The Island, Mad Sunday, ATGATT, pillion, panniers and soft luggage, green laning, ADV, the ferry, kit, chain lube, a good run, a bag of spanners, iron butt, the paddock. The Isle of Man in late May and early June, Elefantentreffen in February as the winter anchor, Wheels and Waves in June, the European grand prix rounds from Jerez in spring through Mugello and Assen in June to Misano in September, EICMA in Milan in November as the trade pilgrimage.

Riding weather across Northern Europe and the whole racing calendar in one block. November to February, with the notable exception of the winter rally culture, which is a defiantly cold-weather subculture and a real edition in its own right.

The Island is the extreme case. Ferry slots and accommodation for TT week are booked close to a year ahead and sell out, which makes the booking window itself the occasion.

Grand prix camping books three to six months out.