I can’t be the only lorry driver here who also rides a motorbike, so…
For sheer skill and guts in the face of “one twitch and they’re scraping up your remains” risk, never mind MotoGP, nor the WRC (F1 doesn’t even qualify): it has to be the IoM TT (also the NW 200). Legends made their name there - Hailwood, Agostini, Joey Dunlop, McGuinness…
I went in 1985 for TT week, I slogged it up to the M6 in the rain in the dark, got the Steam Packet ferry from Heysham, choppy seas, 6" deep swill and pee and vomit sloshing over the deck, the instruction from the loudhailer not to start our engines until the front ramp was fully down drowned out by the noise of hundreds of bikes being kicked into action. Thousands of people from all over the world. The then new GSX-R750 doing wheelies on Douglas promenade. Mad Sunday (and it was mad). Sitting out the front of the pub at Creg ny baa, watching the sidecars at Quarterbridge, getting up very very early and walking to one or other vantage points.
If you’ve been, when did you go and what was it like?
If you haven’t been, all I can say is: you should.
One day (and I respect all those involved in keeping it going), the TT will be no more.
I had the chance to go in the 1980s but couldn’t get the time off work, I still watch the highlights of the race. These sorts of vids emind me what I missed.
I’m surprised safety hasn’t finished the event already. It’s exhilarating and scary, watching videos. I used to attend many motor sport events, as a spectator, flag or fire marshal. Being at the event, experiencing the sounds, smells, sights, apprehension and trepidation is definitely a buzz, but sitting at home watching channel 7’s coverage, can’t be beaten, for not missing a second. Australian channel 7 were world leaders in motor sport coverage, introducing in car cameras, in car comms with drivers during the race, helicopter and trackside cameras. Much of this technology has been adopted overseas and for F1.
You’re not but I would make one change to that statement. Change rides to rode. One year, 1962, one bike, 250 BSA, and then I migrated to lorries and cars, never to be re-instated.
Way too dangerous for me. I was the only one in our crowd who never fell off, 2 close mates had very serious accidents, near fatal, one less close to me was killed. He was an only child of older (40s) parents and I really felt for them, there would be no more.
Until moving to China a year or so ago my son rode a ‘cafe racer’ in Bangkok and I am glad I was not there to see him. If you don’t think that Bangkok is dangerous, his answer to my question ‘do you drive on the left or the right in Thailand’ was ‘err, I can’t remember’.
Its similar for cars I prefer road racing to circuit racing.Especially like the TT where it’s against the clock not for position or Le Mans the most distance covered in a set time.
Carrera Pan-Americana and Nevada Silver State Classic Challenge and Targa Tasmania are all the equal of the TT.
So am I. But the Manx economy depends to a large degree on TT fortnight and all the advertising that goes before it and afterwards. And what with the Manx parliament being somewhat independent…
Once upon a time Vale (Rossi) did a leg or two of the TT circuit and afterward (to paraphrase) said something like " 'uck that for a game of soldiers"
Like you and many others, I’ve been to many a 500GP (those who rode manic 2-strokes were the best of the best) and MotoGP and Superbike rounds and one of my favourites is PI (Phillip Island).
I mean no disrespect typing this, but none of it comes close to the IoM TT. It’s not a racing circuit, it’s all done on public roads lined with 6’ thick dry stone walls and odd cambers and bridges and weather that’s quite different on the mountain than anywhere else.
I don’t want to say very much except that over the years four blokes who I used to ride with and trusted aren’t on rides any more. It’s always a personal choice to go out on a ride.
Nearly as quick as me going round the Nurburgring in the Jaguar (only joking), the fast lads on the Ring terrified me, I’d all on to keep out of their way.
Edit.
Must pay more attention when spelling Nurburgring
As I understand it, the TT races are organised by the ACU, the UK M/C sport body.
The event used to be part of the International World Championships, but several years ago it was dropped by the FIM as being too dangerous.
All on two wheels, a 5-speed gearbox with a gaping crevasse between first and second, no ABS and no electronickery. You’re a better man than me Gunga Din.
Did about 7 TTs and MGP twice. When I was more into bikes, don’t own one anymore. First one blew my mind lol, you know they’re going fast seeing it on tv but to witness it is something else, every motorsport fan should visit once.
Take my hat off to every one of them who races it. Incredible talent, commitment and balls of steel!
I went in 2011 in a wheelchair (due to my lack of talent on a motorcycle).
Not sure I’d visit for TT fortnight again though, too busy for me now. Might try MGP next year, prefer that really cause its less manic than TT. And the sounds and smells of the classic stuff is ace. They’re still doing 120+mph laps.
Good times though. Oh and the weather
Got there one night p issing down rain and a choppy wind. Was fun setting up, just remember our mate Paul chasing his little tent down the field. Was there in 2012, first time ever Senior race had been cancelled. It did rain for pretty much the whole week When the weather is good though its mega. Some days didn’t even ride, just stuck a case of beers in backpacks and off we went. Nice place IOM.
