Biking & Baking in Las Alpujarras

Well, the great fortnight is over and it's nearly time to go home.  The rains have arrived, the bikes are thinning out and the Island can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to life as normal.  But we have had a wonderful time, culminating in the senior 1000cc race (which we watched from the Mountain at Keppel Gate - no food van so very few spectators) which was won by my predicted favourite John McGuinness, and then a superb 600cc victory for Michael Dunlop down at Castletown on Saturday.  All in glorious sunshine.  What an event!  We have admired many bikes, from a beautifully-preserved Bridgestone to the latest Honda SP2 racer and met lots of friendly bikers.  We can see exactly why people come back year after year - it's addictive!  My recommendations for anyone travelling there in 2012 are:

* only do 1 week in a tent, that's plenty

* try out different viewing places especially the Gooseneck, Glen Helen and Ballaugh Bridge

* take midge repellent, a thermos and your thermals

* get to Peel and Port Erin on fine evenings

* best breakfast in Castletown near the square, a little caf with old photos on the wall

* don't get too excited on the Mountain one-way system...most deaths/accidents were down to madmen doing dangerous things

We have eaten too much junk food but avoided junk drinks; eaten yummy cakes in Gophers in Ramsey , ice cream everywhere and huge fish 'n chips at Narbyl; bought salads and choc cookies in the Co-op, and eaten top-end supper at The Velvet Lobster in Douglas.  Tonight is curry night.    

Thank you IoM for a wonderful experience!