Isle Of Man TT article

[numbersixteen16]

Thought this was worth a read:

http://mammothintel.com/articles/Isle-of-Man-TT.html

Had some interesting stats and put me off ever wanting to ride there.

[nodrog]

3 facebook users die every minute, log off and race motorcycles, its safer.

[Katman]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

[merv]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

Yes, imagine if you tried to set up an "around Lake Taupo" mad Sunday the objections would come in thick and fast.

[MIXONE]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

Very similar to the Rimutakas on a summer Sunday.

[merv]

Very similar to the Rimutakas on a summer Sunday.


The powers that be tamed that with yellow paint a while back.

[sil3nt]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.I don't see any issue with it.

[george formby]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

Every Sunday in the UK is mad.

On some of the most popular tracks, no, er, roads the cops use Porsche's & helicopters.

Would not be my cup of tea to ride with a few hundred wannabes, sightseers, zit farms & Bavarian tourists on the course. Oh no.

One of the racers in Closer to the Edge said Mad Sunday scared the shit out of him.. John Mc I thunk.

[Katman]

I don't see any issue with it.

Could you imagine the organisers of the Boxing Day races having a Mad Christmas Day free-for-all?

The government would have a field day.

I'm surprised no-one in power with a gripe against bikes over there has used it to their advantage yet.

[sil3nt]

Could you imagine the organisers of the Boxing Day races having a Mad Christmas Day free-for-all?

The government would have a field day.

I'm surprised no-one in power with a gripe against bikes over there has used it to their advantage yet.No one is forced to take part in it. It's like the cliff hanger event with traffic really. If people want to kill themselves that is fine with me. Everyone knows the dangers of Mad Sunday so I say go for it. Same for the IOM TT races.

[numbersixteen16]

All it takes is some great figure to die, and people may realise how stupid it really is. Ayrton Senna for example in Formula one - after his death the rules around safety changed and nobody has died since.

[Katman]

All it takes is some great figure to die, and people may realise how stupid it really is.

Plenty of great figures have died.

[Road kill]

Climbing Mt Everest it stupid ?
Rowing single handed across the Tasman is stupid ?
Crossing the Arctic on foot an dog sled is stupid ?
The IOM TT is stupid ????????:shit:
Like hell they are,these people have the sort of Kaha that is in bloody short supply today.
More power to them.

[SMOKEU]

And there I was thinking that being on the track at Ruapuna with a bunch of n00bs was dangerous.

[Kickaha]

Thought this was worth a read:
Had some interesting stats and put me off ever wanting to ride there.

Best you don't bother with Mt Everest either as it is more Dangerous
http://www.visordown.com/features/mount-everest-vs-the-isle-of-man-tt/18839.html

[Boob Johnson]

Climbing Mt Everest it stupid ?
Rowing single handed across the Tasman is stupid ?
Crossing the Arctic on foot an dog sled is stupid ?
The IOM TT is stupid ????????:shit:
Like hell they are,these people have the sort of Kaha that is in bloody short supply today.
More power to them.
Beat me to it :niceone:

[Katman]

Beat me to it :niceone:

Keep up gentlemen.

Hats off to those who compete there but we're talking about determined and untalented unguided missiles rampaging through the countryside.

[Boob Johnson]

Keep up gentlemen.

Hats off to those who compete there but we're talking about determined and untalented unguided missiles rampaging through the countryside.
You're selling it well Steve, where do I sign up! :bleh:

[BigAl]

No one is forced to take part in it. It's like the cliff hanger event with traffic really. If people want to kill themselves that is fine with me. Everyone knows the dangers of Mad Sunday so I say go for it. Same for the IOM TT races.

+1 and at least they are all going in the same direction which can't be said for some of our popular weekend biking road circuits.

[Woodman]

Crazy cool.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Climbing Mt Everest it stupid ?
Rowing single handed across the Tasman is stupid ?
Crossing the Arctic on foot an dog sled is stupid ?
The IOM TT is stupid ????????:shit:
Like hell they are,these people have the sort of Kaha that is in bloody short supply today.
More power to them.

Well said that Man
As long as it is a properly organised event in which all participants are fully informed and experienced then it is 100% good to go imo

[Voltaire]

I've been there a couple of times as a spectator and ridden around the course, the guys who race there have sure got balls....confirmed after watching the TT 3d.
As for Valentino Rossi.....he's no Mike Haliwood .....wheel out the 500 Honda and Ducati 900 and see how he goes on them... :lol:
Just out of interest are any of the tracks used unchanged from the 60's 70's? ....be nice to see if Rossi could ride a Manx Norton like Stroud....:niceone:

[manxkiwi]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

It seems many people don't realise 'Mad Sunday' isn't an 'event'. People riding on open public roads, is not an event. They make the mountain section one way for safety reasons. That's it.

