A great shame, but sadly somewhat inevitable judging by the change in visitor profile of TT visitors in recent years.
I do not belive that any genuine motorcycle enthusiast would subject Malcom to the type of communications to him that he has described. I am not sugesting that all motorcycle enthusiasts are angels, there are always the odd bad apple. But as I have mentioned previously, I am not happy with the shift to the 'football mentality' of a lot of the newer visitors to the TT in recent years, and it is this element that tend to translate to the 'keyboard warrior' when posting on the web. I stoped posting on this forum a few days ago because of the way some threads were developing, obviously it was a lot worse behind the scenes.
As a side note, this year I stayed with freinds rather than the hotel I have over the past few years. The couple are retired, Manx born and bred, and the biggest supporters of the TT you would like to meet.They use to love the way the Island came to life ( there words) during the TT.
What shocked me was the complete 180 degree change in attitude now to the TT.
Now, they are sick to death with it. When I pressed them what had happened to change there attitudes, the response was predictable. Rude agressive people, bikes speeding in there side street where previously bikes had 'potted' about. Change of Homestay visitors by them who had brought there bikes in two vans which the blocked drives and parked where they wanted without any consideration for the locals.
I could go on and on, but that is the crux of it. After relaying there story to more freinds and buisiness owners over there, I started to get some nods and agreement with some of the points raised.
It is something the DED could do with taking notice off in the relentless persuit of more and more visitors. Without the support of the Manx people, the TT will not survive.
Did I promise never to go off topic again?
Adios everyone, see you on the rock next year!!