We begin the journey to the Island at 02.15am, an unsociable hour but exciting as its always great to get back to our favourite place! With Matty and Lisa on board the same ferry, we all arrived at the same time which was great for setting up camp. Ben brought the awning down the next day, which Wayne was really pleased about….. Ha Ha! The camp was set and the only job to do on the bike was to fuel up and check everything. Sunday was the church service and memorial laps which has always been something that Wayne has liked to be a part of for many years, so when the vicar rang Ben and asked if he might get a lift to church with Wayne, how could he refuse! At 2.30pm, the vicar, John Coldwell was suited and booted ready to go! Ben and Matty were on pole position for the solo section on the Benelli, it really was a scene from a very popular comedy film!! Wayne and John led the way and with the vicar holding tight they completed the 2 laps at the church ready for the service. A lovely service to remember all the fallen riders, families, friends and give blessings to all who continue to enjoy 2 and 3 wheels.

It was with a very firm hand shake that the vicar passed on his appreciation to Wayne for the ‘experience of his life’ and ' im sure he will forever be a three wheeling fan!!

Monday was first practice day for solos and sidecars, we are the last session usually so are always holding out for good weather during the earlier sessions. However, the sky had different ideas and decided to drop the wet stuff around the circuit, which caused a few issues for the solos and meant there was various incidents putting a delay on all the practice laps. To any of the solos involved in the incidents/red flag situations, we wish you well. Sidecars were in the holding area ready to go but the light was fading fast and they wernt going to be able to get our session out in time so the team brought the outfit back to the awning and waited for the next day.

Tuesdays weather was much better, a lovely day with all competitors enjoying the Manx sunshine at various places around the Island, all looking forward to tonights session. The newcomer sidecar teams went out for their laps and all was looking good for the rest of the grid to be out at 7.45pm for the revised schedule, meaning we could have 2 practice/timed qualifying sessions in one night.

Scruteneering completed, all ready in the holding area and they were let out… heading down to the holding lane to join the circuit when a huge crash happened on the start/finish line and it was chaos. Marshals running around everywhere, people upset and then a marshal ran past shouting ‘Red Flag!’

The sidecars were turned back to the holding bay as we waited for news. It was a very upsetting and tense time for many people, especially those on scene and witnesses. The news came to us that we would not be out as there was a heavy police and ambulance presence, sadly there were 2 fatalities. Our thoughts, strength and love go out to all involved. R.I.P

Wednesday was going to be race day but the road was still closed for ongoing investigations and a meeting with the Southern 100 Club and the riders/passengers saw the unfortunate but necessary decision to cancel the rest of the meeting. A very difficult and distressing decision for George, and his team, but we all understood.

Its a sport that brings us immense highs and for some, terrifying lows, but we love our sport….. 2 wheels or 3….. everyone knows the risks and sometimes, accidents do happen that no one can forsee. These heros of the roads would not want the sport they loved to be marred by their deaths, but for others to carry on and ride for them, watch for them and keep the road races alive with the noise they lived for.

I end this report with a big thank you to the Southern 100 club for all its hard work and dedication from its members. We will be back to support you.