One of the greatest motorsport spectacles takes place on the Isle of Man next week.
Seeing man and machine threading their way on 37.75 miles of public roads at speeds of up to 200 mph is just breathtaking. Coverage is on ITV4 in the evenings.
Warning - riders, both professional and amateur die on this TT course. They know the risks and love to race round the circuit. It is upsetting, but it is their passion.
I echo Newportnobbys sentiment. This track is not undertaken lightly, it is fearsome and will claim all but the best. It is Motorcycle racings toughest test - some great riders come from the TT; Joey Dunlop & McGuiness, Agostini. Some great riders found it to daunting. If you get a chane to watch it (even on TV) then you should for a great view of great skill and great daring...
We have Motorsport coming to Dublin on Sunday in the shape of Bavaria City Racing. Bit of F1 McLaren & Caterham, F3000, BTCC, GT3... Should be a great event BUT it is promising to tip with rain...
SO Newport you going?
Many years ago an acquaintance of mine rode his home made racing spec Yamaha 400 (it was loosely based on it anyway) that he used for his daily commute, from Lyneham to the IoM, took part in one of the trials and rode it back again.
The last time I saw him he had a huge photograph, of him grinding the pegs on a tight corner, on his living room wall.
Mad as a box of frogs
Everyone who rides the TT is as mad as a box of frogs Lawrence but i'm glad they do theres nothing like it on the racing calander every year, a colleague of mine rode on a sidecar & she only went as a spectator if she hadnt volunteered the guy couldnt race as his mate had been injured.
A taster for fans of the racing ;D
Isle of Man TT 2011 Race Highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hhFiIsl338#ws)
Thanks for that,the Purple helmets have done some of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV,now you've reminded me I think I'll google for more clips of their antics.
Allan
Thanks for the video. I've been round most of the course, whilst visiting friends, all be it at a slightly slower speed on 4 wheels. I was impressed with the electric bikes, how fast would you say they were going?
Malc
There is a special award for the first electric bike to do the 100mph lap if I remember correctly and last year I think it was missed by a gnat's bol whisker.
A gnat's whisker is even smaller than a gnat's bol...., isn't it?
Everyone near me knows I'll be in a bad mood for the next eight days. The reason? The TT is on and I'm not there (again).
I first went there in 1978 and it's heaven to me. Motorcycles, no speed limits (Although there are some now), brilliant roads, good food, good beer and wonderful railways!
When living in Cheam Surrey back in my teens I used to buy bikes from Arthur Wheeler the "Rider Dealer" from Epsom whose best finish in the TT was in 1962, 4th behind the works Hondas riding a prewar 250cc Moto Guzzi in a Ken Spayson frame. He was a jovial jockey sized man who when trying to sell you a rattly old nail would pronounce "Nowt wrong with that lad, that's racing clearance!" Been a fan of the TT for years and will be watching. (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-transport031.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
I was there in the early 70's watching Peter Williams and Dave "Crasher" Croxford sweeping all before them on the red, white and blue John Player Nortons. Sadly my photo album is full of deceased riders (not necessarily at the TT), but I have many happy memories which include Castletown Bitter, Sunday lunchtime massive joke sessions at the Cregg-ny-bar pub, Mike Hailwoods comeback on the Ducati, Mick Grant, Charlie Williams, Tony Rutter, Castletown Bitter, sidecar passengers scraping their crash hats on the walls at Glen Helen, the Mountain Railway, Castletown Bitter (hic), Joey Dunlop, my girlfriend standing on the groundsheet of our tent in stilettos and putting holes in it ( >:() and so on and so on :sleep:
It's a magical place :thumbsup:
My dad entered in 1939. Not the best choice of year because something or other came up. He was in the TA at the time.
By the time he could have another crack he had hit a dog and given up the bike. He was also married with a daughter so my mum wouldn't have let him.
Both of them were adamant that I would never be let near a bike.
Really looking forward to it :). ITV4 give good coverage too. IMHO the most exciting racing of the year :thumbsup:
Marty
QuoteI was there in the early 70's watching Peter Williams and Dave "Crasher" Croxford sweeping all before them on the red, white and blue John Player Nortons. Sadly my photo album is full of deceased riders (not necessarily at the TT), but I have many happy memories which..........
