TT for newbies
Discussion
Having watched the last 20 years of the TT on TV and been saying for at least half of that - “I will go one day” - I have now made the firm decision to go next year.
My initial research I has led me to either a temporary “hotel” made of lots of little shipping containers or a proper hotel. I’m too old to camp so that’s out for me.
The proper hotels seem to be by and large part of hospitality packages that all seem to revolve around flying over and therefore not having a bike.
I had never considered doing anything other than riding and the ferry and it feels weird to not have a bike there. Am
I wrong? Should I just fly and be a spectator? Will I regret not having the bike to ride the course in the evenings?
Budget wise, I could do either so more interested in which would be the better experience. Probably looking at the 6 day race week with maybe a day or 2 afterwards.
I’m sure there is a wealth of knowledge here so any and all suggestions and input welcome.
Cheers,
LFB
My initial research I has led me to either a temporary “hotel” made of lots of little shipping containers or a proper hotel. I’m too old to camp so that’s out for me.
The proper hotels seem to be by and large part of hospitality packages that all seem to revolve around flying over and therefore not having a bike.
I had never considered doing anything other than riding and the ferry and it feels weird to not have a bike there. Am
I wrong? Should I just fly and be a spectator? Will I regret not having the bike to ride the course in the evenings?
Budget wise, I could do either so more interested in which would be the better experience. Probably looking at the 6 day race week with maybe a day or 2 afterwards.
I’m sure there is a wealth of knowledge here so any and all suggestions and input welcome.
Cheers,
LFB
You can book hotels without travel packages - you can still book now for some days of this year's race week, but rooms come and go quickly as people cancel bookings and they become free.
Flying in is fine in my opinion because the public transport is really good.
There's no right or wrong way to do it.
Flying in is fine in my opinion because the public transport is really good.
There's no right or wrong way to do it.
Just go and have a blast!
I've been every year since 1999.
Checkout the homestay website or the homestay/accommodation facebook pages.
Lots to do outwith the races, Castles, museums, pubs, cafes, motocross, steam trains, stock cars, Red Arrows, displays.
If you don't take the bike, or wish to have a drink, the public transport is excellent and a rover ticket allows you all over the island. Both paid and free spaces to watch the racing, depends on your budget and patience.
Its a beautiful place, especially when the sun shines.
I've been every year since 1999.
Checkout the homestay website or the homestay/accommodation facebook pages.
Lots to do outwith the races, Castles, museums, pubs, cafes, motocross, steam trains, stock cars, Red Arrows, displays.
If you don't take the bike, or wish to have a drink, the public transport is excellent and a rover ticket allows you all over the island. Both paid and free spaces to watch the racing, depends on your budget and patience.
Its a beautiful place, especially when the sun shines.
My best visit was on my own, doing home stay, and flew in to Ronaldsway from London City, with my mountain bike in a (large) bag checked in the hold. It survived, I reassembled it at the airport, then pedalled to Douglas where my digs were.
The bike was super for accessing viewing points I wouldn’t have otherwise got near
The bike was super for accessing viewing points I wouldn’t have otherwise got near
I'm going this year for the first time. Only going for practice week, so sail on Saturday 24 May, will see practice all day Monday, Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday night and all day Friday and sail back Friday night.
Cost me £149 for the ferry return (with motorbike) and then £75 for 6 nights camping at Laxey Football club.
Cost me £149 for the ferry return (with motorbike) and then £75 for 6 nights camping at Laxey Football club.
evilkinevil1981 said:
Just go and have a blast!
I've been every year since 1999.
Checkout the homestay website or the homestay/accommodation facebook pages.
Lots to do outwith the races, Castles, museums, pubs, cafes, motocross, steam trains, stock cars, Red Arrows, displays.
If you don't take the bike, or wish to have a drink, the public transport is excellent and a rover ticket allows you all over the island. Both paid and free spaces to watch the racing, depends on your budget and patience.
Its a beautiful place, especially when the sun shines.
Thanks. Had a look at Homestay and zero availability for 2026 already!!I've been every year since 1999.
Checkout the homestay website or the homestay/accommodation facebook pages.
Lots to do outwith the races, Castles, museums, pubs, cafes, motocross, steam trains, stock cars, Red Arrows, displays.
