Seeking a bit of info about trailriding on Isle of Man

[Tarka]

Just wondering if anyone can help me here ?

Okay,so I`ve done the Forum Searches and trudged through the off roading Forum we have but I still have some unanswered questions about trailriding on the Isle of Man.

I`ve read about the map available.

I`ve read about the bike signs posted on the trails.

I`ve heard about a width restriction to prevent the 'Landie Brigade' four wheeled 4X4 lot from wrecking the trails.

BUT....is that width restriction on all trails or just on 'bike friendly' ones ??

MEANING....are there trails legally allowing any traffic,as well lanes that are only bike friendly....or are all of them bike only ??

ALSO...if there is a width restriction,does anyone know what it is ??

The reasons for my odd questions are that I haven`t been to the Isle of Man since I was a pre-teenager (but loved it when I did go),and Glambabe has never been.
But we both quite fancy either taking one of my Ural combos or my quad over there for a holiday and to do some off road exploring.

Hence the width question,and also I wonder how pedantic a 4 wheel/4x4 exclusion may be,as that is what my quad is...but it wouldn`t do the damage a big heavy Landie/Rangie/Landcruiser,etc etc would do.

Hoping someone may be able to help.

 

[Timpo]

Tarka, there is not a width restriction, it is a 500kg restriction, vehicles over this are not permitted on.... well, trails that display '500kg' greenway signs.
There are plenty of quads using the routes that they can enter/exit.
The IOM tourist map shows all the routes and classifications, I have a copy here if you want a pre-visit look.
I was there last weekend for a two day trail-fest...... brilliant time had by all. And not one single word of objection, if fact the people we did see on the trails said we should spend plenty of money in the pubs and restaurants, and make sure we come here again....

T.

 

[MickDB1]

I did a trail weekend ( rally of discovery ) there a couple of years ago and they kindly marked the trails up as easy,tkcs, lighter trailbikes and dont thinkaboutit.
Green yellow orange and red
I would do a search of the members on here and ask for a trailriding mate of theirs to mark the trails you can do with an outfit
Thats your pleasuer I presume
PS
1 of the orange trails was across a bog on 2 footwide planks with chickenwire on um to give grip for the bike
Not for sidecars did not need to be posted on that one
HTHY

 

[Paul Young]

PS
1 of the orange trails was across a bog on 2 footwide planks with chickenwire on um to give grip for the bike
Not for sidecars did not need to be posted on that one
HTHY

Sounds like the one you reach from Mountain Box. I looked it over one time, when I was on my R80GS & my mate was on an Armstrong 500. We spent 20 mins trying to walk a route through the bogs & were just turning back when some guys came from the other direction on pogo. We watch the leader negotiate the 2 plank bridges & then just disappear. By the time we reached him, he had managed to crawl out of the bomb hole he disappeared into, but the only parts of the bike we could see were the tank top & handlebars & it was standing, unsupported & upright... He was laughing his head off but the poor bugger had to go back in to put it in neutral so we could drag him out with a rope. You can imagine the comments when we got to our bikes, complete with panniers & Michelin t66's.

 

[Timpo]

 

[FERRET]

Timpo
you really should be using the x challenge more

 

[Timpo]

Timpo
you really should be using the x challenge more

Two days in North Yorkshire, two days in Belgium and 9 days in Portugal planned for October alone..... yes you're right, I should be using the XC more......

 

[FERRET]

You need to get a job you do

 

[piebaps]

Here you go Tarks,

http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/transport/highways/networkoperations/greenlanecodeofconduct.pdf

There's a few contact details on here, so somebody should be able to help. I'm afraid off road stuff isn't my bag. Wideload of this parish may have some details!

Give me a shout if you make it over and fancy a beer or three.



PS don't forget your hi viz jackets. They're compulsotu over here you know

 

[Timpo]

Peel campsite is one of the best there, and The Creek Inn has a multitude of real ales on tap and the food is very good too.




T.

 

[Timpo]

You need to get a job you do

That's fine coming from you dude....

 

[Tarka]

Brilliant stuff,thanks for the replies and info guys!

Piebaps....
I`ll defo give you a shout if the trip materialises....I`m sure it will,as we both are keen to visit the Isle.
Just like you,I`m not actually interested in off roading on my solos...not at all really...yet my Urals constantly invoke a yearning to get dirt under the tyres and go exploring......likewise with my quad....but on firm gravelly/dirt tracks rather than 'bog hopping' and squealching through mud and shite.

Timpo...

Thanks for clearing up the width confusion...that weight limit is a smart move.
I`ll give you a shout sometime and pop round for a shufti at your map if that`s okay.

I don`t quite fancy the look of that rocky climb you`ve shown......as above,I`d prefer simple dirt or gravel tracks or open land rather than anything particularly technical.
Maybe you can advise over a brew with your map?

P.S.
I assume that weight limit`s just for the vehicle...without people on it ?

 

[Paul Young]

I remember that one, too. Over on the south west coast near Niarbyl. The gate halfway down was a bitch to deal with... the slope was so steep that it rolled the GS over TDC when in gear, so it was almost impossible to stop the bike rolling & open the gate at the same time.

 

[zapada]

Lovely Lane -Port Erin over to Nairbyl

Only done that one on a WR, down hill too.

One nearby, is at the top of the hill, same wood at cross roads, that is GS/KTM Adv able. Did it this southern 100.

Some bad ones though, I am sure you could do the boards across the peat bog, but not with a side car. Many lanes are narrow.

Millenium Way is another good one.

One by the quarry at cross 4 ways I think on top of the hill inland from Nairbyl, is impossible, only use a trials bike for that.

 

[Timpo]

One by the quarry at cross 4 ways I think on top of the hill inland from Nairbyl, is impossible, only use a trials bike for that.

Ahhh... Glenmaye aka Edwina's Gulley.
A beauty!

Piece of cake.......

T.

 

[manxpanzer]

hey tarka, you still up for a play on our little rock in the irish sea?
give us a shout. [email protected]
ural or quads are ok for most of the trail. i manage on an old xt600e with trailwings. live in peel near the campsite with a garage

 

[Tarka]

hey tarka, you still up for a play on our little rock in the irish sea?
give us a shout. [email protected]
ural or quads are ok for most of the trail. i manage on an old xt600e with trailwings. live in peel near the campsite with a garage

Hiya mate

Yep..it`s still going to happen but most likely next Spring.

Many thanks for your info and offer...will be in touch.

Also to Timpo and others who have made kind offers....will follow them up.

Cheers all.