Something I often think is, if you randomly monitored 30,000 bikers across Europe for two weeks. Wouldn't you expect one or two to unfortunately 'cop it'? The amazing thing is how few people end up hurt or worse during the TT fortnight!

As you were.

[manxkiwi]

Oh forgot to add: the article is riddled with errors and untruths. The quote from the biker makes it sound like they set you off one at a time on Mad Sunday, utter bollocks. They're mixing up the racing with normal road riding. It also makes it sound like they 'open up the track' for people to have a go. It's a public road for goodness sake! People use it to go to work and get their bread every day of the year. The first picture of Cam isn't even on the Island. Too many more to list here.

The author has obviously never been anywhere near the Island, and clearly needs to check where their info is coming from.

No one has ever said it's safe. I guess it makes them feel good, up there on the soap box trying to 'save' us all from ourselves. Tossers!

[george formby]

No one has ever said it's safe. I guess it makes them feel good, up there on the soap box trying to 'save' us all from ourselves. Tossers!

Ain't that the truth.

As tragic as the TT can be it is also the epitome of bravery, determination & adrenalin, corner stones of the human condition.

If the attitude of the hand wringers & macrame knitters was as prevalent 100 years ago we would all still be walking everywhere. They should be banned from the interwebs in case the screen hurts their eyes.

[GrayWolf]

It still bewilders me that the organisers allow Mad Sunday to take place.

Its traditional, and the Manx Govt were the last place in west Europe to have to end using 'the Birch' as a punishment for 'minor crime' I think that was the mid 70's from memory. The only reason they DID stop was because the human rights court FORCED them to stop using it. IOM has its own way of doing things. So I reckon the only way Mad Sunday will stop is if its enforced by the European parliament.
I have ridden it (mad sunday) and it is an experience that makes you realise how talented and how big the kahuna's are on the guys who race. Someone said that Rossi is No Hailwood, or Agostini, or Dunlop...... and I give Rossi a lot of credit for being man enough to 'admit' he wont race the TT.. that also takes balls to admit something scares you that much when really as World champ the pressure no doubt has been on him.
MEN like Agostini, Hailwood, Surtees are legends and truly deserve that stautus, to many regardless of being 500cc champ, you are not worth noting until you win the TT.
I am actually amazed there has not been a list of NZ winners all through the TT since the 1960/70's... When riding in the UK I was always amazed how quick kiwi riders I met were through tight country lanes etc... Now I live here (20+ yrs) and have ridden the Taka's and other interesting bits of road, I understand why. Kiwi's should be right up in the list of several legends of the TT.

[ellipsis]

...it's just that time of year...the kids have put their toy away because, 'it's very dangerous , out there and I could get wet or worse, may even get into a life threatening , skid'...they have to have something to keep the excitement/fear levels up...virtual fear sounds exciting, doesn't it...Mad Sunday is Mad Sunday which is why it's called Mad Sunday...did it on a ts 185 early 80's...it was mad...glad I did..probably wouldn't do it again...saw a bit of blood, not mine...worn semi knobbly tyres didn't help...

[george formby]

...it's just that time of year...the kids have put their toy away because, 'it's very dangerous , out there and I could get wet or worse, may even get into a life threatening , skid'...they have to have something to keep the excitement/fear levels up...virtual fear sounds exciting, doesn't it...Mad Sunday is Mad Sunday which is why it's called Mad Sunday...did it on a ts 185 early 80's...it was mad...glad I did..probably wouldn't do it again...saw a bit of blood, not mine...worn semi knobbly tire didn't help...

I bet the smell of 2t oil was strong too, a few hundred RD 350's etc at full chat.

[Fast Eddie]

is Denis Ireland still around, i read an old article he came back to Dunedin (dunno when) to start a motorbike shop...
Bruce Anstey is good, and Dobbs was choice rip. I guess the kiwi don't have as much cash or factory ride opportunities? dunno.. get some more kiwis over there we got talent here. I'd love to go and crash there. beats crashing here with no one watching.

