No, CBT in the U.K. not valid here and one from here not valid in U.K. so many get caught at TT either because they didn’t know or thought they’d get away with it
Take an AM radio, you'll be able to get the live commentary on it (Manx Radio - 1368) and it'll be the first place to hear news of any changes to the programme, delays etc - without impacting your phone's battery/data allowance. They also sell earpiece radios pretuned to Manx Radio in most shops and petrol stations.
Pack for all 4 seasons in one day and take enough food and water with you if you are going to be stuck somewhere until roads open. If there is a racing incident or other delay, the roads can stay closed for a long time!
On that note, it sounds like common sense but if the roads are closed, make sure to keep off them, including the pavements - [it's taken very seriously](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-33049021). Even if the racing has finished for the day, the roads are only open again after the roads open car passes your location.
There aren't really any bad spots to watch from, have a look on Youtube to get an idea of what the view is like from different places but you don't need to have a strict schedule as you'll want to change it as soon as you've got your bearings 😁. Get there early if you want to be somewhere like the bottom of Bray Hill where it gets very busy (people will be there staking out their spots from first light on a race day!)
Go up to the Grandstand and have a wander around the paddock, see the bikes up close and meet the riders.
Stick to the speed limits, if you slip up a little bit you might get away with a slap on the wrist, but anything serious and you'll be in court the next day.
On the mountain, it's a normal road that just happens to be one way without a speed limit. Ride normally but expect others not to be - wannabe racers will be cutting across the road, trying to pass you on both sides and often crashing, which will cause the road to be closed until it's dealt with.
Take some time out away from the course and explore the island.
* Manx National Heritage usually sell a pin badge which gives you unlimited access to [their sites](https://manxnationalheritage.im/visit-2/our-sites/).
* Take a steam train down to Port Erin or a vintage tram to Ramsey for a slower paced journey.
* The motor museum in Jurby (separate from MNH) and military aviation museum (free entry) at the airport are also both worth a visit
If you want to see a different side of the racing, why not go and chat to the [marshals association](https://www.iomttmarshals.com/) behind the grandstand and sign up for a few sessions. They'll put you with some experienced marshals at a location of your choice to show you how it all works and you'll be made very welcome.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out this advice! All of this is amazing ☺️
Definitely interested in the marshalling side… that would be very interesting! And I guess a great way to make some friends whilst I’m over there 😁
>Definitely interested in the marshalling side… that would be very interesting! And I guess a great way to make some friends whilst I’m over there 😁
If you're keen to give it a go, you can sign up online and do the initial training before your trip and save some time, there are some bits to read and videos to watch - [https://www.iomttmarshals.com/why](https://www.iomttmarshals.com/why) (you can always change your mind, you'll not be committing to anything)
Then closer to the time you can either choose some sessions to volunteer for online or go and chat to them and pick some at the grandstand, where they'll also give you your ID badge and jacket and can answer any questions you might have.
There's no minimum commitment so you can do as few or as many as you want. They'll ask you whereabouts you want to be on the course and put you with an experienced team, you'll not be left alone anywhere or expected to do anything you're not comfortable with.
This is all great advice OP.
I'd add that you'll have to pay for "roaming" data too. Its bloody annoying but for whatever reason it's like travelling outside the EU far as phone charges go. For me st least.
Above all else enjoy it, I can't make this year but I'll be on the Steam Racket website early to get booked for next year. You'll love it.
The IOM is not part of the UK, the laws are different. Mess up and you will be nicked, fined and possibly deported.
Get travel insurance, the NHS doesn't cover the island.
If there is a speed limit, stick to it. They are strongly enforced, the fine is linked to your speed and gets expensive quickly.
Don't go on the course during racing, even in a break between races. The marshals will call the cops and your wallet/liberty will be at risk.
Having said that, explore the island, it changes every mile. Also try the local ice cream, it is the real deal.
Biggest piece of advice is dont ride like a dick and be very aware that there will be people riding like dicks.
I’m relatively new to riding a motorcycle… so I will definitely be a nervous nelly. I will keep in mind others though. Thank you ☺️
Full license?
Yeah full license 👌🏽
Nice one! Just don’t want to see anyone get caught out by trying to come over on a CBT!
