johns

Richard, sounds good. Please keep us posted John

Richard, it all depends how fit you are, and I doubt very much if any locals built like I am could climb the whole mountain in under 10 minutes. I could probably run down from the top back down to the Bungalow bit in 10 minutes, but some of the slates were slippery under foot. I think it actually took us about 30 minutes to get to the top, but we did tend to stop every time we heard a bike coming, and watched it through the whole series of bends and out of sight at the top. When are the dates for the Manx International Rally next year then ? I've already promised the family we'll try and make another visit next year possibly around spring time or later. John PS got the photos Vince, and also got the ones from Neil. We'll have to try and get them published in True Grip, just to prove that we did climb all the way to the top

Vince, hopefully get some photos from the top of the hill soon It was a good 10 - 15 minute climb, wasn't it!! Still well worth doing though. John PS We've been invited back for next year, as part of a big multi club event, and we'll have an allocation of about 40- 50 cars. Better book up early, as I think the demand for places will be much higher next year

Andy - absolutely superb!! John

1st to 3rd November

4 hours open pit lane on Scotland's finest tarmac circuit from 9am to 1pm for only £65 (SIDC member, or £70 (guests and on-line bookings - small supplement to cover credit card charges). All welcome, and plenty of spaces left. Having just driven up from the south, I can confirm that Knockhill is less than 2 hours drive for some of you (4 hours maximum unless you are far south of Liverpool!), so you really have no excuses for not coming As an added attraction, some owners are embarking on a camping tour of Scotland shortly after the event finishes (hotels for those who like their luxuries are optional of course ) until Sunday evening. Two events for the price of one This will be the last track event of the year here (next one not until March/April next year!!!), so please book up at shop.sidc.co.uk now to avoid disappointment. You can also pay by cheque if required, and I'll e-mail you a booking form on request, which you can return with a cheque. As usual, we'll have a Knockhill instructor there to help out with any first timers, and strict track etiquette will be enforced with regards to overtaking, driving standards etc. FYI, I believe Knockhill are running a Lotus only event on the Friday afternoon (27), for the same 4 hours, and the price is £99, so you can see how much of a bargain this is John

Will be going ahead as planned. We have contacted the hotel, and they have a limited number of rooms available fo us to use. The cost will be £67.50 per person per night on a dinner (3 courses), bed and breakfast basis in the new part of the hotel, of £65 per person per night in the older section of the hotel. We need to know an idea of numbers who would like to take part, and we'll then make a block booking on the room. It's likely that Jools and Rob Doyle will take over much of the organisation of this event, as I'm up to my eyes at work at the moment, and away from my desk for large parts of the day. Please either post a reply up here, or send me an e-mail and I'll collate replies. Please indicate the type of room you require (single/double/twin), and whether in the new or old part of the hotel. There are also a couple of deluxe rooms (with additional snug) in the new part of the hotel, which are available at extra cost as well (doubles only though). John

Quick summary. got off the sea-cat at about 1pm on Thursday. Met by smiling people in bright yellow T-shirts, given directions to our hotel(s), printed colour road books, directions how to get to Peel in the evening, and told to have fun. Thursday evening - arrive at the very scenic Peel harbour area. Very easy to find the parking spot, as they had kindly put out large SIDC boards, with directional arrows at every junction. Several people on hand at the car park to lead you to your space. Got all cars parked up nicely in reserved parking area Several members of their team stayed on in the car park to watch over the cars whilst we were in the superb House of Manannan museum. Excellent buffet dinner, outside as the sunset behind Peel Castle Given rally plates for our cars, ID badges, plus some other bits and pieces. Very professional. Chose where we wanted to sit at the gala dinner, and what we wanted to eat. Next we had welcome speeches from Dixie (FAD team), a member of the House of Keys (Manx Government), who warmly welcomed us to the Island, and then a very informative and encouraging talk from a member of the local constabulary (basically have fun, drive fast, don't crash, and don't even attempt to keep with with the bikes over the mountain section!). He had some great stories to tell as well. Then followed by a ground floor tour of the Museum (long boat is amazing!!), and then back to the hotel for a few beers, a chat etc. Friday morning saw a perfect start to the day. Not a cloud in the sky. You had the choice of either a track event at Jurby, or a superb treasure hunt which took you all over the Island. Both events were very successful Friday afternoon gave us some free time to explore the Island, and several of us spent a very relxing afternoon on the balcaony bar overlooking the golf course at the Mount Murray, saoking up the last of the days sunshine Simply fantastic! Friday evening saw us all ferried of in taxis and mini-buses to the Riverside in Laxey, where we enjoyed a fantastic BBQ meal. Everything was cooked to perfection, home made steak burgers, chick fillets etc. and even Lobser !! Eat as much as you can they said, so we did, and had several big platefuls. During all of this, the bar was very busy , and a local band "Panic Stations" played a medley of songs and tunes. To say some of the choices were bizarre were an understaement, but they were on the whole very amusing and good fun. They would do stuff like Roy Orbison, and then in the next song play Anarchy in the UK by the Sex Pistols! Had us all up on the dance floor by the end of the night (which was covered in streamers etc). Can anyone else remember the party popper fights, with poppers drawn at 5 paces Taxis and mini-buses took us back to our hotels again, and some (mostly myself) were rather pissed to say the least. I'm blaming it on sun-stroke, as I was very red from being out in the glorious sunshine all day. Needless to say I'd a little bit of a hangover the next morning, which was thankfully a late start (another superb peice of planning by the FAQ team). To be continued later....