TT rules - Its my favourite race/event of all time.. track/circuit racing isn't as exciting to watch

[ellipsis]

...Dennis is still about, down Dunedin I think...rode with him at Ruapuna last year...he doesn't do much on tracks now...he said once he gave it away, that was it...

[Fast Eddie]

...Dennis is still about, down Dunedin I think...rode with him at Ruapuna last year...he doesn't do much on tracks now...he said once he gave it away, that was it...

Choice :) thanks man - I might have to see if i can find him down here for a yarn, love to hear some old racing stories haha.

cheers

[Berries]

is Denis Ireland still around, i read an old article he came back to Dunedin (dunno when) to start a motorbike shop...
SPV down on Ward Street at the back of the train station. Was a Kawasaki dealer. I say was because I went past the other day and it looked closed down. Not sure if it has moved or what.

[Muppet]

Ok 229 have died in 100 years, out of how many racers and how many kilometres travelled and how many hours of practice though?

I find it ironic that Wayne Gardiner called for it to banned when he used to ride 500cc 2 stroke formula 1 motorcycles. Go and watch "Faster" narrated by Ewan MacGregor, and see what Rossi has to say about 500cc 2 strokes. Marco Simoncelli crashed and was run over by Rossi and Edwards at a MotoGP race recently, and subsequently died, how come Gardiner isn't calling for MotoGP to be banned? Professional jealousy I think.

[manxkiwi]

[QUOTE=Muppet;1130326785]Ok 229 have died in 100 years, out of how many racers and how many kilometres travelled and how many hours of practice though?

That's a stat. I like to mention too. I wouldn't be surprised if you divided the deaths into the miles covered, you would see the TT to be the safest bike race on earth (probably?). But of course, there's lies and stats. People quote the stat that best fits their side of the argument.

[GrayWolf]

I bet the smell of 2t oil was strong too, a few hundred RD 350's etc at full chat.

hahaha early 80's depending on the year I could just have been riding one of those RD350(LC)s

[GrayWolf]

Ok 229 have died in 100 years, out of how many racers and how many kilometres travelled and how many hours of practice though?

I find it ironic that Wayne Gardiner called for it to banned when he used to ride 500cc 2 stroke formula 1 motorcycles. Go and watch "Faster" narrated by Ewan MacGregor, and see what Rossi has to say about 500cc 2 strokes. Marco Simoncelli crashed and was run over by Rossi and Edwards at a MotoGP race recently, and subsequently died, how come Gardiner isn't calling for MotoGP to be banned? Professional jealousy I think.

As gets pointed out frequently.... Wayne Who? (didnt win the TT) TT winners are held in an esteem way beyond the GP Champs. Some like Dunlop, Hailwood, Surtees, Agostini etc etc have been champions in both. Some GP champs are remembered like Barry Sheene (mostly for spectacular crashing) Freddy Spencer, even Rossi may end up being a remembered GP champ.... but it isnt the Tourist Trophy.

[tigertim20]

is Denis Ireland still around, i read an old article he came back to Dunedin (dunno when) to start a motorbike shop...
Bruce Anstey is good, and Dobbs was choice rip. I guess the kiwi don't have as much cash or factory ride opportunities? dunno.. get some more kiwis over there we got talent here. I'd love to go and crash there. beats crashing here with no one watching.

TT rules - Its my favourite race/event of all time.. track/circuit racing isn't as exciting to watch

owns SPV doesnt he?
was on Ward Street, now on the corner of bridgman st in south dunedin

[tigertim20]

SPV down on Ward Street at the back of the train station. Was a Kawasaki dealer. I say was because I went past the other day and it looked closed down. Not sure if it has moved or what.

he moves aaaaages ago, bought a new building in south dunedin. Its between the Kensington tui clubrooms, and the pak n save.
Its not sign posted (or at least not very well!)

He's also selling electric bicycles as well

[ellipsis]

I bet the smell of 2t oil was strong too, a few hundred RD 350's etc at full chat.


...i seem to remember a bunch of warrior type teutonics with patches ripping past on big jappies and catching them on wiggly bits where one would be on the deck...they were very drunk i think...i also remember seeing Uriah Heep in a big place just out of Douglas and getting pissed and being a finalist in a competition to win a 750 Katana...all i had to do was ride it down three planks on trestles off the stage to the dance floor...i only made two and a bit planks...i was also drinking a vodka concoction from a wineskin with a South African chap i had just met...good memories...was there a few times... going back there would be the only reason i would willingly get on a plane to leave this country ever again...

