On 12/21/2023 2:20 PM, PipL wrote:
> On 17/12/2023 13:54, Champ wrote:
>> So the bottom line is min £240 to get there and have a bed for two
>> nights.   Are people interested?
>> Unlike previous French trips, there's a local (me) who will be happy
>> to act a guide :-)  Not sure if that's much of a selling point...
>>
>> Lemme know what you think
>
> Tempted - only been to the Island once.
>

Same here. Holy cow, it was 10 years ago! Had a great time, thanks to Neal.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/albums/72157634913399071/

--
The erstwhile Thomas
FJR1300, R1200GS & ST1100 (in memoriam)

On Sun, 17 Dec 2023 13:54:35 +0000, Champ wrote:

> The venerabe UKRM trip overseas in early May has been misnamed several
> times, when, for example, we've been to Belgium. But next year is
> really taking the piss. We're going...
>
> ...to the Isle of Man :-)
> (if you want to, of course)
>

We want to! Put me and Helen on the list please.

--
Tony
FJR1300, Suzuki ST400, BSA Bantams x2.5, BSA C11,

On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
> On 22/12/2023 07:23, Pete Fisher wrote:
>> On 21/12/2023 22:20, PipL wrote:

>>
>> It's a very different place when there is no bike racing on. Even the
>> cuisine has improved in recent years, with a couple of 'celebrity
>> chef' restaurants in Douglas. Last time I was there we though that
>> Paparazzi's wasn't as good as we remembered, but our homestay host
>> recommended a pasta and pizza place turned out to be pretty good.
>
> I'm not a foodie and have even eaten in McDonalds. In France, anyway.
> Come to think of it, last year on the road, one of my evening meals
> consisted of two cups of soup from a machine and some left over cheese
> and other odds that I had packed.

I'm not a gastronome but there are occasions when I wish to dine on
something other than burger and chips. Not so much the quality perhaps,
as the availability. Even during race weeks some of the pubs stop
serving food much earlier than other areas of these isles. It can be a
particular issue if staying out in the sticks.
>
>> A wonderful, magic, place though. I've been going on and off since
>> 1971 and there are still little nooks I haven't visited.
>
> I was staying in a small hotel opposite the airport.
>
> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine: my
> head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!
>
>

On the last few trips I've spent less and less time riding on the course
as it became ever more manic. Some great roads more suited to SOBs and
not rocket ships in the south of the island. 'The Sloc' is one to
definitely get a tick in the book for.
--
Moto Morini 2C/375
Gilera 175 Sport, Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen
Honda CB250RS (Not Waynetta!)
"Do not adjust your mind, there is a fault in the reality"

On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
>
> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine: my
> head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!

Been down that mine - and lots of others over the UK. I have a
particular fascination for underground canals - not ordinary canals with
tunnels but where canals were specifically built underground for the
extraction of minerals. One such is the Speedwell Mine in Derbyshire
below Mam Tor.* In the boat in front of us was a youngish couple with an
infant. On the way back the child started to act up. The parents
reaction was "Oh dear he doesn't like wearing a safety helmet" and took
it off. Unbeknown to the parents the child's head then made contact
with a low bit of the roof. It yelled much louder and started
screaming. Oblivious parent said "It's ok, we'll be out soon...".

Words failed me..

Chris
*It's the only one, so far as I know of, with public access.
--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

On 23/12/2023 16:15, chrisnd @ukrm wrote:
> On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
>>
>> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
>> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine:
>> my head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!
>
> Been down that mine - and lots of others over the UK. I have a
> particular fascination for underground canals - not ordinary canals with
> tunnels but where canals were specifically built underground for the
> extraction of minerals.  One such is the Speedwell Mine in Derbyshire
> below Mam Tor.* In the boat in front of us was a youngish couple with an
> infant.  On the way back the child started to act up.  The parents
> reaction was "Oh dear he doesn't like wearing a safety helmet" and took
> it off.  Unbeknown to the parents the child's head then made contact
> with a low bit of the roof.  It yelled much louder and started
> screaming.  Oblivious parent said "It's ok, we'll be out soon...".
>
> Words failed me..
>
> Chris
> *It's the only one, so far as I know of, with public access.

You must have done the Dudley limestone workings and cavern then?

