IoM Day 1

The isle of man Mountain claimed another sobbing biker today. Can you guess which one of us it might have been? 

We' both set off early to meet between Manchester and Liverpool. I took the DR650 through the Peaks and Sarah took the van down the motorway.

The ferry was brilliant, I know I'll sound uneducated here, but it appears to be jet powered with four huge jet turbines pushing the barge forward at an unbelievable rate. 

Life was good on the ferry.

The Great Laxey water wheel, passed on the way to the deserted snaefell mine (below)

The way to the mine is all uphill and covered by rocks. Like trying to ride over stone rugby balls. There were a few murmurs of discontent heard over the intercom.

With the mountain road (TT route) being closed we took a green lane loop ove the hill. 

It started easily enough and all was good in the world. 

It got increasingly difficult and ended with one poor biker slumped over the bars watering the petrol tank with face rain. 

Poor Sarah. Xx 

We made it though girl!!

The evening was spent at The Soulby Glen Hotel. Owned by the family of legend  Dan Sayle, the decorated TT side car racer. He was in the bar, but I didn't have the minerals to ask for a selfie. 

The pub was ace, a shrine to biking and everyone made us feel welcome. 

The beer in Sarah's hand is from a local brewery, the tag line is 'Ale of Man'. Love it!!