[Fast Eddie]

he moves aaaaages ago, bought a new building in south dunedin. Its between the Kensington tui clubrooms, and the pak n save.
Its not sign posted (or at least not very well!)

He's also selling electric bicycles as well

chur, the article i was reading was from 08.. said he was opening a business here that will rent out/hire out anything that moves - from bikes to heavy machinery haha, might have to go check out his shop.

[wharfy]

Ok 229 have died in 100 years, out of how many racers and how many kilometres travelled and how many hours of practice though?

I find it ironic that Wayne Gardiner called for it to banned when he used to ride 500cc 2 stroke formula 1 motorcycles. Go and watch "Faster" narrated by Ewan MacGregor, and see what Rossi has to say about 500cc 2 strokes. Marco Simoncelli crashed and was run over by Rossi and Edwards at a MotoGP race recently, and subsequently died, how come Gardiner isn't calling for MotoGP to be banned? Professional jealousy I think.

I did that sum and posted it on here somewhere (possibly the Gardner thread) but can't find it now. Something like 26,000 miles of racing/practice over the two weeks.

Here's my take on the IOM :)

http://sites.google.com/site/k2racingnz/company-blog/iomtt2010

[BigAl]

I did that sum and posted it on here somewhere (possibly the Gardner thread) but can't find it now. Something like 26,000 miles of racing/practice over the two weeks.

Here's my take on the IOM :)

http://sites.google.com/site/k2racingnz/company-blog/iomtt2010

Great story and brings back memories Wharfy, I'm trying to get a group organised to go over next year as last visit was when Hissie won the senior on the rotary Norton.

[k14]

That's a stat. I like to mention too. I wouldn't be surprised if you divided the deaths into the miles covered, you would see the TT to be the safest bike race on earth (probably?). But of course, there's lies and stats. People quote the stat that best fits their side of the argument.
Lol, um I think not. If you want to use the previous example of motogp Simo was the first casualty since Kato in 2002. So in 9 years of MotoGP of around 18 races a season are you saying that isn't cumulatively less than 1 TT?? A MotoGP race is still 110km in distance, plus the 3 practice sessions :facepalm: One death is classed as a good year for the TT. It is just crazy.

IMO it is stupid and anyone that goes there needs their head read. To me there is low risk e.g. track racing, motox, even Wanganui/Paeroa that is acceptable and can be reasoned with. But at the IOMTT the risk is phenomenally greater and just defies logic. It is guaranteed that one of the guys standing around at riders briefing before the event starts is going home in a box. To me it just doesn't compute. You might as well just have a raffle at riders briefing to work out who is the "unlucky" one and then go home.

But as I said that's just my opinion. :sweatdrop

[jellywrestler]

I find it ironic that Wayne Gardiner called for it to banned when he used to ride 500cc 2 stroke formula 1 motorcycles.

that hypocritical peice of shit has assisted the death of many people world wide with his promotion of Rothmans Cigarettes.

as for the article its full of assumptions and incorrect statistics

Long Live the Isle of Man TT

[jellywrestler]

Some GP champs are remembered like Barry Sheene (mostly for spectacular crashing) He isn't remembered for his spectacular crashes, he's renowned for the incredible short time after his major injuries that he got back on his bikes.

[manxkiwi]

[QUOTE=k14;1130327860]Lol, um I think not. If you want to use the previous example of motogp Simo was the first casualty since Kato in 2002. So in 9 years of MotoGP of around 18 races a season are you saying that isn't cumulatively less than 1 TT?? A MotoGP race is still 110km in distance, plus the 3 practice sessions :facepalm: One death is classed as a good year for the TT. It is just crazy.

An off the top of the head comment admitedly. I was referring to the entire history, where the TT has a 40 odd year head start. I think 1 TT would equate to an entire season of GP (probably???).

No one ever thinks one death is 'a good year'. Though I guess you don't mean that in the literal sense?

I think one thing that gets people up in arms about this racing stuff; is that when someone 'cops it', it's usually incredibly violent and witnessed. When the three people died coming down off Everst the other day, no one saw it, it didn't blow up in a fire ball. People just say 'those poor people copped it'. No one ever says they have to be saved from themselves do they?

Living is a dangerous thing, the rest has been done to death (pardon the pun), no need to add any more.

