Having been a very loyal supporter of the TT since 1979, and having made the 340/400 mile trip from Cornwall on countless ocassions, i have now decided to "Give up" on the TT, which is undoubtably the greatest pure roadracing circuit in the world, due to the hasstle of trying to book ferries and accomadation which is progressivly getting worse due to the lack of ferries and the hotels/guest houses that are being pulled down to make way for luxury appartments.
I remember during the 1980s, that we would not even think about going to the TT until about January/February time. We would ring up and get the sailings we wanted nearly every time, usually sailing on the Thursday/Friday practice week and returning on one of the early boats on the Saturday/Sunday mornings, and i am sure there were more going to the TT then than what there is now. We rung up just before Christmas, and were told they were fully booked, unless we could sail on the Wednesday during practice week and return sailing on the Tuesday after the races. No thanks, we have jobs, and only have a certain amount of time for holidays, and can't afford another 5 days on the island.
I have had some great and wild times at the TT, especially 1979 - 90.
I am eternally grateful to the late Allan Robinson, for making my dream come true by letting me ride in the Classic Lap of Honour on 5 ocassions aboard a BSA "Rob North" 3.

Will i ever return to the island? Who knows what the future may bring.