Fun Day in the Paddock

Each year, the Friday before the racing starts, 

the paddock turns into a huge party.

Classic cars are invited to 'show off'

Back to the future anyone?

 

Cute and Cuter

Christine's cousin's Sunbean Alpine shines as they catch up

Pretty trick bike!

Even the 'ol timers' came out

Bet you can't see me.....

Shirley soaking up the atmosphere

 

Standing in Pit Lane

 At the end of a fun day, we enjoyed dinner with our IOM friends, Barbara and Eric, who run our favourite BnB, West Lodge

 At least one curry is a must in the IOM

 .....and of course cake (right David?)

Racing coming up next

The End.......

The culmination of 2 weeks of practice and racing finalizes with the 'Senior Race'.  Winning that is a road racer's dream.

I would be remiss if I didn't say a big Thank-you to our hosts, Barbara & Eric, at West Lodge B&B who shared their home with us and made sure we got off each day with a 'full Manx breakfast'!

Knowing people on the island has its merits.  We were told to follow a long lane to 'Harold's farm', where we could watch the races from his front yard for FREE!  His family had prepared plenty of refreshments at a very reasonable price.  I loved their garden.

I was able to get some great action shots of champions as they whizzed by!

John McGuinness, winner of 20 TT races, the 2nd most successful racer ever on the Isle of Man

Ian Hutchison, winner of a record 5 TT races in a week,controls a wheelie at 170 mph!

Our island visit ended with Fish and Chips at Station in Port Erin.
How fitting!

Good bye to the TT for 2014

Arrival in the ISLE OF MAN

After 36 hours of travel, we have finally arrived in the IOM.  The clouds over 

the Irish Sea were breathtaking!

The winds were in our favour, giving us a panoramic view of 

Port Erin & Port St. Mary as we flew in.

First stop, dinner at  The Station Hotel and Pub 

The manager, John, had my lamb shanks waiting for me.

We were joined by our friends Barbara and Eric who run a fabulous B&B at their Edwardian home, West Lodge B&B

We spent our first night in Ballabeg.  The garden and view were gorgeous!

After a well needed night of sleep, we strolled down to Port Erin harbour.

Only on this side of the pond can you find BAKEWELL TARTS.  I gave it the starring roll in this photo.

My Somerset friend, Christine will laugh knowing that my better-half almost had to fight a bird to enjoy his tart.

The bird lost!