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[Riggers]

Just got back from two weeks on the Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix. Anyone who's never been should give it a try. I've been to the TT around 10 times (starting in 1970 and ending in 1997), but this was my first time at the Manx, and I can really recommend it. Where the TT is full on 'in your face' the Manx is a rather gentile and layed back affair. Classic bikes abound wherever you go, so if you're a Norton, Velocette, AJS or BSA fan you're never alone. Also everone was so nice! Where else would you find the likes of John McGuinness, Mick Grant, Conner Cummings, and even the great Sammy Miller just mingling and chatting to people and smiling for piccies? Great racing too, and so much easier to view as the crowds just aren't there. We viewed from Creg Ne Baa, Crosby, Glen Helen (millions of midges), Bradden Bridge and Ginger Hall and got great places and a seat every time - try that at the TT! Also got in at the fantasic Empress Hotel for £50 ppnn B+B. The Island is a biker's paradise and a must for every enthusiast. I reckon if you fancy it but don't like crowds, wheelies, doenuts on the prom, and around 60,000 bikers on a tiny island then the Manx might be for you. More of us should perhaps support the event as they really struggle to put this on every year and of course, being and amateur event no one gets paid, including the winners. I'd recommend it (just for the record I've no vested interest). Cheers all - Riggers. PS I'd love to hear others opinions of the event if anyone has been.

[Alan R]

Hi RIGGERS, ----------and welcome back !! YES, I wholeheartedly agree with those sentiments re}--- the laid-back pace and lack of crowds, just what I enjoy about it too. BUT, it's that very lack of people that's possibly going to see a change in the format from 2013 onwards. Fuller details can be had at the various websites concerned etc. but the gist of it would seem to be that the Manx GP will be a shorter event held over the August Bank Hols...... Make of that what you will but that means crowds to me !!----------- almost a mini TT ??? Do please have a look at the proposals etc. that are in the public domain at the moment. I was going to go until I heard about this. I would still go to view a shortened version BUT NOT over the Bank Hols !!! And just as an aside------in a world where "choice" is the buzzword how come there is only the one ferry company ?? Or did I miss a trick somewhere last time ?? (2010).

[Riggers]

Thanks for your thoughts Alan, I'll certainly look up the details you mention. Whilst on the island rumours abounded about the future of The Manx - some were even saying that this would be the last one! There was also talk of the Manx being 'added on' to the TT and making a three week festival. This year's event was over the bank holiday but I never realised until I got home. As I said I really enjoyed it but sadly numbers were very low. Having said that I don't think people like the Steam Packet Compamy help much when they jack up prices for the event, and hotels charge £4 a pint. All in all the holiday proved to be not cheap despite reasonable B&B charges. I hope it survives as there are obviously people who work their socks off to put it on every year purely for the love of it.