Up at 6:30 to give me enough time to get myself and the bike ready before my leaving time of 7:30. Roger (my aunt’s husband) was up before me and kindly made me some tea and toast. Check in at Heysham had to be by 9:15 for some reason, even though sailing time wasn’t till 11:45. Not knowing what traffic I would hit, I was erring on the side of caution. As it turned out I was on the quayside at Heysham by 8:35, despite not having any audible guidance from the lady tomtom (she’s really got the hump with me) and the sun almost totally obscuring the screen.
Wasn’t I the lucky one though? The nice man at the check in decided he’d like to inspect my luggage. Now, had I been in a car that wouldn’t have been an issue. But, the packing of the topbox and especially the panniers was so precise, that I even made diagrams of where everything was positioned to make sure my stuff all fits back in on the occasions I have them open. So precise that the nice gentlemen, Bob Sworth, I expect he was called, commented on it as he rummaged about, pulling stuff out. After rearranging the topbox again and managing to get it shut, he turned his attentions to the panniers. I persuaded him not to open both panniers, not only because they were both cable tied shut (just in case), but because I didn’t particularly want to have to spend the next 20 minutes getting may laptop, etc, all back in the proper positions. Instead he rummaged through my clothing and it only took me a few minutes to get that shut again! Meanwhile loads of other bikes are just driving past and joining the queue! Not content with the luggage, he then wanted to pat me down. I did point out the folly in this, when my leathers contain masses of body armour but he had his box to tick, so felt away anyway.
Finally I was allowed on my way and joined the queue, for a long but sunny wait to board. The ferry was one of these high speed aluminium jobbies, the inside set up with lots of ‘fencing’ running the length of the car deck. The deal is, you park up alongside the fence and one of the crew ties the bike to it. It’s on side stand and in gear, so fairly secure. A piece of torn rag protects the paintwork from the rope. A low tech solution on a high tech vessel.
I had booked a seat in one of the reserved seating lounges, the Niarbyl. A chap directed me to the lounge and a little sticker with my name on it confirmed my seat, number 27. I was the first in there. The seat itself was very comfortable, well worth £3 but there was no storage space for helmet and jacket, so they were dumped on the floor by my feet. Later on I noticed two guys had two seats each. One for them, one for their gear. Something to remember for next time. As I said, only £3, so well worth doing for the extra comfort.
I caught up with a few zeds and by the time we left, at dead on 11:45, I was listening to my archos. 2 hours later, we were in Douglas. On disembarkation, I once again found tomtom had been struck dumb. I could just about make out the directions on screen and headed down Douglas promenade, behind, before it tired, a horse drawn tram! With still no word from tomtom, I decided to pull over and see what was wrong. I probably didn’t need it to find my way to Ramsey but finding my digs might be different. No joy, I could hear her through the internal speaker but that was it. I set off again, heading backwards up the mountain section only to find it shut at Creg Ny Baa. Now I don’t know if it’s always shut or if it’s now permanently one way in TT fortnight but I had to detour. Down single width roads in the beautiful countryside I went. Finally, I arrived at Laxey (and the famous wheel, though I saw 2?) and joined the main road that leads into Ramsey. As I followed a local car, sedately along, it was quite interesting to see other bikes blatting past and in some quite ridiculous places. It’s not difficult to see why so many people get injured here.
Anyway, I arrived in Ramsey and with surprising ease, found the digs. Problem though, nobody in. However, as I walked round the back, Matty, the man of the house, came through the back gate. Pleasantries exchanged, he showed me to my room. It belongs to one of their daughters, 15 or 16 and so is a bit girlie, with lots of stuffed animals but nonetheless a large and pleasant room. I quickly brought my stuff in, got changed out of my leathers and went out for a walk.
Now Ramsey, from what I’ve seen doesn’t have a lot going for it, apart from an old dilapidated pier but maybe there’s more I haven’t seen. Anyway, having done the tour I got some food from the Co-op and found somewhere to watch the impending practice sessions from. I found myself on a patch of grass on Albert Square (No, me old cockney sparras, not that one) opposite the Ramsey bus station. It’s not especially grand but does afford a very good view as the bikes power out of Parliament Square. It’s quite amazing how quickly they get up to exceptional speed in such a short distance. Practice was delayed by an RTA on the course, the second of the day but the sun was still shining so I just laid out on the grass to wait.
Race and practice commentary is on Manx radio and just before the start, a chap over the road came out with a big sound system, so all the punters could listen. Very public spirited of him. Anyway we heard the bikes setting off from Douglas on the radio and then waited. About 12 minutes later, they are screaming past you. Quite phenomenal. 17/18 minutes after they set off, they are flying through the start and finish in Douglas again. That’s 129mph average speed for the 37 ¾ mile course. I had my camera with me and took loads of snaps, some of which you be able to see on the flickr link.
Practice finished about 9pm and I nipped out for something to eat before coming to write the blog. I’ve not seen a soul since Matty left about 3pm, so not sure what time breakfast will be. Racing starts about 11am but I want to up and in position fairly early. I’m hoping to be able to set up my Gopro and get some video rather than stills this time. We’ll see.
That’s all for now. Bit of a mega download I know. I’ll try and make it a bit snappier from now on.
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