That's it! I know there are only three or four of us who know what I'm talking about. But I'm watching it on Sky+ on ITV4 and each year is more incredible than the last.
So far, the highlight is the slow motion HD clip of Dan Kneen through Conker Trees at 145 mph cranked over within inches of the kerb, the front wheel 2 feet in the air and on opposite lock.
I was there in the 60s to see Hailwood and Agostini but every single year the TT outdoes itself.
JM remains the man to beat and edges ever closer to Joey Dunlops record
The TT is unique and TT week (fortnight if you're flush enough to be there for practise) is everything a biker could wish for. It is simply the Mecca for bikers You have to be there to appreciate just how fast these guys are going. They're mad.. from the slowest at the back to the bloke at the front!
Some years ago when I went (81.. the year of the 'Black' protest by Honda), we were at Kirkmichael one day and the riders were hitting what looked like a fair sized hump in the road which caused the front end to claw the air. We tried it after the race had finished. I hit the same spot at 90 on my GS1000 and the bike just rose on the suspension. One can only imagine how fast they were going to takeoff!
There's no mistakin' it.. the IoM during TT week is heaven on earth. Loud music, beer and bikes
He fell in the superbike (nothing but a dented pride and detached forks thankfully) putting the whole villages hearts in their mouths for a few seconds! Got late teens/low 20's finishes in the Superstock/Supersports and we've all got out fingers crossed for the Senior.
John McGuinness won the Superbike race on Saturday. It involved 6 laps of the 38 mile circuit, consisting entirely of public roads which are only closed for the duration of each race or practice session. It took him 1hr 45min including two pit stops. His AVERAGE speed for the whole race was 128mph.
The TV coverage included an interview with his close friend Mark Webber who was there to cheer him on. Mark said they mess around on bikes together in Spain. He also said that despite his total trust in John he has always declined John's invitation for a pillion ride round the Island! McGuinness stopped on his way to the winner's enclosure for a cuddle from Mark! Jacke Stewart was also on the Island.
Dan Kneen crashed at Governor's Bridge and is hospitalised with back injuries. One of the most spectacular crashes in recent years was Conor Cummins in 2010 on the mountain. He survived with some broken bones and is racing at the top level this year. I doubt that the sheep ever recovered, though
EDIT: I see today's races have been postponed until tomorrow due to the weather. Looks like Rob and the village will have a nervous wait to see how Dan gets on in the senior race
My parents were regular visitors in the late 30s. Manx, Norton, Isle of Man, were all very familiar words when I was growing up.(mid-late 40s)
My older brother Malcolm was named after one of their favourite riders.
Watched one of the youtube videos "evening practice" I think. Could not understand why the three marshalls in dayglo were standing next to the tree on the outside of a suddenly dipping left bend. I would not have felt safe there!
I suffer from paranoid amnesia. I can't remember who I don't trust.
