Pretty fascinating reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man_TT

"However, Harry Bowen riding a BAT twin-cylinder motorcycle increased
the lap record to an average speed of 53.15 mph (85.54 km/h), later
crashing-out of the 1910 event on the wooden banking at Ballacraine corner."....What?!...wooden banking. 1910! 53 mph average....Wow.

Also, folks that have died there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Snaefell_Mountain_Course_fatal_accidents

....RIP all those folks....going, doing what they loved!
Am hoisting a cold one in their honour at this time....Lord love 'em.

Wow...6 killed in 2011. I had no idea that that race had been than expensive....over all.

Jim...thinking that I'm going to have to find that one video of Joey Dunlop making a fast lap that I used to have and have lost....That's some incredible footage, narrated by him.

That's one video I'd like to see Jim.

88,

Here, but with bad fidelity...still will find a dvd issue of the same.
Still is fun to watch and hear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmCYy3gXBIw

Turn up the volume.

Was watching this when bought a new GSXR 1100 in '87.
Still like the lines of that bike:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-Suzuki-GSXR-1100-Original-Low-Mileage-2-owner-motorcycle-/230973155920?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item35c712aa50

Put new Mikuni flatslides on it, Yosh pipe.
Sought knowledge of going quickly.
Took me to that tape, (VHS)...remember those?...Heh, and Twist of the Wrist offerings:
http://www.motorcycle.com/products/a-twist-of-the-wrist-3967.html

Please excuse this send not being a BMW K100 specific subject. Know that it is still pertinent to going quickly, safely.

"However, Harry Bowen riding a BAT twin-cylinder motorcycle"

BAT...Best After Tests. That's where the name comes from.

Just thought I'd share that.

Dear All,

Does anyone fancy visiting the Isle of Man this spring - to go there on a bike a month or so before the races, peace and quiet, visit the museum of motorcycles in Douglas, ride the roads the racers will (in a not race-like manner) etc. Ideally it would be a three-to four-day trip (counting from Dublin to Dublin).

Feel free to share your ideas and also to give advice/tell me why do you think it is a good/bad idea.

I am sure most of you have already been there...

Thanks!

Magda

....RIP all those folks....going, doing what they loved!

Indeed, Rest in Peace all who have perished in this race. Although I kinda doubt flying through the air/colliding with tree/earth/hedgerow was exactly a cherished moment for them. What videos exist of these instances are horrifying, to say the least.

My brother lives there......and rides an S1000RR.

Nice place to visit, camping is good, lots to see and the museum at Snaefell is to be enjoyed. So too is a date with Lady Isabella http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxey_Wheel and a tour of the island on the steam trains which run from Douglas is must do. Of course you must ride the Mountain Course and for those who are interested there is no maximum speed limit on the Isle of Man outside the towns and villages. However there are no motorways or dual carriageways either so its all twisties and considering the average age of the population is quite high the risk of unseeing Sunday drivers is also higher than one would like. Carful riding is the order of the day.

A good ferry from Dublin but its a cat so it does not like lumpy sea. Bring your sea sickness tablets.

I also have thoughts of those who died there, Ken Norton in 1987 in particular.

I won't be going this year as am committed to a trip to France May 30th and also a week off at beginning of August and we also have Bill coming over on 20th March.....

Norton's proud boast was that there had been one of there machines in at least one race each year since the first in 1907. Does anyone know when/ if that statement came to an end?   John

JediGirl wrote:Dear All,

Does anyone fancy visiting the Isle of Man this spring - to go there on a bike a month or so before the races, peace and quiet, visit the museum of motorcycles in Douglas, ride the roads the racers will (in a not race-like manner) etc. Ideally it would be a three-to four-day trip (counting from Dublin to Dublin).

Feel free to share your ideas and also to give advice/tell me why do you think it is a good/bad idea.

I am sure most of you have already been there...

Thanks!

Magda

An interesting idea Magda. 

I've only been there by boat (way back in '85 I spent Christmas and New Year there) and it would be great to take the bike over and get to see more than just the inside of the nearest bar to the harbour.

There seems to be several routes from my side of the Irish Sea (Liverpool, Birkenhead and Heynsham) and the price is about the same as those to/from UK/Ireland. Much will depend on which dates you pick as things like work commitments might get in the way (it is quite a busy time of year).

I shall watch this post for developments.

I stayed at this camp site.....at Laxey. Short walk to get the Douglas to Snaefell tram. Laxey is on the route.

http://laxey.org/campsite.html Got kitchen, campers kitchen, showers etc etc.

This not the AFC one which is for the TT races.

k100virgin wrote:Norton's proud boast was that there had been one of there machines in at least one race each year since the first in 1907. Does anyone know when/ if that statement came to an end?   John

My uncle used to race Nortons. When he died there was an Atlas hidden in his shed. He had it over 40 years....

Paul, 

I still haven't thought about strict dates. I should know a bit more towards the end of this month. 

Olaf, thank you for the hints!

I would think end of April. 

I will keep you posted. 

Magda

The ferry company is known as The Isle of Man Steam Racket Company for a very good reason so tread carefully. I think you will struggle to find suitable times from Dublin.

And they have just sent me this link with Motorbike offers


http://www.steam-packet.com/offers/motorbikeoffers?utm_campaign=Jan2015+-+Ferry+Travel+-+Off+Island&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=