Long term update: Triumphant island return

What a dramatic place to sit and have a cuppa. Sat on the cliffs at Niarbyl Bay on the Isle of Man, I can see why it’s been used as the backdrop for films and telly shows. For a few days I’ve been exploring this beautiful island, which has some stunning scenery and quiet roads, on my Triumph Street Triple Rx.

The last time I was here was as a pillion on our Triumph T595 for the 1998 TT races. After what turned out to be an exceptionally wet, exceptionally drunken fortnight of camping with our best buddy I really didn’t feel the need to come back. I had a change of heart when I had the chance to ride over on my own Triumph.

I decided not to visit during the TT, but to take a leisurely few days in midsummer. I was one of just three bikes on the Steam Packet (www.steam-packet.com) ferry from Heysham and after a wobbly moment of riding the bike into a peculiar contraption to secure the front wheel, it was a smooth crossing.

I wanted to avoid the TT course as much as possible and spent three glorious days finding some great roads, many of which were bumpy and had the Triumph’s suspension bouncing. It also meant I was quite slow moving but as the Striple is comfortable to ride this didn’t bother me too much.  The plan had always been to take my time looking at the breathtaking scenery around the island.

One of my favourite roads leads through Sulby Glen, it’s spectacular and ends with a steep series of switchback bends leading to the top of Snaefell. While I was on the Island I couldn’t resist one little blast round the famous circuit. I didn’t bother timing my lap. If I had, I’d h ave needed a calendar, not a stopwatch!