2006 34th VMCC Rally Report The 2006 event followed it’s well established format, but with a few changes to vary the programme. The two tier entry system attracting even more entrants for 2006. This was very encouraging and we will continue to promote this system allowing the cheaper entry fee if entrants do not wish to parade. The Rally offered a free entry to all motorcycles registered before the 1st of January 1915 for the 2006 event and this gained three entries in this class. Although disappointing we intend to continue this offer next year in the hope that we will attract a better response. The Isle of Man served up its usual unpredictable weather after the dry weeks preceding the rally however we enjoyed mostly warm 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 ending at the ARE Collection, Tony East’s wonderfully restored vintage bikes based at his house in Kirkmichael. After lunch the riders judged a “Bike I would like to take home” competition. The winner receiving a framed print donated by the Port Erin Commissioners. Sunday dawned fine and sunny for the start of our Road Safety Run and the sunshine continued all day. The run covered a scenic route 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. Unfortunately just before the off we had a heavy shower of rain giving wet roads as far as Appledean. The riders then proceeded, at road legal speeds, to the seafront at picturesque Peel for a well earned cup of tea again in the dry. Before the rain returned in the late afternoon.. Tuesday started bright and sunny and by 10a.m the TT Grandstand reverberated with the sound of 226 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 remained ideal this year and some very close times were recorded by the winners. On Tuesday afternoon there were many informal runs to the one make club gatherings taking place at pubs and hotels around the Island. This year we kept this afternoon free as we know many of our competitors like to support these events. On Wednesday it was our second and always 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 we were concerned that the parade may be cancelled like last year. However the rain held off until after the start of the parade and we were able to reach the Sulby Straight before very wet roads were encountered. The cup of tea on the Peveril Plot at Ramsey was a very wet affair and most riders did not hang about before the wet ride home. Thursday morning found us all in Old Laxey in glorious sunshine 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 warm 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. James Hewing our Chief Executive Officer sailed over especially to present the prizes after riding in the Wednesday and Thursday events. We are delighted this evening continues to grow in popularity and may be forced to look for a larger venue next year. Friday dawned fine and sunny, so it was off to Ramsey for the final closed road parade over the mountain after the Senior MGP. Sadly the day’s racing was delayed by a fatal road traffic accident ten minutes before the roads were due to close at 9-30 am. However although we had to wait until 5 pm in the afternoon we were still given our parade and I would like to thank everyone for their patience. 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 definitely the best of the week. Saturday dawned wet and overcast and by 11am the rain was coming down like a monsoon. After consultation we decided to abandon the social run and Manx Radio kindly announced this to save people turning out for a very wet ride. On behalf of the Manx Rally team Lin, Stuart, Wayne, Jonathan, Alex, Dave, 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 Road Parades, that makes 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 341464 and leave your name and address for an entry form ( posted in January 2007 ) 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 2007. Mention of 2007 reminds me that this will be our 35th Rally and the Centenary of Racing on the Isle of Man. We are going to celebrate this with a special one off Rally that will give our entrants a chance to ride five of the famous racing circuits on the Isle of Man during the event. The Manx Government has donated a special trophy for next year and this will be awarded to the overall winner of the Rally and will be a very coveted award. I strongly suggest that this will be “the year” to do the Manx Rally if you have considered trying it in the past. If you have been before and liked it, we are now offering something new and unique so please come again! Terry Cooper. |