Hi Col, I don't think there is anyone in any doubt regarding the article that was published by M*N, including myself. Pretty unfair is an extremely conservative description I would say, and the Marshals deserve an awful lot better from what is supposed to be the No1 Motorcycle publication in the UK.

However, I had no choice in deleting Charlies posting, as the content was dematory and libelous, particularly in view of the fact that Charlies "informant" withdrew his testament to the verification of the published facts. - Refer to the posting on Iomtt.com where you will see that he is insisting on a written apology from Charlie over this matter.

Regarding your "rash". I am in no doubt that the suffering you are undergoing is factual, as I have heard the same complaint from so many others, not just lately, but for an awful long time now. The only cure that I am aware of that is available, is one whereby you keep your hands out of your pockets and keep on walking whenever you enter a retail outlet that has the audacity to publicly display this obviously very troublesome and annoying irritant.

All I can say to anyone who comes into close contact with it, is to wash your hands immediately and to check with your medical adviser that your immunity to it has been / will be assured, through a build up of the necessary antibodies. (Buy Bike Sport News instead).

Regarding the proof of your recent malady, well I suppose you could publish a photograph of the irksome area, however there again, dare I allow such a graphical display of horror upon the general public !!!!!!!!!!!!

Second thoughts here COL, I don't really think you need to publish any photographs as I am sure that just about everyone out there now has a very good idea as to the issues involved, as they will most obviously have come into contact with someone lately who has suffered from the same problem.

For those who have not heard of this irritant, just ask anyone who has anything to do with the TT and they will advise you without any hesitation of the very best way to avoid it.

Most supporters and followers of this sport have managed to stay "clean" now for many years, after being initially subjected to intermittent and sporadic outbreaks (annually), of comments and opinions that have little or no substance and in some instances and in most peoples opinions irrelevant fodder for the uninitiated.