| Archive for flowers.myfastforum.org Beware of the Flowers MCC devoted to biking and Otway |
| El Presidente |
MARSHALLING MATTERSAs a biker and fan of bike racing two recent events have convinced me to, hopefully, take up Marshalling next year.Firstly, the general shortage of marshals at this year’s Manx Grand Prix almost lead to racing being cancelled and prompted TT lap record holder John McGuinness to sign on as a volunteer on Friday .He marshalled at the Creg-ny-Baa and Quarter Bridge where he helped the clear-up operation following a high-speed crash. If John McGuinness  can make the effort, then surely we can.
Secondly, I got an email from Cadwell Park ; “Ok - this is a very urgent and desperate appeal on behalf of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club. Our Cadwell Park race meeting is in danger of being cancelled We have already paid a huge deposit for our Cadwell Park race meeting on the 8th 9th Sept and due to a shortage of marshals are in great danger of cancelling the meeting. Can you help please? If you or anyone you know can support this event and keep it on the calendar by volunteering as a marshal for one or both of these dates please get in touch Anyone can help No experience is needed you simply start your training on the day by being on a post with an experienced marshal - all you need can be supplied (orange overall, gloves etc.) and of course you get to see a full days racing. This problem is bigger than one club and one meeting “ Check out www.iomttma.com and www.racesafe.org Training looks straightforward, they seem like a friendly bunch, you get the best view in the house, you get to camp at places like Croft/Scarborough/Knockhill with free entry, training with Racesafe enables you to Marshal in Ireland and, most importantly, you will be helping protect the future of events like Scarborough, Cadwell Park and the Manx. See you there! Ride Free and beware of the flowers El Presidente |
| Rumbled |
I've had a look at the Racesafe site, but have decided to stick with the Manx and A.C.U. events as I'm not really into artificial tracks. I'm not sure what you mean about being able to marshal in Ireland after training with Racesafe. I think this would apply equally to training given through the T.T.M.A or A.C.U.. I'm glad you're serious about marshalling and I'm sure you'll enjoy it enough to fire up your mates into joining you, although it's surprising how many people in the marshalling fraternity become your friends
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| El Presidente |
Looks like I will be Marshalling on my own then
I am in the middle of my week off and have been listening to Otway alternatives - The Fall, Ivor Cutler and Gogol Bordello Will have to check out my good friends at Theme From Sparta Prague MCC, Life In A Scotch Sitting Room MCC and Start Wearing Purple MCC! |
| El Presidente |
Got booked on a Marshal training day in Douglas on Wed 28th May
Just need to find a cheap campsite and a ferry for under £180 |
| Rumbled |
Sulby Claddaghs is as cheap as it gets, Nick. And there's plenty of room in Sector 7 for a willing marshal.
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| Rumbled |
I was thinking of getting to the Island on saturday, 24th of june, to get as much marshalling in as poss., so if you do decide to camp on the Claddaghs I'll probably be on hand to give you help with the tent. 
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| El Presidente |
Thanks for the offer
Campsite sounds ideal (I think I've done Douglas to death!) I hope to get to the island on Tues 27th in time for the marshal training on the Wed so any help would be gratefully received Just need a ferry next then mention it to the wife............... |
| Rumbled |
I'm leaving it till early march to book the ferry, when there should be plenty of spaces up for grabs. For the likely location of my tent, see the picture on the community page. It'll be a different tent, though. Old fashioned ridge type  If you get your marshal's pack from the TTMA office, you could be at your post on tuesday evening, getting some practice in Don't buy a race review and programme on the boat. You get one free 
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| El Presidente |
Really looking forward to it
When does the countdown begin? (When ferry tickets are bought I suppose - roll on March!) |
| Rumbled |
Countdown? Another vowel, please, Carol. (I can't spell consonnent).
