Bob,

Not been to the National Rally but been to the Manx International Rally several times and the last 11 TT's :)

A few useful web addresses:-

Tourist Board
http://www.visitisleofman.com/

Steam Packet (Ferrys)
http://www.steam-packet.com/SeaCat/flash_seacat.htm
They do deals for 5 day returns, etc.

Manx International Rally Site (not been updated yet for next year)
http://www.mir.co.im/

http://www.magic-holidays.com/
Owned by the Steam Packet company - they do packages including ferry and hotel - can work out cheaper

You'll need a map of the IOM and a rally program. Good places we've watched from include Brandywell, Foxdale Mines, Castletown, etc.

We'll be going to the International Rally again for 2003.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Cheers,

Ian.

[Edited by Ian E - 12/7/2002 7:55:48 PM]

Me and mi bruv want to go to the IOM for the Manx in May, I just wondered if anyone had been before and could offer tips on travel, accomodation and good places to watch:)

Cheers,

Bob

Cheers for that Ian:)

I've looked into flying over, can go from Leeds/Bradford (which is only 20 mins away from me) direct to IOM for £130 ish or can go via Belfast for about £80, sounds like a right laugh too:D The garage I used to work for own Ocean Ford on IOM so I'm gonna see if I can strike up a deal on a hire car too:cool:

I also started to look for hotels and stumbled accross the Hilton website, entered all the details for 5 nights and it came up with £105, I thought "bloody, what a bargain"! It turns out, that's per night:eek::eek:

Bob,

You should be able to get Seacat from Liverpool (2.5 hours) for car & 2 people for £160 ish return. Alternatively its about £38 return as a foot passenger. The ferry port at Douglas is in the centre.

Yep Hilton hotel a bit pricy! We stayed in the Melrose Guest House (Douglas) last month. £20 B&B ensuite. Central and near to all the pubs etc.

Definitely keep an eye on the Magic Holidays web site - they have some good offers now and again.

Let me know if you need any more info,

Cheers,

Ian.

Bob,

I've been to the Manx Int Rally 5 times but on the last visit (2000) the marshals severely p****ed me off as you were not allowed to stand anywhere decent (even behind drystone walls). A lot of the good junctions are wasted by the inclusion of large hay bales which completely ruin the corner and you don't really know they're there until you've parked the car etc. Douglas is a bit run down but there is plenty of accomodation if your standards are not too high! It's quite expensive to get there and the National event will be shorter than the Int although probably less speccies. You might be better going to Ireland for some quality tarmac rallying.

cheers
Andy

Hmm, I fancy a go on the seacat but I also love flying hmmm:confused::D:D:D

I'm not over worried about hotel standards, in fact I could even be tempted to camp... would have to take a car for that tho.

The marshalling thing is a bit of a concern, I can look after myself, I hate being told where I can standimages/smilies/mad.gif I deffo fancy a bit of Irish rallying too:cool:

Cheers:)

Not found the marshals too strict - a lot more relaxed atmosphere generally than the mainland UK rallys. To be fair we're not avid rally fans and tend to only watch a handful of stages - the main reason we go is for a drive around the Island ourselves (800 miles this year in 3 days :cool:)

Been to the IOM 20+ times now and stopped in some dodgy B&Bs. If you stick with somewhere like the Melrose you can't go far wrong. Stopped at the government owned camp site at Peel in August - £3.50 a night and decent facilities. Really need to be in Douglas though if you want decent night life.

Cheers,

Ian.

Hi Bob ...

I go over every year mate for the National and International.... competed on the National too but that was back in 95..!!

Its so easy to get about and spectate... in fact the last in 2001 i saw every stage on both rallies. Its good if you take your car over cos least u can get about.

The best thing to do foe accomadation is go to Colours or Paramount City, these are the nightclubs and your sure to pull!!!!

I have friends over there or i grb a guest house on the front... usually bout £25 a night B&B.

get the ferry over on thurs night from Heysham and u will arrive at 6am Friday morning and then sail back 9am Sun morning with a hangover!!! if you go in car park it at the ferry terminal on sat night before the festivities and then get a staff member to load it.....No drinkin and drivin then!!! Cool.

Wil see u over there if u make it mate!!

Tim :D

Sod the rally, where are these clubs:D:D

I'd forgotten about this:rolleyes: I've not really progressed with the planning either, doh!

So do you think I could just tip up and get a B&B no problem or should I book beforehand?

I "should" have a car over there, I'll either take mine on the ferry or fly over and hire one.

Will deffo arrange a meet up should I ever get my arse in gear:D

Cheers:)

British Airways don't fly out of Leeds Bradford anymore so that's flying out of the window:(

Bob... just go from Heysham on the ferry. There is parking there...its about £6 from midnight thurs to midday sunday. a foot passenger fare is about £40. If you go from Liverpool there is no parking at the terminal so you have to use the local 24Hr NCP jobbie bout 1/2 mile away, but seems further with ya bags!! its pretty secure from my past experience, the old bloke knew which floor my car was on when i got back as its all on cctv. that parking cost me around £25.

I am going to book my B&B next week, i never like to go anywhere without knowing i defo have a bed, shower and some brekki in the morning, although i think the 6 of us who went last time on notched up 6 hrs sleep the whole weekend...!!! :D :D

See ya there boy!!

Tim

Right, I'm getting my giddy head on for this now:D:D

I'll have a chat with the boys and see who wants to go. Is the National just one day, ie Saturday, I thought it was 2?

:D:D:D:D

just checked, it's Friday and Saturday:)

It usually starts about 6pm on the Friday for about 3 stages, then kicks off again in the morning bout 9ish and finishes bout 4 ish so leaves plenty of drinkin time!!!!

Tim :D

hehey, sounds like fun to me:cool::D