Spent many a happy year at the TT and the Manx
Grew up in the same era and had some happy years racing myself from production 250s and race built 350 & 352 TZ Yamahas. Highlight was being allowed to ride one of the Ex- works RG500 suzukis (Ex - Steve Parish), What a bike........ 0 to S*!@ yourself in about 2 secs. :P
Finally packed in when I worked out that Tarmac hurts ! :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Back in the 70s, my mate was going, but broke his ankle the week before. No problem, he says, and promptly converted his bike to hand gear change (much welding and metal bending). Rode it all the way from Woking in Surrey to IoM and back again. Said it was the best trip he ever made. Still not sure if he meant the bast journey, or the best falling and breaking his ankle!
Quote from: Kipper on June 02, 2012, 04:18:07 PM
Back in the 70s, my mate was going, but broke his ankle the week before. No problem, he says, and promptly converted his bike to hand gear change (much welding and metal bending). Rode it all the way from Woking in Surrey to IoM and back again. Said it was the best trip he ever made. Still not sure if he meant the bast journey, or the best falling and breaking his ankle!
I once saw someone riding up the M6 with a plastered leg! Wonder if it was him?
Then there was the number of bikes that displayed "Tax applied for". They were all beaten by one bike one year that rode around all week with "Reg No applied for" where the numberplate should be.
Hey greybeemer,the thing is though,the Isle of Man circuit has claimed the best.After Joey Dunlop was killed at a race in Estonia,David Jefferies stepped up and took over his mantal.David Jefferies was a British Superbike rider at the time and was a front runner to boot.He also raced in world championship events as well.His life was claimed during open practise a few years ago,I believe it was 2002,2003 or 2004 if memory serves me right.Every year thus event is slammed for its lack of safety and whatnot,the true thing is,its a challenge to rider and team behind the rider. Another road event that doesn't get anything like the amount of publicity is the Northwest 200 in Ireland.
Last year,this event almost claimrd the life of Stuart Easton.Anyone ever heard of him?
His brother in law is a man called Paul Bird.He runs a team in BSB,using Kawasaki ZX10R's which Stuart Easton currently is starting to come on strong.
No one likes to hear or read about people being killed or injured participating in sport,but in our very insular world of health and safety,it is a breath of fresh air that we still have events like these to go to or not as the case may be.
I have been to the TT only once,on my bike.What a week,was knackered when I got home,but it was ace.
Nothing in the world like it.I did find out something about myself though.
I hate camping!
Its sleeping rough for people on wages.
Pete
:Class37: :NGaugersRule:
When I was refering to the TT course claiming victims - I wasn't necessarily refering to fatalities rather if you make a mistake - you're out of the race... None of us want to see fatalities in any sport...
To change the subject just slightly. In Dublin this weekend it is the Bavaria City racing event. Its really a motorsport demo kind of thing rather than a race - everthing from Jensen Button in the McLaren through F3000, Brititsh Touring Cars, GT3 to bikes and bike stunt demonstrations. Bought tickets a year ago in the final demo area grandstand (not cheap) - whole family is going and we were really looking forwards to it.... Only thing is it is absolutely p*&&*%g down with rail. 65mm this morning..... Not happy bunny.... Waterproof trousers and coats in June ???
Guys,
Stuck a little vid on youtube of the Dublin event. Unfortunately I forgot to set it to work on mobile devices so you'll have to watch it on your laptops...
Bavaria City Racing Dublin 4th June 2012 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcyLheMy1_w#ws)
Hope you enjoy it...
Ive just got back from the TT last night
Apart from the weather being up and down its been a great 2 weeks away 8)
Quote from: porkie on June 11, 2012, 06:58:28 PM
Ive just got back from the TT last night
Apart from the weather being up and down its been a great 2 weeks away 8)
Lucky
bu person.
Damned shame about the Senior race - think that's the first time ever there hasn't been one ???
Watched it all on ITV4 but wish Craig Doyle would just drop off >:(
Time was we went to the post TT meeting at Mallory straight after