Isle of Man
 

I'm heading over to Germany in late Spring to pick up my bike in storage in Heidelberg. From there, I'm planning on heading towards Poland/Latvia/St. Petersburg/Scandinavia/Netherlands/England/Isle of Man/Scotland/Ireland.
I'm especially interested in attending the Isle of Man races in late May/June. Let me know if you're interested in joining in at any stage and if you've been to the Isle races previously. I'd really like to meet up with someone who knows the layout of the Isle and the races...what tickets to buy, where to stay or camp.
Let me know if you're interested!
dalewalk@dc.rr.com

Dale

Ferry tickets for the Isle of Man typically sell out for the TT a year before ...

If you have never been before then I'd get tickets a few days before the race starts (in 'practice week') and a few days after the race stops - this makes getting ferry tickets at reasonable times (not 1 am departures) easier.

Camping is probably your only option now - accommodation also gets booked out too. I'd not stay close to the major population centres .. Just west of Union Mills is Glenlough Farm ... not 5 star but ok.

As posted above unless you have already booked your ferry crossing you will be lucky to get any suitable crossings. ( unless you have the luxury of going over early and staying a few days afterwards. I have been twice. once in 2011 and once in 2014. Will also be going in 2017. I had all manner of trouble getting suitable ferry tickets for my bike which I store in the UK.

Apart from that you will have a ball. I would suggest buying a grandstand ticket for one day in the Pit Straight stand. All other days get out early, do a lap of the circuit and pick your viewing spot. Having said that you must watch a race from the bottom of Bray Hill and also from the top of the mountain.

The pubs are also great places to spectate from. Also make sure you go for a wander around the pits and meet some of the riders. They are all very friendly and very accessible, unlike moto GP.

Also take the time to explore the rest of the island. It is a beautiful spot.

It will be something you will remember for the rest of your life.

See you there.

I went to the TT this year and bought my ferry tickets in February - I also managed to change my booking during race week to leave the island a few days earlier than originally planned
I arrived early during practice week and departed before the end of race week - there's plenty to see and do during practice week including lots of action on the track
The crowds get bigger as race week progresses and the rider traffic on the island gets insane - riding over the mountain became very difficult as the road was frequently closed due to accidents

I can recommend silly moos campsite which is located on the circuit a few kilometres from Ramsey - big grass campsite good facilities including catering and friendly hosts - walk to the circuit in 5 minutes

It pays to move around the circuit and try different viewing spots and to plan your moves as the circuit is closed an hour before racing commences and this can mean you are then locked in to a spot for the duration as there is no alternative road out

The island is very beautiful and there are some excellent roads best enjoyed earlier in the event before the rider numbers increase