We've all seen the photos and TV footage of the Isle Of Man TT, and some of us have been there. This year, my mate from Yorkshire was racing at the MANX GP again after many years, and seeing as I leave my bike at his place, and love the IoM, thought I should come along. I took a few pix. Anyone interested in the story?
Hell yes! I've been several times and it is simply the best. Great racing. Modern and vintage bikes. None of the TT crowds, and the same great hospitality and venue that makes the Island a unique and wonderful place for moto-heads. The following pics are from my 2011 visit to the Manx in which I had the honor of helping Joel Williams (rider) and Dave Hardman (bike owner) in their 350 BSA Gold Star campaign in the Junior Classic. It was Joel's first run on the Island. Here he is at the Gooseneck: And at Ballagh Bridge: That's a real Goldie by the way - not a replica. Joel finished the Manx in 18th, I believe, 2d pushrod bike. It was horrid conditions - blowin', raining, foggy, . . . . The experienced guys were hoping they'd call the race. Joel just kept his head down and his laps never varied by more than 20 seconds . . . over the 37.4 mile course! A heroic ride in my opinion. Scrutineering race day: I also had the honor of supporting Dave Roper in 2004, but that is another story . . . . Cheers, Dave
Yep, that's the Manx, it's all about getting involved, and people helping each other out. Kind of like the old days....... So. It's a long trip from Victoria, Australia....24hr by plane, 3hrs train, 2hrs bus, to the very beautiful Whitby, Yorkshire. Of course there's no one home. There're already on the Island for practice, but that's ok, have key to pick up ' Lucy'.
And head for a lap of Scotland. Why? Why not? Bear with me, there's a perfectly good reason! Landed in Edinburgh in the middle of the Fringe Festival....oh yeah!
My dad and I made it to TT practice week this year and loved the atmosphere but the Pre-TT races at the Southern 100 Course were the best. Cabbie said that's the way the Manx is too; everyone is just so laid back.
:eek1:eek1:eek1 Bloody hell Bootlace, you have an eye for pure quality. That brazing is a work of art.
There was a perfectly good reason to do a lap of Scotland while my mates were already on the Island....
Edit: looks cold and wet there....[/QUOTE] You're a sook Rockdoc. Yep, it rains a bit in Scotland, and the Midges are 'interesting'....but well worth it. So this is why I delayed going to the Island. Wanted to watch these guys, at one of my favourite tracks.... Shakey Byrne, and the 'Stalker'.. Haga, wondering if this is really a good idea...(Turns out no. Had his arm in a sling by the end of the day.) And of course Brooksey, the entertainer!
There's nowhere quite like Cadwell Park. I'd been once before for a national Historic meet, but just HAD to see Superbikes going round here. Glad I made the effort :eek1 I have some flaggy mates I met at Imola a few years back, and they flag BSB, and happened to be working on the 'Mountain' this weekend, so got a perfect view....
When I saw Shakey jumping the Ducati on the Mountain, I knew right then that BSB was superior to AMA Superbikes.
