Porscheshop Manx Tour 2005 Review & Pictures

10am Friday 20th of May
Saw some 30+ Porsches lined up at Liverpool docks for what was to be the engrail 'Porscheshop Manx Tour'.

Our mission
To enjoy the freedom and open ( circuit ) roads made famous by a 100 years of motorsport on the island.

Friday
The ferry crossing saw most people both getting acquainted and catching up with old friends alike. On landing at Douglas docks it was a short convoy to our HQ, the Mount Murray Hotel (ideally situated about 5 miles inland at the apex of the old and current TT courses). Once checked in we were all free to explore the islands many roads, or sit in the bar exchanging outrageous stories while overlooking the hotels fabulous views!

Saturday Morning
After a hearty breakfast we all congregated in the hotels foyer joined by our 'clerk of the course' Geoff Ives and the islands PCGB contingent who were to be our course guides. Geoff's words were 'do not under any circumstance try and pass your guide as he/she has infinitely more experience and ability than yourselves here' (a word to the wise which was soon proven as we struggled to keep up with our guides at times!!)

The old 1905 course was chosen for our 1st run, this took us south to Castletown, via the coastal road, across to Ramsey via Peel and back up over the mountain onto the current TT circuit before returning to Douglas. While on the mountain we chose to all meet at the TT museum which is a fantastic archive of bikes, photo's, clothing and news articles dating back to the year dot! The owner/curator (himself a friend of Geoff's) was on hand to provide the necessary tea's and coffee's as well as a personal guided tour.

Saturday Afternoon
The afternoon saw most of us congregate at Jerby, the only official RAC car racing circuit on the island, another opportunity to go fast, and mix it with the locals on what was an all comers official 'track day'

Saturday Evening
Later afternoon/ early evening it was back to the hotel for bar meals & booze, with many a tall tail told of the day's ventures.

Sunday Early Morning
Sunday was the infamous dawn raid, rising at 6am to be assembled at the TT pits between Douglas & Oncan for 7am, then off round the current TT track before breakfast, again at high speed behind our ever capable (native) guides the PCGB Iom. This is usually a damp and foggy affair which brings its own atmosphere to the event. However by the time we reached the mountain it had cleared to make a nearly perfect run! Back for breakfast each group filter in between 8.15-8.45 to tell even more tales!

Sunday Late Morning
Sunday late morning was a chance to explore the islands other attractions, namely the Victorian Laxey water wheel. This was built as an environmentally friendly pumping station for the local mines in the last century, now fully restored after 20 years. This was truly a sight to see for any 'engine nut' with the opportunity to scale its dizzy heights to take inthe view which was irresistible (even to Pete!)

Des, one driver, chose a personal pilgrimage to visit the cottage he was born in, in Castletown some 45 years ago, only to find the occupants out for the day. However this did not bother him at all.

Sunday Evening
Sunday evening saw everyone turned out in their Sunday best for our end of event dinner. This was another excuse for much merriment and tale telling in one of the hotels many function rooms. At this point it must be said that the ladies had the upper hand here, all looking radiant in their evening wear.

Monday
Monday was reserved for last minute shopping and refuelling before our return ferry crossing back to reality. All in all a fantastic driving experience, combined with much merriment and laughter.

Our extended thanks go out to
PCGB & members Geoff Ives ( Co-ordinator ) Steam-Packet Travel The Mount Murray Hotel PCGB ( IOM ) All Porscheshop Customer who attended and helped to make this such a memorable and successful event.

See you all next year.