2009 summer holiday.
04 june - 14 june.
Kawasaki ER-6n ABS and Suzuki SV650N

For a long time I have wanted to go to the TT races on the Isle of Man. This year I met a motorcycle trip organiser that has a trip to Man in their catalogue. Lucky for us there were still a couple of available places. Ferries and campsite were booked for us, alll the rest was up to us.

Thursday June 04
The ferry leaves from Rotterdam.

Friday June 05
The ferry arrives in Hull at 8 am. We had a 277 km trip to do to get to Heysham for the ferry to the Isle of Man. After that it was a short trip from Douglas to the campsite in Peel.


June 05, Coxwold, GB



June 05, Greenhow Hill, GB

Saturday June 6
This was supposed to be the first raceday. But it rained in the morning and the races were cancelled. We did our planned lap over the circuit with the trip organiser giving advice about the best places to watch the races. After that we went to the paddock to look around a bit. The rest of the day was spent in bar and restaurant in Peel.

Sunday June 7, Mad Sunday
The weather was good today. We went out to do a lap at the circuit. Unfortunately the Mountain Road was closed. We had to do e detour to get to Greg ny Baa where we could get on the circuit again. Later that day we tried to do another full lap on the circuit but again the Mountain Road was closed. We decided to wait for it to open. After about 10 minutes the road was opened and at last we could get things up to speed. But the fun didn't last long. After a couple of minutes there were people at the road side slowing all traffic down because a car had crashed. There was enough help there so we rode on. But at Bungalow the road was closed and we had to leave the circuit and find another route back to the campsite.


June 07, Mad Sunday 2009, Ramsey, Isle of Man



June 07, Peel Castle, Isle of Man

Monday June 8, first race day
We went to Ballaugh to see the riders jump over the bridge. We ended up in a place where we couldn't see the bridge or the jumps (good reason to go back). We were on a terrace about a meter and a half high and right next to the road. Riders were passing underneath at full thottle after they passed the bridge.


June 08, Superbike race, Ballaugh


June 08, Superbike race, Ballaugh
After the superbike race we went to the Goose Neck to see the side cars.

Tuesday June 9, second race day
We watched the races from the Mountain Road today. First we were half way between Greg Ny Baa and Kate's Cottage, kater we went to Keppel Gate

Wednesday June 10, third race day
Today we were at the church at Bradden Bridge in Douglas.

Thursday June 11, no racing today
We did some small tours on the island.
The Calf of Man

Friday June 12, fourth race day
We were at the Moutain Road again, this time at Bungalow.

Saturday June 13, time to get back
A very early rise to catch the ferry to Heysham. After that a fairly easy ride to Hull. On the way there we visited the grave of cyclist Tom Simpson who died on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France.


Grave of Tom Simpson