Waiting for the rain to STOP

OK, I get it....we are in the middle of the Irish Sea and we really should expect some inclement weather, but really....rain every day....and the racers can't even get in any practice time!

I feel sorry for the racers who come from all over the world to race, spending countless amounts of money

 and not be able to get in any road time!

Until the weather co-operates, we found other entertaining things to do, such as meet up with an IOM friend for lunch at The Prospect Pub in Douglas.  I had what I would call 'a nacho lasagne'.  Layers of tortilla chips, chili and cheese, baked until all gooey!  Top it off with a very creamy sour cream, and you don't need to eat for a week!!

Even though the rain was persistent, there were a few sunny breaks which allowed us to walk through the paddock to check out the bikes.

Here they are waiting on the grid with their 'raincoats' on

I even got a chance to bump into the famous John McGuinness, the second most successful TT rider next to the late Joey Dunlop

 On the way home, we took a few minutes to stop by my favourite place on the island, The Mann Cat Sanctuary

The day ended with a traditional UK delight.....

Looking forward to sunny skies, or at the very least, no rain....:) 

Jurby Festival

On an old airfield, on the north west side of the island, the largest gathering of motorcycles on the island takes place.  

Not only are there bikes on display...

...there is the most fascinating sea of  bikes in the parking lot

During the lunch break, an old 1940 Spitfire and Hurricane gave an aerial display to the delight of the crowds below. 

While walking the grounds, guess who we bump into....none other that 23 time TT winner John McGuinness.

He was kind enough to stop and sign an autograph for me and Shirley!

After a long day of walking, a local Italian restaruant in Port St Mary, Andreas, was just the ticket

Back to the races tomorrow!

Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes

For our second night of practice, we went to Ballacraine, which has a sharp right hand turn, where the riders must lean over to make the turn.

This post will highlight some of
the maneuvers the riders have to perform!

Keep your line guys!

You still there????

Don't forget to lean

getting ready for the right hander

Here I come guys!

Love the colour combo

Oh, oh...23 time TT winner, John McGuinness' Paton not running very well...off the course!

 

 

 

More racing to come.....

Start your Engines

Finally, race day has arrived. First up is the 500cc Classic event.  Thanks to our friend TH, we got pit passes which allowed us to go beyond the spectator areas and into the hallowed grounds where the riders get ready to race, the starting gate and the winners circle.

Hustle, bustle and engines revving, the racers prepare themselves for the complete concentration required to safely complete 

'the race of their life'.

I get the sense that he has been doing this for years!

David and his friend Paul Matravers, discussing race strategy

Champion, Bruce Anstey and his wife chilling before his ride

And they are off.....with a tap on the shoulder, off they speed down Bray Hill to start each of the 4, 37 3/4 mile laps around the course

TT star, John McGuinness gets the 'tap'

Michael Dunlop guns his ride

My favourite racer, Maria Costello...

(whats up with the SLOW DOWN sign??)

 

Given that the race is 4 laps long, the bikes can't make it on a single tank of gas.  Pit stops can either 'make it or break it' for a race.

  ...but more importantly, if they don't get their bikes 'bump started', they can lose valuable seconds on the clock

.....and the winner is.....

Dean Harrison....all smiles for his victory interview

11, 12 and 13 all on the podium, flanked by friends and family

Back to the house for a humble dinner of bangers, beans and  mash...

Stay tuned for the Jurby festival....

 

Party in the Paddock

The 3 day 'Festival of Motorcycling' always starts off with a themed party in the paddock.  This year was a tribute to the 50's.  Many of the racers, and their families dressed the part and mingled with the crowds.  Two of the 'super stars', John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey, strutted their stuff and posed for the budding photographers.

They never fail to please the fans, so when our friend David asked for a photo, they very kindly obliged.

There was lots to see and do including a antique car show....

....and motorcycle displays.  This Norton was the the first winner of the TT race back in 1907!

Note the extra belt near the rear wheel - always come prepared!

Racer Peter Hickman and his girlfriend blended right in!

.....while William Dunlop discussed racing strategy with a friend

Back at the cottage, David, Christine, Ken and our friend Fred from Manchester, gathered over drinks to finish off the day

Off to the races tomorrow.....