Back to the Isle of Man for another TT. Wasn't really planned in advance I just inherited "Silver-Tops" (Mike's) ferry ticket after he decided to go back to Cyprus.
This year our TT Possy consited of Don, (Hog) Steve, and Jason. Don, Steve and myself stayed in the Trevelian Hotel on Queens Prome, Douglas. While Jason insisted on staying in his van, even though we had a spare bed in the hotel. Silly (and Smelly) boy !!!
The Weather was unbelieveably good. The ride up to the ferry was overcast and treatening to rain, but we got to the ferry in the dry. Which was a relief. Then once we reached the Isle of man, the Sun came out . . . Big time.
Everyone was phoning home and being told of the rain falling on the mainland, but the TT was set for sun and more sun. And if you don't believe me just take a look at the photos. But don't get too envious, you could have come too.
For us it was Sun Tan Cream or Burns if you forgot to cover up. Goes without saying that I ended up Sun Burnt.
We were resignded to the fact atht our return journey home was going to break the holiday mold, and taht we would end up riding in the rain at some piont. But ammasingly, we missed it all. Obviously we must have done something right is a previous life as the Gods were definately smiling on us, for once.
This year I took the Aprilia RS250. Not my fastest bike, but one that brings a smile to your face everytime you ride it.
Now the fun bit about the RS is it's on board computer. It records Average speed and Peek Speed, so no more fibbing down the pub as to reaching warp factor 1 while ride the most difficult bit of the curcuit.
By the end of the holiday the onboard Computer had continually shown me up to be a complete slow coach, with low to mid 50mph average lap speeds. So one last last attempt. The goal, a 60 mph lap !!!
Up at 5:45, on the start line just after 6. Reset the onboard computer. The time is 6:09 and I'm off . . .
The track is dry and pretty clear. Over take a couple of other early morning enthusiasts. Things are looking great. All the traffic lights are green so no hold ups, hoo-ray.
I manage to glance at the speedo as I go through Quary Bends, and it shows low 90 mph's. Not as fast as some (some people I know do it at 120'ish mph), but definately fast enough for me.
I get to Ramsey. The onboard computer shows an average of 58 mph. Things are looking very good. The sun is up, the sky is clear, the tyres are sticky and I only have the mountain left. Over 10 miles of no speed limits to go. The 60 mph goal is looking as though it's in the bag, fingers crossed.
As I leave Ramsey I start the climb towards the hairpin. Start to lay the bike into the corner, and what do I get confronted with . . . . A "Road Closed sign !!!
Now while I'm pretty sure I could have completed the lap with a 60+ average speed. Being "sure I couold have . . ." just doesn't count, does it ???
All the "if, but's, and maybe's" in the world just don't make it true. The Fact is I'm still a slow coach, who's evidence only supposts a low 50's lap time. Oh well, best I not give up my day job just yet.