Goggles & Gauntlets Isle of Man June 2022

Photos curtesy of Calum Fraser & Ian Parkinson  

Touring Group’s annual flagship event finally made it to the magical Island. Thursday 16th June saw the majority of entrants descend on Liverpool for an overnight stay. The Crowne Plaza Hotel allowed the MOGS to be parked along the front entrance to the hotel and very impressive it was too.

Friday morning and after a leisurely breakfast the MOGS were assembled in the ferry terminal on Liverpool seafront eagerly awaiting our sailing which was delayed for an hour. Allan and Helen Lane were the first to board, this must be noted as they are usually last everywhere ! Safely onboard, the crossing was uneventful as we arrived in Douglas to light rain, aahh the usual IOM weather. The weather did not dampen anyone’s spirits as we travelled the 45 minute drive to our hotel in Ramsey. A jacknifed car/caravan caused a detour for some.

The Ramsey Park Hotel is in a super location on the seafront and ideally placed for the TT course. After settling in to our rooms the bartender was kept rather busy. An excellent dinner was enjoyed by all and briefings were given about the plans for the next few days.

Saturday morning and much excitement as after breakfast we were off in our distinct groups, Red, Blue, Orange, Green and Pink ! to the TT Grandstand for a mass photo shoot.

The group system of around 8 MOGS in each group with a leader worked well and avoided bunching on the roads. The Vintage MOGS entered had their own group led by Les and Trish Wilson who live in Peel on the Island, they joined us for the whole holiday enjoying an Island break. We all arrived at the TT paddock and were herded into our respective parking slots by Chief Parky who had added a whistle to his command tools. Seeing a line of MOGS parked in a well defined sequence makes for far better pictures and looks so professional. We were given the run of the paddock to take some impressive pictures and Ric Hardy sent up the drone for an awesome aerial video.

A loud whistle announced it was time to set off on a TT lap with a coffee stop at Tynwald Mills shopping centre, an extremely slow service at one of the onsite cafes was resolved by moving over to the bigger of the two where service was much better. One of the vintage MOGS was suffering from numerous breakdown problems, some of the others went to assist. The run continued and we arrived at the famous Creg Ny Baa pub on the TT course for lunch which was very good. By now we had Dao and Clarissa added to the group, more of which later.

Most of the group then continued on to Laxey to visit the Laxey Wheel and Mines Railway which is very interesting. A short run back to the hotel and a beer or two helped us to relax.

Dinner was another great evening to round off a perfect day.

09 Laxey 8414

04 Jurby Motor Museum 8159

Wednesday morning and after breakfast we had a special day, there are no early morning Electric Trains from Ramsey to Laxey, so we hired our own train. It took us on a lovely journey to Laxey where we caught the Snaefell Railway to the top of the mountain, a stunning view in bright sunlight.

The rest of the day was free, some went into Douglas or elsewhere all making the most of the last day.

Gala Dinner night and we were joined by Dao of Dao Racing. A great meal and we had the Awards and inevitable raffle with many prizes. A great evening as ever. Maria and I would like to thank you for your generosity in supporting the awards/raffle. This group DOES NOT seek to make money from attendees, merely cover costs. Any surplus money is channelled back into benefits for you.

Thursday morning and after checking out of the hotel many did last visits to favourite places or to do some shopping before catching the ferry back to the mainland.

A lot of us stayed over again in Liverpool before the trek home on Friday morning.

This was another very successful G&G, probably the best so far

FANTASTIC latest news Dao and Clarissa joined Touring Group AND bought a five speeder from Krazy Horse. It will be painted in DAO Racing livery.

Thank You all for your company,

Ian and Maria Parkinson, Morgan Three-Wheeler Touring Group

[email protected]              https://www.facebook.com/groups/332290564694186

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