This experience is worth the crack......

There were years when I did the full practice week and middle weekend, but returned home to complete exams or do three days work ----- then I came back for the Fridays races (The Senior plus 50cc etc)...

The trip was from Newcastle upon Tyne and we set off by coach at 6pm to get to Liverpool at just before midnight to catch the ferry. The Packet would crawl over the Irish Sea arriving in time so that we could land at a respectable hour (so we didn't make a noise !)....It was murder standing off Douglas,waiting to get permission to dock !!

Most of the lads would sleep in bus shelters...........but I was fortunate in having the hotels where I had spent practice week, leaving the front door open so I could get in, have a kip in the lounge, have a shower, change my clothes then eat a super breakfast. I even got a packed lunch !! I was allowed to take a few close friends in as well, the hotel made a few bob off the breakfasts !!

We saw the racing, had a few drinks and caught the 6pm ferry back

We were knackered when we arrived home on Saturday morning in time for breakfast...

Trouble was I got dragged out shopping !! I was glad to see my bed on Saturday night !!!

Cost in the 1960s £ 5 !!! subsidised by our local motorcycle club
Cost in the 1980s £35 !!! subsidised by MCN