Trip to the Isle of Man. East Kent Branch
Sunday 10th May 2026

Day 1

We met at the Farthing Corner Services at 9. O’clock. 8 bikes, 1 Rocket, 1 Speed master, 1 Street Triple and 5 Tiger 900s.

The first leg of our journey was mostly motorways. The M2, M25 north through the Dartford Tunnel, then the M1 to Dunstable, stopping for coffee and a late breakfast plus petrol for anyone who needed a top up.
Our second stop was at the Triumph 1902 cafe alongside the factory at Hinckley. This was an ideal opportunity for a group photograph outside with the club’s new mini banner. For a few of us it was our first visit to the factory.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast we left the hotel around 8.45, destination the ferry terminal, Liverpool docks. For anyone having not made the journey before, the last 6 miles to the terminal is very congested and plenty of time is advisable.
We arrived in the nick of time after very heavy traffic and a confusing one-way system.
Aboard the ferry we met 2 more club members. Tony on his Tiger 900 and Martin on his 650 Royal Enfield. After a smooth crossing we disembarked around 14.00
on route to our hotel at Ramsey. Wow, what a great ride from Douglas to Ramsey over the mountain section. That certainly put a smile on our faces.
Not to be out done our hotel was a great choice as well set, alongside the beach with the sea on one side and a lake and the mountains on the other side. A great choice, well done Barry and Richard.
After a shower and sorting our rooms, we ended the day with a three-course meal, a few beers and plenty of banter.

Day 3

After a fine breakfast we were on the road for 9.30. Our ride for the day was around the island clockwise Ramsey back to Ramsey. A total of 96 miles.
After early rain the day was dry but windy. Our first stop of the day was at the famous CREG NY BAA public house situated on a sharp right-hand bend on a fast section of the course. As we parked up outside, we were welcomed in for coffee and were able to buy 2026 TT tea shirts. After a photo opportunity up on the balcony and leaving one of our East Kent Branch pennants we were back on the road.

Our next stop being at the Sounds cafe on the very southern tip of the island, enjoying stunning views over the Sound and the Calf of Man. A tiny island acting as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Another fantastic photo opportunity, with great food especially the cream teas, with freshly baked scones the size of a small boulder. After a long stop we rode back to Ramsey for a well earnt pint at our hotel.

Day 4

With heavy rain and strong winds forecast we all decided we would visit the Laxey wheel by electric tram and ride the TT course in the afternoon weather permitting.
Before catching the tram, we visited one of the shops in Ramsey selling TT merchandise. Needless to say, we all spent more than we planned to.

The vintage electric tram took us directly to the Laxey Wheel via the very rugged west coast, with fantastic sea views over the Irish Sea.
The Laxey wheel is the largest surviving original working water mill in the world.
Designed by Robert Casement and commissioned in 1854. With 3 revolutions a minute it pumped water out of the Ore mines keeping the miners safe.
After a well needed lunch break, we caught the tram back to Ramsey and six of us set out to ride the TT course.
The town sections were not the quickest to ride with normal traffic around but the mountain section and the open roads were superb, all returning to our hotel with big grins on our faces. Time for dinner and a few drinks.

Day 5

On the road for 10.00 Our ride today was the best of the Isle of Man. The ride would include places such as Douglas, Crosby, Braddan, Kirk Micheal, Ballaugh and Peel.
With just one stop at a Costa on the outskirts of Peel for coffee and a fine selection of cakes.
We then made tracks back to our hotel, topping up with petrol on the way.
Our plan in the afternoon was to once more ride the TT course. We stopped several times for photos, this included in the pits with the branch banner and a stop at the famous Fairy Bridge, all hoping for good luck, leaving a branch sticker as proof of attendance. Back to the hotel and after a quick scrub up we all walked into Ramsey to the local Gin distillery and bar to drink a toast to the island that had given us such a great week. Most of us had our pictures taken with the resident odd ball.
From there back for our last evening meal at the hotel which didn’t disappoint, with plenty of banter, beer and wine.

Day 6

We checked out of our hotel around 10.30 and made our way to Jason Griffiths motors, the main Suzuki, Triumph and Kawasaki dealer on the island.
Based at Balthane Ballasalla, Jason has been involved in motorcycling on the island for many years and has competed from 1991 in the Manx Grand Prix through to the TT in 2006, with 13 podiums to his name. No mean feat.
After a good look round and plenty of yarning we were off to the ferry terminal at Douglas to catch our ferry at 15.00. On boarding the ferry, it soon became clear the ships Union Jack was flying upside down, in sea terms meaning the vessel is in distress, not a good start. After strong winds most of the week we were very lucky to have a fairly calm crossing. The 52 mile journey back to the Premier inn at Macclesfield was during the rush hour, after everyone had topped up with petrol for the big push home tomorrow we just about made it for our evening meal.
Tired, thirsty and hungry but in good spirits we had a great evening.

Day 7

After rain overnight and an early breakfast we were away by 8.30. With Tony and Martin taking a different route home, we were down to 8 bikes again.
The first leg of the journey was 60 miles around the Dales to Derby, with temperatures starting at only 7 degrees the stunning views across the open countryside made up for the cold start to the day.
After topping up with petrol, coffee and cakes the rest of the journey home was on A roads and motorways. With one more stop for lunch and petrol if needed, it was the big push for home over the Dartford bridge, most of us getting home just after 16.00.
All in all, a great trip with great people. We were all very impressed with the island (roads and countryside) and the friendly nature of its inhabitants.

Thanks go out to Mike and Barry for leading, Andy for riding TEC , Richard, Bernie, Malcolm, Barry and Mike for all their hard work that made the trip possible, and of course to Linda and Deborah for keeping us all in order.
One final word ride safe and ‘wheel be back’.
Cheers Andy.