--
Moto Morini 2C/375
Gilera 175 Sport, Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen
Honda CB250RS (Not Waynetta!)
"Do not adjust your mind, there is a fault in the reality"

On 23/12/2023 16:15, chrisnd @ukrm wrote:
> On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
>>
>> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
>> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine:
>> my head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!
>
> Been down that mine - and lots of others over the UK. I have a
> particular fascination for underground canals - not ordinary canals with
> tunnels but where canals were specifically built underground for the
> extraction of minerals.  One such is the Speedwell Mine in Derbyshire

Think I've been down that one as a young child - they turned off the
lights for a few seconds as part of the experience - I was very
frightened. The kid opposite had some sort of pendant that lit up when a
cord was pulled: I focused on that.

ISTR at the far end of the canal is an open space where mining finished,
and past a railing, the canal pours down... down. Deep down (I think
there's a lyric in there somewhere).

I both love the cool damp smell, the environment, and am terrified of
deep caves in equal measure.

--
Pip

CHUMP #1
(CHarge Up MuPpet)

On Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:39:48 +0000, Pete Fisher
<peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>> ...- between riding the course a few times.

>On the last few trips I've spent less and less time riding on the course
>as it became ever more manic.

Riding the TT Course during the actual TT is dead now - there's
temporary speed limits covering *everything* except the mountain
section. I always say that 25 year-old me wouldn't bother coming to
the TT nowadays - all we used to do back then was lap the course.

But, away from racing, it's still game on :-)
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:00:17 +0000, "chrisnd @ukrm"
<chrisnd@privacy.net> wrote:

>So far 'done' the TT, Southern 100, walked round the whole island[1],
>walked across it in a couple of different ways[2],

*Impressed*
I've lived here 5 years and haven't done either of those walks yet!
We plan to do the Raad ny Foillan in 2024
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:54:58 -0800, Turby <xsurf@xmail.com> wrote:

>> Tempted - only been to the Island once.

>Same here. Holy cow, it was 10 years ago! Had a great time, thanks to Neal.
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/albums/72157634913399071/

I'd forgotten how great your photos are!

Especially these ones
https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432130516/in/album-72157634913399071/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432120210/in/album-72157634913399071/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432119436/in/album-72157634913399071/

:-)
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old

On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:54:58 -0800, Turby <xsurf@xmail.com> wrote:
>
>>> Tempted - only been to the Island once.
>
>>Same here. Holy cow, it was 10 years ago! Had a great time, thanks to Neal.
>>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/albums/72157634913399071/
>
>I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>
>Especially these ones
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432130516/in/album-72157634913399071/
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432120210/in/album-72157634913399071/
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432119436/in/album-72157634913399071/
>
>:-)

Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/

--
Geoff
NTV 650

On 24/12/2023 11:58, Champ wrote:
> On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:00:17 +0000, "chrisnd @ukrm"
> <chrisnd@privacy.net> wrote:
>
>> So far 'done' the TT, Southern 100, walked round the whole island[1],
>> walked across it in a couple of different ways[2],
>
> *Impressed*
> I've lived here 5 years and haven't done either of those walks yet!
> We plan to do the Raad ny Foillan in 2024

Oh,Jeez, please, no one tell Jean there is *another* long distance path
for her to do!

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 23/12/2023 17:42, Pete Fisher wrote:
> On 23/12/2023 16:15, chrisnd @ukrm wrote:
>> On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
>>>
>>> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
>>> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine:
>>> my head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!
>>
>> Been down that mine - and lots of others over the UK. I have a
>> particular fascination for underground canals - not ordinary canals
>> with tunnels but where canals were specifically built underground for
>> the extraction of minerals.  One such is the Speedwell Mine in
>> Derbyshire below Mam Tor.* In the boat in front of us was a youngish
>> couple with an infant.  On the way back the child started to act up.
>> The parents reaction was "Oh dear he doesn't like wearing a safety
>> helmet" and took it off.  Unbeknown to the parents the child's head
>> then made contact with a low bit of the roof.  It yelled much louder
>> and started screaming.  Oblivious parent said "It's ok, we'll be out
>> soon...".
>>
>> Words failed me..
>>
>> Chris
>> *It's the only one, so far as I know of, with public access.
>
>
> You must have done the Dudley limestone workings and cavern then?
>
Yes indeed - but they are mainly connected to the main canal system and
were developed when the main through tunnel was built. They weren't
built in isolation - which is what I was thinking of.

