After 61 years of visiting this wonderful unique annual event I am past comparing the present set up with the memories I have of the "Golden Days"....I still am as enthusiastic about the TT as ever I was but still find a few things on which I would like to comment. I would like your comments too. Please send any observations to ian at ttfan.co.uk (replacing "at" with "@" of course, I don't want a pile of spam)

So here are a few of my own observations.

There has been a knee-jerk reaction to last years horrific accident. Most people to whom I have chatted feel the restrictions which have been put in place for 2008 are over the top and after this year they restrictions must be re-examined and in the main relaxed somewhat. Up above is all the spectator could see of Ballacraine, normally a spot very popular with spectators. I enjoyed watching at Governors Bridge (both in and out sections) Braddan Bridge, Quarter Bridge,Top of Bray Hill, the Grandstand area, Ballacraine and especially a whole day out at the Crosby. However a number of my favourite watching areas are now Verboten.

Bushys has become "the" Meeting Place and it was good to see the fans come down to this part of the prom to drink and chat and listen to a variety of music and live bands. The "shows" put on to entertain the crowd were still good but some variety needed for 2009. Parking on the prom is a nightmare and I had to dump my car some distance away as did the majority of bikers and walk to Bushys. A good idea if your evening is spent consuming a lot of Bushys beer !

I did not get a full lap in this year, yet somehow I ran up 778 miles while on the Island, the equivalent of 20 laps. However when one is not a drinker every night one is lumbered with taking pals home to save the taxi fares (£40 to Ramsey). I don't mind being a sober taxi as long as my pals reciprocate in some way. As it happens they did so I was happy...

I ate well, buying food from a number of sources including the Homestay, the Hilton, Shoprite, Sulby Glen Hotel, Ellan Vannin in Ramsey, the food outlets behind the grandstand and the Liverpool Arms. All food was worth the expenditure at every level. I even had a 99 ice cream ! I enjoyed the odd Okells (a half of course) when the salty air triggered off my thirst.

I saw all the notices saying Links Fahren but saw nothing in French. Considering our losses this year seem to have come from that country, perhaps another language should be added to the cards appearing on the lampposts etc.

The family feeling on the Island this year was very evident and people chatted to each other at every chance. I did not hear many complaints, but there were some......mainly about the lack of vantage spots. On the TV when the cameras were in the helicopter we could see tight groups of people then massive gaps until another bunch. Glen Lough campsite looked only half full and vacancy boards were evident at some sites.

The TV coverage was good and I am still watching it here at home at different times each day.

A GREAT TT - SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

REPORTS - Acknowledgements to myself