33rd VMCC Manx Rally Report

The 2005 event followed its well established format, but with the new two tier entry system attracting over 60 more entrants. This was very encouraging and we will continue to promote this system allowing the cheaper entry fee if you do not wish to parade. Unfortunately we failed to attract any Veterans this year, so to encourage you to get your older machines out and use them, the Rally will offer a free entry to all motorcycles registered before the 1st of January 1915 for the 2006 event. The Isle of Man served up its usual unpredictable weather after the dry weeks preceding the rally, however we enjoyed mostly sunny days and mainly dry riding conditions.

Starting at Port Erin in the south of the island on Saturday 27th August, the event got underway with a Scenic Social Run followed by lunch on the seafront in glorious sunshine. After lunch the riders judged a “ Bike I would like to take home “ competition. This was followed by a historical train ride to nearby Castletown on the Isle of Man Steam Railway.

Sunday dawned wet and windy for the start of our Road Safety Run but soon cleared up to give us a dry, if not sunny, afternoon. The run covered a shorter route this year and culminated in a wonderful display of our machines in Castletown square throughout Sunday afternoon. This event has a real party atmosphere, meeting old friends, making new ones and enjoying a pint whilst talking about old bikes. Well attended by spectators the square is closed to traffic making it safe for competitors and visitors to enjoy the wonderful collection of bikes on display. Tea and biscuits are kindly provided by the Castletown Commissioners to all entrants adding to this festive occasion.

Monday saw the first of our very popular Closed Roads Parades from Quarterbridge to Ballacraine. The riders then proceeded, at road legal speeds, to the seafront at picturesque Peel for a well earned cup of tea again in glorious sunshine.

Tuesday started bright and sunny and by 10a.m the TT Grandstand reverberated with the sound of 208 vintage and classic motorcycles setting off in pairs at 30 second intervals to compete in the Main Event. This is a timed lap of the famous TT circuit to match an average speed of either 20 or 24 m.p.h depending on the age of the machinery. Conditions deteriorated soon after the start with mist and driving rain in Douglas. This lasted as far as Kirk Michael where the sun was still shining and started again over the mountain. Most entrants continued to complete their lap, despite the conditions and times were as competitive as ever. On Tuesday afternoon there was an informal run to Tony East’s house in Kirk Michael to view Tony’s lovely collection of Vintage and Classic motor cycles. More tea and biscuits were enjoyed on the lawn in brilliant sunshine, served by Tony’s wife Pat and the East family visiting from the mainland.

On Wednesday it was our second and usually the most popular, Closed Roads Parade from Ballacraine to Ramsey. This section of the TT course, especially for the older bikes, is the most interesting and varied. Apart from a steep climb at Glen Helen the remainder is relatively flat with many famous and challenging landmarks , Laurel Bank, Douglas Corner Kirk Michael , Ballaugh Bridge , Quarry Bends , Sulby Bridge and of course Ginger Hall , all those wonderful names with so much history. Unfortunately after a fine morning the weather closed in at lunch time and after a frustrating wait until 4 pm the Junior MGP and parade were cancelled. The racing was rescheduled for Thursday afternoon but our parade was unfortunately lost for this year. This also left us with a problem for Thursday as our route crossed the TT Course in several places. Harold Cardy the Assistant Secretary came immediately to our aid organising a new route that evening, thanks Harold. This was photocopied and ready for the start of our Thursday run with fresh timing points so the event could continue as normal.

So Thursday morning found us all in Old Laxey for the start of the Ramsey Road Run. This is a timed reliability trial covering much of the Northern part of the island and finishing at Mooragh Park in Ramsey . On arrival in the park the riders enjoyed a light lunch in bright sunshine whilst exhibiting their motorcycles in the Concours competition judged by their peers. The setting at Ramsey is idyllic, we display our bikes on a large grass area near the lake with the sight and sound of the Ramsey sprint happening just behind us on the Promonade.

On Thursday evening we assembled in Douglas for the Presentation Ceremony . An excellent Manx hotpot supper and a few beers to wash it down followed the presentations. David Davies our President Elect, did us the honour of presenting the awards and saying a few words.

Friday dawned fine and sunny, so it was off to Ramsey for the final closed road parade over the mountain after the Senior MGP. I’m delighted to say the weather stayed sunny all day and many said, as they signed off at the TT Grandstand, that conditions over the mountain were so perfect this parade was perhaps one of the best ever.

Saturday again provided sunshine and clear skies for our Social Run organised by Harold Cardy and the Manx Section of the VMCC. After a short but scenic route the run finished at the Quarterbridge Hotel for fond farewells until next year.

On behalf of the Manx Rally team Lin, Stuart, Wayne, Jonathan, Alex, Harold, Colin and Richard, I would like to thank all of the competitors for their help and support at this year’s event. For the major help we receive from our sponsors a big thank you goes to Carole Nash Insurance, The Isle of Man Special Events Team , Old Bike Mart , Total (I.O.M) Ltd plus many more too numerous to mention. Special thanks to the Manx Motorcycle Club for their kind permission to use the TT circuit for the Closed Roads Parades that make the VMCC Manx Rally such a spectacular event.

If you are new to the Rally and want to ride in next years event call me now on 01275 349414 and leave your name and address for an entry form ( posted in January 2006 ) or email me on secretary@vmccmanxrally.co.uk. The Rally also has a website www.vmccmanxrally.co.uk which currently gives details of this year’s event. However it will be updated for next year in December and you will be able to download a Rally Information Pack and Entry Form from January 2006.

Terry Cooper.
VMCC Manx Rally Secretary.