If you don't take the bike, or wish to have a drink, the public transport is excellent and a rover ticket allows you all over the island. Both paid and free spaces to watch the racing, depends on your budget and patience.
Its a beautiful place, especially when the sun shines.
Looks like I’ll have to be very well organized as soon as this year’s racing is over to book ferry etc or risk missing out. I know it was busy but didn’t realize it was that hard!
I would suggest going with someone who's been before.
Alot of people I know when going for the first time watched from crowded spots, someone experienced will take you somewhere more spectacular or where you can view in se real spots once the roads have closed.
Having been to the island many times e (TT, MGP, Southern 100) its adds to our enjoyment sharing our experience.
Alot of people I know when going for the first time watched from crowded spots, someone experienced will take you somewhere more spectacular or where you can view in se real spots once the roads have closed.
Having been to the island many times e (TT, MGP, Southern 100) its adds to our enjoyment sharing our experience.
graham22 said:
I would suggest going with someone who's been before.
Alot of people I know when going for the first time watched from crowded spots, someone experienced will take you somewhere more spectacular or where you can view in se real spots once the roads have closed.
Having been to the island many times e (TT, MGP, Southern 100) its adds to our enjoyment sharing our experience.
The main problem with the crowded spots I’ve found in recent years is the selfish anti social types who think it’s acceptable to blow their second hand tobacco smoke or clouds of hideous vape fumes over others. Alot of people I know when going for the first time watched from crowded spots, someone experienced will take you somewhere more spectacular or where you can view in se real spots once the roads have closed.
Having been to the island many times e (TT, MGP, Southern 100) its adds to our enjoyment sharing our experience.
Ferry tickets go on sale Monday 19th at 8:30am, so first job is get ferry sorted. You may not get the dates you want as everyone wants to leave weekend after Senior. So just get what you can and make accommodation plans after.
I camp in Kirk Michael and taking a van this year for all the gear, but have used B&Bs and homestay over last 22 years. Homestay was through word of mouth which was a place in Onchan we used for a few years. But there are FB discussions about this and places are still available even now for race week this year. Next year availability probably won't be confirmed for a while. Don't think that the Duke shed village is by the pits is the only option.
I've flown before and hired a car, but there are plenty of buses and trams to get you about. I picked up some hitchhikers last year at Ginger Hall and got them to Ramsey, so stick your thumb out and you can get about.
Once practice or racing is done the roads are always chocka, so not sure how much riding gets done in the evenings. Practice week is quieter, but you still get evening sessions and I think they now have a full day Monday BH and a Friday afternoon. So don't dismiss practice week as an option as you get the day to explore and evening for practice.
I camp in Kirk Michael and taking a van this year for all the gear, but have used B&Bs and homestay over last 22 years. Homestay was through word of mouth which was a place in Onchan we used for a few years. But there are FB discussions about this and places are still available even now for race week this year. Next year availability probably won't be confirmed for a while. Don't think that the Duke shed village is by the pits is the only option.
I've flown before and hired a car, but there are plenty of buses and trams to get you about. I picked up some hitchhikers last year at Ginger Hall and got them to Ramsey, so stick your thumb out and you can get about.
Once practice or racing is done the roads are always chocka, so not sure how much riding gets done in the evenings. Practice week is quieter, but you still get evening sessions and I think they now have a full day Monday BH and a Friday afternoon. So don't dismiss practice week as an option as you get the day to explore and evening for practice.
Vette_1978 said:
Ferry tickets go on sale Monday 19th at 8:30am, so first job is get ferry sorted. You may not get the dates you want as everyone wants to leave weekend after Senior. So just get what you can and make accommodation plans after.
I camp in Kirk Michael and taking a van this year for all the gear, but have used B&Bs and homestay over last 22 years. Homestay was through word of mouth which was a place in Onchan we used for a few years. But there are FB discussions about this and places are still available even now for race week this year. Next year availability probably won't be confirmed for a while. Don't think that the Duke shed village is by the pits is the only option.
I've flown before and hired a car, but there are plenty of buses and trams to get you about. I picked up some hitchhikers last year at Ginger Hall and got them to Ramsey, so stick your thumb out and you can get about.
Once practice or racing is done the roads are always chocka, so not sure how much riding gets done in the evenings. Practice week is quieter, but you still get evening sessions and I think they now have a full day Monday BH and a Friday afternoon. So don't dismiss practice week as an option as you get the day to explore and evening for practice.
