Any advice on tyre choice for the IOM? I did my first Polaris last summer on 2.1 contis but was impressed by the speed of guys on much narrower tyres. Is 1.5 or 1.6 a bit risky for the IOM in April?

Pressure is as important as size (did I really just write that?) . Even on IoM, a good proportion of the route could be on-road where maximum pressure rolls along so much more easily.
I usually pick any narrowish cheapish tyre and pump it up as hard as it will stand - another reason for full suspension. Many people seem to use semi-slick on the back as its easier to keep traction with the extra weight
of a pack.

I did the IoM End to End last year on Conti 1.5" and had no problems, at least not with the equipment. Just the hills and my legs.

pick as fat a tyre as you can - useful as a lifebouy for when the ferry sinks

Some of the tracks are stony/rocky and you stand more chance of pinch flats than from thorns which are a rarity over here. My tyres of choice are IRC Mythos but with good pressure (50psi). Some tracks are rutted although I have tried to keep off the bad ones and aimed for quality of riding rather than making you push and shove your bikes
everywhere! Not much in the way of gloopy mud. Of course, anything could happen between now and Easter but I have been out planning the course and the trails are generally in very good condition at the moment. I will be releasing map
corrections in document form a couple of weeks before the event so that less time will be spent marking maps up on the Friday night. There are a couple of places where you will have to consult the master maps, though - particularly the plantations where the OS maps are missing a lot of detail.
Again, to be fair to visitors where unmarked trails are used, checkpoints will be on main trails rather than disappearing off down unmarked single track.
Only 5 weeks to go now.
I have compiled an information page on the MMBC site to help answer FAQ's. If there are logistics that need clarifying further, please post queries either here or on the MMBC forum (www.manxmtb.org) and I will do my best to answer them. I have checked up on the car parking arrangements at Liverpool and Steam Packet now have a P&D car park at the dockside. It is �5/24 hour period and they say it is security patrolled.

With only a couple of weeks to go to the IOM Easter Event, I can't believe how quiet the 'forum' is.

Anyway sticking to the point, I have just bought a pair of Panaracer Mach Semi Slicks and I am amazed at how much easier it is to pedal my bike! I have always stuck to the tyres that came with the bike (i.e. huge knobbly ones), but following this discussion thread, I thought would make the change. I just hope it continues to stay dry for the next couple of weeks as this should confirm that I have made the right choice.

Re the IOM event - Graham Hughes' notes about the Easter event are very helpful - informative, clear and to the point. He is also keen to have the checkpoints and access/out of bounds area info posted on the website in advance - this man talks sense.

Looking forward to the event, I don't quite understand what everyone's problem is with the IOM logistics - �36- for a return ferry, free camping and even free luggage transfer can't be bad.

See you in Douglas !

Thank you David - some encouragement at last!

The map corrections will appear on Saturday evening (5th April). I will post them on the MMBC site (www.manxmtb.org) and they will also be sent onto Polaris for posting on the official site.
Whilst I can't describe all the "corrections" textually I reckon about 80% will be possible to mark up in advance. At the moment, these are being "tested" by independent sources for accuracy and clarity.
The checkpoint grid refs themselves will be posted by the same route by the evening of Wednesday 16th April.
I have also updated the micro-timetable on the MMBC site as well to firm up a few of the details. This information will be replicated on the final instructions that are posted out.
We aim to meet at least the Friday ferries with a van to help with transporting gear to the camp site.
I, too am hoping that the dry weather continues. Recent rides, spent finalising the course, have been on bone-dry trails kicking up the dust!

forecast I have is for constant rain for the week before the event!!

Looks like it could be a classic Polaris.

Rain for 48 hours.

What eejit let the cat out of the bag. Yes semi slicks are faster and yes they offer as much grip if not more due to the larger contact patch. But did you have to tell everyone? Anyway, they're not as manly as full on nobblies and if I didn't know better I would think you fancy yourself as a.......ROADIE!
That aside, IOM, great mtb venue. I rode the E2E, it was fantastic. If Graham's got this one sorted even half as well it'll be fab. Pity it coincides with school hols...(sob).