In June John and I went to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Motorbike Races. It's fantastic to see the TT races, the sidecar races, experience the excitement of Senior Race Day, and enjoy some hilarious stunts by The Purple Helmets.
We caught the plane to Liverpool and spent a pleasant afternoon strolling around the Cavern Walks
and Mathew Street before catching the flight to the island.
are held in June every year on the Isle of Man and will celebrate its centenary in 2007. This major event attracts thousands of riders and fans from around the globe. The focus is not only on the motorbike races, which take place over the 37 mile course of public roads, but also on the huge social festival with entertainment, bike enthusiasts' meets and a large programme of events.
My family live in Ramsey, so with the radio already tuned in Radio TT,
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| we climbed up to the Ramsey Hairpin, an excellent and very popular spot to watch the bikes. The commentary box relays all the high speed action from this famous part of the course. | |
The morning race was the Junior 600cc TT, which was won by John McGuinness from Lancashire.
The course follows the public roads through the towns and villages before reaching the hairpin bend at Ramsey. The bikes then race over the mountain, which is the fastest part of the course.
The average speed of the top riders is around 124 mph and they complete a lap in about 19 minutes.
Several races take place throughout the week including the sidecars, which add extra spice to these keenly fought and exciting races.
Lots of spectators gather at Parliament Square in Ramsey outside the town hall and library.
Not quite as fast as the solo riders, but still great to be close to the action especially when the passengers move across the sidecar with split second timing.
The main race day is Friday. First off is the Production 600cc followed by the Senior TT.
We went to our favourite spot at Ramsey Hairpin again.
French rider, Fabrice Miguet known as "Mig" riding the French Voxan bike.
Ryan Farquhar from Northern Ireland, who won the Production 600 earlier in the day.
John McGuinness, who had already won 3 races during the week retired with bike problems.
Last year's winner, Adrian Archibald also from Northern Ireland held on to win this year's Senior TT.
When the final race is over a variety of modern and vintage motorcycles participate in a lap of honour giving the spectators who line the course an opportunity to see their favourite riders past and present.
In addition to the actual races throughout TT Week the island takes on a street party atmosphere. Douglas, the capital comes alive with action, especially in the evenings. On the promenade the famous Bushy's Tent serves Manx beer to TT Fans and a large screen plays clips featuring on and off road events including the day's races and music concerts.
One evening we went to Onchan Stadium to see those funny and very talented motorcycle stunt riders, The Purple Helmets
Here they come on the Long Bike sporting their long brown coats and puddin' basin helmets.
Oh dear one of them has already fallen off their bike!
What's Cat Man up to now?
perhaps he's being chased by Rocket Man
and for the grand finale...which is bound to end in a pile up!
Also demonstrating his biking wizardry was Manx born World Champion Motorcycle Trial rider Steve Colley.
It was great to be at the TT races again. I thoroughly recommend it for
biking fans everywhere.
Check out the Isle of Man Official TT web site.
One of the TT legends, Joey Dunlop died road racing in 2000. I visited his memorial in Tallinn, Estonia.