Alright folks, let’s talk about planning that Isle of Man TT trip for 2025. Honestly, even thinking about doing this stuff a year out? Total madness. But here’s how this grumpy git actually managed it. Maybe you won’t hate yourself quite as much afterwards.
Getting Started: Pure Chaos
First step was obvious: panic. Everyone and their nan talks about booking early. Decided to actually look at ferry prices from Liverpool to Douglas back in October 2024. Nearly choked on my tea.
- Ferry prices? Worse than a kick in the shins. Seriously, for me and the bike during race week? Like paying rent for a month. Just bit the bullet and booked it. Figured crying once was better than crying later when fully booked.
- Accommodation? Forget fancy hotels. Looked for B&Bs near the course. Everything decent within shouting distance of the track was already gone. Ended up finding this tiny room above a pub in Ramsey. Shared bathroom down the hall. Joy. Booked it immediately before someone else swiped it. Lesson learned? Be faster than the other desperate fans.
Flights and Getting Around
Flights weren’t too terrible surprisingly. Went for Manchester to Ronaldsway. Booked maybe nine months out? Price felt okay. Didn’t fancy getting stuck with just carry-on though, needed gear. Paid extra for checked luggage right then.
Biggest headache? Realising I’d need wheels ON the island. Hiring a car? Forget it. Prices were daft and availability sketchy. Hiring a motorbike? Requires nerves of steel after a flight and needing to ride unfamiliar roads immediately. So, ended up booking the bike spot on the ferry too. Painful on the wallet, but the only way it made sense.
The Fun Stuff (Sort Of)
Got the basics locked down? Time for the tricky bit: actually trying to enjoy it! Started combing through official TT pages. Needed practice session schedules, race days, road closure times – the lot. Printed out a stupidly detailed timetable. Highlighted like a madman.
- Viewing spots: Wanted the big names – Bray Hill, Ramsey Hairpin. Everyone else wants them too. Decided to try and stake out a few different places early on different days. Ended up carrying a ridiculous folding stool.
- Packing: This deserves its own comedy show. Isle of Man weather laughs at forecasts. Packed everything. Waterproofs? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Thermals? Why not. Looked like I was moving house, not going for a week. Forgot decent walking boots though. Rookie error.
Pro Tips (Mostly Learned the Hard Way)
So, finally made it back. Alive, mostly intact, definitely broke. Here’s the wisdom beaten into me:
- Book ferry and sleep spot literally the second last year’s TT ends. Yes, even October was pushing it.
- Cash is still King. Some stalls, small cafes? Cash only. Get some Manx pounds.
- Prepare to walk. Miles. Traffic is a nightmare. Parking worse. Good boots? Essential. Mine? Not good.
- Comfy stuff for standing around. Folding stool was a 10/10 decision. Wish I’d brought a flask too.
- Noise cancelling earplugs. Not just for racing. Those bikes practice at ungodly hours next to your dodgy B&B.
- Eat where locals eat. Avoid the big queues near prime spots. Wander down a side street. Found way better pies.
- People watching is half the fun. Characters everywhere. The guy next to me at the pub? Told me his fifth TT trip story for two hours straight. Worth it.
Honestly? Planning it felt like juggling chainsaws. Actually being there? Raw magic. Exhausting, loud, sometimes wet, always expensive. But seeing those mad bastards fly past at Bray Hill first thing? Yeah, worth every penny and every grey hair from the planning stress. Still broke? Damn right. Worth it? Ask me again after the bruises fade.
