Isle of Man 2009

[avion]

It's been a lifelong dream to go to the IOM, I really wanted to get there for the centenary in 2007 but work and health held me back. I made a decision in October 2008 that it would be this year or bust! :ya2:

I had a bit of hoo-haa trying to get my passport in order and only got it all sorted 2 days before the missus and I left.

Due to work constraints I could only go for the race week, but hell that was a great week for sure.

We arrived on the Saturday to rain and wind. It looked pretty miserable to say the least. Sunday means no racing, so the saturday program got moved to the Tuesday. The organisers leave the Tuesday and Thursday open in case of postponed racing or practice.

First port of call for racing was on Monday, we seated ourselves at the top or start of Bray Hill.

As you can see the guys are belting it here, and makes for some tricky shots. Try taking a shot without panning:

The bikes get really light over the crest and a mini tankslapper is common to all.

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[avion]

We moved on down the road away from the start to St. Ninians to watch the chairs.

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[avion]

On the Tueday, we situated ourselves at Quarterbridge. Great place to watch. Plenty of food and beer to be had!

Just in case you forget which way to go: :wink:

A stationary marshal box:

 

[avion]

Wednesday we headed out to Union Mills. Great place to watch. There were some old dears selling sandwiches and tea/coffee. They managed to make over 10 thousand pounds during the races. I actually forgot to take pictures as I was so engrossed.

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[avion]

The final day of racing, which is a public holiday on the island! :y115:
We decided to take in Bray Hill, right at which is probably the scariest bend at such incredible speeds - it's awesome and no picture or video can do it justice. :silent:

All the pics are blurred due to the speed of the bikes, I did get some of Aggo's leap which is a hundred or so meters up the road:

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[avion]

Would i go again? Hell yes!!!! :y115: :y115: :y115:

I've got loads more pics of bikes and the island that I'll get round to posting soon~ish.

Haven't even looked at the video's I shot. That'll take some time I guess.

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[DaveM]

Oh Cool thanks for posting them for us and I will be waiting for more :y114:

 

[devo]

some great pics in there G,
well done and thanks for the story.
It's a shame that you and gump didnt hook up.
:y18:

 

[CarlS]

Outstanding, Gareth! I am so jealous!!!!

 

[Simmer]

Thanks for sharing your trip and races. I would love to go there, but I am a long way from there.

Dave :y18:

 

[Dilligaf]

Thank you so VERY much for the pics. This is one event I will attend in my lifetime. :y115: :y18:

 

[gumpt1oo]

Great pics Avion, I'm glad the weather improved for you whilst you were on the Island.

 

[Merlin]

Great pics avion..thanks for sharing :y18: