TrottersTravels

HOW TWO ISLE OF MAN TT FANS TURNED UP AT THE 2008 GREEN MOUNTAIN RALLY.

2011-12-05T05:54:00.001-08:00

It all started for me on Christmas day 2007,when Jean my wife and two daughters Rachel and Sally each gave me a £50(about $85 at that time)travel voucher and said "Go on--go for a bike ride with your friends in Vermont" So what could I do but GO!!!!
As im a member of the MOV club and write silly Isle of Man TT Memories now and then,it was obvious I had to turn up for the annual rally. This would be my second rally.The first one was in 2005. So as you can see im not a very good club member and only manage a visit once every 3 years. But I have a good excuse--I live about 3400 miles away in England! So the Atlantic is a big problem on any kind of motorcycle even a BMW.

So that was it-9th September flying from Heathrow to Boston,all alone (or so I thought until I met an old friend John Hopwood about 4 days before I was due to fly away) in the local supermarket.John and his family were on their way home to the Isle of Man after a 2/3 week holiday in France.Over a cup of tea(well we are British) I was bragging about going riding in Vermont and said "Why don't you come with me John".Expecting him to say No chance,but after a short--very short discussion with his wife Ann "Right your on--what flight and where from" That was not the reply I expected,so a very quick nervous E mail to The Heifermeister it was all ok Ted even had a bike for John.They had both met at the I.O.M. TT races in 2005 during Ted and Lynn,s visit to the U.K.

Monday 8th September.
I met Hoppy of the I.O.M. Ferry in Liverpool and we drove straight to London to stay overnight at my brother Andrews (VFR 750) and had a night in the pub with his motorcycle friends--once again bragging about our trip to the States.

Tuesday 9thSept.
Time to fly from Heathrow,but not until we had a 3 hr delay and also false fire alarm in the terminal. I was lucky and had a nice quite flight but poor Hoppy had a very active 7/8 yr old little girl to entertain for the 8 hr trip while her mother seemed to sleep most of the way. After a short bus ride from Boston Airport to Woburn bus station we were both relieved to see Ted and Lynn waiting for us.Imust say a slimmer Ted since i last saw him in 2005. They had even very thoughtfully brought along sandwiches and cool non alcoholic beer.So it was off to bed at Frost-Hill Road after about 24hrs since leaving home.Tired but great to be back in Vermont.

Wednesday 10th Sept.
Up bright and early(well early but I don't know if we were feeling too bright)time to go and see our bikes for the next 10days.Looking very smart under their matching black covers was Teds Fleet of 4 BMW,s --I looked hard for an ST1100 but could,nt find one,perhaps next time Ted. When the covers were pulled off we even had our names attached to the screens-mine said "SLASH" how cool is that for an old guy.I had the all black K100 WITH 7/8 gallon tank("should,nt run out of gas with that"--but oh yes I did!!!!! Ted was very kind and told all at the rally about it--thanks Ted) The K100 had 108,000 miles on the clock. I came to love that old BM over the next 850miles--it would start to growl as the speedo reached 90mph up those mountain roads, very comfortable and with that big screen I don't think I closed my helmet visor much over the 10days--MAGIC!!
Hoppy was riding Teds K1100 and we spent the day riding around getting used to the bikes and also riding on the right hand side of the road. We ride on the left in the U.K. but I find on a motorcycle its seems easy to convert from left to right,but I always spend a little more time at road junctions-traffic lights-etc before manoeuvring or changing lanes.So we spent the day riding around Vermont in the sunshine,enjoying your wonderful part of America. We stopped for lunch at Bobs(chrome plated)Diner. Either Bob has a few diners in Vermont or we rode round in circles a few times!!!!!! What a great start to Hoppys first ride and visit to America.
As we were making our way back to Ted and Lynn,s ,at the junction of the dirt road where it joins Frost-Hill Road--suddenly--there he was on a blue K1100 rear wheel spinning and fishtailing, his back tyre pebble dashing Teds tree,s and my helmet visor.He came to a tyre smoking halt in Teds garage and we were introduced to Peter Cracknell from Canada.Peter was a friend of Ted and Irene who had also come down from Canada.What great company they were and kept us laughing all weekend.Peter had the great ability to sit and listen to all our daft stories and then top them all with a great one line remark.

Thursday 11thSept.
Just after breakfast George Martinetti arrived on his MZ Scorpion looking "VERY COOL" all in black--black bike --black leathers--black helmet--shades--could this be the Mafia on two wheels!!!!! I had met Mississippi( as he is called in Florida) at the 2005 rally and we hit it off straight away--a great guy. Anyway the plan was that George would take us on a guided tour and end up at the rally at Camp Silver Towers later.Ted and Lynn had gone off with the Truck and trailer to sort things out at the camp. The rumour was that Ted was in charge of toilet rolls, because as we all know Teddy is full of--all together now--BULLS--T. Only joking Ted--we all know how much hard work you and Lynn put into the rally. Another reason Ted was,nt riding we all had his bikes--more thanks Ted. Time to take a ride with Mississippi George---sorry but Hoppy and I have no idea where we went--up valleys and mountain roads,the sun was shining again(not much sun in England this year but plenty of rain)and we had a great time.Only one slight problem--we lost Ted and Irene somewhere around Rutland? at some traffic lights.When we made it to the rally Irene made certain how she felt about being left behind--but always accompanied by that great infectious laugh of hers!!!!!!! Im full of admiration for Irene the way she made that BMW get forward up those Green Mountain Roads--she really is amazing for a woman approaching her 80s!!!! I can hear you laughing Irene as you read that last line!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its only fun honest.
Sometime during the day Peter had found time to collect some beer--so it was a late night for Hoppy and I-- when we got back to our cabin it was all in darkness.Finding my bed in the dark and thinking I was whispering(remember the beer--so it was a beer WHISPER) "John there,s someone sleeping in my bed"(did,nt Goldilocks say that at some time to the three bears--only she was,nt full of Sidewinder beer) Just about now I can hear The Heifermeister and Mrs Heifermeister who I thought were asleep giggling in their little beds. Slowly I pulled back the covers and there she was--my own inflatable white--very,very white sheep,with bright red lipstick. What a kind thought of Ted and Lynn--I KNOW IT WAS YOU-IM AN EX COP--I KNOW WHO DID IT!!!!!!!!!! So that was Thursday over and Nancy(as I call my sheep) and I slept soundly thank you

Friday 12th Sept.
Dark--misty--very wet.(just like being at home)Not the sort of day for riding at all.But it turned out a great opportunity to meet lots of entertaining motorcyclists. I love riding,but its also a great way to meet like minded people. Hoppy and i never turned a wheel all day but Ted introduced us to lots of great story tellers as we moved around the dining room and camp all day.People even seemed pleased to meet two guys from England,and John kept everyone we met entertained with his tales of trips to Nordcap--Norway -Sweden--France--Spain--Morocco. Lots of his trips would include visits to race tracks to see Moto GPs and watch Rossi teach the rest of the world how to ride!
But enough of Hoppy it was time for my 15mins of fame--as we sat down to have another beer,two guys we were sitting with said after our introductions"Not the famous Jim Trotter who writes the TT Memories in the MOV mag,we love your stuff keep it coming" All I can say is thanks guys --its nice to get some feed back--I often wondered what people thought of my efforts.
Just as we were thinking it was time for another beer(thanks Peter) this big guy on a GS1200 cruised to a halt in front of us and said in a loud booming voice "Hi honey im home" Alec Motz had arrived from Canada--what an entrance,good company,very funny,always poking fun at himself,but a dangerous man to drink with as we found out later that night!!!! After a very good evening dinner--3 cheers for the kitchen staff--- it was time to mingle again and after a drink or two? we could see Motzeeee at the back of the room entertaining a group of his fans.He called us over and produced from one of his many pockets a bottle of something called "Yukon Jack" it was a bright yellow drink which I must admit looked radio-active to me.After the flames had gone out in my mouth and being speechless for a few minutes--it was Hoppy,s turn!! "Don't let it come down your nose John" my timing was spot on-- we all scattered in all directions as the Yukon Jack set fire to Hoppy,s mouth then his nose.We didn't want any of that iffy stuff on our clothes.Between us we managed to put the flames out with lots of cheap beer and laughter.So it was time for bed again--no riding ,but another great day.

Saturday 13th Sept.
The sun is shining--its warm and Charles Goodrich is waiting to take us riding.He was one of the people who said he enjoyed my TT stories --so of course I liked Charles!!!!! What another great day it was,where did we go--no idea but it was a blast. But I do remember some easy cruising down Smugglers Notch because of heavy traffic. But that gave us all chance to enjoy the high class hotels lining The Notch road. One very big ski hotel was holding a wedding reception with all the guests enjoying the sunshine and champagne as we cruised by. If we had been "Making Progress" as they say--I would have been too busy watching the road to enjoy the views!! Did I mention I LOVE VERMONT.
Back at the rally it was time to eat again--like I said before, what a great job they do in the kitchen--some getting up at 4am to help. Because it was a warm dry evening Ted and Muriel were able to hold the prize giving etc outside on the decking and Hoppy and I were presented with an MOV certificate for" Furthest Distance Travelled--All Modes" thank you your very kind,even though John and I did most of our miles in a silver bird. Another great memorable day.Time for bed and see if Nancy the inflatable sheep was missing me.

Sunday 14th Sept.
Started out damp and dismal, but after a couple of hours helping to clean up,things looked a bit brighter.By the time we were back at Ted and Lynn,s place the sun was out again,and Ted decided it was time for us all to learn how to use his rifle collection and destroy a BMW pot cup sat on an old trailer at the bottom of his drive.We all hade a go with the small rifle--no luck! So out came what I called the elephant gun--well it made enough noise.Ted--Irene--Peter-Hoppy-Heifermeister,they all tried--but the pot had nothing to fear. My turn--I will show them--being a Honda ST100 rider i could,nt wait to blow that BMW cup to hell. Taking careful aim-resting the barrel on the top of the decking--I had the BMW badge dead centre-squeeze the trigger gentle and--POW the telescopic lens hit me in the eye!!!!!!!!!! After the loud endless laughter of my so called friends died down--that BMW pot was still there.By 7pm poor old Ted and a much younger Lynn had to give in and go to bed--it had been a long rally for them.

Monday15th Sept.
Soon after breakfast--which Ted had made(lets hear it for Ted)---there he was sitting on his BMW SLASH 6--"THE HEIFERMEISTER"--looking Colourful and Imposing in his red and yellow Aerostitch.There were only four of us today--and Ted was off --yes that's right I have no idea where we went--but it was another blast as they say-sorry for getting lost for a while Ted--I don't think I was listening to your directions properly. Maybe I was busy thinking to myself don't fall off today--the holiday is nearly over and im a long way from home--and the big H wont like it if I bend the K100. Today was the only day the BMW mis-behaved, but I think it was my fault really--it jumped out of gear as I crossed a railway line--a combination of speed with a big hole in the road,but if I had just lifted the clutch it wouldn't have jumped out of gear.It made Hoppy sit up as he was close behind,very interesting. Another great day,and more sunshine than we have had all year in England.

Tuesday16th Sept.
Last ride out today---we made our way over to Bob Emery,s place and we were joined by Bill Cobleigh on a beautiful old boxer twin that I tried hard to buy off him all day(he wouldn't take Teds old K100 in trade --I asked him-sorry Ted) I know where we went today because I took a picture of the place we stopped for lunch--Cambridge in New York State--plenty of time to see the sights today and enjoy the countryside as the roads were less affected by frost damage and didn't demand the same attention as riding the mountain roads of Vermont. Thanks Bob I enjoyed that,and you and Ted in your matching red and yellow Aerostitch outfits(WOW), made me wonder if I should have one--but I think im a bit old for anything but black leather.

Wednesday 17th Sept.
Up early to have a last ride around Belmont and take some pictures of the village and lake as the sun was coming up---what a stunning place this is--but I still have not seen The Fall--it came late in 2005,and this year im too early--never mind its a good excuse to come back again!!!!!!!!!!!!Would that be ok Ted and Lynn.

Finally can I just say thank you to all you people in the MOV club that was a holiday to remember for a long,long time.
Thanks TITO you almost made me believe we had met in a gay club in Burlington(I visited Burlington in 2005 with my wife) a great laugh!!!
Thanks Tyler for your kind remarks in the November issue of the MOVer It was great meeting you too.
Thanks Jeff Seymour for the T bags a kind thought.Nice place you have-- if Ted and Lynn say NO to my next visit--see you then!!!
Finally To Ted and Lynn,once again its been a real pleasure to be in your company--thanks for the accommodation--the bike--great rides out--the certificate--the beer--the transport up and down the road to Boston when you should really have been in bed after all those early morning starts at the rally----oh yes and "NANCY THE INFLATABLE SHEEP BAAAAAAAAAAA". ps As we left Teds place for the airport that damned BMW pot was still there--but I will be back.
Jim Trotter or SLASH as im known in Vermont

Ashes on the mountain

2010-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

TT MEMORIES 2007

Its 4.30am monday 11th February-- and I cant sleep. I'm thinking about Muriel Farrington--"NO WAIT I HAVE'NT FINISHED"--I'm thinking about Muriel's last e:mail saying "Come on Jim get your ass in gear I need a tt story for the MOVer mag"

So here it is:

Well that's another great TT week over (10 days this year) it was the 100th anniversary of the races and also my 41st visit since 1967. Will I ever get tired of the TT ? --NO CHANCE--Every year brings new friends and the chance to see old motorcycling friends, who we have'nt seen for 12 months--and after 10days you realize once a year is enough in some instances!!!!!!

Bob Day and Angus Wing (what a great name) flew in from Texas--Bob lives in Plano, and Angus lives in Houston. Bob used my Honda ST1100 and I managed to get a CBR 600 for Angus, the bike belongs to John Hopwood an old friend who lives in Castletown on the Isle of Man.So everyone had some wheels and a great time was had by all--again!!! The weather was kind to us, but not as hot as the 2006 TT when Ted and Lynn Hall were over for their first TT visit--come back soon Heifermeister and bring that hot weather again--plus that drink I'm sure you still owe me !!!!!!

The racing is over for this year and I'm sat on the memorial seat dedicated to Mike Hailwood at Hailwood Heights (top man on any bike you put him on). It's up on the mountain near the Brandywell Corner about 1/2 a mile along from The Bungalow another famous much photographed spot on the TT course.

I have sat here at the end of TT week each year since 1992 and placed flowers at the side of the road in memory of my eldest daughter Gail. She passed away in 1991 at the age of 27yrs and over that 27yr period Gail and I have seen a lot of great TT MEN pass this spot--Hailwood,Agostini,Read, Ivy, and hundreds more. Plus all the top sidecar men--Enders, Schauzu, Auerbacher, Fath all mounted on BMW s.But Chris Vincent on a BSA sidecar outfit beat all the BMWs in 1962!! I hear you are rather keen on BMWs in Vermont!!Theyr'e ok for pulling a chair(sidecar) I suppose--only joking!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a wonderful place to see the races, and Gail and I have walked miles along the mountain fields (since she was 4yrs old in 1968) while the top men have gone screaming by--in the days of the mighty Honda 6 cylinder works bikes you could hear the bikes miles away as Hailwood wrung their neck as he left Ramsey Hairpin 6 miles away. Our last time together at this spot was 1990 when we blasted past on the Honda.

Sitting on Hailwood's seat you can see back down the course for about 4/5 miles on a sunny day--and on a bad day about 6 feet if you are lucky--anyway today was a sunny, warm clear day,just perfect for a fast lap of the course, and I'm sat here thinking about Gail and past TTs when I hear him coming.The 4 into 1 exhaust howling as he comes up The Mountain Mile-------long before he comes into sight around The Veranda and I can see his headlight blazing until he moves out of my sight again near the Les Graham Memorial and then he is into view again at The Bungalow. I can hear OUR HERO as he goes for every last rev in each gear--with the rev limiter cutting in and out (TT music) and sparks flying as the exhaust touches down on the right hand bend as he leaves the Bungalow. He is on a Honda Fireblade ,it's the 'must have' bike in 1992,and he's giving it PLENTY. When he's about 200yds away from me--with a loud bang and what appears to be a cloud of smoke--he's suddenly passed me. As he heads up the road to the highest point on the TT course at Brandywell I can see that there are 2 Heroes on the Blade, crouched low behind the fairing, and suddenly I can see the reason for the cloud of grey behind the bike. Its not the bike blowing up in a big way--no its the ashes of their mate being emptied out of an URN by the pillion onto the road. As the--" 3"-- of them hurtle out off sight towards Windy Corner with more ashes and sparks from the footrests and I'm stood there in my nice light grey leathers--they were black before i became covered in THE DECEASED'S ASHES--- There and then I decided when it's my turn to go in the Big Oven--I'd like the family to bring me back to the Island and scatter me at great speed right here where Hailwood's bench and Gail's flowers are. But let's hope that's a long way off!

Another Magic "TT MEMORY"
Altogether now "I THINK I WILL GO JUST ONE MORE TIME"

On your arse in front of 300 bikers on the Isle of Man ferry

2009-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

"TT MEMORIES 2003"
or
Why does it always happen when there are lots of witnesses?

It had been another pleasant early evening ride up to Heysham on the west coast of England only a 100 miles from home. We were booked on the 02.00am ferry, Jean and I were on the Honda ST1100 and Ian and Carol were on his Kawasaki GTX 750R.
A big plus this year--no need to haul heavy panniers with vast amounts of Jean's clothes-shoes-etc and all those things that women seem to need for a holiday on Mona' Island ( another name for the I.O.M.) "Jean it's a bike holiday,not a bloody fashion show" Although I must admit she scrubs up well for an "Old Bird"
The reason we had none of "Jeans Fashion Outlet" with us, Neil--Ian,s brother--was taking his builders van this year with his ZZR1100 and my old Honda 750 plus Jean's gear. Kevin and Pam are a couple from Somerset who we had met on the TT ferry in the 70s and they were going to use the old Honda for their holiday. They will ride anything--as long as it's someone else's bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are great company but drink a little too much, but don't pay often,be warned if you make it to the TT sometime!!

Although it's only about 1and 1/2 hours to the ferry terminal,you can do it in an hour --BUT-- TT time means lots of police about on the roads leading to the ship. The ride gets better the closer you get to Heysham--it's 8 miles from our place up to the motorway-M62- a great country road, fast and open--similar to the Mountain Road in the Island. But you have to keep your eyes open for sheep wandering about--even sleeping in the centre of the road sometimes. The A672 road from The Trotter house runs through Sowerby Bridge--Triangle--Ripponden, and then opens up into open countryside passing Boothwood Reservoir .If you look up to your left (watching out for suicidal sheep)the bike is now travelling parallel with the M62 where you can see bikes--usually German lads on BMWs--moving at high speed(for BMWs) on the run from the Hull Ferry on the east coast up to Heysham about a 200 mile ride for them. As we head up the slip road to entry 22 its a great feeling as you become part of an ever-growing group of bikes heading for another TT. About 20/30 miles away from Heysham as I look in the mirrors all you can see are bike headlights following--(its BMWs trying to catch up)--but every so often here comes a "HERO" in the fast lane--he just cant help himself, one I really remember I think it was 1988--riding a Laverda "JOTA" 1000cc--I heard him as he blasted past--don't they make a great sound those 3 cylinders. The speed limit is 70mph on our motorways--but you can get away with 80mph,and we were sitting at a nice 80/85 when he came past--head down with the wire stretched to 140 easy--with a set of blue lights flashing behind him!!!! We never saw the "JOTA" again, but about 5miles up the motorway on the hard shoulder was a cop car with smoke pouring out of the bonnet (hood) and tail pipe!!!!!! Laverda JOTA 1 Cops 0

We had left far too early for the ferry,but planned on a drink before the pubs closed at 11pm. There,s one at the crossroads about 300yds from the ticket office on the dockside,and by the time we arrived the place was heaving. Whatever bike gets you going there was one to look at as we walked round drinking our first and only beer before the sea cruise. Just as we were about to mount up and leave we noticed a group of about 6 young bikers throwing beer at one poor lad in the group. Turns out he was in charge of tickets and arrangements for their first ever TT trip-- they should be on the 2pm sailing later that day--not--the 2am boat they had turned up for-- so they had a long wait.His leathers were covered in beer and Guinness etc but it was all good natured fun.

Time to embark--as they say--for TT number 36. Some ferry trips are memorable--.lots of laughs,beer,strange sights,new friends,stunning bikes/girls and bad crossings(only one so far) But Jean and I must have had a good 4 hrs sleep this time.I don't remember much about our Irish Sea Cruise--but I certainly remember "GETTING OFF" the boat!!!!

Jean and Carol had walked off the boat,because it can take a long time to unload 150/200 bikes and 1400 passengers. Ian and I had got split up when we got on during the night,so he didn't see what happened--good job as you know what your mates are like --always ready to take the ---- when things go wrong.

I know I meant to put the choke on BUT----must have got talking to the lad next to me as we untied our bikes. Anyway the ST fired up no trouble and seemed to be running cleanly,but how the hell can you tell when your surrounded by a mad bunch of bikers crazy to hit The Mountain Road at 6am for the first time since last years TT Races. Exhausts of every make from round the world are being warmed through--some at close to maximum revs,some headbanger is doing a burn out on the steel decking. Horns are being sounded impatiently-the 2 stroke haze is creeping into my helmet---I love it--its TT TIME again. Oh to be 18 and do it all over again.

Its my turn to get in gear and climb the ramp up onto the deck. I think it all went wrong on the first ramp, I got up the ramp ok but as the front wheel mounted the level area between ramps and I began to turn right the Honda ST coughed and stalled(no choke) and over we went,back down the ramp. If id had an 60inch inside leg perhaps I could have saved the bike---but its doubtful--an ST1100 must weigh at least 650/700lb and feels even bigger at embarrassing times like this.

For an old guy(I would be 63 when this happened) I must have been bloody quick at times like this--before the bike can pin me to the deck and cause me more embarrassment I'm upright. Now I'm watching the bike first hit the engine crash bar--then carry on over until it smashes the right hand mirror and plastic fairing cover--then go over even further until the windshield hits the deck and the bike comes to a halt at last.

Don't expect sympathy when you are on your arse on the bikers boat and your in the way ,all i could hear was "Ever thought of buying a moped or a scooter mate" "Come on stop lying around I want my breakfast" "Must be one of those born again bikers" "First time on the ferry I see" " Does your mother know your out on your own" "Must be a girl" That's just a few things I can remember--and then they all start sounding their horns--sometimes its good to be wearing a full face helmet.
A young guy came to my assistance and between us I was upright once again and back on my wheels. This time with plenty of choke we made it out onto a very warm, sunny Douglas sea front. In spite of 'THE OFF' it was another great TT. It always is, altogether now
'I think I'll go just one more time'.

PS There was a letter in the Motor Cycle news a couple of weeks later, some guy complaining about born again bikers who couldn't even get of the Isle of Man ferry. I think he was writing about me.
I'm sure his time will come.
JIM

ISLE OF MAN 1972 TT RACES

2008-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

“My god those waves are 80foot high out there Jim”, said Jean—laughingly

Was it the Cornish pastie—pork pie—or the previous night’s beer in the pubs along the Douglas sea front in the ISLE OF MAN?

Whatever something was moving around inside me and we hadn’t even cast off from the harbour wall . And we had a 4hour return sailing across the Irish Sea to Liverpool.

We were on the MANX MAID or THE KING ORRY or THE PEVERIL or—the list goes on and on—at one time I believe in its hey day THE STEAM PACKET COMPANY had a fleet of 30 boats or should that be ships—not being a sailor (and never would be after this trip) do we call them boats or ships? In fact some of these old tubs had served at DUNKIRK during the Second World War. So the Irish Sea held no fear for our vessels-unlike the motorcyclists getting on board looking very wet—very miserable –and very nervous indeed.

As Jean and I found seats in the lounge area, the boat began to fill up with passengers (not water --that might happen later judging by the size of those waves) This was Friday- Senior race day—the last race of TT week. There wouldn’t have normally been too many people leaving the island on the main race day—but I think we were all sick of the rain and ready for home.

All the races counted towards the FIM World Championships for 125—250—350—500cc and 500cc sidecars—but events taking place over the mountain course would see the Grand Prix event taken away from the Isle of Man 1976

An Italian rider Gilberto Parlotti competing in the 125cc race had arrived on the island a week or two early to ride a road bike round and round the 37;73 mile public road course to gain enough course knowledge determined to win on his first visit to the island. Unfortunately Parlotti had fallen off his race bike and hit a concrete post over the mountain during the race, and been killed . It was a terrible day—high winds and heavy rain—in fact they should not have been racing—and nowadays the race would have been postponed to the following day. From 1973 on- if the rescue helicopter cannot fly because of poor weather—then the racing cannot take place.

BACK TO THE BOAT.

As the boat moved out from the shelter of the harbour, I could see that Jean had made a big mistake—those waves were at least 100ft high. This was the impression I got being a poor sailor—which I hadn’t really been aware of until today!!!
During a particularly violent lurch to the ship the lounge door burst open with a loud bang and a friend called Jim came hurtling through clutching his crash helmet and a bottle of milk. Jean and I had met Jim and his wife two or three years earlier at a bed and breakfast at the TT., when they had kept us entertained with tales of travelling across Australia, in a car accompanied by a barmy parrot which would keep pulling its feathers out until it was just about bald (apparently boredom leads to this – poor parrot). As Jim made his way towards our table – bouncing off motorcyclists and the sides of the ship and spilling the contents of his milk bottle over various people-- for a brief moment I forgot the movement in my stomach while I laughed at Jim’s efforts to reach us.
“What’s the milk for Jim?” I asked.
“Well it’s supposed to settle your stomach on a rough sea crossing,” came his reply.
“What a load of rubbish” I said, laughing, little knowing that my insensitivity would come back to bite my ass. Jim wobbled off spilling the rest of his milk on more unsuspecting motor cyclists lying around on the floor moaning.
“Look Jean those nice Steam Packet people (ferry workers) are passing out little brown bags. I wonder what’s in them.”
“I should think vomit in a little while, you fool, they are sick bags,” Jean replied sarcastically.
Now things were really beginning to move around inside me.
“How do you feel now, Jean?” I asked.
“Fine as long as I sit and read my book and don’t see or hear YOU OR ANYONE ELSE being ill, so if you plan on filling that bag would you go away now,” Jean replied ,a caring wife as usual.
I thought a good wife would look after me in my time of need – my mother would have. But it’s no good I can’t hold on any longer – time to go look at the Irish Sea very, very quickly. Ha that’s better, I can now see the 100ft waves, the lashing rain, the vomiting bikers hanging onto the rails at the side of the boat. Someone said ‘look at the horizon you’ll be alright’ but where the hell is it? Well it didn’t work for me, or the dozens of motorcyclists hanging on for dear life, trying not to be pitched into the Irish Sea while bringing up the last two week’s of Isle of Man beer, chips, pie and Manx kippers.
After about 10 minutes of the howling wind and cold lashing rain I suddenly got the impression that I was over the worst – WRONG –VERY,VERY WRONG – when I got back to the lounge there was Jean reading her book and she had been joined by two ex sailors who said the slight breeze and swell was nothing compared to going round Cape Horn. Well you can put that place at the top of my list of places NOT TO GO—“ EVER”!!!!!!.
Jean says to me “How are you feeling Jim?”.
“Well I thought I was ok but I’m off again,” Like the proverbial bullet up the stairs and up to the hand rail again. Only this time Im stood next to a 6ft 4in Hell’s Angel and his long hair which I suppose on a calm day would reach his waist but in the Force 20 gale it was lashing around like a pair of lounge curtains. So there was no way I could see the horizon even if that had worked for me.
“OH MY GOD HERE IT COMES” STAND BACK EVERYBODY and there it goes flying out to sea, whatever had been moving around for the last hour in my stomach. But then just as quickly to my horror the wind was bringing it all back towards me and the Hell’s Angel. But at the last minute it changed direction and my new 6ft 4in friend got the lot – all in his hair and all over his leathers. As I started to apologise all he said was ‘It’s quite alright old chap, I believe I’m about to unload myself’. That’s not really what he said but Muriel wouldn’t print what he did say in the MOVer magazine.
Just about now when you think things can’t get any worse I thought ‘Oh no it’s time to visit the bathroom BIG STYLE’. On my way there I just had time to call and see Jean who asked if I was still being sick. ‘No Jean it’s the other end that’s a problem now’, and with that I was gone..
Thank goodness I had rubber boots on as I stepped over into the Gent’s. It was awash and that’s all you want to know dear reader. The cubicles, sinks and troughs were all full of bikers, all calling loudly for their mothers and god. I suddenly noticed that Jim hadn’t had any success with the milk because there he was throwing up with the rest. After about an hour of joining in and becoming totally drained and wanting to DIE, even considering jumping overboard, I had to find somewhere to lie down and guess what ,as soon as I did, all those horrible feelings went away. Finding a spot at the bottom of the boat I soon began to feel soooo much better.
Number one tip - don’t bother looking at the horizon on a rough boat ride go as far down in the ship as possible and lie down – well it works for me.
And the lovely caring Jean – well she finished her book, never moved once in four hours, had a very empty sick bag and as she looked over the dock side at Liverpool at the pouring rain was heard to say in a very loud, forceful way “GO HOME AND FETCH THE CAR, I AM NOT GETTING ON THAT BLOODY MOTOR BIKE AGAIN -- EVER!”. This from a women who never swears.
Sometimes a man knows when to do as he is told.
I left Jean sat undercover watching a fleet of ambulances arriving to take several poor bikers off to hospital in Liverpool
As i rode off in the pouring rain on my trusty (and getting rusty in the last week’s salty rain on the Island) BSA GOLD FLASH or was it a SUPER ROCKET or ROAD ROCKET – I just love those old A10 models made by BSA and had quite a few.
So another memorable TT was over. So as I always say after each TT-- altogether now

I THINK I’LL GO JUST ONE MORE TIME

I think ill go just one more time

2007-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

12 November 2002

tt memories
Or
I think ill go just one more time
Or
Mom whets a Manx kipper
Or
He’s gone to that bloody island again.

January 23 rd 2oo2.
“I’m sorry Mr. Trotter the results are positive, you have cancer of the throat and the tongue.”
Almost together jean and I told the doctor we had both come expecting this. Although we had not really mentioned it to one another over the previous few weeks.
funny how your mind works at the time of what seems like earth shaking news, and being told to prepare for several months of unpleasant surgery and radiotherapy. “Doctor I have been a keen motorcyclist for 41yrs and have attended the Isle of Man “tt” races every year since 1967 and this year will be my 36th visit. Will I be able to go again!!!
That’s how the “tt” drug gets to you, oh yes it's like a drug, when it gets hold it can take over your life. That’s only as a spectator I’ve no idea what it must be like for the lads who race. Two wives and three daughters no doubt have tales of being abandoned for “that bloody island”
We have all heard people say how they will be glad when Christmas is over well so do I but for a different reason, I love Christmas being with the family and then as the last present is opened and the last mince pie disappears it means its time to start wrestling with the “isle of man steam packet company”. This is the only way to get to the island with your motorcycle. But more on “steam racket company (as they have become known over the years) in another chapter!!!
oh yes I nearly forgot the doctor said” you will feel pretty bad by “tt week” when the radiotherapy takes hold” read on if you can stand any more of this because you can be sure I will be there whatever my condition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My first visit.
I suppose two people were responsible for that first trip to the island.
1. Whoever the police inspector was that put p.c.167 trotter on no.6 beat that day in late 1966.
2. Ken holden. Plumber—also velocette and “tt” fan.

I suppose it must have been a 2pm 10pm shift that day and I had given 6 beat to protect, well protect as well as any 23yr old could protect anything.
This involved patrolling up Hopwood lane towards queens road then towards Hanson lane, and then down towards Halifax town centre.
During the first 4hrs the idea was to vary your movements so as to throw any burglars, dead legs, irate husbands, inspectors or sets off balance, as to my movements i.e. where I might call for a cup of tea, or perhaps a pint of the local brew. Don’t believe all that Dixon of dock green rubbish “not while I'm on duty sir” well not with the bunch I worked with. But I digress this is not “how the Halifax boro police tried to drink Whitakers, ramsdens, or Webster’s brewers dry, though it would make a good story!!!!!
Back to 6 beat. whilst patrolling along walnut st. you’re worships between gibbet street(yes the gibbet is still there ) picture here --and Hopwood lane I heard the unmistakable sound of a velocette being warmed through. The sound was coming from a group of timber and asbestos garages and there with a bright red “velocette v line stood ken holden – the key to my IOM future.
Disregarding the fact that no tax disc was showing, the bike was in beautiful condition so did it matter? The machine was on private land and would be obviously returned to the garage after a thorough warming. Never to see the queen’s highway --- well not until pc trotter was out of sight again.
Pc trotter:” nice bike, what’s your name, young man?”
Motorcyclist: (the phrase biker had not been invented yet) “ken holden – don’t you remember me? We were at Haugh Shaw School together, Jim”
“Never mind Jim, ------ pc trotter to you”. Said tongue in cheek.
To tell the truth I don’t remember ken from school days at all but the more we talked bikes I could see we had a lot in common – poor schooling, both tradesmen sorry, I was a tradesman ken was a plumber!! Oh yes and we both ran un-taxed bikes but he didn’t know about mine.
Anyway the conversation eventually came round to the IOM and had I ever been - - and if not – why not – and let’s do it this coming June.
That was the easy bit---- time to re-build the bsa that had leaned against the garage wall since another policeman; Geoff Wilson and I had fallen off it one night, returning very late from the Acapulco nightclub!!!!!!!! it was a combination - no not that sort of combination (motorcycle & sidecar) -- of too fast, a knackered rear chain , poor maintenance and a large helping of driver error(plus some beer no doubt) the bsa had been bought in the autumn of 1966 as a bit of a rough old dog but a nice quiet running old dog. Another policeman jock Andrews had found it leaning against an engineering shop wall whilst on patrol, it was under a corrugated sheet and it looked abandoned. But no, the owner used-- 926 um-- every day for work and yes I could buy it. Winter was approaching and he preferred his land rover in the bad weather.
£45 was agreed “but let’s hear it running first”. It was standing in a pool of oil so I was expecting a long kicking session. hell fire – first kick and so quiet, even though the gold flash was well known for a sweet engine this one was exceptional – so the deal was done .but he did admit just before I drove off that the engineering shop where he worked, donated (unknown to the management), a full tank of fresh oil each night, which just did the 10 mile round trip from work to home, and then back to work the following day-- and then another fresh tank of oil and so on. The lads on their Jap bikes think they are spoiling their fireblades etc with 1,000 mile oil changes. This beeza had had fresh oil every 10 miles for the last three to four years so no wonder it was sweet even though it looked well used.
the first job when I got the beeza home was to cure all the oil leaks and make it look tidy so I could park it at work in the police station yard.
The chief constable was in the habit of admiring and even sitting on my bike at times; in fact the traffic department used the BSA a10 gold flash for patrol work during the 1960s and early 1970s. I used to submit what was called a “short white” (application to be considered for motor cycle patrol cop) at least once a month. But no luck. Was it the way I rode my own a10 or the fact I was reluctant to persecute the motoring public??
The main oil leak was inside the primary chain case, two bolts which hold the inner half onto the crank cases had fallen out as the locking wire was missing (.picture here) but also the rocker box gaskets were just about non existent. A morning’s work and our BSA was oil tight again.
All was well until the fateful ride on the Acapulco nightclub night. Geoff and I were pretty heavy lads in those days --- too much pie and peas or perhaps pie chips and peas plus plenty of local ale, I suppose our average weight would be 15 to 16 stone.
as I cranked the ‘flash’ over and into Huddersfield road the rear chain broke or came off the sprockets, I’m not sure which but it ends with the same result and arse over tit we went.
as we slid along the pavement the bike was fortunately in front of us and hit the concrete lamp post first with the usual damage – bent forks, front wheel, headlamp, petrol tank and mirrors all badly damaged--.but worse was to follow, as Geoff and I got to our feet the bike ignited. Luckily not the petrol tank just the wiring harness which we quickly disconnected and the fire went out.
As the closest friends house was jock Andrews (another copper) we pushed –pulled—and half carried the bike, and left it in his mother’s garden.
After knocking jock up, although he’d only just got to bed as he’d also been to the “acker” (nightclub) with Geoff and I. ---- “come on jock we need a lift home, bikes buggered”
On the way to Geoff’s house we decided that perhaps I should keep a low profile when we got there. the previous week Geoff and I had been out for a few beers and no doubt some pie and chips and while we were in the Ovenden way hotel there was an incident in the bar and somehow we ended up in a brawl outside with a group of what turned out to be body builders and boxers . one of which would you believe was the great Yorkshire horizontal heavyweight-- Richard Dunn--- who went on a few years later to fight Mohammed Ali (was this my 15 minute’s of fame they talk about?) poor Geoff’s face looked a bit second hand so I felt after he had helped me bend my “gold flash” --- damage his leg and ruin some new clothes he had just bought that day I had better keep away from his wife for a while!!!!
The bike was left in jock Andrew’s mother’s garden and after it had been there about four to six weeks she turned nasty. - I wonder why? - And she threatened me with the police. time to move the bike to 57 Higgin lane, southowram, a little bungalow on the hillside overlooking Halifax where I lived with my first wife Joan, and our only child Gail who was born on February 10, 1964
Time for a re-build
It was still winter time and my garage was one of those cold, concrete and metal jobs. It had a dirt floor, no lights or heating in fact bloody awful, not much better than working in the street.

Brain wave number 1
pull the sorry heap to bits in the garage … paint it …plate it … re-build it somewhere nice and warm

Brain wave number 2
Re-build it at home in the bungalow. Simple isn’t it? Keeps me out of the pub (well it did for a while) no steps so no need to worry about the back or the dreaded hernia when trying to get the finished masterpiece back onto the streets again.

Problem one solved
My first wife and daughter agreed to the re-build in Gail’s bedroom, poor Gail with a dad like me it would become inevitable she would become a ‘tt’ fan.

Problem two
What sort of re-build to do------. Whilst out patrolling number four beat, your worships, ----- in an area called booth town, close to another tea shop ….yes that’s right, more tea …. In fact to this day I need regular injections of tea. anyway I came across a group of lads re-building bikes in an under dwelling (one room cottage) Melvin Blundell who became a friend to this day was just about to complete what I can only describe as a must stunning re-build of a 500 cc bsa gold star. It was better than factory finish but the thing that caught my eye most was the colour scheme off set by the chrome.
So that was it my B.S.A. had to be---- polychromatic purple and chrome. --- don’t cringe it looks great in “the metal” as can be seen from the picture!

Gradualy the bike was pulled apart in the garage taken for the necessary whatever and moved slowly piece by piece onto a table at the bottom of Gail's bed. All went well until Joan came home one day to find the best oven baking tin on the oven top boiling away not with Yorkshire pudding or apple pie but “linklife and a rusty chain”.
“I think its time that machine went outside now Jim and I would like a new baking tin”.
to be fair Joan had put up with a lot over the winter and all our married life… what with painting the cylinder barrels black and popping them in the oven ‘just for half an hour love on gas mark 3’ or ‘can you lower these barrels slowly while I feed the piston rings into place love?’ or ‘hold that cylinder head still Joan while I knock these old valve guides out’--- a very understanding wife-- I wonder where she is now? (Bridlington actually – re-married and not to a biker)
Of course we had to wait for a sunshiny day ….can’t risk rain on the polychromatic purple paint and chrome.
“My god doesn’t it look good Jim” this from a female neighbour who had no interest in bikes at all. “Can I have a ride with you?” well it looked bloody good but would it start, would it hell!! it seems that in my rush to strip all the alloy covers off the engine to polish to a mirror finish I had disturbed the timing gears ….so sparks in wrong place i.e.-- timing all wrong ….the story of my life on occasions.

About a week before my first IOM visit I thought I should change the oil and spark plugs to prepare for our first thrash on our flash over the 37.73 miles of the island course.
So Gail and I jumped into our reliant regal 3/25 super van bought new in 1966 for £396, (3 wheel van –1 wheel at the front and 2 at the rear very exciting -- or dangerous –or both)
However passenger seat and paint were extras. In future years this vehicle would become famous as Del boy trotter’s transport in----“only fools and horses” (British TV prog) – how appropriate.
Where are you now dcp 526d?
I paid the extra for the passenger seat---- as I felt that Joan would refuse to lie down and stare at the fibre glass roof of the van while in motion. But I was unwilling to pay the extra £10 for a coat of paint so the super van arrived in grey primer and stayed that colour until seven days before I sold it a few years later. Now dear reader I know what you are thinking £10 he’s as bad as Del boy. Well in 1966 a week’s wages for a Yorkshire copper weren’t much more – (picture of wage slip here)
So sod the paint I bought my wife a passenger seat and very grateful she was too. They always refer to Del boy’s reliant robin but it never was a robin that came later, our vans were always super vans.
we collected the oil etc from the motor mecca in Horton street, Halifax, which had been kings of oxford up until the early 60s and was owned by Stan hailwood father of the great mike hailwood who I was about to see in the island for my first “tt”
. On the way home, I was traveling towards North Bridge when a car came out of a street on my left and the driver obviously believed he could pass in front of me easily. But just then another car appeared from his left causing him to swerve and almost hit me head on. as I stopped so quickly poor Gail shot out of the back of the van (no seat belts in those days) hit her head on the dashboard and fell in the passenger foot well crying.
Without slackening his speed the other car shot off into the town centre with our ‘super van’ in hot pursuit!! He chose a great spot to park his car--- George’s square full of people and school children going home. He only got one leg out of his car as I arrived with all three wheels locked solid and pouring smoke from bonnet, exhaust and my ears, nose and throat.
as I stretched him over the bonnet I could hear poor Gail still crying and the bloody fool said’ ‘it wasn’t my fault’ at great volume and to the shouts from children in the bus queue--- ‘go on give him one mate,-- I said ‘just one more remark like that and I’ll fill your bloody face you stupid sod. I’ve a good mind to bring a copper to you ‘. ‘Well go on.’ he said. ‘there’s one over there’.-- as I looked across the road standing at the bus stop was in fact a pc with his badges gleaming in the sunlight – knife edge creases in his uniform.. And the shiniest boots I had seen since police training school. Our pc looked as though he had been in the force at least eight hours and was looking anywhere but at the disturbance unfolding before him.
“Never mind him. I am a copper and can you hear my daughter crying because of you? I’m off to hospital now and if she is injured I will come looking for you and don’t worry I will find you”.
it was about three years later at about 4am while passing the time and swapping stories in a police car when pc Ned garner suddenly told the story of the mad reliant driver on his first day as a bobby. oh yes our other car driver was called Trevor Simpson who I was to come across often over the next 36 years---- in fact very shortly after my first IOM visit --.while I’m writing this I am becoming quite angry while re-living it all again. As you can see I don’t believe in turning the other cheek at all.
Thursday, may -- 2pm
“What are doing on your long weekend off Jim” said pc Stuart west as we sat bleary eyed in the
parade room at Harrison road police station. We had just finished some terrible shifts over the last 5 days with very little in the way of sleep, and probable yes you have guessed it------ too much beer!! Hence the bleary eyes. This would include the odd night at “the Acapulco nightclub” till 3or 4am and back on shift at 6am. I suppose we were lucky to have our eyes open at all. I must admit I did pass out behind the bathroom door on the odd occasion!!
“Well Stuart I'm off to the I.O.M for the “tt” races till Tuesday” “I've rebuilt the bike and we are off tomorrow morning”. Little realizing how this would affect the rest of my life and those around me in the years to come!!!!!!!!!!!
The bikes ready – I’m ready---kens ready---and the suns ready its bloody hot but sadly this would not always be the case over the next 36yrs. we had just time for a picture of Gail in dad’s crash helmet.
Before heading for the east lancs road to Liverpool, no m62 motorway yet. It was almost time for first taste of the Isle of Man steam packet and their luxury liners and unique services
I think we had just about joined the east lancs road when the beeza cut out at the first set of traffic lights. It refused to start in spite of some spirited kicking, no electric start on the b.s.a. Within no time at all I had really worked up a full head of steam be cause of the rubber type of jackets we wore in 1967. Due to our advanced mechanical knowledge and we also had only 45mins to catch the boat the problem was soon found.
During the winter rebuild a doner bike plus box sidecar with a dustbin fairing had been found (whilst patrolling 3 beat your worships) at ovenden where it had stood unloved for who knows how long. I had found it at the back of the railway hotel with flat tires no tax disc etc.
I don’t suppose I realized till now how the young lad must have felt when this copper knocked on his door and said “is this your bike lad” and then the feeling of relief when pc 167 trotter said “do you want to sell it to me”. I’ve no doubt the agreed sum whatever it was probably should have paid the lads gas or electricity bill, but more than likely went straight behind the bar of the railway hotel.
Whatever another B.S.A. joined my collection!!!
anyway back to the breakdown--- it was rust from the doner bikes petrol tank, in the float chamber—the main jet—pilot jet—filter etc. it stopped on us three times on the way to Liverpool and the bike fell over once when the side stand sank into some fresh tarmacadam due to the hot weather—and was it hot! Even more reason to take off at great speed to avoid those big strong council boys who had just laid the new tarmac!!!!!!
just outside of Liverpool we came across one of those superior people- well they liked to give that impression—he was riding a Vincent black knight 1000cc v twin but even the superior Vincent will not perform without petrol.
This guy must have been worked over by the steam packet company before and new full well to arrive dockside with an empty tank, but was 3miles short.
Anyway our superior rider was very happy to accept a couple of cups of petrol from these common B.S.A. riders to get him to the dockside.

“Princess Pier Liverpool for the first time.”

At last my first ever view of the famous river Mersey, and “the king orry”one of the steam packet fleet of luxury liners. What an atmosphere-100s of British bikes thundering up and down the cobbles towards –

“The man” with “the pump” in “the shed”

An unbelievable arrangement operated into the 1980s. What must our friends from the continent think of this arrangement as they arrive at “the pump” to be greeted with?
(Steam packet man) “Open your tank mate we need your petrol”
(Motorcyclist) “What the hell for”
(Or in German) “ vot za hell for”
(Steam packet man) “cos you’re not getting on that bloody boat till your tank’s pumped out mate!”
(Motorcyclist) “I just put 4 gallons in at the last petrol station; it’s cost me 19’6p how much are you going to give me?”
(Steam packet man) “Bugger all lads, and if you don’t frame yourself this copper will move you on- you’re holding up the boat!”
(Motorcyclist) “What do I get then for my petrol? It’s the best stuff- its 5 star!”
(Steam packet man) “You get this little sticker lad and you can stick it anywhere you want (with a knowing look!) But it should go on your headlamp or front mudguard”
(*picture of transfer on front mudguard*)

(Motorcyclist) “I’ll write to the steam packet about this”
(Steam packet man) “Yes you and hundreds of others mate!”
Customer care had not arrived at the steam packet company as yet!
the shed and the pump were to feature in our I.O.M trips into the early 1980’s it would be even more entertaining when heavy rain joined in the fun- more on this in future years.
Not only did the steam packet steal our petrol during these early years worse was to follow if the tide was out. The only way on to the boat is by a bike cradle which hoists the bikes up three at a time. Twenty five feet in the air swinging dangerously close to one another over the dock and onto the boat into the capable hands (or otherwise) of more steam packet personnel.

(* picture of cradle here)

the best time to watch this carry on is when bmw’s or Vincent machines are swinging about and their owners are sprinting for the boat to catch their beloved superior machines before a steam packet man drops it or worse still it disappears into the Mersey river… I’ve never seen this happen but I’m sure it must have done at some point.
The trauma doesn’t end there. The steam packet men have more appalling tricks up their sleeves. Before we head for the Irish Sea all machines had to be tied down securely. This means our splendid sea fairers with rough callous hands and rough callous ropes would attack (sorry secure) our bikes to the deck. once again it would become a game of seeing if we could arrange for our common bsa or triumph etc. to be maneuvered close to those superior bmw’s or vincents, so they were lashed together. Our splendid steam packet men would then run a rope from one machine’s foot rest over the seat or tank (whichever caused the most damage) down to the other foot rest then onto the next adjacent bike.
This action always produced plenty of swearing from angry motorcyclists who had spent all the previous winter on shiny metal and deep lustrous paint. Needless to say those superior bmw and Vincent men were the best with their expletives!
now the bikes were nicely damaged (sorry secured) it’s time to go on deck… what type of steam packet staff will be looking after our every need for the next four hour “cruise” to the island?!
I could see some nervous faces on the first time visitors to the road racing capital of the world. would we be thrown overboard midway across the Irish sea and our machines sold on… no surely this would only happen to you if you rode --- yes that’s right those superior bmw’s or vincents! To be fair I don’t remember the catering facilities in 1967 as ken and I spent the whole 4 hour “cruise” sunbathing on the top deck and finding out how very strong the sun is when mixed with a strong sea breeze! We were also studying the motorcycle news “tt” practice results.
However as we made our way below to release our polychromatic purple and chrome 650cc BSA from those terrible ropes, we did have a quick look through the window of the restaurant. Guess what? Sat behind all those china cups and silver teapots and having silver service lunch etc. yes, you’ve guessed it, was those bloody Vincent and bmw men again and they were looking magnificently superior!

Here at last the I.O.M just 60yrs, after the first tt in 1907.
Well it was time for the first of hundreds of laps over the next 36 and I hope a lot more years.
First mistake, and it could have been our last, whatever you do during tt fortnight never ride the 37-73mile course anti-clockwise-----always clockwise. It’s still dangerous –but not just as dangerous!!!!!
As we approached “hillberry” a downhill left hander (when doing the wrong way) -- round the corner came a “hero” flat out on something British (going too fast to tell what it was). Foot rests scraping, sparks flying, and weaving all over the road, like a good—un bloody hell that was close did we turn round quick. From there on it was a lot safer. Well comparatively.
That year we stayed at bucks road in Douglas about a mile from the sea front. Was it three or four floors up, whatever it felt like 44 floors in that heat. Poor ken this proved a bit too much for him—I didn’t know he suffered from asthma until he produced his inhaler which seemed to do the trick for the rest of the holiday.
but a definite plus with that room—I could see my polychromatic purple and chrome bike in the street below ------ a blinding flash(no pun intended) of chrome etc what more could a motorcyclist (no bikers in 1967) want –sunshine –dry roads, and a motorbike.

“I may not go home”

A phrase used many times over the coming years.
1967 and bucks road brought me into contact with my first real road racer “Carl ward” from Leeds. We didn’t see Carl too often what with 5am practice sessions and also his bikes seemed to like to call it a day around the Ramsey area .but to be fair he must have qualified to make the races.
Carls race transporter was an old funeral hearse in black (what else) .this guy must have loved the wind in his face at all times—I suppose that’s why the hearse had no windscreen!!
I remember we spent Saturday riding the course lap after lap with hundreds of others on British bikes and a good many outfits (bike plus sidecar for you non motorcyclists) I suppose there were plenty of small jap bikes about , but in those days we looked down on them something like those bmw and Vincent men looked down on us.
jap bikes had funny things like----indicaters, electric start, oil that stayed in the engine, overhead cam engines, mirrors all the things real motorcyclists(men !!!) didn’t want or need.
Now most garages have a jap bike waiting to go and see the world and even the smallest is capable of doing just that.
In those days I always said “ill never buy any jap crap” well there are two in the garage now and a jap car outside, and very good they are too!!
after some more exciting laps of the famous. course we had decided, well I don’t think we decided so much as were waved off the road by the marshal at “signpost corner”, the roads were closed for normal traffic. so that was it we would spectator here, a good spot particularly if like us you had no radio. one of the essentials after a bike and a boat ticket is a radio to keep track of whose doing what in the race.
in 1967 there was no housing at “signpost” or “bedstead” corners so after a short walk through the fields we sat on the banking about eight foot above the road., for what turned out to be a great spot to view the action. the roads which are the normal highway the rest of the year have to be closed by an act of tynwald (the Manx parliament) which is the oldest continuous parliament in the world dating back to ……
just before the start of the production race to celebrate the diamond jubilee tt we were aware of a brass band playing in the distance somewhere near the grandstand.
apparently the Douglas town band were marching from governors’ bridge towards the start and finish area, being followed by some of our star riders – mike hailwood, Phil read, Stuart graham, and Walter Jacobs, the last surviving competitor from the first tt in 1907.
I can only imagine how embarrassed hailwood and read must have felt and how traveling at 150 mph between stone walls would be more up their street – or should that be isle of man streets?
also while this was going on 500 pigeons were released heading towards Liverpool although this was a small flight compared to the 2,000 released at 10am the same day to mark the queen’s official birthday. would you believe this was called “the news of the world pigeon championship”?
it was a le mans start for the production race and after john hartle had gone past signpost corner where we were spectating (so fast and so smooth showing why he was a work’s rider in previous years) the next group came along Paul smart, griff Jenkins, lance weil (the only American in the race) weren’t as smooth but were very exciting to watch and even after 36 years I can still hear and see them approaching from cronk-ny-mona. the 250 class were ruled by the bultaco metrallas of bill smith, and Tommy Robb but they could be heard rounding Kate’s cottage three or four miles away!
the most vivid memory I have of this race was of--- lance weil--the American on a triumph Bonneville almost bringing down the front runners at signpost corner at the end of the race. even though the American finished fourth in the race there is no mention of him in the race report – could this be because he was in fact American and bloody fast!!!!! all this happened under a cloudless, warm, sunny evening and thoughts of

“I should have bought a bike and come here years ago” went through my mind.

just when you think all the racing is over some would say the best is yet to come. after the last official race bike gets back to the grandstand out comes the road opening car an mgb sports car this year. after the car passes by wherever you are spectating you can then get on your bike and thrash it to death in pursuit of the official car. out come all the heroes - coffee bar cowboys (how 60s) frustrated racers and downright dangerous buggars!! it pays to sit tight for another 30 minutes to watch and listen to the sights and sounds.
in more recent years the lads on fast jap bikes would overtake the road’s opening car and end up with a visit to court and a heavy fine.
this was still during the years before compulsory crash helmets and if you felt it might “spoil your hair or the girls couldn’t see your handsome face the helmet took its proper place on the carrier at the back of the bike”. This also gave any onlookers the chance to see the look of fear on the face of our “heroes” as they approached signpost corner travelling just a bit too fast with both wheels locked up and smoke pouring from the tyres.

“It’s no good ken, this looks dangerous. So let’s get out there with them”

It was only about one mile from signpost corner to the start but it’s another ever lasting memory from that first year. As you leave signpost it’s downhill to bedstead corner, a left hander then a short straight towards the nook, turn right down the hill again towards governor’s bridge. approaching governor’s bridge where you have to stop because of pc Kelly in his white helmet controlling traffic, we were very aware of being surrounded on all sides by hundreds of bikes all traveling as fast as possible ….. towards pc Kelly.
By now we are stationary in this great mass of machinery which fills both sides of the road and in my mirrors I can see more arriving each second. Because of the number of bikes it’s possible to be held up here for five minutes at least.
this is a great time to look around at the other bikes and riders as they-- twitch and rev,--then rev and twitch-- as they wait for the off again courtesy of pc Kelly.
Yes, they are all here, the lads I saw as we had waited to get off the boat. They were un-screwing the silencers of all their bikes and putting them in their backpacks. As they had left the sea terminal you can imagine the noise, it was like the red arrows had arrived although that would be a few years away yet. These lads were having a great time now with three foot flames shooting out of the open exhaust – pc Kelly seemed quite un-concerned as he had seen it all before.
If you took a bit more time to look around you would see crutches sticking out of backpacks (some with silencers also) belonging to the driver or pillion passengers. There would also be a pot leg or arm sticking out at some strange angle from the bike.

See what I mean about the tt drug – not even pot legs or arms stop a real tt fan (or cancer).

This is a sight that would be repeated over the next 36 years.
As soon as pc Kelly gave us the ok it was as if all hell had been let loose, the twitching stopped and serious revs were the order of the day as we headed full bore down glencrutchery road. Towards the traffic lights at the top of bray hill. Not as fast as the production race lads who had gone by about an hour earlier – hardly possibly seeing as there were 100s of us.
Left turn and time for a pint or two on the sea front and watch another quaint custom which would take place each race week. Douglas sea front is about one and a half miles long and the roadway is shared by two lanes of traffic in each direction plus two horse drawn trams pulling an open carriage called a toast rack, one running in each direction in the centre of the highway.
For those lads who hadn’t had enough of the mountain roads they would now see who could travel quickest from one end of the promenade to the other. This took place while they negotiated parked cars, moving cars, horse trams, pedestrians and anything else that strayed into the road as well as motor cyclists. the poor sods leaving the toast racks had to get from the tram to the comparative safety of the pavements 8 to 10 feet away whilst watching for the---- “promenade bullets” . Apparently the boys were clocked at over 100 mph one year in and out of all the street furniture!!! as for the horses pulling the trams never once in 36 years have I seen one so much as flinch in spite of open exhausts
Well it’s time for bed because tomorrow it’s
“Mad Sunday”
For the first time. Sunday of race week is officially called mad Sunday and it’s well named as everyone, and I mean everyone, turns out to lap the course and it really gets mad when you get to Ramsey hairpin, 13 miles from the grandstand. Up and over snaefell (snow mountain) and then down towards the grandstand its one way traffic. before ken and I set off that Sunday we had agreed that as were both married with a young family we should take it easy – well it works for so long but as you go over that mountain and the “hero’s” are passing you like the proverbial bullets the speed creeps up and the vibration gets worse so the old beeza starts to come apart i.e. nuts and bolts loosening and a fractured front number plate. I suppose a good 650 flash would be ok for just about 100 mph and as some of the fast lads would be passing us at 120 on their bonnevilles and of course those superior Vincent’s at 150 we didn’t seem to be going that fast.
But it takes a while before you get the bottle to go round the corners on the wrong side even though you know there should be nothing coming the other way. During these early years the course on mad Sunday by midday would be littered with seriously bent or broken down bikes. The police join in and circulate with us but of course on the mountain there are no speed limits so for some lads it’s full bore everywhere and ignore the police. It’s very exciting to watch but even better still to join in . Everyone is going for it(as they say) even the police. I chat to the coppers each year and they love “tt” week, even though all leave is cancelled for 2weeks. As pc Kelly said to me “I wouldn’t miss it, the island comes alive and you lads are no trouble at all---- apart from the odd speeder” (about 40,000 to 50,000 speeders at the last count)
It’s true , after 36yrs I can honestly say I have never seen any fights of any kind. Apparently it’s the locals who seem to get locked up race week. They can’t cope with all the excitement after 50 weeks of the sleepy 1950 lifestyle since the last “tt”.

On Sunday night we went to see “no limit” at the strand cinema, staring George Formby as “George shuttleworth speed demon tt rider. It’s very corny by today’s standards --- no effing and blinding or constant humping, so it’s possible to watch with the kids and not be embarrassed!
Amazing when you watch to see how little Douglas sea front has changed since the film was made in 1935.
The boat that takes George to the island is one I’m sure I have cruised on many many many times called “the Manxman”
80mins of black and white fun --- how do I know it’s an 80min film. Well my family bought it for me for those withdrawal moments in the winter, when “tt” week seems a long way off!!!
Poor old George paid £3-12-6d for a weeks board at Mrs. Horrocks “the vista superba” Douglas I.O.M
He even had trouble paying that until he won the big race. It doesn’t matter how often I watch “no limit” George shuttelworth speed demon always wins. I know it’s sad but it stops me interfering with women!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After a few pints and pie and chips
and the promenade show it’s off
to bed, race day tomorrow.

Sidecars and 250cc. today.
well it cant get any better than this---sun is shining , a pint of castletowns finest ale, cornish pasties, a good spot on the wall, and any minute “mike hailwood” will blast past on the Honda 6.(heaven)
The only problem is wet feet. Very wet feet!!
This happened because we were late getting to our vantage point i.e. quarter bridge. We had forgotten about the early morning boats 4am and 6am bringing lots of day trippers for Monday’s race. A big percentage arrive without transport so walk to the q/bridge as it’s the closest part of the course to reach on foot.
As we arrived and had to park about 500yds away from the pub it began to dawn on us how difficult it would be to view where we had planned. I suppose it was because of the rumour that hailwood was appearing for the last time.(he returned in 1978 and 1979and it shows just how good he was, after 11yrs away he won again. even beating Phil read who had never stopped racing over those years)so even more people turned up.
there was only one way across now as the roads were closed ready for the racing---- under the bridge and try to cross the river whilst carrying 1 pint of ale—6 cornish pasties—2 pints of milk---6 bogey buns(eccles cakes)—program—newspaper—riding gear—radio and camera. Well we would be there for four hours and a Yorkshire lad has to eat!!
I think I was lucky to only get wet feet, after getting that lot across. I think it went wrong when I nearly lost my comb---in my rush to catch it before it floated away in I went. Well your comb is very important when you have a wonderful head of hair and you’re vain. No trouble nowadays no comb and not much hair!
But the wet feet were soon forgotten the minute I heard that Honda 6 screaming down bray hill about a mile away. its one of those sounds that make the hairs stand up on the back of you’re neck and that tingle of anticipation that you will soon experience something unique—mike hailwood—Honda 6 at 15,000revs—and the “tt” course all at once(see what I mean about a drug)
Suddenly there he is –---but just as suddenly he’s gone, screaming along from quarter bridge towards bradden bridge then onto union mills. Even though you can’t see hailwood anymore you can still hear that Honda as it heads out towards Ramsey. The revs rising and falling as the back wheel leaves the ground over the bumps in the road.
oh to be able to press a button on some magic machine and watch mike at---cregwillys hill---the 11th milestone---top and bottom of baggarow---through Kirk Michael village---over ballaugh bridge---sulby bridge---the gooseneck(on a sunny day without doubt the best spot on the course)—through the kink at guthries memorial and just about anywhere coming down the mountain.
I didn’t know even about these places in 1967 , in fact its taken 36yrs to visit them all and I haven’t scratched the surface yet!(so it looks like 36 more years---- jean are you coming?)
but until that magic machine comes along---look out ken here come some more stars on works machinery---Phil read and bill ivy on the Yamaha 4cyl 2 strokes to rattle you’re ear drums with that high pitched sound they make, Ralph Bryans on another Honda 6, john cooper on a Kawasaki,--mzs –bultacos---suzukis---ducatis---aermacchis---guzzis etc your head starts to spin about now.
All making great sounds but that Honda 6 had them all beat, both in the race and for its window rattling sounds. but just when you think the Honda 6 made the best sound ever get yourself a copy of Stanley schofield’s tt highlights and listen to the golden jubilee sounds especially the track where Bob McIntyre on the gilera 4 is being chased by John Surtees on the mv 4 in the senior race on 500 cc grand prix machinery. Turn the volume up “full bore” as they leave creg-na-baa heading down towards “the cutting” and onto brandish. Magic does not describe it. In fact the best way to listen to this is while wearing your helmet , turning the volume up full, turn the dining room chair round and assume the riding position.
About April – may each year when the withdrawal is at its worst, I copy this sound onto a tape for the car stereo. At the traffic lights any traffic lights – with the sun roof open and all the windows down play that sound track full bore and watch the other motorists looking round in fear as Bob Mac and John Surtees hurtle past. I know it’s sad but it stops me interfering with women.
Back to the race and here’s mike again. Loud and fast but oh so smooth. If I could be half as fast as him I would be twice as fast as I am. Just as suddenly it’s all over, five laps in 2 hours 11 minutes 47.6 seconds , so much has happened during that time you have to check your watch to see the time is correct.
Sidecars: in 1967 the machinery still looked like a bike with a sidecar (chair) attached but the thing that hasn’t changed – the passenger still needs a lobotomy. how else can a sane person hang out of the sidecar at speeds even in 1967 of 130 mph with his face inches away from the granit chippings and stone walls etc and even being thrown out of the outfit occasionally usually under heavy breaking and fierce acceleration. Something I have witnessed on quite a few occasions over the years. One incident at governor’s bridge looked very bad at the time but turned out quite funny – but that’s for another chapter.
in fact the winner Siegfried Schauzu (sideways Sid as he became know) lost or ejected his passenger horst schneider at governor’s bridge less than a mile from the finish but still won after collecting schneider with a cut chin and carrying on to the finish!!!!!!!!!!!!

Motor cycle news quote of the day.

Mick Farrant riding a500cc Vincent outfit had to call at the pits on lap 2.to adjust tappets, changed a jet, tighten his gear lever and announced he was going to retire but said “its no good stopping here to see the 250cc race I might as well break down at a decent part of the course” but the bike wouldn’t start.
So much for superior Vincent’s then.
Oh by the way a common BSA finished 6th behind 5 bloody b.m.ws.
-------------------------------------------------------
So that was it. My first year at the isle-of-man was nearly over. I had to catch a ferry home Tuesday morning as pc 167 James William Trotter had to protect the people of Halifax borough once more starting Tuesday at 22:00hrs.
But before that it was time to make our way back to our polychromatic purple and chrome BSA. But not via the river under quarter bridge.
Oh no----we decided to cross over the normal way after the roads opening car had flashed past. Big mistake the heroes and bullets were out again. Where the hell do they all come from. They are all coming and going in three different directions ,at varying speeds and varying standards of expertise. All very exciting but I think the river was less dangerous. To be fair the speed is not as obvious once we get back on the flash and become a couple of bullets ourselves!!!!!!!
It’s great to be out there with them even if we have to go home tomorrow---so its one last 37;73 lap then down to Douglas for tea. Whilst all this was going on unknown to me---- Neil Habergam was also watching his first “tt” at the grandstand. I didn’t know Neil until about 1984, he lived in Halifax, and we became motor cycling friends and have had some wonderful years in the island. Future years with Neil and many other friends will fill many more chapters, many,many,many more chapters.

Ken and I cruised home on Tuesday morning, once more in hot sunshine and a few things crossed my mind, such as------
How hard it was to leave before the “tt” was over, and it will never happen again. I will always have at least 1 week’s holiday.
If only the old man (my dad) had let me have a bike when I was 17. I could have been coming here since 1957. Now I have kids of my own I understand his fears, so I had to wait a bit longer than most lads. Still it was worth the wait!!!!!!!
I must get a better camera and radio for 1968.
Book the ferry as soon as I get home for next year.
finally if a job should ever look as though it will prevent my religious outing to the “tt” then ”sod it” have the holiday then find another job.(this actually happened in 1999 when someone turned difficult over holidays so “sod it” I had my “tt” trip and found a better job)

Just one tip. If this load of old rubbish should make you fancy a trip to the I. o. m. Keep your camera with you at all times---because the best picture will appear when you’re camera is in the hotel. If you borrow one run a film through it before you go.
There’s nothing worse than risking life and limb to catch those special pictures of the top men whilst

Hanging through the fence
,or up a tree.
Only to find two weeks later you’ve got bugger all----- except 7 yes 7 rolls of blank film.
its only happened once in 1968 when I borrowed my brother Andrew’s camera, after I had opened the third box of blank film my wife left me alone for three hours (or was it days) to calm down!!
Last tip always check there’s some toilet paper before you sit down in a strange toilet in the Isle of Man, if it’s a long way along the landing!!!!!

Altogether now

“”I think I’ll go just one more time.””

Trans Bikes

2006-12-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

How I became involved with transatlantic bikeshare dot com
OR
lookout bmw motorcycle owners of Vermont trotter”s joined the club and is heading for Vermont!!!!!!!!

