Alright, got out for another go on the bike today. This was the fifth proper ride I’ve managed since getting over here this time. The weather looked okay-ish, bit grey, but dry enough, which is the main thing, isn’t it?
Prep and Start
So, I went through the usual motions. Gave the bike a quick look over. Checked the tyres, made sure the chain wasn’t looking too sorry for itself. Everything seemed alright. Getting the gear on always feels like a bit of a ritual. Zip up the jacket, pull on the gloves, get the helmet snug. Takes a few minutes, but you gotta do it.
Fired her up, let it warm up a tick while I finished sorting myself out. Sounded good. Then just eased it out onto the road. Took it steady getting out of Douglas, always a bit busy around town.
The Ride Itself
Once I got clear, I headed north. Decided to give the Mountain Road another try. You sort of have to, don’t you? It wasn’t too bad, actually. A few cars here and there, but managed to get past them okay. Found a decent rhythm going up towards the Verandah. Just focused on hitting the lines, keeping it smooth. It’s funny, sometimes you’re really flying, other times you just settle into a groove.
Saw a few other bikes out, gave the usual nod. Everyone seems to be doing their own thing, just enjoying the roads.
- Kept an eye out for sheep, obviously. Always gotta be aware.
- The wind was picking up a bit over the top.
- Views were decent, even with the cloud.
Dropped down into Ramsey, then decided to loop back south through some of the smaller roads. Less speed, more twists and turns. Honestly, sometimes I wonder why I put myself through the effort and expense of coming all this way. It’s not cheap, getting the ferry, accommodation, everything. Takes a chunk out of your time and money.
But then you have a moment. Maybe just a perfect corner, or a clear stretch of road where everything clicks. Or even just pulling over for a breather and looking out at the sea. And you think, yeah, okay. That’s why. It just gets under your skin, this place.
Wrapping Up
Cruised back towards the south. Traffic started to build up a bit as I got closer to Douglas again. Filtered through carefully. Pulled back to where I’m staying, parked the bike up. Switched off the engine. That silence after the engine stops is always pretty satisfying.
Unzipped the jacket, pulled off the helmet. Feel a bit tired now, arms ache a little. But yeah, good ride. That’s number five done and dusted. Another one in the bag. Need a cup of tea now.