[manxkiwi]

Just checked some of the mileage from last year: Total mileage of completed race laps only: 46,813 (miles). Double the sidecar miles because there's two competitors: 53,606 miles. You could probably round that up to 150,000 with practice, most competitors get beween 4 to 6 laps each night of practice. Of which there 6. 80 competitiors per class, of which there are 5

18 riders 18 rounds by 110km is: 35,640kms. Plus practice, say 80,000. Add the other two classes, which are bigger. I'd reckon one TT would be very similar to one full season of all classes in GP.

[SWERVE]

Yes the IOM is dangerous......... so are smoking / drinking / eating fatty food along with any sport involving speed or contact (how many A&E departmnts are clogged by rugby injuries on a sat eve)
Nobody holds a gun to the head of any competitor / mad sunday rider / or spectator who goes to the island.
Those who have been will know that the memory remains forever. And the addiction felt by many riders to return against all sane advice is testimony to the "buzz" it gives.
If ya havent been.......... dont judge.......make a bucket list & put it somewhere near the top..........if ya have..... treasure those awesome memories...............
Im with Spyda
LONG LIVE THE IOM TT

[pritch]

The TT statistics don't usually include the Mad Sunday casualties. The race statistics may compare to Everest fatalities but including the amateurs from the Sunday would change things dramatically.

Probably doesn't help that some of the riders setting out on their Sunday ride are ummm lubricated(?).

The TT is no longer part of the World Championship, the road courses have subsequently become a specialised class of event. These days most riders who are serious about the track give the roads a miss. Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo and all lose nothing by restricting themselves to the glorified Go-Kart tracks that host GPs these days. That's just how it is now.

Also to say the Simoncelli was the first rider to die since Kato ignores a number of riders who have died in support classes at GP meetings.

[manxkiwi]

The TT statistics don't usually include the Mad Sunday casualties. The race statistics may compare to Everest fatalities but including the amateurs from the Sunday would change things dramatically.

Yeah but why would you? You wouldn't include statistics for every spectator going to and from a GP would you? Just sayin'.

[jellywrestler]

The TT statistics don't usually include the Mad Sunday casualties. The race statistics may compare to Everest fatalities but including the amateurs from the Sunday would change things dramatically.

yep that would have to include the three boston students who died two weekends ago on their way to climb mount tongariro, and the guy heading to kathmandu shop to buy a polyfleece to climb a mountain, who crashed his car and died too.
Go back to your latte and stamp collection and let the real men who chose to race at The Isle of Man go about their business getting their kicks the way they want to in full knowledge of the risks that their choice presents.


One question captain Kirk, do you eat fish and chips? You do know that's a lethal choice as Mike Hailwood; one of the greatest TT legends conquered the Isle of Man TT circuit( FOURTEEN times he won,) then his stupid and dangerous choice to eat fish and chips for dinner on a saturday night literally cost him his life.

[ellipsis]

....and maybe they should take the corkscrew out of Laguna Seca...it looks 'wealy wealy dangawis'...

[k14]

yep that would have to include the three boston students who died two weekends ago on their way to climb mount tongariro, and the guy heading to kathmandu shop to buy a polyfleece to climb a mountain, who crashed his car and died too.
Go back to your latte and stamp collection and let the real men who chose to race at The Isle of Man go about their business getting their kicks the way they want to in full knowledge of the risks that their choice presents.


One question captain Kirk, do you eat fish and chips? You do know that's a lethal choice as Mike Hailwood; one of the greatest TT legends conquered the Isle of Man TT circuit( FOURTEEN times he won,) then his stupid and dangerous choice to eat fish and chips for dinner on a saturday night literally cost him his life.
To be honest I can't remember the last time I did. Although I would rate my chances higher eating them vs racing at the IOM.

As I said, it is my opinion. To me life is a very precious thing and to see people year after year come off the island (or stay there) in a box just seems an absolute waste. Yes people die every day driving their car to work but again the chances are so low that it is an acceptable risk for me. I know it may sound hypocritical to me that I condone track racing but say the IOM is too much. But as I have said, there comes a certain point where the risk outweighs the rewards. To me the IOM is so far past the limit of acceptable risk it just doesn't compute how you could decide to do it. But maybe that's why I was never that good at racing myself.

Going over to have a look certainly isn't on my bucket list. I'll let them be. Already been at too many race meetings where someone has died. Don't want to go to any more.

[Shaun]

To be honest I can't remember the last time I did. Although I would rate my chances higher eating them vs racing at the IOM.

