Just got back from the I.O.M ,the practice week started on saturday night, Bill & Ali took us to CROSBY and sat right on the banking at the gateway just over the flat out crest. It was in Bill's words F**king Hoofin.We could hear the bikes flat out for ages then they were flying over the crest, the ground was shaking the wife crapped herself being so close to every hero that does the Manx Gp ( TT) circuit ( they all deserve respect ) . At one point a guy came so close to the kerb that he was about arms length away ( i don't think he meant to be that close and he sure didn't do it again).Needless to say Bill is gutted he isn't doing the Manx , he wants to be out there but alas it ain't happening.( We had only planned on being at the I.O.M til monday night which meant we would be in a rush that night and may only see a bit of practice , so we rescheduled the ferry for tuesday afternoon).
Sunday was chillout time ,bit of sight seeing on sunday and monday morning, Bill & Ali showed some fantastic sights , we stopped at FAIRY BRIDGE and we said hello to the fairies . Calf of Man,Jurby roadrace circuit,Southern100 circuit, Glen May waterfall absolutly outstanding ( never been to somewhere so beautiful ).
Monday night practice Bill took us up onto the MOUNTAIN MILE ( getting there was a nightmare with Bill thinking he was a bloody rally driver - taking us up the back road to it , he hit cattle grids so fast my arse didn't stop twitching for about and hour ) he had us yomping through sheep shit filled fields and i even managed to put my foot in a stream (Luckily on the way back ) We settled for where the flat out kink was.
First on the MOUNTAIN was a loud classic bike that could be heard for a long time before we saw who it was - guess who ? RYAN FARQUAR he was about 2 mins infront of the next guy, then some newcomers followed by the juniors and seniors one of them being a good friend JULES CROFT - he was flying .Tuesday came too quick as we had to leave the I.O.M - not happy is an understatement, we said our goodbyes to Bill , Ali little Sethro, Ann & Arend ( thanks to Ann & Arend for the coffee and ice creams - i owe you next time i'm over , i wont take no for an answer ).Met some great guy's one being Mike in the RAF, we saw Michael Dunlop,Ryan Farquar, Richard 'MILKY'Quaile.
I think the wife is coming around to letting me do the Manx - watch this space.
ALL THE BEST TO JULES, MIKE.Have a great time and enjoy it.
slowboy
