77 Days…
That’s right, eleven weeks till I hop on a big winged tubed thing and fly to my homeland of England. You’re probably asking what’s special about 77 days. What possible event, thing or occurrence.
In 77 days it’ll be time for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy! Or more commonly known as the IOM-TT.
The IOM-TT is probably one of the oldest and most spectacular races in all of motorcycle lore. It holds a special place because it is, without doubt, an insane race unlike any other. I say any other – but that is like comparing a fine brew of ale – the nutty foamy brown nectar of a traditional pint (an ordinary motorcycle race) to another nutty brown foamy brew chased with a a quart of battery acid with diced pit-bull all topped with a twist of lemon.
I N S A N E.
You may think Laguna Seca is insane – nope. Cadwell Park with its famous rise were the bikes get air – nope. They’re veritable pipe and slippers compared to the IOM-TT.
The difference – at the IOM-TT – they’re racing at 200mph through the town streets, villages and mountain of the little island that is roughly half-way between mainland UK and Ireland.
The mecca of road racing. Superlatives start to run out and become boring so here’s some facts.
The race itself started in 1907 – and thus last year, the 2007 race, was the centennial. The track is about 38miles long and the racers blast it round in a time trial type format in a staggered start. This doesn’t keep them apart and the quick guys are soon catching the slower riders.
The racers last year did six laps, forcing them to pit twice for fuel, new tyres and usually a clean visor. They’re touching speeds of over 200mph through village streets and the skill and control are supreme. An inch out of place and a foot peg is going to drag and unlike MotoGP or World Superbikes, there’s no run-off area here – it’s hedge/drystone wall. It’s not unknown for there to be fatalities.
The big litre bikers are there in the superbike and senior classes and the competitors become household names whispered in awe by mere mortals such as I -John McGuiness, Bruce Ansty, Adrian Archibald - road racing gods. John McGuiness last year blasted around the island at an average, that’s average over the whole lap, of 130mph!
The great thing about this is that when I arrive in the UK I pick up a motorbike and am going to be riding to the IOM (apart from the sea bit – use a ferry for that) with my brother and a group of his friends. I have no doubt it’s going to be a riot, although I’m not looking forward to the big brother surveillance society that is the UK and their strict application of speed limits!
The other great thing is that we’re riding for charity – Leukemia Research. A good cause and one that my brother has secured over £2000 in pledges so far!
So Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman did the Long Way Round and Long Way Down – guess I’m doing the Long Way Up!
* picture source: Isle of Man Guide, TrevTheRev, Richard Dawson Photography
I’ve been told I may not make any snide remarks (bah humbug) Very nice story, I envy you immensley (sp) and I think it’s great too that you’re doing it for a good cause namely Leukemia research. I would trade my boyfriend in to go on that trip
so have a great time, get us a signature from Johnny boy and don’t be seen riding a Suzuki….oh, and you suck big time, minger!!! Muahahahahaha
Hold on - how did your comment get passed my approval setting? I’ll have to check the settings again.
Unfortunately I will be seen riding a Suzuki - I is getting a Bandit when I arrive there!
twisty tale well writ! enjoy yourself — you won’t be wanting to come back ….
A month now passed since this article. For sure we need an update
Yes, I agree, an update is long overdue. Enough phone calls and emails have gone back ‘n’ forth during the last 9 weeks.
Andy will have to contribute to the min 5000 word article to be written on our return, maybe he is saving himself for that????