One fine day some months ago when I decided it was high time I took a trip

to the TT. I started planning pretty much the same way I always do. I have

after all, been a planning my own motorcycle trips for quite some time now

and I find the planning to be as much fun as the trip itself. I’ve read

descriptions of fully guided motorcycle tours complete with 5 star hotels

and a chase van to carry your luggage. But, to put it mildly that’s not my

cup of tea. I’m a fairly independent person (I find the term "independent

motorcyclist" to be redundant by the way) and I’m not interested in being

led from place to place. I pretty quickly realized thou that planning this

trip was going to be a daunting task. But luckily for me during my search

for all things IOM I discovered Bike Tours UK.

In Bill Roughton’s small company I found no evidence of the "you don’t need

to think we’ve taken care of everything for you" culture that I knew I

wanted no part of. Instead what I found was answers to my absurd number of

questions and solutions for my mostly imaginary problems. Bill sused out

what I needed and provided it with no overkill or added barriers. I know

without a doubt that he saved me money, time, and headaches. More than that

I always felt that this was my trip and not that I was guest number 27. But

most of all the friendships I’ve made with my traveling mates (Bill, Shaun,

Jonesy, George, Elaine, Shrek, Charley, The 3 Daves) are life long and

priceless.

However I do have a few cautionary tips. If your attitude is: slow down

and wait for me. I don’t want to ride in the rain. I don’t want to ride in

the cold. I can’t ride down a dirt road. I don’t sleep in a tent. Only

ensuite rooms for me.  If it ain’t a Harley it ain’t a motorcycle. Why

don’t they have our kind of food? I want cable TV and a remote. I’m on

Holiday I should be treated like royalty. Oh they don’t do it here like they

do it at home do they? Then Please, Please, Please. Just STAY at home.

Thank you for everything Bill. It was beyond all my expectations and I have

my eye on the Alps for next year.

John Binns, PRI

Florida.