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Home Travel StoriesIsle Of Man 2014

Final Day And Thoughts - Isle Of Man

By Ren Withnell

The issue with all good things is that they must end. Our ferry doesn't leave until 1500 and we need to be at the port by 1415 at the very latest. I know I'll be there at 1300 just because the notion of being late or some mishap befalling upon us will nag at me. I love to travel I know I do, but I'm not an easy, relaxed traveller, I stress and fret and worry about anything and everything. Will the bike start? Have I got the right paperwork? What if there's roadworks? What if I set off and I've forgotten my wallet? If you worry then you'll know what I mean, if you don't then you're probably thinking I need counselling. 

I consider taking another ride out this morning but knowing how long it will take the gf to get ready and pack I dare not risk it. Instead after what seems like the longest of time the gf is at least up and breakfasted by 1030. The gf, Dad and I take a short stroll along an old railway track not far from the cottage. I'm glad, it helps break the waiting. The sun still shines as we wander down the gravel track amidst hills, bushes, trees and farmland. Today I'm reminded of my walk along the Tissington Trail in Derbyshire. It's comfortable too to walk and talk with Dad for a while about nonsense like trains, holidays and places we'd like to see. 

It's not even 1130 by the time I'm starting to nag the gf about getting packed and organised. I'd like to set off at 1200 to complete the massive 5 mile journey to Douglas for 1300. Even I know this is ridiculous. I gird myself and tell myself to stop being stupid and have some dinner instead. At 1300 I put on all the bike gear and load the gf's luggage onto the bike. The bike starts, I expected it to start but it's still a relief to hear the motor. I'm rather proud of myself as we roll into the port to find I am, in fact, NOT the first person OR the first bike to arrive! I'm still early though.

the gf and 2 motorcycles at the port in douglas, the isle of man
Not the first here! What's with the silly face Sharon?

We meet again with the couple on the Rocket 3. We all agree that the Isle Of Man is a great place and we've had great weather. As we wait the queue grows ever larger and larger. The ferry is late, strangely I'm not worried as it's not my fault or my problem. Eventually we see Manannan come through the harbour and dock. Definitely late. We watch as trucks, cars and bikes pour endlessly off. There must be some sports car rally on as there's an excess of flashy Lotus' and plenty of hyper cars like an Audi R8 and a Lamborghini of some description. 

a lotus car coming off the ferry at douglas in the sun
If you have to have a car, I guess you might as well have a nice one.

The good thing about being early is we get on pretty much first. The bike is lightly tied up and we run up to the deck to make sure we get a seat. This crossing is a lot lot busier than the outbound crossing on Monday, this one is heaving. Tannoy announcements beg us to make space for everyone and to not leave luggage on the seats as other passengers may need them. The gf and I look guilty as we've commandeered an extra seat between us which is now filled with helmets, jackets, gloves, boots and pants. By the time we leave port there's a handful of seats left so our kit stays exactly where it is. 

white foam from the powerful engines that drive the sea cat across the irish sea
This ferry is just a massive jetski.

And that's it! That's the end of our trip and it's back to reality now.

What are my thoughts on the Isle Of Man? I've really, truly and deeply enjoyed this break. I think the weather has made a big difference, I think having free accommodation that's been perfectly comfortable has made a big difference and I think the island is a varied, beautiful and interesting place.

peel harbour filled with trawlers and yachts and clear blue skies
Peel Harbour in the evening sun. How'd that chinmey get in there?

What would I have thought if it had been cold, wet and miserable? Of course that's a tough question but one worth asking. There is much to see in such a small place. There is a broad spectrum of geographies from rocky shores and sandy beaches to mountains and rolling farmland. There's the trams and the railways, none of which we had time to experience. There's visitor centres, castles and museums to entertain and inform you. Of course the sunshine helps but without that the island has enough going for it to stand alone.

blue skies, deep blue sea and verdant green hills in the isle of man
Would it look this good in the rain? 

From a biker's point of view it has been fantastic to see places that form the myths and legends of I've heard so many times since I first started riding. To put physical form to Creg Ny Baa and say that I've been there. To understand there's not really a pretty little granny flat at "The Bungalow". To see that Bray Hill is actually a bit of a slope in the suburbs of Douglas. From now on when people harp on about Windy Corner or Sulby Straight I have some point of reference as to what they mean.

the bungalow is actually a plain boxy concrete slab of a building
This is not what I had in mind when I heard of "The Bungalow"

That said, you should never meet your heroes. The actual TT circuit is lovely and fine but there are many lovely and fine routes out there. There's no magic in the circuit, there's nothing special or impressive. Other than the history and the names that have ridden the course I know of far better roads and views in Scotland or The Alps. The big draw for bikers is the lack of speed limit. Understandable, but the circuit is definitely NOT your personal race track to emulate your heroes. There's traffic like any other road, there's no marshals to warn you of oil spills, there's no team of medics in case you get it wrong and a good portion of the circuit is in fact speed limited. Either become a TT racer or take it easy. I think to arrive at the island with a view of just blasting around the circuit would be a terrible waste. There's some great roads all around the island. These great roads lead to lots of interesting, pretty and curious places.

ballaugh in the isle of man, with cars and lorries passing through
This is the TT circuit in Ballaugh. It's not a race track today.

Would I go again? Hell yes. BUT, of course there's a but, there's always a but. At £152 for myself and the gf and the bike on the ferry, that £152 could be spent elsewhere on a longer trip in the UK or even Europe. I can get to Ireland for a little less, I can catch the Channel Tunnel for £60 and it's unlikely that prices will fall. Firstly the Mannish government is blocking all attempts from other ferry operators to compete against The Steam Packet company, as such Steam Packet can charge what they wish. Secondly there's a consensus that the prices are kept high to keep excess tourism down and, shall we say, ensure a wealthier class of visitor. With me being posh like I fit right in I did.

peel castle outlined by the low sun
Peel Castle as the sun sets. 

All that said, It's a great place and if you get the chance to go you should take it. 

If you want to see more photo's then take a look at our Facebook Album Isle Of Man - Photo Tour 2014

Into The Isle Of Man The first day of our Isle Of Man break. We sail the Irish Sea, search Douglas and walk around Peel
Isle Of Man - The North Side Today we look around the northern part of the Isle Of Man. Jurby Junk, Point Of Ayre, The TT Circuit and The Bunglalow.
Isle Of Man - The South Side This time we explore the southern side of the Isle Of Man. Beautiful sea views, slow riding, fast riding, sunbathing and harbours. It's all here you know.
A Final Poke Around The Isle Of Man We take a mooch around the Isle Of Man to find sheep tracks, steep switchbacks, a non magnetic hill and ice cream.
Final Day And Thoughts - Isle Of Man The return trip from the Isle Of Man and Ren's thoughts about the place.

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