After one too many wet years we started going on Enduro bikes in the late 90's and it was great for getting to all sorts of out of the way places to watch and being able to move between races. Windy corner was a good one to get in and out of - but if anyone tells you it can be done on a road bike they're probably being a bit economical with the truth (might be possible if its dry........... and you have very long legs .........and lots of skill.......and you're not worried about dropping it) .

I took a road bike to the Island again in 2002 and seemed to spend most of my TT parked up in Ramsey waiting for the Mountain road to open again. On balance the Enduro bikes were more fun.

I got to the point where I knew turning around and going back up to Windy wouldn't be possible on the TL, I spent most of the time paddling the bike down very very slowly with gravity on my side luckily i'm 6'1, I'm not at all recommending it on a road bike or that it was a good idea.

You guys are blessed by not using Facebook. There are various groups and are all cluttered up with pretty much the same drivel.

Boat
How do I book?
I can't go please buy my sailings
Do they send actual tickets?

Accommodation
Where should I stay?
Its all so expensive
How can I book for 2019?

Riding prowess
I am a god and here's some footage of me doing 160 up Hailwoods Rise
How quick have you lapped in the new game?

Insurance
You need special insurance for the IOM
You don't need special insurance for the IOM
Will my breakdown recovery work in the IOM

Luggage
What do I need to bring with me?

IOM Living
Can I buy bread/bacon/milk/deodorant/insert product of choice in the IOM?

And so on.

There a small amount of good natured mickey taking but generally FB is snowflake central so any taking of the Michael will normally lead to someone being morally outraged.

(25-04-2018, 11:57 AM)Sam Pato Wrote: I think its been flat too.  But then the message boards haven't been very lively for quite a few years now.  I sometimes wonder where everyone went - Facecloth I'm assuming (which I refuse to sign up to).

Given our apparent demographic I thought the passing of Ivan Mauger last week might have raised some interest - but nothing appeared.

Do we just get too much instant information that we don't feel the need to gossip and speculate anymore because we can just look up our answers?

Are we just lacking a decent quota of characters and young thrusters?  Seems like it.

Cheers


Sam

Hi Sam, I've been away from the site for so long I don't even remember how to post. Ivan Mauger, what a legend. A sad ending to an amazing life.
Jan

Good to hear from Jan after a fair break. Hi Jan!
I had heard from Barry Briggs that Ivan Mauger was unwell, but did not want to make any comment on here.
Re his passing, it was very sad, and he was an absolute legend, but I feel certain that there will be Speedway forums where Ivan's career and legacy would be discussed.
Meanwhile, Barry Briggs, aged 83 still rides dirt bikes, and is active in many ways. He actually behaves like a man half his age. Very lucky man!

Hi Jan,

Good to hear from you - hope all is well.

I mentioned Ivan Mauger more in passing than for discussion.  From my understanding of the demographic of the regular contributors to the forum - we're the sort of people for whom his passing would have meant something.  Given that he was a star when Speedway was second only to Football in popularity in the UK. 

The season seems to have come in a hurry this year - NW in couple of weekends time and the TT at the end of the month.  Happy days.

All the best


Sam

Anybody thinking there'll be a replacement at Norton for JMcG ?

(08-05-2018, 12:03 PM)Alfie Noakes Wrote: Anybody thinking there'll be a replacement at Norton for JMcG ?

Wouldn't surprise me as they must doubt have the bikes/resources, but on the other hand their improvement over the last two years has been so good that I'm not sure I can see Stuart Garner going for an "unseeded" rider and risking a potential "drop in performance/results".

What's Ian Macman doing? They could put him back on the Norton. I no he didn't race at the TT last year but I did see him in the Norton tent

(08-05-2018, 12:03 PM)?Alfie Noakes Wrote: Anybody thinking there'll be a replacement at Norton for JMcG ?

The superbike seeding post says that Steve Mercer is on standby for Hutchy so maybe a possibility for Norton (assuming Hutchy can fit in enough club races ) ?

(08-05-2018, 12:03 PM)Alfie Noakes Wrote: Anybody thinking there'll be a replacement at Norton for JMcG ?

 Mercer is on it isn’t he?

Edit: Ignore that, I had a blonde moment

Surely Stuart Garner must have approached Guy Martin for the ultimate Flag Flying BRITISH Team !

Wouldn't Norton have announced by now the bike wasn't being raced ? ..

(01-05-2018, 03:49 PM)BrianW Wrote: Did the windy corner to Laxey road on an XS750 in 1981, a bloke told us about it but omitted the bit about it suiting a trials bike not a 320lb tourer !!

Probably a better adventure bike than the German options lol