The trip to Vermont started over 12months ago on the dockside in Liverpool—waiting for the isle –of—man ferry. It”s funny but two previous bike rides in America had both started with an i.o.m. holiday—in 1999 I met three young lads on creg willies hill just above glen hellen on the “tt” course whilst waiting for the races to start—this led to an afternoon ride on a Yamaha tdm over the golden gate bridge and a short(far too short)ride up the pacific coast scenic highway with a guy called Michael Parkinson. Then in 2000 three great days riding a harley Davidson electra glide up and down the coast around Sarasota—longboat key and ann maria island-thanks to a guy called angus wing(great name—great guy)who I met on the isle of man ferry(where else).
Anyway back to june 2004—jean had left for work on Wednesday morning at 7”45am like the good wife she truly is, iwas due to catch the 6pm ferry from Liverpool and jean would follow on two days later—flying in by manx airlines on the Friday evening.”now think on trotter” jean said as she walked out of the door “don’t forget me when you are out tearing round that mountain course—be at ronaldsway airport for 5”45pm.”as if I could forget you my love”said jim, scratching the flight details on the inside of his helmets visor!!!!
11pm the bikes all ready to go—and im ready to go on my38th visit to the island.i love it—cant get enough of monas isle. A big part of “tt” week for me is meeting and talking to other lads on bikes. So although it was still 6hrs to sailing time and only 1hrs ride to Liverpool—the sun is shining so lets get off and see who we can meet this year!!!!!!!!!!
-----------------------------------------
12 noon Liverpool docks.
How this place has changed since 1967. all we had then was a leaky shed and a dirt floor—now we had a beer tent—fast food unit and tarmac parking,how exotic! After having a general look round there he was my new friend(but he did”nt know it !)
“hi there are you on the 6 oclock ferry”said trotter” no mate the 8 oclock im waiting for some friends from London” after he had told me he had arrived from texas i grabed him by the riding jacket and rushed him into the beer tent—not really but you get the idea!
Over a drink robin day told me all about trans-atlantic-bike- share and how the bmw he was on belonged to phillip carr from rotherham who was a member of t.a.b.s.so after a very enjoyable 2hrs hearing about texas and arranging to meet in the island for another drink I got on the ferry but not before I had full details of the bike share club and phillip carrs address in rotherham!
Sorry to say robin and I never seemed to get together over the “tt” period—too much to do and see—not enough time! It’s the same every year—your on the ferry one minute on the way to another “tt”-- and in the blink off an eye your getting off in Liverpool and another “tt” is over.(I have kept in touch with robin by e mail since)
“hello phillip-jim trotter here I met robin on the way to the island,could I call and see you about trans atlantic bike share”?
as rotherham is only 50miles away from where I live--2hrs later I was sat in phillip & pats front room drinking tea and hearing about all his trips to the states,pictures-maps-video”s etc I could have sat there all day ---but my wife(the worker in our house)likes tea on the table—so after telling phillip about how since 1973 after reading ted simons book called “jupiters travels” I had wanted to ride the pacific coast top to bottom—and anywhere else in America if possible.
Phillip did more than listen to all the ramblings of another Yorkshireman-- within two days he was on the phone in that wonderful rotherham laid back accent(that ted hall cannot understand at all)to say he could arrange for me to meet ted at ripley castle in july when ted & lynn were over for a bike holiday .
--------------
I missed the turning for ripley castle gates so carried on to the next roundabout and as I was allmost at the entrance coming towards me on the other side of the road was a k100 with two people on being followed by a triumph ridden solo. Trotter shouting through his helmet”are you from Vermont” big guy on k100”are you jim traaaater”?

“Heifermeister” –ted hall—had arrived!!!!!!!
----------------------------------------------

five minutes later we were all drinking tea in the ripley castle tea shop and being introduced to ted & lynn and chris burton the owner of ted & lynns bike. Being an isle of man “tt” nut the day just kept getting better when it turned out that chris lived on the isle of man and was in fact the harbour master at port erin and port st mary nice guy and very quite—well compared to ted!!!!!
Whilst all this was going on phillip carr arrived with at least another7—8 motorcyclists who were part of Phillips regular bike group,it turns out that ted had christened them the “tea & pee gang” and in fact they had a club badge they all wore—it had a teepee as the central emblem! This nickname came about because they drink tea—ride for a while—then pee!!and so on throughout the day-- hence the badge!
After a ride over the moor”s with our new bike friends we called at “stump cross caverns” for some more----tea . after tea and a pee it was time to leave the group and after getting all ted & lynn”s details I threatened to keep in touch by e mail and hope to arrange a ride in 2005 in Vermont.

Florida

2005-12-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

Saturday, August 26, 2000. Into bed after 22 hours.

Flew from Manchester into Orlando via Glasgow, arriving 14.30pm local time, collected hire car and hit Interstate 4 about 16,00 hours, steady drive west to Long Boat Key near Sarasota on Gulf Coast, sunshine all the way, 90 degrees, 140 miles, good roads, very light traffic, arrived at Sea Bird Resort apartments. Three steps and into pool from French windows, 10 steps onto beach. £380 for the week, recommended.
We spent a week here, walking on the beach after breakfast each morning. Lots of sea birds, pelicans diving in into the sea and wherever someone was sea fishing they were always accompanied by a crane waiting to steal the catch of the day. Sea turtles came ashore at night to lay their eggs, we didn’t see any but there were lots of nests marked out on the beach.
On our first night we drove down the coast to Sarasota Lagoon and had a meal at the Old Salty Dog, great spot to watch local fishing while we ate. Big bridge opposite and while we watched the sunset we could hear the sounds of Harleys and V8s rumbling by. When we walked in I saw a full dress Harley in the car park it didn’t take long to find Geoff and his wife perhaps it was the baseball cap, or the size of him, anyway they had moved to Florida from New York city about five years ago, after walking the beach for two years he got bored and decided to learn to drive a ‘big rig’ but had to spend six weeks away at a time so now he drives the local community bus. He says the best time to see Daytona is in October, at the Octoberfest , not as crowded and just as good as the March event. Geoff and his buddies tow their bikes up to Daytonna behind their motorhomes, we found all this out over dr5inks on the following Monday night. Before we met them Jean and I had a meal at the Old Salty Dog just enjoying ambiance when a seagull shit all over me, but guess what it was Jean who got the free Key Lime pie, a local delicacy..
About two miles down the road was a very big circle - a roundabout to us - with dozens of high class shops, restaurants etc, and a diner where the local bikers gathered. Very pleasant to walk around late evening.
While driving in the car listened to a great radio station playing 50s and 60s music. On Sunday we rang a girl called Kathra, known as Kat, a friend of a guy called Angus Wing who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland. I met Angus on the Isle of Man ferry in 1997, it was the year I couldn’t get the bike on the boat for the TT so I had to go two weeks early and leave the bike and return home till TT week. I have kept in touch with Angus ever since. So back to Kat. We met her at Marina Jack’s down by the Sarasota harbour , lots of money here, big boats, one called Egg - Spensive, Kat who is 37, met Angus through other bikers when she started biking four years ago She rides a Harley (what else)an 883 cc Sportster. Along with a large group of bikers and Angus she rode 2,000 miles to South Dakota for the Sturgess rally at the beginning of August. They all flew back and the bikes were returned on a transporter. Well guess what, Angus keeps his Harley in Sarasota at Classic Cycles on High 41 (that’s Highway 41 to us lot) and it had arrived just as we landed in the USA. Kat made all the arrangements via Angus for us to borrow the bike and on Wednesday, Aug 30 we collected our HARLEY DAVIDSON 95th ANNIVERSARY ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE. Takes a bit longer to say than Suzuki GSX 1100 G. What a big beast that was. All the extras tape player, CB, top box, panniers, hi-fi speakers. £16,000 worth - 850lb - 81lb/torque 1450 cc. When you press the button it’s like the whole world shakes into motion. We hit High 41 in among the traffic for about the first 12 miles. This is one big, heavy bike but so very easy to ride once you get used to it. Down to the bay for the first pictures, no helmets in Florida, the law was repealed about two months ago, so off up the coast cruising in the sun with Jean in the ‘buddy’ seat. I could see her in the mirrors with her arms on the arm rest, which are part of the big top box at the back of the bike, wind blowing in her hair and what’s left of mine, absolute magic. Big mistake Jean’s now looking at Harley’s and Wings - likes the seating. We had the bike for two days and did about 200 miles (200 wonderful posing miles)
When we returned the bike on Thursday evening about two miles from Classic Cycles and in heavy traffic down came the rain, real rain. We sheltered in a shopping centre for about 15 minutes. Classic Cycles is a new showroom but done up to look like 40s/50s showroom, old Harleys and Indians, juke box, petrol pumps and limited edition paintings. The best picture looked to be a 1920s scene and showed a race through the desert and showed a steam train, a stage coach and motor cycle and sidecar. A great picture.. We then drove off to meet Kat and her family and when she heard we were leaving Key west the following Saturday the family took charge and by the Internet and ‘phone booked us in to the Key West Resort for two nights. Because the pool was not complete we got a very good deal compared to the normal rate which we couldn’t possibly have afforded. We wandered round Key West for two days. It’s very picturesque and must have been even better when Ernest Hemingway drank at Sloppy Joe’s. Everyone goes down to the harbour to see the sunset and the Americans clap as the sun goes down. I made a point of wearing my Isle of Man T shirt and sure enough I found an American biker (Clark Luster, generalist, consulting on any topic ), he had been to the island four times and now keeps his BMW at Peel. He had a very impressive I o M coat of arms tattoo on his arm which I captured on film. Just before we left Key West Jean was admiring the ample seating on a 1500cc Gold Wing when the owner walked out and offered me the keys. He soon put them back in his pocket when he realised I could ride it. We asked him how long he had had the Wing and he said ‘Ever since Hurricane George blew the other one in the harbour’. Ill wind etc etc.
Next stop was Fort Lauderdale just above Miami. We had two days here, great beach 90 - 100 degrees again lots more Harleys Met a couple one evening from Ireland who had been to Joey’s funeral, they were on their silver wedding and were going to spend the second week cruising out of Miami.
Left here and drove up the coast to Daytona. On the way we passed through a place called Hillsboro where everyone had a boat - a big boat - at the end of the garden. Daytona will be magic speed week no doubt but it was a bit like the island without bikers there. But the beach, the heat and big Har;ley dealers were worth seeing. You could hire a Harley from 5pm to 9am for 75 dollars they called it ‘sunset cruise’., or three days for 245 dollars (1.44 dollars equals £1).
Now onto Orlando for last two days - and not a bike in sight. Felt we should visit at least one theme park and went to Epcot. Very impressive, great fireworks , meat Wayne, who retired to Orlando from New York city. He ran an X ray department and after three million X rays and three weeks of minus 16 temperatures he decided enough was enough. We may (or Jim alone maybe) be invited to his place at Cocoa Beach.
Well 1,400 miles later we’d had a great holiday, I’m now off to get on the Internet (apparently I’ll need a modem what ever that is) as Kat has mentioned that next year in July all the bikers are planning a ride through New England. Jean says we’re not going but I can dream. But if dreams come true it has to be a Harley or a Wing with one of those comfy seats for her fat arse.
Well it’s back to normal now . I pulled the porch down before we went away and a friend and I are re-building it.

Jim and Jean (Hog Riders)

How the Isle of Man led to motorcycle rides in America

2004-12-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

“More ‘tt’ memories”
OR
How the Isle of Man led to motorcycle rides in America.

“Its Neil here Jim the i.o.m trip is off for me this year” You will never know how important Neil and his long wheelbase panel van was to the i.o.m 1996 ‘tt’ races. Because of the exorbitant prices to transport yourself and motorcycle to the island by the” steam packet ferry company” for 1996 we had decided to transport a few bikes in the van, saving vast amounts of cash that could be spent on petrol(gas) to blast around the tt race course- or on beer-- or both!
“oh hell Neil what’s happened- is it illness, bankruptcy or won’t Margaret let you go
you wimp!”
it was none of these reasons- Neil who was about 46 at this time had never met his dad or even knew where he lived. Suddenly that week neils wife Margaret whilst reading the local paper said “ay up Neil sithi thi das atter findin thi git ont phone lad”--- that’s Yorkshire twang for “Neil your dad is trying to trace you quick ring this phone number”
well that was it Neil got in touch with his long lost dad so the ‘tt’ was off--and Neil was off too------to Canada! Well that would cause all sorts of problems about our annual trip to the island- but we all understood- “go for it Neil we will sort something out”
well I know I shouldn’t say it but it’s time to get on with it and get the bike over the Irish sea as soon as possible and sod the rest of the lads! The problem is 40,000 to 50,000 motorcyclists all wanting to get on the island for the races in about 7 days prior to race fortnight. The steam packet company have a hell of a time coping----- to be fair they have only been trying to get things working properly since 1907 the year of the first ‘tt’ races. So it could all run smoothly one year! Some of the things the steam packet have done to motorcyclists over the years are unbelievable- but we are as they say ‘a captive audience’- it’s the only way to get to the i.o.m with a bike. They have no competition so its ‘pay up’ or don’t go!! So we pay up and do go. For the last few years we have been paying £20 up front as a deposit to try and get a sailing that suits us! But beware if the sailing they give you doesn’t fit in with your work schedule- hard luck no refund- goodbye to your £20 ($35). bike and rider in 2005 was £288 return- why do we put up with this treatment- because------- all together now
“we love tt week and the isle of man” so we will just go one more time!!