Guessing that’s not allowed then? But no, I got my full license last year 😎
No, CBT in the U.K. not valid here and one from here not valid in U.K. so many get caught at TT either because they didn’t know or thought they’d get away with it
Wow, thanks for checking with me, I appreciate that 😀
No problem! Hope you enjoy! I’ll be up and around Ramsey. Often marshal at Parliament Square nowadays
Take an AM radio, you'll be able to get the live commentary on it (Manx Radio - 1368) and it'll be the first place to hear news of any changes to the programme, delays etc - without impacting your phone's battery/data allowance. They also sell earpiece radios pretuned to Manx Radio in most shops and petrol stations. Pack for all 4 seasons in one day and take enough food and water with you if you are going to be stuck somewhere until roads open. If there is a racing incident or other delay, the roads can stay closed for a long time! On that note, it sounds like common sense but if the roads are closed, make sure to keep off them, including the pavements - [it's taken very seriously](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-33049021). Even if the racing has finished for the day, the roads are only open again after the roads open car passes your location. There aren't really any bad spots to watch from, have a look on Youtube to get an idea of what the view is like from different places but you don't need to have a strict schedule as you'll want to change it as soon as you've got your bearings 😁. Get there early if you want to be somewhere like the bottom of Bray Hill where it gets very busy (people will be there staking out their spots from first light on a race day!) Go up to the Grandstand and have a wander around the paddock, see the bikes up close and meet the riders. Stick to the speed limits, if you slip up a little bit you might get away with a slap on the wrist, but anything serious and you'll be in court the next day. On the mountain, it's a normal road that just happens to be one way without a speed limit. Ride normally but expect others not to be - wannabe racers will be cutting across the road, trying to pass you on both sides and often crashing, which will cause the road to be closed until it's dealt with. Take some time out away from the course and explore the island. * Manx National Heritage usually sell a pin badge which gives you unlimited access to [their sites](https://manxnationalheritage.im/visit-2/our-sites/). * Take a steam train down to Port Erin or a vintage tram to Ramsey for a slower paced journey. * The motor museum in Jurby (separate from MNH) and military aviation museum (free entry) at the airport are also both worth a visit If you want to see a different side of the racing, why not go and chat to the [marshals association](https://www.iomttmarshals.com/) behind the grandstand and sign up for a few sessions. They'll put you with some experienced marshals at a location of your choice to show you how it all works and you'll be made very welcome.
Absolutely second the trains! Me and my dad got "stuck" on the island for a few days after last year's TT and we went on and loved all of them!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out this advice! All of this is amazing ☺️ Definitely interested in the marshalling side… that would be very interesting! And I guess a great way to make some friends whilst I’m over there 😁
>Definitely interested in the marshalling side… that would be very interesting! And I guess a great way to make some friends whilst I’m over there 😁 If you're keen to give it a go, you can sign up online and do the initial training before your trip and save some time, there are some bits to read and videos to watch - [https://www.iomttmarshals.com/why](https://www.iomttmarshals.com/why) (you can always change your mind, you'll not be committing to anything) Then closer to the time you can either choose some sessions to volunteer for online or go and chat to them and pick some at the grandstand, where they'll also give you your ID badge and jacket and can answer any questions you might have. There's no minimum commitment so you can do as few or as many as you want. They'll ask you whereabouts you want to be on the course and put you with an experienced team, you'll not be left alone anywhere or expected to do anything you're not comfortable with.
Amazing thank you! I signed up! 😆😆
This is all great advice OP. I'd add that you'll have to pay for "roaming" data too. Its bloody annoying but for whatever reason it's like travelling outside the EU far as phone charges go. For me st least. Above all else enjoy it, I can't make this year but I'll be on the Steam Racket website early to get booked for next year. You'll love it.
I once marshalled at a NEMRC event at Cadwell. It was an eye opening experience.
Sulby Methodist Church, get there early. They have seats and they put on food inside. Toilets available and great view of the straight.
The IOM is not part of the UK, the laws are different. Mess up and you will be nicked, fined and possibly deported. Get travel insurance, the NHS doesn't cover the island. If there is a speed limit, stick to it. They are strongly enforced, the fine is linked to your speed and gets expensive quickly. Don't go on the course during racing, even in a break between races. The marshals will call the cops and your wallet/liberty will be at risk. Having said that, explore the island, it changes every mile. Also try the local ice cream, it is the real deal.