Thursday, July 31, 2014

The White Bridge, Ramsey, Isle of Man

    Can you tell why it's called the White Bridge?


Since my last posting of the White Bridge, it isn't looking so white. In good need of a coat or two of paint. Currently a rusty tinged white bridge. Head over the bridge and it takes you across the Sulby river and ito the Poyll Dooey Nature Reserve. The hill in the background is called Sky Hill. The bridge is a single file only walkway. though I have seen motorbikes and cycles attempt it. The nature reserve is a hidden gem in Ramsey, just a stop out of the main part of the town itself. 



This post is part of skywatch, and other entries this week around the world can be seen here

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cycling, Manx 100, Isle of Man


                       100 km or 100 miles


The Manx 100 is a testing mountain bike event. Competitors enter either the 100 miles or 100 km of endurance cycling. Over road, mountains, bike trails. It is not for the faint hearted or Sunday cyclist.  This event is aimed at experienced endurance mountain bikers, both local and oversees cyclists taking part. The road signage is minimal, the course is bleak in parts, exposed to the elements, and over rough terrain in other areas. This is the island that has produced world class cyclists, such as Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh.  Mark Cavendish has often said, that the Isle of Man is where he learned to ride, and ride to world class standard, as they are the toughest courses in the world.

The rest of the Manx 100 photos, can be seen on my facebook page  here 


 Other abc's around the world can be seen here

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Mooragh Park, Ramsey, Isle of Man, Sunset

                    After rugby, before karaoke
 

During the winter months I can be found most Saturdays photographing Ramsey Rugby home games. This is a winter view, after the game, taken from Mooragh Park, looking towards Skyhill, on the way home. 



More skies around the world can be seen here, as part of Skywatch.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

SureStrike Bowling Centre

                                Bowling anyone?


The building in front of the apartment block is the Surestrike Bowling Alley, though a lot of people will remember the building once being the old swimming baths, which have since relocated to a new building and part of Ramsey. Not just a bowling centre, a great large separate dining area too, serving great food, great coffee, and even a bar for those wanting something stronger. The bowling alley can be hired for private bowling functions, for those wishing to have the place to themselves for celebrations.  This is my Thursday place for coffee and catch up with friends.  They also do themed nights too, for something a little different. A family friendly venue, which is ideal for all those kids on holiday atm and adults alike. With the summer weather being hotter than usual you can even sit outside with your brew after your game and watch the tide roll in and out, and head indoors when the inevitable rain appears.



Tuesday, July 22, 2014

North Barrule, the beach view

                       What is the Barrule? 


North Barrule is the mountain you can see in the distance, over looking Ramsey. This is the view from the beach. Here you can check out the view from Albert Tower, on higher ground. North Barrule stands at 1842ft, making it the second highest peak on the Isle of Man. Worth a trek up there, on a clear day, as you can view, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It's also the site of the worst aviation acident to happen on island with loss of life to all 31 people on board a Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" in 1945. 



For other abc's around the world click here

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Stanley Pub, Sunset

                      After a few Jack Daniels
 

Just your average multi coloured sky here on the Isle of Man. Taken outside one the local pubs, The Stanley, down by the harbour at low tide.



For other skywatch skies around the world click here

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Ramsey Rocks, 2014. Beer, bands, and bull riding

                                   
                             Pink Elephants on Parade

 
Ramsey Rocks, is the annual event that takes place during Ramsey National Week, Isle of Man. The harbour quayside road is closed to traffic, allowing people to wander freely to watch the temporary stage set up for the bands, and participate in everything from bull riding (not a real bull) to segway, bouncy castles to sumo suit wrestling. All the pubs are open, so, the adults can still have grown up drink while the kids head for the sweet stand, have too much then throw up on the bouncy pink elephant. A lot of the adults tend to see a few more pink elephants as the night draws to a close and the beer kicks in.  An event for all the family, topped off with sunshine and fireworks to close proceedings.

The full album of the event  can be seen by clicking here

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