As I said, it is my opinion. To me life is a very precious thing and to see people year after year come off the island (or stay there) in a box just seems an absolute waste. Yes people die every day driving their car to work but again the chances are so low that it is an acceptable risk for me. I know it may sound hypocritical to me that I condone track racing but say the IOM is too much. But as I have said, there comes a certain point where the risk outweighs the rewards. To me the IOM is so far past the limit of acceptable risk it just doesn't compute how you could decide to do it. But maybe that's why I was never that good at racing myself.

Going over to have a look certainly isn't on my bucket list. I'll let them be. Already been at too many race meetings where someone has died. Don't want to go to any more.



I have no exscuse to rant and rave any longer, so will keep myself in check with this post

To state '' IOM racers need there heads read'' is nothing but a total fuckin insult to all the good/true/committed men that have lost there lives by committing themselves to such a true test of themselves in a well known balls out DANGEROUS enviroment.

Kerk or Jerk or what ever your soft cock name is, use the intelligence you have been given ( That allowsyou to ride like a soft cock) and think before you hit the keys with your dribble sport.

If you get bored some times and have nothing better to do, STAY OFF the internet ( Unless you also have a head injury that helps you to make wanker statements)

5 of my PERSONELL friends died there committed to being who they are and what they choise to do with there lives, and I know they are all thanking me now for this post as well as there families.

Have a nice day:headbang:

[sil3nt]

To me life is a very precious thing and to see people year after year come off the island (or stay there) in a box just seems an absolute waste.Those who race there would look at you and say you are the one wasting your life. Life is precious so make the most of it while you can. These guys are.

[k14]

I have no exscuse to rant and rave any longer, so will keep myself in check with this post

To state '' IOM racers need there heads read'' is nothing but a total fuckin insult to all the good/true/committed men that have lost there lives by committing themselves to such a true test of themselves in a well known balls out DANGEROUS enviroment.

Kerk or Jerk or what ever your soft cock name is, use the intelligence you have been given ( That allowsyou to ride like a soft cock) and think before you hit the keys with your dribble sport.

If you get bored some times and have nothing better to do, STAY OFF the internet ( Unless you also have a head injury that helps you to make wanker statements)

5 of my PERSONELL friends died there committed to being who they are and what they choise to do with there lives, and I know they are all thanking me now for this post as well as there families.

Have a nice day:headbang:
Gee that's a really well thought out and mature post...

Somehow I think it helps aid my argument. :msn-wink:

Those who race there would look at you and say you are the one wasting your life. Life is precious so make the most of it while you can. These guys are.
Yep I can see where they are coming from but (and as I said, IN MY OPINION) it is not worth the risk. To me life first and foremost is about family and friends. Taking part in the TT not only risks loosing the 30-50 years you are almost guaranteed enjoying life with them but also risks hurting them the most. Everyone remembers the fallen riders but what about the effect on the family (wives, mums, dads, kids) dealing with the loss for years to come. Is a few hours of fast, high adrenaline bike racing really worth that?

[lukemillar]

Lol, um I think not. If you want to use the previous example of motogp Simo was the first casualty since Kato in 2002

Don't forget Shoya Tomizawa in 2010.

[wharfy]

Yep I can see where they are coming from but (and as I said, IN MY OPINION) it is not worth the risk. To me life first and foremost is about family and friends. Taking part in the TT not only risks loosing the 30-50 years you are almost guaranteed enjoying life with them but also risks hurting them the most. Everyone remembers the fallen riders but what about the effect on the family (wives, mums, dads, kids) dealing with the loss for years to come. Is a few hours of fast, high adrenaline bike racing really worth that?

Hundreds of people think it is - which is why they turn up year after year to race there.

[nodrog]

http://threeblindwives.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/kidwrappedinbubblewrap.jpg

[Stirts]

Yep I can see where they are coming from but (and as I said, IN MY OPINION) it is not worth the risk. To me life first and foremost is about family and friends. Taking part in the TT not only risks loosing the 30-50 years you are almost guaranteed enjoying life with them but also risks hurting them the most. Everyone remembers the fallen riders but what about the effect on the family (wives, mums, dads, kids) dealing with the loss for years to come. Is a few hours of fast, high adrenaline bike racing really worth that?

Another perspective, IN MY OPNION ...

living with the likes of;

The Dunlop boys
Anstey
Martin
McGuinness
And many, many others ...
if they were not allowed to race at IOMTT for the next 30-50 years, you are almost guaranteed that there would be NO enjoying life with them as friends and family !!