I think the Wrens Nest tunnel (currently 'closed off' in castle Mill
Basin) might have been an exception though until the other tunnels
joined it? I shall have to check that out. I did once find a hole in
the ground on the west side of the hill which I thought might have been
an original shaft down to the Wrens nest tunnel.

All absolutely fascinating.

Chris D
--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

On 23/12/2023 17:42, PipL wrote:
> On 23/12/2023 16:15, chrisnd @ukrm wrote:
>> On 22/12/2023 18:21, PipL wrote:
>>>
>>> I visited Douglas, the big water wheel and a disused mine - between
>>> riding the course a few times. Glad they issued helmets at the mine:
>>> my head hit a projecting object in the low roof with some force!
>>
>> Been down that mine - and lots of others over the UK. I have a
>> particular fascination for underground canals - not ordinary canals
>> with tunnels but where canals were specifically built underground for
>> the extraction of minerals.  One such is the Speedwell Mine in Derbyshire
>
> Think I've been down that one as a young child - they turned off the
> lights for a few seconds as part of the experience - I was very
> frightened. The kid opposite had some sort of pendant that lit up when a
> cord was pulled: I focused on that.
>
> ISTR at the far end of the canal is an open space where mining finished,
> and past a railing, the canal pours down... down. Deep down (I think
> there's a lyric in there somewhere).
>
> I both love the cool damp smell, the environment, and am terrified of
> deep caves in equal measure.

That sounds like the place. I also agree with your final paragraph - but
I like coal mines as well - generally warm and dry!

When I was living in Worksop in my teens. We were all sent 'darn t'pit'
for a school outing - mainly on the basis that many of the local kids
would end up working there - either below or, more likely, above ground
(we were a grammar school after all! :-))

Fascinating again. I've never forgotten it - both the incredibly rapid
descent and the heat and dust. The site is now an RDC for B&Q to which
I have since driven an artic. WTF?

Chris

--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

On 24/12/2023 11:58, Champ wrote:
> On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:00:17 +0000, "chrisnd @ukrm"
> <chrisnd@privacy.net> wrote:
>
>> So far 'done' the TT, Southern 100, walked round the whole island[1],
>> walked across it in a couple of different ways[2],
>
> *Impressed*
> I've lived here 5 years and haven't done either of those walks yet!
> We plan to do the Raad ny Foillan in 2024

<bows> I thank you.
It took us years tho!
Enjoy - there are just so many 'Wow' moments to be had on the island.

Chris
--
The Deuchars BBB#40 COFF#14
Yamaha XV750SE & Suzuki GS550t
http://www.Deuchars.org.uk

On 24/12/2023 13:14, YTC#1 wrote:
>>> So far 'done' the TT, Southern 100, walked round the whole island[1],
>>> walked across it in a couple of different ways[2],
>>
>> *Impressed*
>> I've lived here 5 years and haven't done either of those walks yet!
>> We plan to do the Raad ny Foillan in 2024
>
> Oh,Jeez, please, no one tell Jean there is *another* long distance path
> for her to do!

The Annandale Way is a good one.
Not too large a distance ~90km, lovely scenery, and not too far from
you. Can be done on a (pedal) bike for the most of the way too.

<https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/an-annandale-way-ambulation>

--
Remove the '+' and replace with 'plus' to reply by email

On 12/24/2023 3:56 AM, Champ wrote:
> On Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:39:48 +0000, Pete Fisher
> <peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>> ...- between riding the course a few times.
>
>> On the last few trips I've spent less and less time riding on the course
>> as it became ever more manic.
>
> Riding the TT Course during the actual TT is dead now - there's
> temporary speed limits covering *everything* except the mountain
> section. I always say that 25 year-old me wouldn't bother coming to
> the TT nowadays - all we used to do back then was lap the course.
>
:(
What a shame.

> But, away from racing, it's still game on :-)

Worth being a tourist, for sure.

--
The erstwhile Thomas
FJR1300, R1200GS & ST1100 (in memoriam)

On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:

>On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:

>>I'd forgotten how great your photos are!

>Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/

Je sais exactement quoi!
--
Ace
http://www.chaletbeauroc.com/

On 12/25/2023 2:58 AM, Ace wrote:
> On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>
>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>
>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>
> Je sais exactement quoi!

FWIW, I have no idea who she is. She was with a guy, she never told me
her name, and we just hit it off. For about 10 minutes. that's a Heysham
ferry for you.

