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Trip to the Isle of Man |
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| Day trip to the Isle of Man Saturday 25 July 2009 Report by Bernie Monaghan It was an early start on Saturday, as 23 of us made our way to the Ferry terminal in Belfast to catch the Belfast Steam Packet’s Ferry to Poole, Isle of Man. They arrived by bike, car and taxi. It was some sight to see all those bikes being wheeled up the gangplank. We had a pleasant sailing with good banter with some other passengers. The good weather seemed to have everyone in good form. Our host Ian met up at the dockside and guided us to his home where he kindly let us store our bags. We then called at the Highwayman to leave off our menu choices for later. This was the first ‘tea’ stop. (we hadn’t started cycling yet!) . Most of us headed off to make our way to the start of the TT circuit, the others remaining to finish their "carb iron loading", planning to catch up later. I think they heard somewhere that it was The Black Stuff that was getting Alberto Contador up all those hills! We started off with a bit of a climb, making our way to the first stop at Ramsay. When we left Ramsay, it was climbing all the way until we reached the top of Snaefell, passing the Joey Dunlop statue, crossing the little train track at the top and past all the well known corners and spots around the TT circuit – it was one of those climbs were you go round a corner and the road rises up again and again. Bit like the song, "the Bear went over the mountain". The views were amazing from the top and it was flyin’ without wings on the descent down to Creg Ny Baa. You thought you were flying until the motor bikes zoomed past. We all re-assembled there for another photo op. From there it was a great run back towards Poole at a good brisk pace, barely going below 20. We lifted our bags from Ian’s, showered and changed at the campsite beside him and headed back to the Highwayman for dinner and drinks, after which we had to cycle a mile or so down to the ferry, bearing in mind that we had all changed, so that was an interesting sight I’m sure. Some cycled in heels, flip flops, jeans rolled up, jeans tucked into black socks (great look by the way), skirts hoisted etc. Good job the cycling fashion police weren’t about – not an inch of lyrca to be seen. Tut, tut.. Once on the ferry, everyone was in good form and we had a lovely time. Licensing laws are such that the boat has to be 12 miles from shore before they can serve alcohol, so there was a bit of a rush when it did open. Everyone was in grand form and the crack was mighty. On returning to Belfast some headed home and some headed off to continue the party elsewhere. Brilliant day all round, great organisation, and everything went really smoothly, like the well oiled machine that is Dromara CC. It was great to have our friends from Ards CC join us and especially to see more ladies out. Great cycling, great food, great weather, great tarmac, and I suppose the company wasn’t toooo bad! Definitely one to do again! To the best of my knowledge, those who travelled to the IOM were: (apologies for the omission of any names) Bernie Monaghan, Ann Maguire, Anne Annett, Maeve Cahill, John Ruddell, Andrew Wilson, Philip Wilson, Stephen Young, Chris Magowan, Paul Jess, Johnny McBride, Alan Reid, Jim McMaster, Stephen Phillips, Davy Robb, Ian Proctor, Ian’s friend John, Dessie McIlrath (Ards), Joyce McIlrath (not cycling), Jennifer McIlrath (Ards), Ronnie & Jane Martin (Ards). |
Photos by Stephen Phillips
 Belfast Ferry Terminal  Seacat in Ramsey
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 Road to Snaefell |  Looking back to Ramsey |
 Creg-Ny-Baa |  Food at the Highwayman |