I always start getting excited when I see German bikers passing through Scarborough. A lot of them get off the ferry at Hull, then spend a few days touring, before catching their ferry to the Island. |
| El Presidente |
I prefer the Numbers game on Countdown. I would always have 2 large ones from the top please Carol
The Marshal training is actually on the Friday in Douglas (error on website) but I think I will still arrive on the Tuesday Sector 7 looks great as does the campsite Caught the wife at a moment of weakness and mentioned about going - she said it was OK! Flushed with this success I also said that I felt I needed a new bike as the Transalp and Scrambler were not really suitable and she said that was OK too! Will have to try out a few bikes at the Edinburgh bike show |
| Rumbled |
What's your criteria for a suitable bike, Nick? I think you'll like the camp site. Besides it being flat, well drained, and free, it's surrounded by hills and trees, has a river, is convenient for Ramsey, there's a beautiful ride through Sulby Glen up to the Bungalow, with an easy drop from there into Douglas. And if it's a clear night, you won't believe the view of the stars 
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| El Presidente |
Sounds spot on. May try to get there a day earlier - Monday
Can't decide on a bike but the Scrambler has zero luggage capacity with the high exhausts and the Transalp is a great commuter but a bit naff to say the least! I've never had a pure sports bike so I may try something like a Fireblade, CBR600, Daytona 675 or GSXR750/1000 for a year. Great for the TT and get it out of my system. A 1 or 2 year old one should not depreciate too much in a year when I'll part ex it for something like a Guzzi (the kids will be too old to come on holiday with us then so I'll get something pillion friendly which I can keep for a few years) Or maybe I'll just get a Guzzi this year............... |
| admin |
How much for the Transalp then?????? |
| El Presidente |
Keeping the Transalp and selling the Scrambler
Need a reliable runaround for when I get my Ducati! |
| admin |
What happened to the Guzzi? |
| El Presidente |
Re. Guzzi
Read post on 4th Feb |
| Rumbled |
Perhaps a Guzzi is a bit too Pusillanimous, eh, Nick 
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| El Presidente |
Ten out of ten for observation, wit, MAG devotion and quick response Mr Guzziman.
All part of the joys of retirement I suppose! (I may have started counting down to the TT but not yet for retirement. The bloody goalposts keep moving!) But, seriously, a Guzzi is far from pusillanimous. My Transalp and Scrambler on the other hand............... (Saying that, I had a fantastic ride over to Scarborough in the sunshine on Wednesday. The Scrambler is probably the worst bike I have ever ridden (comfort, performance, handling, brakes suspension) but, perversely, 1 of my favourites to ride. The exact opposite of a VFR I had. I think I have got to get another Guzzi!) |
| Rumbled |
I was looking at a bike spares website the other day and have come to the conclusion that if anything breaks on my Breva, I've got no chance of affording the repairs, so I might get shut and stick to old nails that I've got a chance with. I fancy a Triumph or a Beesa, something with a bit of soul
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| El Presidente |
Isn't that what biking's all about?
Dreaming about your next bike Shame we can't all afford to have a huge garage full of different bikes - 1 for every occasion |
| Rumbled |
Well, I booked my ferry ticket last night, so the countdown begins
I get to the Island early saturday morning and leave at midnight after the Senior, totally wasted, I expect
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| El Presidente |
I'll book my ferry on Thursday - payday
Not giving those bastards £3 for the privilege of paying £180 on my credit card! |
| Rumbled |
My booking was £166 plus £5 fuel supplement less £3-32p web discount = £167-68p. I don't use credit cards any more, just stay permanently in the overdraft red zone 
I don't understand the fuel supplement. Is that another "Save the Planet" tax. Can I get a refund on this, as I am of the mind that the planet is quite capable of saving itself, once the human race has left 
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| admin |
Booked for Thursday out Sunday back - see you there - Can you marshall for just 1 day? |
| Rumbled |
Which thursday? Which sunday?
You certainly can marshal for just a day, but if you're like me, you'll get addicted and just carry on looking forward to the next opportunity. It certainly beats spectating from the wrong side of the rope
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| admin |
Going over Thursday of Practice week, so will be there for the first race day |
| El Presidente |
Excellent
I'll be an experienced Marshal by then so I'll take you under my wing! Or come on the training course with me on the Friday (www.iomttma.com) |
| Rumbled |
If you sign on at the TTMA office on thursday, you could be marshalling the same evening and friday evening practice sessions and the racing on the saturday. Also, if you manage to get booked onto the Incident Management Course with Nick you'll be well on your way to being "countable".
To be countable, you need to accumulate 10 points. You get 1 point for a practice session, 2 points for a race day, and (I think) 3 points for the IMC. The races cannot be run unless there are over 500 countable marshals around the course. If a thousand unqualified marshals signed on for the day, it still couldn't be run without the required countable numbers. Makes you think, Eh?
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| El Presidente |
Got my ferry booked today - fantastic
Arrive 1645 Tues 27th depart 1900 Wed 4th Haven't tried the Seacats on this route but gotta be an improvement on The Manxmann et all (as long as they avoid the harbour walls) Hope to Marshal on Thursdays practise, Friday training, and races on Sat Mon and Wed By Guzzimans reckoning that should be 10 points so I will be countable for next time. Yippee! Also nice to hear that I will be able to make the Banquet - didn't realise it was on Mad Sunday By the way, do I need to book the campsite at Sulby Claddaghs? And is it easy to find? I have never heard of nor can I find any mention of it anywhere - are you sure the nearest pub isn't the Slaughtered Lamb! Let the countdown begin N PS It would be sooooooooooooo awful if I find that I don't like Marshalling after all! |
| Rumbled |
What's up with wednesday evening's practice, Nick?