[Asher]

The people who go to IOM know now more than ever of the dangers and the risk involved, as long as they know that who are we to say it should/shouldnt happen.
I think those who go 300km+ through townships are some of the few people who have really lived.

I dont think IOM will ever be banned; Since the people who do die are not from the Isle, its not the Isle that looses a productive tax payer.

[Matt Bleck]

The people who go to IOM know now more than ever of the dangers and the risk involved, as long as they know that who are we to say it should/shouldnt happen.
I think those who go 300km+ through townships are some of the few people who have really lived.

I dont think IOM will ever be banned; Since the people who do die are not from the Isle, its not the Isle that looses a productive tax payer.

I think you'll find that IOM has lost citizens to the race and Connor Cummins was almost one of them also the IOM is a tax haven, ie you dont pay taxes there

[Asher]

I think you'll find that IOM has lost citizens to the race and Connor Cummins was almost one of them also the IOM is a tax haven, ie you dont pay taxes there

Good point, but thats probably why we will never see anything like the TT anywhere else in the world. Governments see people as taxables not really as people. Say at the Wanganui street races 3 people died each year, as long as they werent from NZ there is no real loss to our economy.

[Kickaha]

( Unless you also have a head injury that helps you to make wanker statements)

You were making wanker statements long before you had a head injury

[Shaun]

You were making wanker statements long before you had a head injury





True i suppose

[SWERVE]

Hey Shaun.
Just read that article in Aus MCN about young Liam. See you got a mention too, the "gingas" are teaming up eh:shifty:

[manxkiwi]

I think you'll find that IOM has lost citizens to the race and Connor Cummins was almost one of them also the IOM is a tax haven, ie you dont pay taxes there


Residents still pay tax to the Manx government, it's just at different rates to elswhere. Obviously favourable to the rich. The working people of the Island are about as well off on average as anyone else in the UK. Possibly a little less, as goods tend to cost a bit more with the extra transport costs.

I don't think tax or tax paying has much to do with the racing. It exists simply because the Island has its own Government and passes its own laws. Which it did in 1907.

[Shaun]

Hey Shaun.
Just read that article in Aus MCN about young Liam. See you got a mention too, the "gingas" are teaming up eh:shifty:


Yea it is a family race team as such, and they are a pleasure to work for. I am sure they and maybe 3 others will be heading out here for summer skids

[Katman]

I think some of you are over-reacting a tad.

I've re-read the article and it doesn't actually come across as anti-TT to me.

Sure, they describe it as the deadliest motorcycle race in the world - but that's hardly telling fibs, is it?

I have a great degree of respect for those taking part in the racing but also firmly believe that the inclusion of the Mad Sunday shows a cavalier attitude by the organisers that will only stand to do the event (and motorcycling as a whole) harm.

[jellywrestler]

I have a great degree of respect for those taking part in the racing but also firmly believe that the inclusion of the Mad Sunday shows a cavalier attitude by the organisers that will only stand to do the event (and motorcycling as a whole) harm.
maybe but when i was there i was warned to stay off the road at certain times cause of all the lager louts that had a beer then thought they were joey dunlop. the Mad Sunday came about to try and let people have a ride in a controlled environment, not any old time. Remember too that over the mountain there is no speed limit anyway so people were going ape on their own and with two way traffic...

As for calling it the deadliest; most people who say that don't actually note the fact it's a two week event with hundreds of competitors, they usually try an draw a comparison with say the Cemetery Circuit, one day 100 plus entrants.

apples/oranges etc

[Subike]

. Is a few hours of fast, high adrenaline bike racing really worth that?

Yes
if it is my choice to do it

[manxkiwi]

I have a great degree of respect for those taking part in the racing but also firmly believe that the inclusion of the Mad Sunday shows a cavalier attitude by the organisers that will only stand to do the event (and motorcycling as a whole) harm.

As previously stated. Mad Sunday is not an event and not 'included' in anything. It happens to be the Sunday between practice and race week. Everyone on the Island is riding around (yes some at breakneck speed!) every day. Including before and after road closure for every race and practice. In fact a big highlight is getting to your vantage point well before road closure, to watch all the bikes etc going by.

No one organises it, it's not an event. It's just one day in the fortnight with a name. You can't 'stop' it, it's just people going about their days. It's a day that traditionally doesn't have much on, in the way of organised events. So the bikers tend to ride their bikes. As you do.

Anyone who's been will know what I'm saying. Those who haven't can only speculate. It is a truly awesome thing, the TT. Long may it continue, warts and all.

