[Chode]

May 28 to June 8

[Tainan]

I know a Scots Lad, who, while a good Lad is pretty much a drunken twit, whose singular claim to fame is that he has completed several laps on the Isle of Man TT.

Tough course indeed.

[goseminoles]

Cool video. I’ve done 130 on a bike over the Courtney Campbell from Clearwater to Tampa. My helmet lifted off my head.. that’s hauling ass..

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

I’ve watched the TT on television a couple times. Competing in that is a special breed of crazy.

That and working a couple AMA events at Sears Point have cured me of any desire to ride a motorcycle.

[MCF]

I use to do TT racing, Tavern to Tavern.

[MarkL]

TT racing is still wildly popular in Europe, though the major factory team riders are banned from it, simply because it’s too dangerous.

The Mountain course in the Isle of Mann is about 37 3/4 miles, with around 200 corners. The “race” is based on 3 timed laps where riders are sent out individually at set intervals, which is why you don’t see groups of riders racing against each other. The “track” isn’t wide enough for that in many places. There are curbs, fences, and stone walls that border the course.

I do have to say that my personal hero, the late Joey Dunlop (OBE, awarded for his charitable work) was probably the most successful TT rider ever (though I believe his record is being eclipsed by John McGiunness). Something really interesting to watch is a movie called “V-Four Victory” (it used to be on You Tube - it may still be there) where they strapped a camera on Joey’s bike, and he does a lap of the course. The movie features Joey’s commentary on the course, and in many cases I find myself wondering what language he’s speaking! Unfortunately he was killed in a TT race in Estonia, and there were 10s of thousands of mourners at his funeral in Northern Ireland, attended by Catholics and Protestants alike.

Mark

[eartrumpet]

Why do all the bikes wobble when the front wheel comes off the ground? I never noticed a dirt bike do that in their races.

[Venturer]

Is there any form of motor racing where no one has been killed.

You buys your ticket, you takes your chance’s.

Those who don’t wish to race can find a safe place to stand and watch.

Banning this race is like banning parachuting or bungy racing. You pick your special way to get your adrenalin rush and they pick theirs. Let it all hang out.

[Doogle]

been following it for over 25 years...*smiles*

[moehoward]

One of the HD channels runs that race and some of the Rally courses.

I think it’s HDTV.