--
The erstwhile Thomas
FJR1300, R1200GS & ST1100 (in memoriam)

On 24/12/2023 12:31, geoffC wrote:
> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>> On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:54:58 -0800, Turby <xsurf@xmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>>> Tempted - only been to the Island once.
>>
>>> Same here. Holy cow, it was 10 years ago! Had a great time, thanks to
>>> Neal.
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/albums/72157634913399071/
>>
>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>> Especially these ones
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432130516/in/album-72157634913399071/
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432120210/in/album-72157634913399071/
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432119436/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>
>> :-)
>
>
> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>
>
Is it his rock star looks ?

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 25/12/2023 19:56, Turby wrote:
> On 12/25/2023 2:58 AM, Ace wrote:
>> On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>
>>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>>
>>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>>
>>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>
>> Je sais exactement quoi!
>
> FWIW, I have no idea who she is. She was with a guy, she never told me
> her name, and we just hit it off. For about 10 minutes. that's a Heysham
> ferry for you.
>
>
That was her pimp.

--
Bruce Porter
"The internet is a huge and diverse community but mainly friendly"
http://ytc1.blogspot.co.uk/
There *is* an alternative! http://www.openoffice.org/

On 26/12/2023 17:31, YTC#1 wrote:
>On 25/12/2023 19:56, Turby wrote:
>> On 12/25/2023 2:58 AM, Ace wrote:
>>> On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>>>
>>>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>>>
>>>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>>
>>> Je sais exactement quoi!
>>
>> FWIW, I have no idea who she is. She was with a guy, she never told me
>> her name, and we just hit it off. For about 10 minutes. that's a Heysham
>> ferry for you.
>>
>>
>That was her pimp.

Hehe

Chris

--
XV750SE & GS550T

On 26/12/2023 17:31, YTC#1 wrote:
>On 25/12/2023 19:56, Turby wrote:
>> On 12/25/2023 2:58 AM, Ace wrote:
>>> On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>>>
>>>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>>>
>>>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>>
>>> Je sais exactement quoi!
>>
>> FWIW, I have no idea who she is. She was with a guy, she never told me
>> her name, and we just hit it off. For about 10 minutes. that's a Heysham
>> ferry for you.
>>
>>
>That was her pimp.

I think "Controller" is the term normally used in "The Trade" at least the
one I was thinking of :-).

--
Geoff
NTV 650

On 12/26/2023 9:31 AM, YTC#1 wrote:
> On 24/12/2023 12:31, geoffC wrote:
>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>>> On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:54:58 -0800, Turby <xsurf@xmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>>> Tempted - only been to the Island once.
>>>
>>>> Same here. Holy cow, it was 10 years ago! Had a great time, thanks
>>>> to Neal.
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/albums/72157634913399071/
>>>
>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>>> Especially these ones
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432130516/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432120210/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432119436/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>>
>>> :-)
>>
>>
>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>
>>
> Is it his rock star looks ?
>
Nah. My American accent.

--
The erstwhile Thomas
FJR1300, R1200GS & ST1100 (in memoriam)

On 12/26/2023 9:31 AM, YTC#1 wrote:
> On 25/12/2023 19:56, Turby wrote:
>> On 12/25/2023 2:58 AM, Ace wrote:
>>> On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>>>
>>>>> I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>>>
>>>> Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/
>>>
>>> Je sais exactement quoi!
>>
>> FWIW, I have no idea who she is. She was with a guy, she never told me
>> her name, and we just hit it off. For about 10 minutes. that's a
>> Heysham ferry for you.
>>
>>
> That was her pimp.
>
I think her husband. (Same diff.)

--
The erstwhile Thomas
FJR1300, R1200GS & ST1100 (in memoriam)

On Mon, 25 Dec 2023 11:58:12 +0100, Ace <Ace@ch.com> wrote:

>On Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:31:59 -0000 (UTC), geoffC <me@home.nl> wrote:
>
>>On 24/12/2023 13:02, Champ wrote:
>
>>>I'd forgotten how great your photos are!
>
>>Yes they do have a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't they. :-)
>>
>>https://www.flickr.com/photos/turbster/9432123076/in/album-72157634913399071/

>Je sais exactement quoi!

heh
--
Champ
neal at champ dot org dot uk

I don't know, but I been told
You never slow down, you never grow old