Yep, it's 10am roads closed BH Monday with latest re-opening 9.30pm and Friday is roads closed 12.30pm and reopen no later than 4.30pmI camp in Kirk Michael and taking a van this year for all the gear, but have used B&Bs and homestay over last 22 years. Homestay was through word of mouth which was a place in Onchan we used for a few years. But there are FB discussions about this and places are still available even now for race week this year. Next year availability probably won't be confirmed for a while. Don't think that the Duke shed village is by the pits is the only option.
I've flown before and hired a car, but there are plenty of buses and trams to get you about. I picked up some hitchhikers last year at Ginger Hall and got them to Ramsey, so stick your thumb out and you can get about.
Once practice or racing is done the roads are always chocka, so not sure how much riding gets done in the evenings. Practice week is quieter, but you still get evening sessions and I think they now have a full day Monday BH and a Friday afternoon. So don't dismiss practice week as an option as you get the day to explore and evening for practice.
towser44 said:
I'm going this year for the first time. Only going for practice week, so sail on Saturday 24 May, will see practice all day Monday, Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday night and all day Friday and sail back Friday night.
Cost me £149 for the ferry return (with motorbike) and then £75 for 6 nights camping at Laxey Football club.
Wow, that really shows you can go and do it on any budget really, fair play!Cost me £149 for the ferry return (with motorbike) and then £75 for 6 nights camping at Laxey Football club.
Thanks for all input so far.
I’ll be at my desk tomorrow morning attempting to book ferry tickets.
Currently thinking about arriving for last couple of days of qualifying, staying for another couple of days of racing (super sport 1, sidecar 1 and super bike 1) then getting the ferry back.
I did originally think about doing 9 or 10 days on the island but decided that might be too much.
Hoping that arriving half way though qualifying week and leaving in the middle of race weekly improves my changes of getting a ferry place.
I’ll be at my desk tomorrow morning attempting to book ferry tickets.
Currently thinking about arriving for last couple of days of qualifying, staying for another couple of days of racing (super sport 1, sidecar 1 and super bike 1) then getting the ferry back.
I did originally think about doing 9 or 10 days on the island but decided that might be too much.
Hoping that arriving half way though qualifying week and leaving in the middle of race weekly improves my changes of getting a ferry place.
Lambo FirstBlood said:
Thanks for all input so far.
I’ll be at my desk tomorrow morning attempting to book ferry tickets.
Currently thinking about arriving for last couple of days of qualifying, staying for another couple of days of racing (super sport 1, sidecar 1 and super bike 1) then getting the ferry back.
I did originally think about doing 9 or 10 days on the island but decided that might be too much.
Hoping that arriving half way though qualifying week and leaving in the middle of race weekly improves my changes of getting a ferry place.
I’d say that’s a great period to go. It’s also very popular so log on early. For the first time in donkey’s years I won’t be booking the ferry for next year as I’m going to have a year off the TT. I’ll be at my desk tomorrow morning attempting to book ferry tickets.
Currently thinking about arriving for last couple of days of qualifying, staying for another couple of days of racing (super sport 1, sidecar 1 and super bike 1) then getting the ferry back.
I did originally think about doing 9 or 10 days on the island but decided that might be too much.
Hoping that arriving half way though qualifying week and leaving in the middle of race weekly improves my changes of getting a ferry place.
The Steampacket’s has an embarrassment of riches in the ferry department this year. We have the new Manxman which is bigger and carries more passengers and vehicles than the old ferry, the Ben-my-Chree which remains in service along with the good old Mannanan SeaCat. So we have an over 50% uplift in capacity since last year. It remains to be seen what that does for visitor numbers and whether the Steampacket can organize things well enough to optimize the number of visitors.
Mind you the long range weather forecast is s
t, quelle surprise.
Mind you the long range weather forecast is s
t, quelle surprise.Managed to get my ferry tickets. Leaving Liverpool at a sensible time on the 28th with the bike and I'm returning at a sensible time on the 1st of June. Huge queue on the Steam Packet website and a dozen crashes when I got to the booking but all done now. Really looking forward to it.
I haven't been before, so I've had a package with a travel company on hold subject to the ferry bookings. It includes staying in a hotel in Douglas, breakfast every day, transfers to different viewing locations with lunches and drinks thrown in and a dinner on the first and last day.
