I too am an "old b****r like you Bill and I have hung on to the dream of past days and was sorry to note that the last century of TT Racing has now been put to bed as it were.

However as a revitalised b****r I took an interest in chatting to the "new" generation of riders and supporters who now come to the event.

They were so enthusiastic about the event they were attending, I think young Mr Phillips can now rest assured that "they'll be back" for as long as they can afford to come.

The TT Races this year were exciting and fans could meet the riders in walkabouts which were comments made by most.

I took the opportunity of walking the length of the Bushys Beer Tent area talking to as many people as possible and taking a few pics of a large cross-section of fans. No one there talked of rip off because they were not like us Bill, they don't compare now with our day. Ice Cream £2.50 now, 6 old pence in my day !!

Ferry prices were discussed and I think that was the biggest beef by most. These fans found places to eat, maybe it was junk food, but after a few beers they didn't care. They can't remember the hotels cos they camp, but two of my pals stayed at the "Hydro" and praised the hotel for the attention and service they were given..

However one hotel on Douglas sea front was charging £209 per night- find your own breakfast yet they could do an evening 3-course meal for £20 !!!!

It was a shame the Ducati lap was so few in total, they went past us and then nothing until the race started. I do not know what insurances would say but it would have been nice for anyone with a Ducati on the Island to follow the "names" who in turn are kept to viewing speed with the car and outriders.

No, Bill,I too am worried about the TT as was, but seeing this new influx of Fans and Fans-to-be I think we should be happy that this Annual Event will continue for some time yet. We oldies can still talk about what we thought were magic days but to me 2008 was just as magic but with a new batch of rabbits !

The great majority of temporary come-overs certainly enjoyed it.

Finally an observation.....The TT did not get underway properly until the Thursday of practice week and drained after Mondays race....I feel more people are only coming for the long weekend rather than the full two weeks. A bit like the olden days Bill ???

At 68 I have great memories of every TT since my first visit in 1847 (oops 1947) yet in February each year I begin counting down to the time when I stand on Ellan Vannin yet again to see the TT and all of its allied events.

I hope to be there next year and for a few years yet. But please restore some of my favourite viewing areas, the application of "Eingang Verboten" was a bit over-the-top. We saw more of the TT on tele.

I was invited to chat on 3FM about my interest and love of the TT and
I appealed to fathers with sons of age 7 to get them involved as my father did for me. The youngsters of today will be the fans of tomorrow....