Picto Diary - 06 June 2015 - Wind

Above: Horse drawn trolley. Douglas. Isle of Man. 06 June 2015.

Today we leave the Isle of Man, taking the Steam Packet ferry back to Liverpool. Today is also the start of the first official race of the TT race, senior Superbikes.

It had been our intent to watch the first couple of races from Ramsey and then take the coast road to Douglas to board the ferry back to Liverpool.

Because of high winds, the races were called off for the day. A private helicopter which had ferrying VIPs crashed on top of the Mountain Course. The VIPs had alit; the chopper took off with just the pilot as the passenger and crashed in the high winds. The pilot, the only passenger, was killed.

We noted that the winds had delayed the departure of the ferry as well. We decided to find a pub in which to hang out in Douglas. We could have a bite... go for a walk... buy some more souvenirs... read... whatever. We would monitor our situation as time progressed. All of the members of the MotoQuest Isle of Man motorcycle tour did all or some of the above.

Should the ferry be delayed until late... or to the next day, we would have to figure out where to stay, either in Douglas, or late, in Liverpool. Our hotel reservations for the evening were 100 miles south into Wales. According to the original ferry schedule we could do all of the Wales ride in daylight. Should the ferry be delayed that would increase the risk of having to ride at night.... doable... but, not advisable.

Above: Pre 2006 BMW K1200 LT motorcycle and side-car. Douglas. Isle of Man TT. 06 June 2015.

I had not seen this model LT, which I once owned, at the TT races... until today... and, then, with a side car. I had never seen this model teamed up with a side car.

Above: The Steam Packet ferry, Manannan, arrives in Douglas. Motorcycles coming to the TT exit the ferry. Isle of Man TT. 06 June 2015.

Above: The Bishop waiting to board the Steam Packet ferry, Manannan, bound for Liverpool. 06 June 2015.

We left Douglas about 5:30 PM, three hours late.

We arrived in Liverpool at 8:00 PM.

We immediately set out for Dolgalleau, Wales and arrived there about 10:30 PM. The last 30 minutes of the ride were in "dark" conditions. Long summer daylight gave us a mostly dusk riding environment on the first part of the ride.

Addendum:

Of course you are proud!

Jack Aroon,
Mahwah, NJ


very good reportage Steve. thanks.

Brand Man,
Venice, CA


There is a huge oak tree in an open green in Williamsburg VA that gives the same feeling - like you were looking at the tree of life with the wisdom of the ages among its foliage.

Have a wonderful visit at Gallilopi seeing long time friends!

Aunt Joyce,
Ashland, OR


Two things i noticed about the TT races.
Bruce Anstey is the old guy at 45.
I can’t believe that people are so close to the road with no barriers.

Kastle (formerly Stockli)
Park City, UT

How's the old guy?