on the Isle of Man last week. We got the 14:15hs ferry from Heysham across to Douglas, arriving at around 18:15hs heading for our hotel. We had burger and chips at a local bar and grill before sampling the local bitter called Okells. We very quickly got a real taste for the beer, which stayed with us through-out the week.

 

On our first day (Tuesday) we decided to ride the Manx TT course, starting at the main start/finish. This proved to be an amazing ride and once we had completed it we decided to do it in the opposite direction. Traffic is a bit of a nuisance, but once out on the mountain road we could get a good sprint on. Dinner that evening was at an Indian restaurant. Both Andy and I agreed that one of the best curry’s we had ever had. If you are in Douglas look up Flavours Indian restaurant it is highly recommended.

 

If Andy says its its one of the best then dam, it must be good

 

Day 2 (Wednesday) we rode the perimeter of the island, starting up the east coast to see the Laxey Wheel. From there we took the coast road all the way around the north and down the west side, until we reached Niarbyl Beach. We then headed back towards Douglas and our hotel for and early dinner at the Fish Cafe on the harbour front. The sea bass was very nice. We then headed for the bar serving the Okells bitter for a few beers before bed.

 

Day 3 (Thursday) we rode back to the west coast and the Air and Military museum. This proved to be an amazing find with many really interesting exhibits and tributes to the many Manx people who served in the two world wars. We visited Port Erin, Cregneash point to see the sea lions and then Port St Mary. We then visited Castletown before heading to Murray’s Motorcycle Museum. The latter another great find, with any vintage bikes and TT sports machines. Andy’s son had recently moved to the Island, so we met him and his family at the Thai Thai restaurant for dinner. We then headed to the bar for another opportunity to sample the Okells bitter.

 

Day 4 (Friday) the weather deserted us and we started out for a ride in the rain. It did clear for a short time, but then poured for the rest of the day until we reached Douglas. We visited the Leece Museum in Peel. This was an old court house where the dungeon housed a variety of vintage and manx sports bikes. The upstairs area had many local exhibits and memorabilia from times gone by. We then rode the manx TT course again, but instead of riding over the mountain we took the coast road back into Douglas for a drink and a cake. We had dinner in the bar and grill that we went to on the Monday evening and the Okells bitter which provided a great end to a good day and a fantastic weeks tour.

 

Day 5 seen us on the 10:00hs ferry back to Liverpool.. As we approached the ferry terminal the Queen Elisabeth was docked in the Liverpool cruise terminal. What a beauty.

 

Nice write up and photographs Wessa, I was there in July for the S100 festival, did you make a ride around the S100 course. I love the run through Kirk Michael among others. The only section I dislike is Laurel Bank although in good conditions it's ok, If I had known you guys were going I would have loved to have joined you. I posted some pictures from the festival a while back, I have booked for next years TT, S100 and the MGP Classic TT) as it's now called, although I preferred the traditional MGP a sit was back then.

 

Hi @Iceman yep we did ride some of the S100 and up through Kirk Michael. The trip was a last minute decision on the Tuesday before we travelled. Perhaps we could arrange something else mate as we are always up for a trip

 

Nice trip guys thanks for sharing always fancied visiting the island on the bike away from the racing and crowds.

 

Thanks for a terrific ride report, @Wessa! It looks like you and @andypandy had a great time on your Isle of Man trip. Thanks to you for sharing your adventures with us through words and photos!

 

Thanks for sharing your report and the great photos with us.

 

I was scheduled to do exactly what you (two) did but Covid f@cked us over. Nice report Steve.

 

Brilliant! Need to go there now.. all your fault.

 

Great report and pictures Steve! Looks like you two had a grat time!

 

Great write up and pics guys , it's funny how your picture of the Laxey wheel makes it look a lot smaller than it is, when me and the Mrs went there she took the stairs (which are on the outside) to the top, i found it hard even watching her from the ground

 

Great write up and photos of the area.

Pity those two geezers kept photobombing the shots and spoiling them.

You should have told them to fcuk off and stop being so juvenile!

 

Just thought I'd add my tuppenceworth. We were blessed with good weather which helped a lot. It felt great riding the TT circuit and passing all the markers with names that you've heard of but never seen like "Ago's Leap" and "Ballaugh Bridge". Wherever we ate, the food was of a high or very high standard and the Okell's Bitter was "nectar like". The people are very friendly and helpful too.
I had visited with my wife (in the car) just two weeks before and stayed with my youngest son and his family so I had made my mind up to return soon on the bike.

Here are a couple of bad pictures taken at the Point of Ayre, the northenmost tip of the island. These were taken on my first visit although me and Steve @Wessa did visit this place.



This is a picture of my tea and chocolate cake at the Victory Cafe at the top of the mountain.(we got the last two pieces)

 

Blimey, if the tea leaves can run off with a bloody great light house when your back’s turned, I’d definitely keep a very close eye on that cake!

 

A great write up and pictures, you obviously had a blast. It’s also brought back some wonderful memories