My first Island visit was 1962, and I remember Douglas was like one big bike show.  Now, I am not sure if there were more visitors back then, or just that they were mostly congregated in one place.  Also, not many of us back then could afford vans to take our bikes over, so we all went on our bikes.   Douglas is a bit dead nowadays, but only to the benefit of the rest of the Island's businesses, Pubs, Restaurants etc.  Wherever you choose to spend your evenings now, you are sure to meet plenty of fellow bikers.  Peel and Ramsey being two prime examples.  I have to admit, I preferred the 60's era being, a Mike Hailwood fan, but I still enjoy the TT as I love to be there riding round the place on my bike.  One thing I don't miss are these:



A four and a half hour crossing back in the 70's on one of these, and you knew you had been on a boat trip.  If you have spent a rough crossing on one of them, you would think the Mannannan to be a luxury.