Anyone heard of the Isle of Man TT......

Towmaster · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2011, 11:04 PM

The Spectacular T.T. :Motorcycle Road Race - Funny Videos at Videobash

Lovely little highlights package..... and I thought us cobra racers were nuts...

Silverback51 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 03:32 AM

Crazy does not even begin to discribe some of those guys.

And it's not unusual for one or two riders to be killed per year.

mickmate · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 05:37 AM

Sick puppies, speed wobbling in the air! No arguing with those stone walls, that poor bugger isn't moving. Great clip thanks.

G-Pete · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 05:39 AM

In my youth I was there a few times (grew up in Germany). Very nice landscape and friendly people. Before and after the races the course is open for the public. Many got hurt while imitating Randy Mamola, Barry Sheene and Kenny Roberts. Most bike fans around 50 remember these names well...

The course is brutal and unforgiving. Many jumps and high speed tiny turns. As a tourist you can rent a BMW in London and drive over there. A ferry get you to the island. Stay in a Bed-and-Breakfast or camp out and watch the races from your tent.
(now some real good memories coming up)

If you have a chance to see that - go ahead and do it, you will not regret it.
...and if this video give you some goose bumps, you need to go!

Isle of Man TT 2007 - YouTube

tboneheller · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 06:22 AM

Big balls!!!

Zaphod B · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tboneheller

Big balls!!!

Biggest balls ever.

grybrd123 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 11:52 AM

I have been four times (twice to the TT, twice to the Manx GP on the same course), and am a certified TT race Marshal. The TT is the oldest road race in the world, having started in 1907. Over the years the roughly 37 mile course has been considerably improved, but it is still probably the most dangerous race in existence. Because it's on closed public roads, the roadsides are lined with curbs, poles, fences, stone walls, trees, houses, and other hard objects. Furthermore, because of the nature of the course, the weather can vary from rain and fog to bright sunshine on different parts of the course, all in the same lap. The guys who race there are specialists - it takes years to adequately learn the course. Top speeds approach 200, and the lap record now is over 130 mph and less than 18 minutes. And it is extremely dangerous.

Add to that spectator viewing that is in many places within 10 feet of the racers, and you can imagine what it is like to watch.

grybrd123

KirkV · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 02:19 PM

And I thought Peoria TT's were crazy! These boys are NUTS

bingo2 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 03:10 PM

Google Joey Dunlop....probably the greatest Isle of Man TT racer.

twin turbo · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 08:14 PM

I remember this crash from 1999. Gives you an idea how fast something bad can happen. TT Bike Crash - YouTube

Barnsnake · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 09:08 PM

I always marveled at the "safety features" they put in place in the early days. You have a 300-year-old, 3 foot thick solid stone building or stone bridge post, 8" off the edge of the road in a section where they're running 185. They'd stick a single hay bale in front of the corner of the object. Not exactly a "SAFER Barrier".
They do considerably more these days, but there's no way to make that course even remotely safe. It's no race for the faint of heart. Anyone who is competitive there is deserving of the term daredevil.

cobradvm · #12 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo2

Google Joey Dunlop....probably the greatest Isle of Man TT racer.

I grew up a few miles from where Joey Dunlop lived during his heyday - my mom was a midwife, and I'm pretty sure she helped deliver one or more of his kids - I'd have to check on that though!

Here's a video of his pub that he owned at Ballymoney Rail Station - passed by it many times on my way to Belfast.

JOEY DUNLOP - A DAY IN BALLYMONEY - YouTube

Bob Lacey · #13 (**permalink**) 11-14-2011, 07:51 PM

The TT brings back many memories of my UK youth ,favourite rider was Mike Hailwood even thought my bikes are Nortons ,thought you might find this link interesting -talk about engineering excellence Honda 6 cylinder 250cc!
Honda RC166
Bob Lacey

COBRANIP · #14 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 01:16 AM

I second the vote for Mike Hailwood. It's probably an "age appropriate" thing. Mike Hailwood distinguished himself...
" Hailwood was recognized for his bravery when in the 1973 South African Grand Prix he went to pull Clay Regazzoni from his burning car after the two collided on the second lap of the race. Hailwood's driving suit caught fire, but after being extinguished by a fire marshall he returned to help rescue Regazzoni, an act for which he was awarded the George Medal, the 2nd highest gallantry award that a British civilian can be awarded."

Rest in peace Mr. Hailwood.

Frederick32 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 02:13 AM

Crazy does not even begin to discribe some of those guys.

And it's not unusual for one or two riders to be killed per year.

nobby · #16 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 04:04 AM

two weeks ago i went to the movies and watched TT3d a documentary on the isle of mann TT, not sure if it's still showing here in oz or if it's on in the states, great movie if you can track it down.

nobby · #17 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 04:09 AM

the movie is called TT3D closer to the edge, not sure if it's still showing but i believe it comes out on dvd and blu ray on Nov.28....in oz anyway.

BMK · #18 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 12:56 AM

Keep your eye on the Australian papers as there is a TT movie on at cinemas now.

3D vision of 'Closer to the Edge'

I can guarantee that you will duck as the bike comes out of the flames towards you......

The story of the TT from a riders perspective. The movie covers the lead up to the TT through the eyes of four families.

One wife (Dobbs) returns to New Zealand and her kids without her husband. Quite shocking to see and hear her acceptance of the whole thing.

Will not spoil it other than to say Connor has one hell of a crash.

Keep an eye on the cinema guide..

In the interim you can Google

Guy Martin Isle of Mann TT and watch some of the movie through his eyes. He is very funny and makes up the majority of the riding, narrative and crashes!!

marco454v8 · #19 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 09:21 AM

Have a look at this-Mark higgins in a Subaru-lucky boy (around the 50second point) POV Rally Champion Mark Higgins Near Crash at 150 mph @ 2011 Isle of Man TT - YouTube

Mark