The camp site is probably listed under public amenities or picnic areas, 'cos that's what it is most of the year. You can get to it by turning right at the Sulby Glen Hotel, then it's about 500 yards to a leafy lane on your left, which takes you straight in. If you miss this way in (easily done if you've gone for it through Quarry Bends ), keep going down Sulby Straight, through the village, over the bridge and turn right up the side of the Ginger Hall, along the lane (carefully!) and right over the little bridge which crosses the bubbly stream. Then round the bend into a scene straight out of a Rupert Bear Annual (If Rupert was a biker!).
You don't book the site 'cos it's common land and belongs to the people (Power to the People!!!), and the locals are happy for you to be there and spend your money. They even keep the toilets clean and provide bog paper and hot water
And it's not Wozwolfs you need to be afeared of, but the Biggun, crashing through the undergrowth when you're making your way back from the pub, down that ink-black lane.  Bring a torch!!!
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| Rumbled |
Sulby Claddagh................
www.gov.im/daff/countryside/country/other/Sulby.xml |
| El Presidente |
Many thanks Sir!
Sounds spot on And of course I will be Marshalling on Wednesdays practise - I was just getting confused with days what with all the excitement! Went to Newcastle with the wife and she approves of 1 Triumph Tiger 1050 2 Triumph Sprint 1050 3 Guzzi 1200 Sport Looks like it's a GSXR1000 then! |
| Rumbled |
Five Go-old Wings..........
Four Honda Fours, Three Rocket Threes, Two Triumph Twins And a rusty old Kawasakeeee..................... 
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| Rumbled |
Just read the march newsletter from the TTMA, which states that the IMC in Douglas on the 30th may is now full, but there are a number of places available at the St. Andrews HQ in Edinburgh, on the 26th & 27th of april.
They are considering putting an extra course on in Douglas, due to demand, but not confirmed yet. To book a place you can send an e-mail to training@iomttma.com Or phone 01624 618191. Discussions are taking place with the Licensed Victuallers Association and the Steam Packet Co. regarding benefits for marshals, so better enlist now, before the word gets out!!!
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| El Presidente |
81 days to go!
Hope to make a decision about new bike(s) tomorrow at Edinburgh bike show - better not be too sober! What's this about the Licensed Victuallers Association? Can't see anything on the newsletter or email. Sounds interesting. |
| Rumbled |
They're in talks with the LVA, so maybe a discount on your favourite beverage is imminent, along with the free grub on offer at some locations and the reduced price of the DVD at the Duke shops. A few quid off the ferry fare wouldn't go amiss, either.
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| Rumbled |
The TT marshal's Forum is now back and operating at warp speed.......
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| El Presidente |
Not impressed with the new forum and it appears not to be working again |
| Rumbled |
Well, it's popped back up again, but, I agree, it's a shadow of it's former self. I suspect interference from above. I've heard grumbles on the newsletter that forums have caused problems in the past, and the TTMA forum is the only one they have any control over
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| El Presidente |
Looks like it's official.
No turning back. Got my Marshal Signing On Form today Any ideas as to where I should put for my preferred Sector/Location, assuming that I'll be camping at Sulby Claddagh? |
| Rumbled |
Well, my form's filled in, signed and back in the post. Next job is get some recruitment posters up in the local bike dealers and repairers and try and get some mates interested in marshalling. (Might have to go on a do-it yourself dentistry course first, though.)
I've put myself down for Sulby Crossroads and Quarry Bends as my preferred locations, but I'm happy to go anywhere in Sector 7, really. Sulby Bridge might be a good spot, as it's handy for the campsite, as is Ginger Hall, and both spots carry a lot of marshals, so you'd get plenty of help and advice. But choosing a spot where you'd be happy to stand as a spectator is a good place to start. You can ask for a move to another location if you find you're unsuited when you're there. The Chief Sector Marshal and their deputies are very approachable and are happiest when you're happy.
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| Rumbled |
P.S.
Sector 7 runs from (but not including) Alpine Cottage to Ginger Hall. Sector 8 runs from (but not including) Ginger Hall to Ramsey. So look on the map and pick a spot. The Chief Sector Marshal of Sector 7 is Eddie Christian, landlord of the Sulby Glen Hotel. The best pub on the Island. His missus Rosy serves up cracking nosh, and her son, Dan is Dave Molineux's passenger, whilst no. 2 son, Matty, is a sidecar driver.
Not trying to influence your decision, or anything
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| El Presidente |
Just got my letter off to the TTMA
Put down that I wanted to be allocated Sector 7. Not too bothered exactly where - it all looks great |
| Rumbled |
There's more than one circuit on the Island. Here's a taste of the Jurby South Road Circuit..........
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuEwMpJWmrU Great soundtrack!! |
| Rumbled |
And Billown at Castletown. I considered marshalling there on the saturday and monday, but I don't know if it would be possible to get back to Sulby for evening practice
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVdXdGSxnwY |
| El Presidente |
So much to do, so little time...... |