Back to 1996 the only way I could see to overcome the problem of not being able to get a sailing close to the first week in June (‘tt’ week) was “jean sorry I will have to go early this year”…. “how soon love?” said jean---- well not really---she actually said- “ what’s the excuse this time? Why don’t you just go and live there,--- bloody i.o.m”. we have always had this friendly banter around ‘tt’ time- it used to get quite heated when jean was left with 2 little active daughters as daddy blasted up the road for the Liverpool ferry (happy days!).
But this time jean accepted my excuse of Neil being reunited with his long lost dad. So that was how I arrived dockside at a place called heysham another place you could sail to the island also run by the steam packet about 60 miles north of Liverpool. Instead of sailing at the start of June I would have to sail at the beginning of may 4 weeks early and suffer 3days and more laps of the island course and--- i.o.m beer- leaving the bike in mo’s garage( the very best bed & breakfast we would ever have—from 1990 until poor Maureen passed away in 2002) and return home for 4 weeks- earn some more cash and return as a foot passenger------ simple really--- isn’t it jean!
Heysham docks.
While I sat at the top of the concrete ramp watching the ship rise and fall, anticipating the slippery metal cheverond plates wet with rain as you drive onto the ferry-- you know that buttock clenching feeling--- big powerful ---fully loaded bike) that year it was a Suzuki 1995 model gsx1100g- great bike big naked retro shaft drive 125bhp,--- just made for slippery ferry ramps!
Whilst I was lost in thoughts of a spinning --sparking and a dis- assembling Suzuki sliding out of control and bouncing off the ship into the Irish sea, suddenly a strong Scottish accent said “hello there it looks a bit iffy down that ramp”… “too right mate” Jim said—“ and even after 36 ‘tt’ visits it always gets to me when the ramps are wet”
The scotch guy was riding a Kawasaki zzr1100 so we agreed to pick one another up if it all went wrong. I’d just met angus wing (great name) from Aberdeen. Well we got both bikes safely on and headed for the bar, it turned out we were both having to take the bikes over and leave them and return later for the races. But angus was having his first visit and made the mistake of asking me to join him for a drink and talk about 36 years of ‘tt’ visits. The crossing is generally 4 hours but as all you BMW MOVer motorcyclists know the next best thing to riding your bike is talking bikes. Well those 4 hours just flew by, not only did we talk the i.o.m ‘tt’ races but---- great stuff---- angus spent a lot of his working life in the usa and was trying hard to visit every state over the following years by motorcycle. He wanted all the ‘tt’ tales and I wanted all his motorcycle stories in America. I had been desperate for a motorcycle ride in the states since I read Ted Simons book called ‘Jupiter’s travels’- it’s a story of teds 36,000 ride round the world. The chapter I remember most is his ride up or was it down( I should remember it’s a book I read every couple of years) the pacific coast scenic route 1. so it is his fault for writing such a great chapter on California and creating this urge for some motorcycling in America ( I still need to ride the pacific coast)
Just before we went our separate ways we went down to the car deck to collect our bikes. there parked by our insignificant mass produced jap crap(as some people call it ) was a “powder blue” Vauxhall 4/4 unmarked and blindingly clean with a ”powder blue” 2 bike trailer attached and two bikes hidden under fitted “powder blue” covers. I was tempted to peek under to see if the bikes were “powder blue”—sure to be!!!!
“I wonder who that belongs too angus”
in that wonderful broad Scottish accent “och I here they come its------ Ken & Barbie”
sure enough striding towards us in “powder blue”—designer denims –two visions in beautifully tailored clothing-knife edge creases in their jeans. not a hair out of place and I know you will not believe it-but its true-“powder blue” eyes
I’m afraid they never noticed either of us as they slipped onto the “powder blue” leather seats—adjusted their “powder blue” shades and cruised majestically of the boat onto the sea front—I hope the sea was the right shade of blue when they parked!!!!
Angus made another remark--- but it was lost in the roar of his zzr 1100”s exhaust!!
I saw the later going over the mountain course but the bikes were still on the trailer but with the “powder blue” covers removed and yes the bikes were “powder blue”

I believe its called –style—but I don’t think they were really motorcyclists-DO YOU!
When we finally docked at the princess pier on Douglas harbor I thought angus would have had enough of the ‘tt’ nut from Yorkshire- but oh no there he was on the return trip 2 days later in the bar on board ship with 2 pints of ‘bushys beer” isle of man local brew waiting for more tales and I felt just the same wanting more American info. After 4 more hours on the return trip it was time to say goodbye to angus after exchanging our details.

Fast forward to the year 2000
“ hi angus you are an expert on all things American compared to me- have you been to Sarasota in Florida?” … “why Jim?”… “well ive just seen a great deal for a fly drive to Orlando, and a great spot on the beach at long boat key”… angus “have you ever heard the expression oh lucky Jim--- Jim?”… “why angus”… “well your luck is in Jim my Harley Electra glide is in ‘classic cycles’ Sarasota, I rode to sturgess for the rally a couple of weeks ago and it came back in a truck. I’ll ask them to service it before you arrive. Get your ass round there and enjoy it”

there it stood parked outside classic cycles an electra glide limited edition Harley in the sun – all shiny in metallic bronze and brown waiting for us! I don’t care what you feel about Harleys you have to admit they look magic in the sun!!!! Classic cycles had been set up inside to look like a 1950’s bike shop---- petrol pump--- juke box--- leaky old Harleys and some great looking prints on the walls The best and biggest one I can remember was a scene showing a steam train being raced across the desert by a stage coach and motor cycle and sidecar all three covered in clouds of sand and the bike riders in leather helmets and old style goggles- a magic picture.
Whilst jean was getting on that big fat seat made for a big fat arse( not that jean has a big fat arse!) I was aware of all the traffic on high 72 by classic cycles car park! But within moments of pulling onto the highway I realized how easy that big ol Harley was to ride even two up in reasonably heavy traffic- on the wrong side of the road (for someone who always drove on the left) first stop the petrol station (gas) I cant remember how much gas was in 2000 but I know it was bloody cheap compared to the uk. We now pay approx $12 per gallon in 2005
I know some of you will think its silly but jean and I were just loving it---- no helmet--- no gloves--- no leathers--- no sense---- some would say! But we were wearing good strong sensible shoes so our feet would be ok if something went wrong ha ha!!. We hadn’t rode without helmets since 1973 when they became compulsory in the uk. It was at least 95 degrees and it felt just great the wind blowing through what was left of my hair.
I could see jean in the mirror on that big fat seat made for a big fat arse (not that jean has a big fat arse), with the 95 degree wind blowing through her hair- lots of it- wind and hair! I can remember thinking that Suzuki back home will not do anymore it hasn’t got a big fat seat for ----------- you get the idea!
The electra glide must be great in chilly or cold weather and is fine as long as you keep moving- but at traffic lights in 90degress with those 2 exhaust pipes poking out one side----- if you will excuse me----- my trousers hadn’t been that hot for years not since I was 20 I suppose!!
I can’t remember how many miles we did on the Harley---- 2 tanks of gas perhaps. But something I do remember is riding over the bridge from Bradenton and Ann Marie island towards long boat key. As we looked over into the bay I could see kids swimming and fishing---- power boats---- wet bikes---- sail boats---- families picnicking – blue cloudless sky. the sun was reflecting off the sea and our Harley and--- unfortunately my head nowadays!
Why wasn’t I born here instead of rainy Yorkshire I would have made a great surfer (to be fair Yorkshire is great we just need more sunshine and less cars on the road)
“ jean ring Sarasota airport – it sounds great over there get me a ticket quick!”
Another vivid memory is that feeling that the whole world is shaking as you press the starter button on the Harley. I loved that bike and I will always be grateful to neils dad for contacting Neil because he indirectly put me in touch with angus wing! Thanks angus for a memorable holiday.
Does anyone want to know about my san- Francisco bike ride that started in the i.o.m.
I’m sorry all you bmw mov bikers but if Muriel keeps on encouraging me there are lots more “tt memories to come”

A PAN EUROPEAN MAY HELP

2003-12-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

MORE “TT MEMORIES”
OR
A PAN EUROPEAN MAY HELP
OR
OR PIN YOU TO THE GARAGE WALL

The operation took place on the 25th of Feb in 2002 and after 10 days without sleep I was threatening to drag all the tubes and bottles which were attached to me—down to the bus stop!!!

“I want to go home mommy—now”

After two good nights sleep-----the boys (average age early 50”s) arrived with bike mags and heavy sarcasm
”Well Trotter they have finally shut that big gob (that’s Yorkshire for mouth) of yours” Reaching for my magic board and magic pencil I wrote a suitable reply!!!!! But its not for publication in the mov magazine—but you can no doubt work that one out.
Since the diagnosis of cancer—the surgeon—Mr Ong had taken out most of my tongue (don’t laugh you lot) also some of the throat and right shoulder area.
So I’d finally been shut up—but everything else was still working o.k. and thoughts were turning to -- 700lbs of Honda st 1100 Pan European parked in the garage-- it had been bought from a friend about 5 months previous in 2001 and I loved it!

There were 3 important things to consider

1/ how long before I can get out on the Honda and the road again?

2 /what about the Isle of Man “TT” in june!!
And

3/ my mate Dave Clark was entered for the IOM Manx grand prix in August and Ian Bottomley and I had promised to work the pits for him

Two weeks later
“I’m ok Jean you get off to work—the boys (average age early 60”s) will be round soon with bike mags and sarcasm—“to keep me company”
By placing one hand over the tracheotomy in my throat (where else would it be) I was beginning to make myself understood without using the magic board etc. so off to work went--” the worker”--a great wife –so she keeps telling me!!

Two cups of tea and several spoons of suger and I was ready to face “the Pan Euro” Because of the difficult situation of my garage I’ve had to install a 16 inch turntable to spin the bike on—but first I have to roll the bike out backwards and then onto the turntable!
The first thing I noticed was how much weight the Honda had put on since I had left it all alone in the dark for 5/6 weeks!!!! But really the problem was me—when I parked the bike I was about 192lbs—now I was a very slim 150lbs!! if only I could have all my hair back I would look just like I did 40yrs ago—oh yes I would—like hell said the boys (average age 65 fat and balding) oh yes and someone at the hospital had stolen my muscles!!
Should have kept my mind on the job in hand—bang 700lbs of Japan’s finest had me pinned to the garage wall---where were the boys when I needed them most—out on their bikes I suppose—well it was a nice day and who wants to visit someone who talks like Donald duck –when you can be out hitting the rev limiter!!!!*!”*”!**!”*!*”!* I would’nt visit me on a day like this
Strange but while my bike was trying to push me through the side of the house I thought--- at least till someone comes along it’s a great view looking up the valley where I live!!
Its not too remote where Jean and I live-- but hell pull yourself together Trotter it could be 2/3hrs before John Wayne and the cavalry arrive or the boys (average age !!!!!!!!)
With one superhuman effort (well it was for a 150 lb weakling who talks like Donald duck )up came the Honda and down went the sidestand (kickstand)
No damage to the bike only my pride—but even my pride was ok - because no one would ever know about my brush with serious expensive body repairs—not until now that is!! Time for another hot very sweet—for the shock—cup of tea
“That’s enough biking for today” I said to myself as I shakily poured the tea.
Anyway it all went well the following day and a trip to Lincoln 200miles went off without any problems .On the way back as I eased the “Pan” up to 100mph in the sunshine I thought there are a few pluses with the dreaded cancer—

if I had’nt had it I would have been at work today
.
No1/ important problem dealt with—YES

No 2 important problem how to deal with the up and coming ”2002 tt races”

This yea’rs races would land right in the middle of my treatment-- a four week –everyday-- radiotherapy course. ”Doctor I want to go to the isle of Man for the races in June what do you think?
Fortunately the lady doc came from Ireland and knew all about the races— Ireland has more pure road race circuits than anywhere else in the world! “Well Jim you will be feeling very ill after 2 weeks of that machine(THE ZAPPER)”.
So I said “Look doc I will feel ill at home in front of the telly I may as well feel ill in the IoM and explained how important the races were to me after almost 40yrs without missing a year since the first visit in 1967. The good old doc agreed to fix me up with plenty of pain killers and morphine(yummy-yummy)
Ok so I can go but it looks like “the pan”is staying in the garage.
Around this time both daughters had learned to drive and we had a fleet (three and a half) of ”Fiat Panda”s—small---very very small Italian saloon cars we ran one each! Plus a donor vehicle.
So Jean and I had a long weekend in April in the IoM in my Fiat Panda blue body with red doors from donor vehicle, it looked a bit iffy but it was very reliable. We left it at a friend’s ready for my arrival in June.

No 2 important problem solved “YES”

No 3 important problem
Dave Clark’s race week in August and our promise to work in his pit at the grandstand.

No 3 problem could be solved by leaving the “Fiat Panda” on the island after “TT” race week for my transport—I would be feeling very weak after the radiotherapy so no “pan euro” said the doc in a very loud voice-it was time to listen to the doctor
Ok doc and thanks for the morphine!!it’s yummie and beats beef and Yorkshire pudding any day!!!

Problems 1 2 3 solved! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Visit to support Dave Clark riding 125 and 400 Honda's in newcomers races. 18th Aug. practice week.
Rang Dave in IOM weather very bad Sat practice cut short.