I contacted them today to move forward with the booking, but some of their behaviour is very odd and I'm beginning to think it might not be kosher. The price has gone up a little bit from what they quoted me but not enough that it would bother me. They're charging quite high credit card charges and trying to push me instead towards a bank transfer (there's no way I'm doing that). There's been a typo on every iteration of the quote they sent including incorrect dates and the latest thing is they're saying that the hotel is not 100% confirmed and then it won't be until the end of June but they still need my 25% deposit and it's nonrefundable.
Don't want to upset the PH name and shame police, but I thought if I posted the company name, hopefully somebody might put my mind at rest that they know what they're doing even if their admin is poor.
It's these guys: https://www.polepositiontravel.com
I know everybody says there's loads of places to stay, but I'm not overly keen on camping or glamping and would much rather stay in a hotel. I've checked Homestay and there no availability. I've also never been from before and thought an organised tour would be a good idea.
Any and all input welcome.
I haven't been before, so I've had a package with a travel company on hold subject to the ferry bookings. It includes staying in a hotel in Douglas, breakfast every day, transfers to different viewing locations with lunches and drinks thrown in and a dinner on the first and last day.
I contacted them today to move forward with the booking, but some of their behaviour is very odd and I'm beginning to think it might not be kosher. The price has gone up a little bit from what they quoted me but not enough that it would bother me. They're charging quite high credit card charges and trying to push me instead towards a bank transfer (there's no way I'm doing that). There's been a typo on every iteration of the quote they sent including incorrect dates and the latest thing is they're saying that the hotel is not 100% confirmed and then it won't be until the end of June but they still need my 25% deposit and it's nonrefundable.
Don't want to upset the PH name and shame police, but I thought if I posted the company name, hopefully somebody might put my mind at rest that they know what they're doing even if their admin is poor.
It's these guys: https://www.polepositiontravel.com
I know everybody says there's loads of places to stay, but I'm not overly keen on camping or glamping and would much rather stay in a hotel. I've checked Homestay and there no availability. I've also never been from before and thought an organised tour would be a good idea.
Any and all input welcome.
Just for info to anyone else thats reading through and worried about booking ferries early. Ferry tickets are still available for this year if you're not set to certain crossing times.
Managed to juggle some work commitments about since the weathers been so good to get a last minute trip over and take a mate thats never been before. Luckily i have a family friend that lives in Peel that is happy to accommodate any trips i make over there.
Headed over Thursday 5th to catch the racing on Friday and the Senior Saturday, returning Monday so we can enjoy the parties over the weekend. £260 per person with a motorbike each, so still good value really for such last minute booking.
Was an offer to go over on practise week for 3 nights at £150 each with the bikes!
TT 2023 i went as a foot passengers for £40 return on the ferry and used public transport mostly and it was absolutely fine. We did borrow a car to get about on a couple of nights tho as it did make getting back from the gooseneck for example far easier.
Would defiantly suggest taking a bike or car if you want to explore all parts of the track and island and see the stunning coves hidden around the coastline.
Make sure you try some queenies from the chippy on the sea front at Peel!
Edited to add, have you checked airbnb for places to stay/? some places might not be on there until it hits the 12 month before booking date.
Any doubts at this point with the company would have me looking elsewhere, not worth the risk of arriving in a years time to find theres no bed to kip in when the islands fully booked.
Its cheap on the buses to get round the track, plus plenty of cafes,restaurants,takeaways and shops all over the island for food if that helps firm up not needing to use a package deal.
Managed to juggle some work commitments about since the weathers been so good to get a last minute trip over and take a mate thats never been before. Luckily i have a family friend that lives in Peel that is happy to accommodate any trips i make over there.
Headed over Thursday 5th to catch the racing on Friday and the Senior Saturday, returning Monday so we can enjoy the parties over the weekend. £260 per person with a motorbike each, so still good value really for such last minute booking.
Was an offer to go over on practise week for 3 nights at £150 each with the bikes!
TT 2023 i went as a foot passengers for £40 return on the ferry and used public transport mostly and it was absolutely fine. We did borrow a car to get about on a couple of nights tho as it did make getting back from the gooseneck for example far easier.
Would defiantly suggest taking a bike or car if you want to explore all parts of the track and island and see the stunning coves hidden around the coastline.