Absolutely brilliant, and that is not an understatement!! I'm sure there are many excellent stories to come. Too tired to write more now. John

There are two events at the House of Manannan on the Thursday evening. The first will start about 6pm, for those who have arrived earlier in the day. The second will start about 8:30pm, for those arriving on the later ferries. Scoobymoo - could you call Pam Bradford on 01624 611837 to sort out the arrangements for the last ferry arriving. See you all on Thursday. John

Not got your sea legs then I'd be quite happy sitting on board at the bar for a few hours, before retiring to bed for a good night's sleep

Probably about 8pm I would have thought, as the last ferry from Heysham doesn't arrive until after 6pm, and they'll need to allow time for people to check-in, get their bearings etc. John

Eric, sounds like a top idea to me. The Elises go on a regular basis, and have sorted the best way to get there from Scotland in terms of ferry times, journeys times, prices etc. I'd rather spend longer on a boat relaxing, than driving round the M25 etc to get to Dover, and also the M6 around Birmingham !! I was also thinking about a grand tour of Europe next year (say 7 to 14 days), taking in a different track every 3 or 4 days, going through France, Spain and Germany. Still at the provisional planning stage at the moment though. John

Yes, it's where the welcome reception is being hosted See you there. John

With the info going into the next True Grip (out soon about the monthly meeting), I'd be keen to keep the meeting on a Wednesday for the next one, and let everyone know we'll be switching to the Tuesday the next month if that's OK ? However, if everyone can make the Tuesday, then we'll switch it. I'll let the P&J know as well. John

Mesage posted, and Neil/Debbie are up for it as well. Possible another one as well. John

Unfortunately not (or so I read elsewhere).

Eric, chances are there won't be a ready supply of suitable tyres on the Island at sensible prices. Send an e-mail to info@blackcircles.com and they should be able to give you a price for some fitted locally. You could always do what I did, and swapped the front left and front rear tyres over on both sides, to even up the wear. I'll phone our contact on the Isle and see if they have any suggestions. John

Nige, it looks like you might have been to late. Spoke to Eric who arranged the order, and he suggested calling the company directly. The three colours of the Welsh flag might be tricky, as they are built up in layers. Give them a call on 01224 895589, and if they can do it in time, then Eric will pick them up, and send them down to you. Cheers John

You should have received your ferry tickets and basic itinerary through from Magic Holidays if you have paid the balance. If not, then please contact Magic Holidays. Not sure on the final numbers, but it's over 30 cars, including a couple of Lotus Elises (smarties!) who are joining us Less than a week to go now John

Nige, the order went in yesterday, but I'll contact the chap who was arranging everything for us. Rather than clear stickers, these will be the pukka stick on letters (can have them on the inside, or ourside like the proper rally cars), and the flags separate, so you can have them before or after your name to suit your own needs. Costs will be about £11 for a pair. John

A few of us in Scotland are going to get some rally style window stickers made up for this event. You know, the clear ones with the driver/passenger names (or internet nicknames), followed by the flag of their country. Is anyone else interested in getting some made up. Cost would be about £10 (and you could no doubt use them again later for future events and meetings ) ? If so, then let me know asap, what you want on them, and I'll get them ordered up. John

Iain, shouldn't be a problem. Just got to let everyone know about them first. Probably best to have the next one on a Wednesday (given the notice that went to everyone yesterday by e-mail). John

Scottish Subaru Spectacular - being run in conjunction with one of Scotland?s top Subaru dealerships and Knockhill Race Circuit, an action packed afternoon is promised with events for all the family. The event is held on Sunday 8th September, and is open to all Subaru owners and enthusiasts. Best of all, the event is free! The activities include: Passenger rides in a Group N prodrive rally car driven by current Scottish championship contender George MacDonald. STi and WRX experience on track, 4 X 4 off-road experience, BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting, remote control cars, Prodrive official merchandise raffle, Show and Shine for all Subaru cars with prizes Road demonstrations and test drives of all current models. In addition to this you can even take to the track in your own car (fee payable). For more detailed information, contact Neil Miller by telephone on 01738 444455 or by e-mail on Neil Miller All Subaru cars and enthusiasts will be warmly welcomed.

The SIDC have booked Knockhill race track for a 2 hour session on Thursday evening (15th August). We'll be running an open pit lane fro the two hours, and bookings are qutier light at the moment, so plenty of empty track time for everyone. Cost only £35 for SIDC members, but you must book in adavnce through myself. John