19 Aug Monday.
Bad news Dave off at Waterworks at least he is a mile further round the course than last time-- about 1 mile nearer the finish line than when he fell off at MayHill in 1998. He had a ride in the air ambulance that year—but didn’t know it till he came round in Noble’s hospital. At this rate he should complete a lap in about 12yrs. Still the main thing is he is ok apart from bruised knee etc. 125 Honda buggered so will have to use 400cc road bike. Honda 400RR

21`st Aug Wed.
Up at 06:30 and off to Liverpool with our race mechanic-- Ian Bottomley to catch Sea Cat (the Steam Packet has finally bought some modern tackle) in bright sunshine which would follow us for 10 days. As we were very early called at the Liverbuilding for breakfast. This was my first look inside even though I had spent some miserable hours waiting for Steam Packet (racket) ferries over the last 36yrs. Recommended.
As mentioned earlier I had travelled over with Jean in April and left an old Fiat Panda for myself and friends to use during TT and again Manx Grand Prix week, as I realized I wouldn't be fit to use the bike this year after radiotherapy.
Christine who had collected us took us back to the house for the car and after tea and biscuits it was time to see our RACE ACE. Well even though the Panda hadn't been used for seven weeks it fired like a good un! But the gear linkage had seized-- so I drove while Ian changed gear with two hands for about three days. By then we had beaten the car into submission. So off to Peel for an ice cream and as Ian had never been to the island before I took him around the St. John’s Course, the original one used for the first TT races in 1907. Then it was on to Ballaugh Bridge ( a famous landmark on the TT course) where our Race Ace was staying with one of his sponsors, a splendid house owned by a retired chemist with the following in the garage - a Senna Motoguzzi 1000, Ducati 748, Bimota, World superbike Sp Kawasaki, St4 Ducati. He had sold his chemist’s shops on the main land and moved to the Isle of Man with all his money. Then it was off into Douglas for some food and beer and as I'd only just started eating again (11 stone now from 13 and half) the meat and potato pie went down a treat. Off to Castletown where we were staying with John Hopwood an ex copper from Halifax. He moved to the island in 1988 and bought an old chapel and Sunday school. Great spot on a clear day you can see all the way across to Wales and England.

22nd Aug Thursday
Up for 9 am, cup of tea at John's and then onto Tesco supermarket for breakfast with about 30 other bikers. – eggs, bacon, beans sausage, chips, tea, bread and butter - £2.25.or $1.75 As I said before it was Ian's first visit so I took him around the Clypse course which was used until 1959 for the smaller bikes. Then up to the Grandstand to watch Dave complete two laps and qualify for the races, the only problem the radiator was leaking now so we will fix that tomorrow. After having more meat and potato pie and Guinness with our star rider we gave him a lift back to Ballaugh and then Ian and I carried on to Ramsey to show him where things take place at TT time. Back to Hoppy's for 9.30 pm, a couple more drinks and off to bed.

23rd Aug Friday:
Up at 9am cup of tea and then off to show Ian the south of the island, Port St Mary and then on to the Calf of Man where a new visitor's centre has been built with a wonderful panoramic window overlooking the bay. Onto the pits to pull Dave's bike apart and fit some Rad-weld (crossed fingers). Time to visit the bank for the sponsor’s money my brother Andrew and I had promised Dave, then back up to the Grandstand to watch Dave practice. He left at 18.13pm but was reported stopped at Laurel Bank (nine miles out) - no it wasn't the radiator,no revs, no power, and as it's impossible to get to rescue him until practice is over -- we did the sensible thing and retired ourselves to the beer tent for Guinness lots of Guinness glorious Guinness!! Sorry Dave it’s a hard life being pit crew.

24 August, Saturday:
I know it's boring but it's cheap and we like it - back to Tesco's supermarket for some breakfast. Time to pull the bike apart again. While this was going on I told Dave about an old TT proverb 'if you have a bad practice week - you will have a good race week'. As it turned out I was proved right but more of that later. Bike was compression tested and showed all four cylinders were 30psi down, at least they were all the same, head off valves checked, ok, oil and filter change-- as it turned out the problem was HT leads and plug caps, so we were already for Monday race day. While this was going on Dave's fourth sponsor Steve turned up on his new VFR with GOLD WHEELS - must have the Pan wheels done this winter I thought. Steve also said Murray Walker(famous f1 Grand Prix commentator) had just moved in at his hotel. Dave fitted his road bike registration plate, taped up the race numbers and took bike out for a run and said it seemed much better, also the water leak was still OK.
19.30pm - off to the chemist's house for a barbecue and as I haven't had any alcohol for months and the Guinness is free flowing I'm starting to fly as they say. An accountant and his wife have arrived and start to tell the tale of how she backed over his new bike on the drive.
Trotter- 'What sort of a bike was that John?'
John: 'That doesn't matter it was brand new'
Trotter: ‘Come on John what bike?'
John: 'I really like it, I've had it repaired'.
Trotter: 'Come on John, what bike?'
John: 'I use it for track days and the road. It's a Suzuki 650cc SV'.
Trotter: 'Oh yes they're a nice bike John, all the girls in Yorkshire ride those.'
Lots of laughter but he took it well-- but I'm afraid it followed him all week long. I think it got worse. Time for bed too much Guinness.

25 August Sunday:
Yes that right Tesco supermarket cafe again. When you haven't eaten properly for about six months a good fry up is only beaten by two things - and the other one is a ride on my perfect Honda Pan European!!!!! Back to the pits to check bike before race day, spent a very enjoyable hour and a half in the sun with Steve Sinnott who has raced for 30 years at the TT and short circuits. He seemed very pleased that I remembered him very well along with Chris Vincent and other sidecar men from the 60s and 70s. Couple of pints of Guinness at the Viking Castletown and then to Hoppy's and so to bed.

26 August, Monday Race Day:
Met Dave at pits and his pit crew Ian - Tommy and Trotter pulled on our matching orange overalls and marched smartly to the pit lane-- well as smartly as we could. I'm sure I heard the crowd cheer, or was it jeer,
Dave was flagged off at the start by Murray Walker at 10.17am leaving his pit crew chewing their nails and sweating - I'm sure it's easier for the rider!! Anyway Dave arrived on time after two laps and his slick pit crew swung into action - Ian - re-fuelled tank
Tommy - check bike
Trotter - re-fuelled rider, clean helmet, pass him damp cloth to clean his face. I will always remember the look of shock on his face when he came in after two racing laps “He needs a pint of Guinness” I said but only joking-- the TT course is dangerous enough . Anyway after about 18,000 revs and two attempts to put it into gear-- away went our hero and completed the race to receive a finisher's medal - thanks to his slick pit crew. Incidentally the radiator was still holding water – so it looked good for Friday's race.

27 August, Tuesday:
No races today so we were going to show Ian some more island sights. Called at the Steam Packet to see how much they wanted to take the Panda on a one way trip home - £130 $231- yes that's right 130 bloody pounds - I politely refused (I will drive it in the dock first). So we were on the look out for a lucky Panda owner to give our Paddock Panda to. So as we rolled into Port Erin for our first cup of tea --there gleaming in the sun was a Fiat Panda, auto-- in green. Could this be the lucky person to inherit our blue Panda with red doors, 92,000 miles, leaky roof and windscreen but oh so reliable. We left full details of this free of charge vehicle but heard nothing - they may have seen us drive away. Next onto Niarble Bay where you can see across to Ireland - part of the film Waking Ned was filmed in Niarble bay. Time to drive round the course to Sulby and up the Sulby Glen to the bungalow and spent two hours at Murray's motorcycle museum.then back to Castletown for a kip before taking the Hopwoods out for tea at the Viking for even more pie and Guinness. I'm trying hard to put weight on but nothing seems to work, not even Guinness—time for bed. Its very tiring having a good time and we ALWAYS have a good time in the Isle of Man!!!!!!!!!

28 August Wednesday Race Day:
As we are not required for pit crew duty today we will spectate at Barregarrow crossroads. Great race, only spoiled when I reversed into a nice little MV twin, mirror broken but as the lad said he had only fitted a mirror of a MZ for the TT and as he had left his crash helmet on the handle bar end the only real damage was the rear lamp plastic. So I game him my address for the bill - he lives near Lincoln so I may take the money down one Sunday on the bike as I have a friend who is a biker in Lincoln. On the way back to John's house I saw in the rear view mirror a white Fiat Panda, could this be our lucky man? After pulling over to let him pass we re-joined the main road about 4 cars behind Panda man. Anyway a high speed pursuit took place (high speed for Pandas) well we lost him in traffic when we got stuck behind a tractor, back to John's and onto the Viking for yes you've guessed it more pie and Guinness - I must be getting fat by now. On returning to the house for sweet course - more Guinness - we were sat in the lounge when I saw through the window white Panda man reading the sign in our Panda window. He then started to drive off I was out of the chair at great speed and waving at the disappearing Panda which then did a handbreak turn and came back at great speed. This guy travels everywhere full bore and admitted he'd been reported twice for traveling over the mountain when the roads were closed due to snow--- but like he said he just had to prove that the 4 x 4 Panda was better than all these fancy four wheel drive BMWs and Mercs etc. He had a collection of three Pandas (which I had until recently) and his kids loved to drive them in the fields near their house. Anyway he was happy to accept ours and would collect it after we returned home. Time to attend the prize giving at Summerland to see our hero receive his finisher's medal. Murray Walker was interviewed and he spoke of his father Graham Walker who was a TT winner when Murray was a boy and also about his personal TT hero's. Guinness - bed.

29 August, Thursday:
Down to sea terminal to alter tickets from 22.00 Saturday 31 to 04.00 Saturday 31. Bloody Hell don't they know Ian and I are poorly men - we've both had surgery. Breakfast at Tesco then onto Jurby airfield (ex ROYAL AIR FORCE) to meet Dave and test the bike before Friday's race. As we arrived the bike was out of the van waiting for the pit crew to thrash it up and down the airstrip-- so we did thrash it--So of course the radiator let go again. Still better now than in the race on Friday! Out with the faithful Paddock Panda and off to Ramsey for more Rad-weld, another £3.50, does Dave think I'm made of money?
While Dave and Ian were pulling the bike apart I wandered over to watch two bikers who were getting ready to go out on a track day round the airfield being led by Ray Knight (TT winner in the 60s and bike journalist) £45 each for two 20 minute blasts, as one lad (60 at least) was on a Pan European I said I hoped he was taking the panniers off before he went out. As I said to Ian and Dave later there could be some cheap panniers in a while - many a true word etc etc. So off our track day men went, being led by Ray Knight, all was going well, in fact the Pan man was very good for a while - even passing Ray a couple of times on the corners so I wandered back to see how the race bike was coming along, where I found Dave being interviewed by a film crew for Channel 5 'Men and Motors' programme so keep your eyes open.
About this time I noticed a red flag being waved and the ambulance going out –oh dear poor Pan man had lobbed it and was off to Ramsey hospital. Shoulder and foot injuries. Five minutes later his mate arrived on the Pan, mirrors, screen, engine bar protectors missing, top half off side fairing smashed. As he pulled up the bike cut out and refused to fire again. Pit crew to the rescue - one fuse plus cable tie to put cut off switch in upright position and away it went sounding sweet but looking pretty second hand. The next problem being 3 guys had turned up for the track day and now there were only two riders and three bikes to get back to Port St Mary - about 25 miles away. So as I hadn't had a ride all week and had carried my helmet in the Paddock Panda a very enjoyable ride was had over the mountain road back to Frank Maddrell's house (Pan man). But this wasn't a house, it was a very impressive large villa with lift from lounge to garage where bikes are kept. He had a V Max, 996 Ducati, Varaderoo, half a blackbird (another get off that Frank had.) We left his bike and rushed to the pub for more Guinness. Before we left the pub I asked Frank's mates to impress on him should the Pan be a write off I would be willing to go as high as £30-- $16 for his £300-- $530 Corbin seat which was undamaged. I did’nt expect a reply! Time for bed.

30th August, Friday last day:
At last true race week weather - wet, windy and misty. Still we have had ten days of sunshine.Today was spent shopping etc as the race was postponed to Saturday so Dave would need a fresh pit crew as we would be on the high seas heading for Liverpool. Time for our last visit to Tesco cafe. While stood in the queue I noticed an elderly man stood close to me with two walking sticks I said 'Hello' and asked if he was a Manx man. ‘Yes, I'm William Henry Victor Skinner and I've lived here since I was born in 1916. Please call me Victor.’ Time for an in depth interview, I thought.’ Victor, have you been involved with the TT or Manx Grand Prix “?- “Well just a small way I worked in the official time keeper's box from 1948 to 1997.” You can imagine my excitement at meeting this nice old man who was a part of the TT history. I took his arm and marched him to the breakfast queue and spent a very enjoyable hour listening to him reminisce and finished it all off with a photograph. After saying goodbye to Victor and promising to visit him next TT we walked back to the Panda when Ian started to laugh rather loudly, and I said 'What's wrong with you?'. Ian said “Victor had only come in for his shopping and you made him have a full breakfast”. Well he seemed to enjoy our company and he cleared his plate like a good 'un.

31 August,Saturday:
Up at 02.15 and good old Hoppy ran us down to the ferry for 0.300 to catch the 0.400 boat. Bad news our boat was delayed and we didn't sail until 07.45, getting into Liverpool for about 10.30am. Just 10 hours, I believe you can travel to the east coast of America in that time. I spent most of the weekend in bed because I was completely worn out on my return. The 10 days in hospital were the worst 10 days of my life but this last 10 days in the Isle of Man were wonderful but I must realise that at the moment I can't do things like I used to since the operation for cancer.
A great time was once again had in the Isle of Man—but I’m very much aware that without the help and love of my family- Jean, Rachel and Sally, it would have been bloody awful over those early months of the cancer and treatment! I’m sure its much harder for the family than the patient at times like this—I’m fortunate I never believed I would do anything but survive—you can’t worry much when you are simple like me!
Ps. I think the bike helped a lot too—oh yes and the boys (average age going on about 17yrs) with the mags and sarcasm! I love them all—but perhaps the Honda just a little bit more than the boy’s (average age---- oh don’t start that again Trotter)

After all that Guiness and food I found I had lost another 2lb. should I have have had more Guinness

Pps if the cancer visits you fight like hell—and buy a Honda st1100 Pan European!!!!!!!!!!