IOM TT Viewing suggestions

[Dirty Ming]

My wife and I are going to the Isle of Man next Friday for a week taking in some of the practice sessions. The first few days we're hoping to see a bit more of the island before it all kicks off.
We'll be based in Castletown in the south, and would like some advice as to where to go to see the riders up close at speed to get the full experience. I have a disability that limits the time I can stand and I can't walk far, so would need to be able to park as close as possible. Cheers

 

[Paul Young]

Lots of spots near Douglas that might suit. Governors is good because they’re travelling quite slowly and you get to see them twice. You can then move along Glencrutchery Road towards the finish line and get a feel for the speed they can go past, just inches away.
Another good one is Braddan Bridge where you can sit in the front of the churchyard or in the stands they put on the other side of Saddle Road. There will be opportunities to sit and refreshments available in most places. Parking can always be a challenge unless you’re early to your chosen place but it should be easier in practice week

 

[seahorse]

At around 9 miles or thereabouts is Black Dub, where I went during the Manx last year. There will be seating and a stand but you will need to pay. Not much further than Ballacraine in reality. Maybe not best if you want to move on during the day however but I really liked it as a viewing spot.

 

[Paul Young]

…Maybe not best if you want to move on during the day however but I really liked it as a viewing spot.

A good point to highlight. Beware of putting yourself on the inside of the course as there are very few opportunities to move around and only one way out during road closures, which you may not be able to reach (it’s a service road near Quarter Bridge). It’s a long day when you’re stuck somewhere and nothing is happening, but the roads are closed…

 

[snelly]

My wife and I are going to the Isle of Man next Friday for a week taking in some of the practice sessions. The first few days we're hoping to see a bit more of the island before it all kicks off.
We'll be based in Castletown in the south, and would like some advice as to where to go to see the riders up close at speed to get the full experience. I have a disability that limits the time I can stand and I can't walk far, so would need to be able to park as close as possible. Cheers

Try Gorse lea on Harry'wall i promise it will take yer breath; there's somewhere to park ; somewhere to sit ( on the wall) a toilet; and something to eat; it will suck the snot from yer nose and the wax from yer ears; a great spot for ribcage rattling speed; and on top of that with it being on the outside of the track you can leave whenever you want.

 

[jetjock]

Try Gorse lea on Harry'wall i promise it will take yer breath; there's somewhere to park ; somewhere to sit ( on the wall) a toilet; and something to eat; it will suck the snot from yer nose and the wax from yer ears; a great spot for ribcage rattling speed; and on top of that with it being on the outside of the track you can leave whenever you want.

Gorse Lea is probably the best spectators spot , if you can get a seat on the wall . Go early and wait

 

[EKIMYRF]

Try Gorse lea on Harry'wall i promise it will take yer breath; there's somewhere to park ; somewhere to sit ( on the wall) a toilet; and something to eat; it will suck the snot from yer nose and the wax from yer ears; a great spot for ribcage rattling speed; and on top of that with it being on the outside of the track you can leave whenever you want.

I take first timers there put them on the wall and wait for their reaction

Barregarrow is also a must see for pure "oh my effing god" reactions

Ktree another

 

[seahorse]

A good point to highlight. Beware of putting yourself on the inside of the course as there are very few opportunities to move around and only one way out during road closures, which you may not be able to reach (it’s a service road near Quarter Bridge). It’s a long day when you’re stuck somewhere and nothing is happening, but the roads are closed…

Yes that's my point really as the viewing at black Dub is on the inside but great if you want to spend a day there, plenty of facilities.

 

[seahorse]

The pub on the corner as you enter parliament square also good but again probably a day there also. You can almost touch the bikes as they com through.

 

[snelly]

I take first timers there put them on the wall and wait for their reaction

Barregarrow is also a must see for pure "oh my effing god" reactions

Ktree another

Barregarrow Church yard is my favourite spot; it's not take your breath quick like Harry's wall but it's fast enough; not only that ; you can get to it durring the racing; and if you want something to eat and drink a few minutes ride down to Kirk Michael camp site and your sorted; or wait till the crossing point opens and go across the track to the farm and get something. It may be where i have my ashes spread when my toes curl up; or maybe scattered off the back of the bike going over the mountain;; that would be my lads job;; you could say i love the Island with the amount of times i've been;

 

[EKIMYRF]

Barregarrow Church yard is my favourite spot; it's not take your breath quick like Harry's wall but it's fast enough; not only that ; you can get to it durring the racing; and if you want something to eat and drink a few minutes ride down to Kirk Michael camp site and your sorted; or wait till the crossing point opens and go across the track to the farm and get something. It may be where i have my ashes spread when my toes curl up; or maybe scattered off the back of the bike going over the mountain;; that would be my lads job;; you could say i love the Island with the amount of times i've been;

I have never viewed from the top I always go to the bottom where the huge compression is - not the most comfortable place but its really spectacular

 

[walkingpictures]

The pub on the corner as you enter parliament square also good but again probably a day there also. You can almost touch the bikes as they com through.

The Swan!! I watch from their beer garden,good view of Parliament Square.

 

[theoneandonly]

have a drive round when you get there . get an OS map .
there are some roads on the inside so you can go from Ballaugh Bridge back up to the mountain , or to Barregarrow x roads
take food and water , and a radio to listen to the commentary .
have fun , come back alive.

if you can , get up early and try some spots for early morning practice , but the weather can postpone it sometimes.

 

[Paul Young]

I have never viewed from the top I always go to the bottom where the huge compression is - not the most comfortable place but its really spectacular

I was at the Marshals’ Supper when Deano and Hicky were novices, so they did a stint in front of us answering questions in a ‘chat show’ style event.
The first few audience members with the mic just spouted how thankful they were and how brave the riders were, going flat out down Bray Hill, etc… Deano and Hicky were a bit blasé and explained how Bray Hill isn’t very difficult or scary as it’s a simple line with nothing dramatic. I’d had a few drinks and couldn’t see anyone with a mic nearby, so I just called out that they really needed to tell us which was the scariest corner, then… They just looked at each other and, together, said the bottom of Barregarrow. I asked why, and they described it in great detail.

That’s where I was marshalling that year

 

[Lord Snooty]

So many places; The Bungalow, Sulby Straight, Ginger Hall, Creq Ny Barr sat on the wall as they come out of the right hander and flash past within a few feet of you. Try a few of them and enjoy.

 

[EKIMYRF]

if you can , get up early and try some spots for early morning practice , but the weather can postpone it sometimes.

Early morning practice hasnt been a thing for about 30 years

 

[snelly]

Early morning practice hasnt been a thing for about 30 years

I've not been on track at 4.30 am for a few years getting a cheeky one in ;

 

[longman]

Marown Vicarage is a great place to watch you can sit in the car park, and the vicarage puts on food and drink, and toilets
Marown Vicarage
Main Road
Crosby
IM4 4BH

 

[Davey B]

Ballacraine..or rather the 180mph+ approach is pretty easily accessible as is Hilberry

 

[theoneandonly]

Early morning practice hasnt been a thing for about 30 years

oh , I'm sure we did it last time i did the Manx , back in ...2002.