Isle of Man 2007 and 2008

[Dave Eds]

So we did the Cat and Fiddle in the sleet with Gareth on the way back just to finish the weekend off in style.

Pictures will be posted up in a day or so, but after 12 hours travelling today and some 800 miles over the weekend, some varied weather conditions, and a few mechanical failures and human mishaps, we all need a rest.

[Rambo]

a few mechanical failures and human mishaps, we all need a rest.

Oh dear - what's happened

[Dave Eds]

A boiling battery, the keys in the boot scenario, squealing brakes, headlamp bulb replacement, sensitive alarm, handbrake non-application, strange temperature guage rise, and a sparrow mascot on a towing hook! Nothing life threatening.............


....but we've seen some diabolical driving by some of the general public, road rage lorry drivers and a road rage "don't now how to park my car" dickhead.

Some twat only just managed to come to a halt inches off Chris's rear bumper on the M6, even though I had stopped there just seconds before! Same thing happened to Nobby in the same snarl up. We both saw what was coming and got out of the way.

[DaveT]

and a sparrow mascot on a towing hook! Nothing life threatening.

tell that to the ex sparrow!!!!!!!

That'll teach the bastard. Shouldnt have killed my mate, C Robin.

[Rambo]

A boiling battery, the keys in the boot scenario, squealing brakes, headlamp bulb replacement, sensitive alarm, handbrake non-application, strange temperature guage rise, and a sparrow mascot on a towing hook! Nothing life threatening.............

Aaaaahhh - nothing untoward then LOL

[chris.t]

Real big thanks to DaveT for organising a great weekend even with the rain and wind on saturday, glad i wasn't fell running We got back last night at 7.30pm absolutely cream crackered. Hold ups on the M6 and a whopper on the M25

Getting off the boat at liverpool was a laugh wasn't it. Thought i was going to nose dive into the quay Didn't manage to find the tunnel Dave but got out of Liverpool OK. Need the name and tel no of the trackday guy to sort out the money when you have a mo. Pity about the trackday but i have no doubt it was the right decision. How was Nobby the Novice's (aka Battery Boy) car when he started it on the ferry? Hope you got back home safely mate. wish i could have done the C&F but just wanted to get back in the end.

Got loads of photos and vid although on checking the disk ran out before the cyclist incident and the the Mrs Daft in the red fiesta incident. I would have had to have bleeped out the commentary anyway Dee's handheld vid is 'interesting' if you like looking at the sky and treetops a lot but might be able to get something from it.

going to wash the car today to get rid of the IOM that is caked all down the side

I will pm you my address so that you can post me any vid/fotos to incorporate on a tour disk

Cheers
Chris

[DaveT]

A great weekend, made even more so by the good company of friends.
What happened- are you sitting comfortably?
We all left home very early on Friday to make the 1200 Fast Cat from Heysham. That was cancelled due to bad weather so we were all loaded on to the 1415 [which sailed at 3] ferry.
By Stafford service we had all joined up and were merrily making good time till a shower of idiots going too close too fast decided to cause chaos. Fortunately we avoided incident. Dave Eds can now teach sideways driving and Nobster needs new undies.
The ferry hugged the English coast for ages before facing the teeth of the storm. There was more puke in the loos than I've ever seen before. Not a nice place to go.
Got to the hotel about 8 and had food and beer before crashing out. Some idiot left his car alarm on which went off every time the wind blew. As it was force 9 it blew most night. The car was yellow and it wasnt PaulWs
Dave Eds and I woke with the lark [not the sparrow] and went round the TT course before breakfast. About 50 mins. It was OK to start and dry but the wind was well up and made really difficult driving through the mountains. The rain started about 1/2 way round just to add to the problems.
We went to the track and decided to not run as everything was just too risky. The girls had gone off to Douglas via a round the island bus so we decided to drink coffee and chat all morning. Stuart from LEF and Manx radio joined us and later mentioned the "Elan Boys" on his show. We left about lunchtime to pick up the girls and then brave the weather which showed no signs of clearing. We ended up at the Niarbyl rest. which overlooks the Irish sea toward Ireland. We could see the storm whilst scoffing our cream teas. Took the long and windy road back to the hotel before heading for an Indian rest in Peel for the eve. The coast road north from Peel to the hotel is good in the daylight but at night can be a bit scary especially when the hairpin appears out of the sea spray and gloom. More beers.
Sunday morning we all got up to do the TT course. More lost sleep cos of one who shall remain nameless started knocking on doors saying "are we going yet". His car is yellow and it wasnt PaulWs. Again the time was about 49 mins. We've not really had anything to compare that to, as we dont have the roads closed and we have to be carefull through all the speed limits. But this year I chatted to Joe the taxi who is a local and rides his Aprilia round the circuit trying to beat his own time. He has only managed to do it under the same conditions in 33 mins- on a bike!!!! He reckons we have done well to do it in 49- and we have never fell off!!!!!!!
Back in time for breaky and de brief. We were also joined by Malcolm Buckler who brought his car for a run out. Chris T was given a brief bone shaking seat of the pants ride with Malcolm. Sunday was great weather wise if just a little bit breezy. We went loads of places along many stretches of road where we could open the car up. Up to the north of the island then back to do another mountain segment of the TT cos ChrisT wanted to do it again. Into Laxey and then down to the south and lunch. After the late lunch we headed north up the west side of the island to pick up a twisty mountain road. On the way there Nobsters battery gave up the ghost and started smoking through the B post panels. He limped back to the hotel whilst the rest of us followed ChrisT up the mountain. Wow!! a great stretch of hill climb on the A10 and then down through Sulby Glen on a similarly tortuous route back to the hotel. We were all knackered. Decided to take a taxi for our last night out at the Glen Helen Inn where we stayed last year. Had a good meal with the floor show provided by a mouse.
The sparrow was spotted clinging to my towing eye. It may just be sleeping but I really think I probably twatted it at 60 or 70 and the rest was history. Its still there. been to work today and now I'm too tired to care.
Monday morning we were all up early to catch the ferry. Nobby had to fix his car which went OK till I locked his keys in the boot. They were in his jacket therein. RAC came and sorted it. By which time the others had left for the ferry. Nobs and I then had to try and catch them up via the twisty turny Glen Helen ascent- another WOW!!! boy were we moving up there. Met with the mountain road at the gantry and touched 110 overtaking some slow moving locals. As the others got to the ferry they rang to see how we were doing and fortunately we were just behind them by about 5 mins.
Fast Cat to Liverpool was much better. ChrisT and D, Paul and Larisa made their own way home.
Dave Eds Nobs and I went to Halfrauds to sort his battery problem out and arranged then to meet Gareth at the Cat and Fiddle. Weather by now was crap. from there we took the A515 south.
Some silly git decided to try and take my wing off whilst parking his car. I beeped. He made a mess of the park, then chased down the road pulled in front of me and slammed the brakes on and got out to have a go at me. He was then surrounded by two other Elans and I think he thought better of it.
Got home 8ish. Dont even remember getting into my bed.

