alf885 Wrote:Although there were several personal factors that enhanced my TT i.e. new bike that I could ride comfortably I thought this TT was brilliant. My list of positives;

Racing - superb. Ran to programme leaving time to do all the other things.

Quality of entry - as good as could be expected. Some younger riders emerging.

Prohibited areas - not the nightmare I'd envisaged. In most cases I couldn't argue the case against. Seemed logical on the whole but I would welcome a review.

Glorious weather - 3 years on the trot, can't be bad.

TT History/Classics/Parades - The balance has to be right here but it strikes me that the pre-TT classic should be the centrepiece for the celebration of the history of the TT. It seems dis-jointed to have classic racing around the first weekend and a parade nearly 2 weeks later.

Costs - Prices were higher but I didn't witness or experience any "rip offs" afterall the IOM is not immune to inflationary pressures.

Policing - Can't comment because thankfully I wasn't "policed" although I know some people feel that the Police presence was a little heavy handed. But, judging by a minority's riding standards I can't sympathise with that view.

IOMSPC - Perhaps the biggest suprise. I detect an air of confidence and improvement with the company. My experience was positive and standards of customer service, from the booking process through to sailing, were certainly better than previous years.

Social - Fantastic, great people and as usual made to feel welcome.

To round off a few of negatives I'm afraid;

Douglas - In dire need of a facelift.

Road surafces/conditions - Especially off the course some very poor road surfaces, like riding on a washboard. Kirkmichael to Peel is like a motocross track in places. There are worse I know but the deterioration of this stretch of road sticks in my mind.

Keep Left/Links Fahren - I noticed fewer of these signs around. Should be at each junction/intersection. How about a sticker for the handlebars?

I am inclined to agree with this and stress that the parade lap and historic element generally needs to be re-established to look after us older members

what about getting the old race bikes back to castletown on Mad Sunday morning?

that said it was good to see some younger riders coming through

high spot of the week for me was discovering the collection of old machines in Kirkmichael!

I thought the road surfaces were generally OK as part of the funof the week is riding with a 'spirited' approach on real roads ( it certainly suits a TDM900 - perhaps more so than a sports bike!!)

all the best and thanks to all for a relatively sensible website

pete