IOM TT 2011 Who is going?

[servicerifle]

I already have my ferry and homestay arranged.  I plan to make it this year, really.  

Who else is going?

[desert_rider]

Very, very jealous!  

Be sure to post some pics when you get back.

[mcguyver]

Yep I'm in
Shipping my bike to felixstowe then riding up to Liverpool. 2 Weeks on the island for the TT races then back to Silverston for the moto gp. Then pu the wife from London and 4 weeks touring France, Switzerland, Italy Austria etc.
Can't wait.
have booked my ferry crossings and have a homestay arranged in Douglas.

If anyone has any tips for a TT Newbie, I would love to hear them
Where to spectate, eat,  what to see etc etc. Any info appreciated. In fact any info on europe in general happy taken.

Are you  riding servicerifle?

[Orson]

If anyone has any tips for a TT Newbie, I would love to hear them
Where to spectate, eat,  what to see etc etc. Any info appreciated. In fact any info on europe in general happy taken.

I went in 2002, and since that time, several great viewing areas have been placed off limits after 2 spectators were killed  

It can take some planning ahead to arrange your viewing area. You need to consider that once the racing starts, you will be either on the "inside" or the "outside" of the course and, you won't be able to switch over until the racing stops. You can move about to different viewing areas during the races using the one-lane backroads but, you will be either "inside" or "outside" for the duration. Get a good map  

The more popular viewing spots like Ballaugh Bridge fill up early, so you may want to arrive at least 1 hour before the race to claim your turf.

You may want to mix your viewing areas between fast sections such as Bray Hill and slow sections like Ballaugh Bridge.

Definitely try to get close up. Witnessing a bike blast by at 150 mph from 2 feet away will make the hair on your neck stand  

Lots of "yahoo" squidly-type riders. I saw numerous wadded up bikes abandoned on the roadside. Their operators presumably carted off to the hospital. I've heard some say you should never run the course in the opposite direction due to these loons. Probably sage advice.

Lots of good info over on the iomtt message board

As far as European riding, in my opinion France has the best highway department. Their roads seem to be the best maintained although the Germans are no slouches. Southern France has the best pure motorcycle roads when you discount scenery and other touristy things.

My English friend likes to use Bourg St. Maurice as an alpine touring base. Luxembourgh and the Alsace Lorraine are two nice areas often bypassed by tourists. While not a challenging motorcycle route, the spousal unit would probably enjoy the roads along the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with their numerous fairy tale castles.

On your way to London, try to fit in a day of riding through Wales  

[jp]

Try here for info..

http://www.flying-sparks.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=43

Nothing like asking the natives...

[mcguyver]

Thanks for the tips fellas  

[servicerifle]

McGuyver, yes, I plan to ride.  In fact, I'm planning to buy a bike in London between now and then, anticipating not only this trip to UK/EU but a few more in upcoming years and I want a bike there.  

My wife and I also plan to do some EU touring after the TT.  Particularly France and Germany.  Our plans are roughly 1 week on IOM (race week), then a few days riding Scotland, then go into France and Germany.  Do the touristy things like the Eiffel tower (my wife's never been to Paris), Arc de Triumph, the Louvre and Versailles (I've never seen the last two, myself).  Not very moto, but will be good to have the wheels at my leisure anyway, and I can then go see castles in Germany and ride in the Black Forrest some.  I would love to do Silverstone GP too, but I'm taking it easy on my wife, trying to limit the "moto" in this "moto-vacation" to a tolerable amount for her.

We have our homestay taken care of on IOM.  Stay in touch, we'll get some beers.

Orson, thanks for the info!

[yotes65]

I'm so jealous of the both of you.... I was suppose to go over to Europe for a few weeks this summer... however due to lack of funds & timing, things just did not work out.  

Looking forward to reading your Ride Reports & viewing the Photo's. Have a Great Time Guy's!

[mcguyver]

Woohoo
Loaded my bike into a container this morning for its trip to the other side of the world.

Hope it gets there ok.

[servicerifle]

Mcguyver,
I don't know you, but FYI my riding mate's having some personal issues and may/may not be able to make it.  If you need a homestay we have one set aside for him and if you get in a lurch let me know...who knows, it might be available.  Here's hoping my bud can still make it though.

[mcguyver]

Thanks mate
But i am all sorted with a homestay in Douglas.

Hope your friend gets it all sorted.

[yotes65]

Woohoo
Loaded my bike into a container this morning for its trip to the other side of the world.

Hope it gets there ok.

Who are you using to ship your Bike over? Would you mind sharing cost & length of shipping info?

[mcguyver]

Using a company called get routed, but they only ship from australia. Cost is about 3k. I imagine it would be considerably cheaper from your part of the world.

[yotes65]

Using a company called get routed, but they only ship from australia. Cost is about 3k. I imagine it would be considerably cheaper from your part of the world.

Yea, I'm looking at using the Services provided by Knopft Tours... around a grand each way...

[servicerifle]

FYI guys, I plan to take about a month  (total) in the UK/EU on this trip.  This, plus me wanting to come back in 2012 for some more riding, has me looking at buying a bike in the UK and having it stored with a friend, rather than shipping or renting.  I think it's a cheaper way, altogether.  If I were in the US now with my GS, I might think otherwise and plan to ship, though.