Thanx all for making it another special weekend

[Dave Eds]

8)
Some idiot left his car alarm on which went off every time the wind blew. As it was force 9 it blew most night. The car was yellow and it wasnt PaulWs
More lost sleep cos of one who shall remain nameless started knocking on doors saying "are we going yet". His car is yellow and it wasnt PaulWs.

For the record I took the red car on this trip.

Also, I know how to apply a handbrake when parked on a slope!

[Rambo]

Who was it then ? Gareth and Christ have custurds

[DaveT]

The clue is- Gareth didnt go...

[chris.t]

yes, twas I. When we went to bed it wasn't blowing a force 9 so thought it would be ok but have now found out that my alarm don't like force 9's. Yeah sorry about hammering on your doors an hour early fully togged up for the run (yes i woke them up again) but this stupid daylight saving thingy got me all confused. Dee wasn't best pleased either

Good write up Dave, I'll get some photos up tomorrow.

Cheers Chris

[theelanman]

The clue is- Gareth didnt go...

[DaveT]

Need some feedback on whether the dates for 2009 are OK for those interested.

Need some feedback on whether ud like to alternate venues.

Trackday is the Sunday

1 DaveT

[paulwatkins]

Need some feedback on whether the dates for 2009 are OK for those interested.

Need some feedback on whether ud like to alternate venues.

Trackday is the Sunday

1 DaveT
2 PaulW


I hope I get enough spare time between now and June 2009 to book it

[Nobby]

Fanstasic weekend folks!

even the bad weather on Saturday bought about a plus, meeting Stu (island bloke) for a chat, before heading off to Niarbyl (lovely view point) via some interesting roads!

Despite the car troubles (sorry folks) I wouldn’t have changed a thing, the whole weekend was a blast, start to finish…

Huge thanks has to go Dave T for taking the time and energy in organising such a brilliant and event filled weekend, nice one mate!

Also thanks to everyone for the brilliant company and laughs along the way.

Novice Nobby

[Nobby]

Need some feedback on whether the dates for 2009 are OK for those interested.

Need some feedback on whether ud like to alternate venues.

Trackday is the Sunday

1 DaveT
2 PaulW


I hope I get enough spare time between now and June 2009 to book it

1 DaveT
2 PaulW
3 Nobby

[Dave Eds]

Hi Dave,

Always a pleasure to meet Lotus people and show them my lovely island...well, it would be if the sun ever shone!!

Next time it'll be warm!

Stu

[ShaunM]

1 DaveT
2 PaulW
3 Nobby
4 ShaunM

[Rambo]

Who was it then ? Gareth and Christ have custurds

The clue is- Gareth didnt go...

Well I nearly guessed. And a few decades ago Dee would have thanked Chris for an early morning rise

[DaveT]

Nice piccy Dave. Like the way u smudged the photo to make it look like rain on the lens.