Isle of Man TT motorcycle races

Newportnobby · June 01, 2012, 10:33:57 AM

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.

Greybeema · June 01, 2012, 10:55:20 AM

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?

Lawrence · June 01, 2012, 11:50:16 AM

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

upnick · June 01, 2012, 12:16:17 PM

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

Isle of Man TT 2011 Race Highlights

Bikeracer · June 01, 2012, 01:08:11 PM

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

Malc · June 01, 2012, 02:59:19 PM

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

Newportnobby · June 01, 2012, 03:13:56 PM

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.

Malc · June 01, 2012, 03:32:33 PM

A gnat's whisker is even smaller than a gnat's bol...., isn't it?

GrahamB · June 01, 2012, 03:49:17 PM

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!

MinZaPint · June 01, 2012, 05:39:35 PM

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.

Newportnobby · June 01, 2012, 06:11:50 PM

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

It's a magical place

thos · June 01, 2012, 07:54:04 PM

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.

Donkey · June 01, 2012, 09:57:19 PM

Really looking forward to it

. ITV4 give good coverage too. IMHO the most exciting racing of the year

Marty

trainsdownunder · June 02, 2012, 02:53:28 PM

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.

Finally packed in when I worked out that Tarmac hurts !

Kipper · 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!