[Kiwi Graham]

To add to manxkiwi's post;

It isn't an organised event (as stated) its the Sunday between practise week and race week that has been known as Mad Sunday, Mad because people do behave a little mad, both on the mountain and down in the towns.

The 'organisers' have attempted to make it less 'mad' by working with the police over the years and making the mountain section one way, slowing the approach to the mountain section and forcing single file entry to it if you like and ongoing education.

You ain't gong to stop Mad Sunday its part of the fortnight, perhaps not the best part admittedly. Its not just restricted to bikes either, I've been for a tootle over the mountain on Mad Sunday and come across campervans, cyclists and 'Sunday drivers' all doing their thing.

Long may the TT last, a fantastic two weeks. You should all go at least once :ride:

Those that love the event, know what its about, those that hate it or think it should be banned will never understand what its about

[Tard]

IMO it is stupid and anyone that goes there needs their head read....at the IOMTT the risk is phenomenally greater and just defies logic. But as I said that's just my opinion. :sweatdrop

Yep, ok we get, it is only your opinion......you don't understand the racer's logic and don't agree with anyone who's opinion differs from yours. Stop trying to change their opinion!

We've just returned from our 1st IOM TT fortnight....and agree with the positive comments. No one forces McG, Anstey, Dunlop, Martin and all the not so famous to take on the ultimate road race challenge - it's THEIR choice - and most of us RESPECT them all the more for it:not:

I guess unless you haven't been there you might not get it.

PS. I didn't get to ride the course on a bike....next time:headbang: :devil2: ....and no I don't have deathwish, just diff. strokes for diff. folks eh :msn-wink:

[manxkiwi]

It seems the 'nay sayers' are quiet this year, possibly because no one died in the racing? The exception to the rule I know, but a good year in that sense at least.

[Dreama]

I for one would love to go and have a go .... even if it was just on Mad Sunday .... getting to the age where I'm thinking ... "fuck, was that it ? "

Has anyone got the gos on the other Kiwi there .. David Jenson (?) ..... any mates who can tell us what his opinion is about his experience there was like ? ..... meaning perhaps what it's like to be just one of the guy's that gives it a go without being a podium prospect ? ..... no disrespect intended.

[Bykmad]

Daniel Janson. He raced Wanganui and Nelson last Christmas

[Tard]

Has anyone got the gos on the other Kiwi there .. David Jenson (?) ..... any mates who can tell us what his opinion is about his experience there was like ? .


Reality is, just like WSBK & MotoGP, unless you've got a factory or Pro Team ride a podium is unlikely...

... I hope he won't mind since his crew showed us...he did receive an unofficial/special (in pure Kiwi style fom his pitcrew) the 1st place trophy for fastest speed recorded in the pitlane - which he got DQ'ed for! Received in good spirit it was intended at the time :Oops:

[DougieNZ]

Going there next year...

I don't think anyone could get too upset about the article. Sounds like an accurate description to me... It is without doubt the deadliest race and would fail any international racing boy safety audit.

Though I would never be brave enough to participate in this event I am full of admaration for those that do. They clearly know the risks and go for it anyway. I am full of admiration for them. To be fair though, they take those risks under controlled circumstances. There is some safety equipment on couse, trained marshalls, roads closed etc etc.

Mad Sunday (to me) is another matter and a completely different kettle of fish. I would rather race the circuit in controlled circumstances than participate in mad Sunday! :-)

But, again, good luck to those that do it. Again they know the risks, but they are in less control of what others are doing around them...

[Rick 52]

Just booked my tickets for the Manx GP, it's a fantastic event with a club meeting feel to it, They ride the same TT corse, my mate is riding in the junior on a 600 and I am going to help him out through practice and pit for him.
We were very lucky to be part of the GP in 96 when he won the new comers on a TZ 250 .
He did the TT 97, 98 but had bad luck with the weather when the race was reduced to 2 laps in horrible conditions (didnt stop Joey wheel spinning down brey hill top gear)and the next year 2nd gear went of the line after a great practice week.
The TT is brilliant but not everybody is about the racing, its the experience of thousands of bikes and boozing ,The Manx is all about the racing !
Put it on your list!! TT, Manx GP or even the Southern 100 ,the isle of man is the road race capital of the world ..
You can listen to the racing on Manx radio 365 and listen out for Chris Moore ..

[jellywrestler]

Daniel Janson. He raced Wanganui and Nelson last Christmas

and the SI nats