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Sir Limpsalot
06-14-2006, 07:08 AM
I know that Ron has long harboured a desire to visit us here, so here are my suggestions to make this trip one to remember.
Bring the family. This is essential as (A) they will love you for it and (B) only a card carrying masochist would tour Scotland on a m/cycle in May.
It has to be May, timing is everything on this trip. Trust me.
Fly in to Edinburgh on the last Thursday in May. Spend Friday at leisure exploring the lovely old city on foot, getting your bearings and generally recovering from the flight.
Friday, pick up your rental car and head north. Amble up into the Highlands, there's no rush you're on vacation remember. Stop at loch Ness. Who knows, you may be inocently taking a snapshot of the loch when Nessie pops her head up straight into the viewfinder. The resulting pic would ensure your fame and fortune forever. If so, just remember exactly who's idea it was that you were there, right? Good.
I can help with routes, B&B (or Hotel if you prefer) accommodation and so on, but basically you tour the Highlands untill on Tuesday you arrive at Stranraer.
When you get there, your wife will lean over to you. "Honey" she will coo seductively in your ear "why have you bought us to this sh*thole?"
"Because, honeybun, Simon said it was a great idea" you reply "As (WOOHOO!) the Isle of Man ferry leaves from here and we're just in time!".
A short(ish) ferry ride later see's you arrive in Douglas. An unremarkable Victorian seaside town. Unremarkable except it's full of motorcycles, anything and everything you can name will be here this week.
Watch Wednesdays two races from, say, Braddon Bridge or Union Mills. Or any of the other 260 odd corners that make up this unique circuit.
Thursday off for exploring the Island.
Two more races on Friday, including the "Senior TT" now run to Superbike regs. The TAS GSXR1000 recorded 206 MPH along the Sulby straight last week!
Back on the ferry, this time to Heysham. Perfectly placed to allow easy access to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Visit my home town of Richmond, a Georgian market town built around a Norman castle.
Spend a day in the walled city of York, or the elegant spa town of Harrogate.
By the time you fly home again you'll know you've had a holiday by God!
As I said, I can help with routes, suggestions of places of interest, "must see" places, "best avoided" places and so on. What I can't do, sadly, is pay for it all. That, I'm afraid, would be down to you. Start saving.
See you in 2008?
Si

geechie
06-14-2006, 09:27 AM
Ron,

Maybe we could get some kind of group rate.

George

arkline
06-14-2006, 11:25 AM
Simon,

You wicked, wicked fellow. Temptation doesn't even begin to cover the thoughts and emotions I had while reading the itinerary. That trip would make my all time list of why living is a good thing. I am now going to repair to the cave and figure out just how much cash I can accrue and how quickly. Meaning, if it can be done, it shall be done. I think the missus would agree that we need to get out more often...

George,

Great idea. I can see it now, a caravan of 'Merican motonuts tooling around Scotland in rented vehicles, getting lost, getting found, getting onto the ferry to the Isle of Man. Whoowee. It definitely boggles. And rocks.

geechie
06-14-2006, 12:14 PM
Ron,

If you don't care (or it doesn't matter) where you are... you're not lost.

And of course the corollary: If you don't care what time it is... you're not late.

's got me where I am today.

George

arkline
06-14-2006, 10:47 PM
Simon,

The topic has been broached. There's a great deal of enthusiasm. We're not getting any younger. So... Since it costs little to plan your dreams... Let the dreaming begin! How early does one need to book a place to stay on the Isle?

Sir Limpsalot
06-15-2006, 04:10 AM
That you'd be seriously tempted! You can morre or less forget TT week next year (07) as it's the 100th Aniversary. There's going to be a huge party and it's going to be the biggest thing since the return of "Mike the Bike" in '78. Did I ever tell you about '78? Remind me sometime.
Normally speaking you need to be booking about now for next year, but next year was sold out last year. If you follow me.
For 2008 you would need to be booking probably early '07. Check out:
http://www.steam-packet.com/SteamPacket/
For accomodation, check out:
http://www.gov.im/tourism/
That should get you started. One possibility that you might not have considered is going in September for the "Manx Grand Prix" races. Same circuit but without some of the big names. It's a much quieter time, the fans tend to be slightly older. Lots of classic (vintage) bikes in evidence with Ducati's, Guzzi's, Beemers etc whereas the June races it's all Fireblades, R1's etc. Just a thought.
Now this ball is rolling it can only gather momentum..........
Si

arkline
06-15-2006, 02:41 PM
Simon,

I'm on the case. If any other links come to mind that you think would be useful, post away. And a big thanks, by the way.

Sir Limpsalot
06-16-2006, 05:44 AM
For starters check out,
http://www.visitscotland.com/
http://www.visithighlands.com/
http://www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/
http://www.thebruntsfield.co.uk/
http://www.yorkshiredales.org/
http://www.cumbria-the-lake-district.co.uk/
You should get an idea of what's where, what you may like to see or do and so on. There are dozens of sites I can point you to, give me a rough idea of what you think you might like to do/go to and I'll be straight on it.
For example, lots of overseas visitors love the feeling of history (are you listening George?) and are captivated by the Castles, old Coaching Inns and so on.
Maybe just the "local" architecture of the different regions will appeal.
http://img109.imagevenue.com/loc252/th_50732_genbike_006.jpg (http://img109.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc252&image=50732_genbike_006.jpg)
This cottage with its' thatched roof and roses round the door is in Hampshire, I passed it yesterday and thought it might appeal to you guys.
Whatever it is you like, let me know (PM me if you prefer) and I'll point you to it.
Good luck,
Si

Sir Limpsalot
06-16-2006, 10:17 AM
I just want to try something....
http://www.msnusers.com/My%20Web%20Documents/Documents/Pictures/genbike%20006%2Ejpg
See what happens. Bugger me! So that's how you do it!
Si

DarthRider
06-16-2006, 11:17 AM
By the way Si, my man...thanks a LOT for those up-kilt shots!
Damn, I hope you didn't take those...