Make sure you try some queenies from the chippy on the sea front at Peel!
Edited to add, have you checked airbnb for places to stay/? some places might not be on there until it hits the 12 month before booking date.
Any doubts at this point with the company would have me looking elsewhere, not worth the risk of arriving in a years time to find theres no bed to kip in when the islands fully booked.
Its cheap on the buses to get round the track, plus plenty of cafes,restaurants,takeaways and shops all over the island for food if that helps firm up not needing to use a package deal.
Edited by TC7 on Monday 19th May 22:47
Lambo FirstBlood said:
Managed to get my ferry tickets. Leaving Liverpool at a sensible time on the 28th with the bike and I'm returning at a sensible time on the 1st of June. Huge queue on the Steam Packet website and a dozen crashes when I got to the booking but all done now. Really looking forward to it.
I haven't been before, so I've had a package with a travel company on hold subject to the ferry bookings. It includes staying in a hotel in Douglas, breakfast every day, transfers to different viewing locations with lunches and drinks thrown in and a dinner on the first and last day.
I contacted them today to move forward with the booking, but some of their behaviour is very odd and I'm beginning to think it might not be kosher. The price has gone up a little bit from what they quoted me but not enough that it would bother me. They're charging quite high credit card charges and trying to push me instead towards a bank transfer (there's no way I'm doing that). There's been a typo on every iteration of the quote they sent including incorrect dates and the latest thing is they're saying that the hotel is not 100% confirmed and then it won't be until the end of June but they still need my 25% deposit and it's nonrefundable.
Don't want to upset the PH name and shame police, but I thought if I posted the company name, hopefully somebody might put my mind at rest that they know what they're doing even if their admin is poor.
It's these guys: https://www.polepositiontravel.com
I know everybody says there's loads of places to stay, but I'm not overly keen on camping or glamping and would much rather stay in a hotel. I've checked Homestay and there no availability. I've also never been from before and thought an organised tour would be a good idea.
Any and all input welcome.
I'd suggest get onto the FB pages, that's how I acquired a house for our 6 bods to stay in, it's probably your best bet I haven't been before, so I've had a package with a travel company on hold subject to the ferry bookings. It includes staying in a hotel in Douglas, breakfast every day, transfers to different viewing locations with lunches and drinks thrown in and a dinner on the first and last day.
I contacted them today to move forward with the booking, but some of their behaviour is very odd and I'm beginning to think it might not be kosher. The price has gone up a little bit from what they quoted me but not enough that it would bother me. They're charging quite high credit card charges and trying to push me instead towards a bank transfer (there's no way I'm doing that). There's been a typo on every iteration of the quote they sent including incorrect dates and the latest thing is they're saying that the hotel is not 100% confirmed and then it won't be until the end of June but they still need my 25% deposit and it's nonrefundable.
Don't want to upset the PH name and shame police, but I thought if I posted the company name, hopefully somebody might put my mind at rest that they know what they're doing even if their admin is poor.
It's these guys: https://www.polepositiontravel.com
I know everybody says there's loads of places to stay, but I'm not overly keen on camping or glamping and would much rather stay in a hotel. I've checked Homestay and there no availability. I've also never been from before and thought an organised tour would be a good idea.
Any and all input welcome.
Lambo FirstBlood said:
I haven't been before, so I've had a package with a travel company on hold subject to the ferry bookings. It includes staying in a hotel in Douglas, breakfast every day, transfers to different viewing locations with lunches and drinks thrown in and a dinner on the first and last day.
Personally, I like the flexibility of doing things myself. If you've got ferry, that's half the battle. Spend next few months checking accommodation, but don't stress, there will be some. Based on what you learn, and friends you make on the island, you have so many options for viewing. Bus, tram, walk, bike all over the place. I have no idea how much of a premium gets added for someone else to arrange this stuff, but you can get so many opportunities for viewing, and your own plans can change.Example. The company arrange for you to be dropped off at Black Dub, roads close, there's an accident, they cannot get to you, how do you get back? I always try to have an exit route depending on where I'm viewing to get out if needed. You are also obliged to do as they suggest, which I find somewhat restrictive. A mate came on his bike for the first time in 2007 and wanted fast, village and mountain, so took him to Bray Hill, White House and Hailwoods. But could have picked anywhere from a hundred places.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff