View Full Version : Isle of Man TT
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 13:40
11 days until the TT! :D
I'm probably far more excited than I should be, considering I'll be watching from the comfort of my own home rather than at the Grandstand or at Ballascary. Will any of you be lucky enough to go to the island this year, or are you in a similar boat to me?
Already got some interesting articles about it, while I'll post after this. :D
Not familiar with the TT? No worries! There's a beginner's guide here too! :)
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 13:42
Extra freight ferry hired for Isle of Man TT festival
http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/5/0/1/1691105.jpg
An additional freight vessel has been chartered by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to cope with demand during the TT races.
More than 11,600 motorbikes are already booked to arrive in Douglas during race fortnight, which begins on 25 May.
The number is the highest for a decade with the exception of the event's centenary in 2007.
The freighter MV Arrow, which has been chartered from Seatruck Ferries, will assist in peak periods.
The vessel is one of two being bought in to cater for the island's busiest time of the year.
The other vessel is a passenger fast craft called P&O Express.
Steam Packet chief, Mark Woodward said: "We originally had plans in place to ensure we had sufficient space for freight and vehicles for this year's TT, without the need to charter a freighter.
"However, bringing in MV Arrow will improve the service to freight customers, providing them with extra capacity and giving us additional operational resilience."
Source: Click here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-22511456)
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 13:45
The Isle of Man TT races: a beginner's guide
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1520/johnmcguinnesstt12p4204.jpg
The Isle of Man TT races are a spectacle like no other, says Adam Child.
Despite being surrounded by a packed grandstand, and knowing that millions of people are watching live around the world, the start line at the Isle of Man TT is a lonely place. With seconds to go, you say a few private words to the man upstairs and take a deep breath.
Every fibre in your body tells you not to do it, to turn around and walk away. The TT has claimed the lives of 239 racers over its 106 year history and is one of the scariest races in the world. Then the flag drops, you dump the clutch and you're away, flat out down Bray Hill, which was a normal high street with regular traffic just a few hours ago. For the next 37 ¾ miles you're going to feel emotions that you've never felt before, and get so bashed and battered over the bumps that you feel physically sick.
And 37 ¾ miles is just one lap. The top racers in the Superbike class will cover six laps, averaging close to 130mph. That equates to racing from London to York down A and B roads, covering 226.5 miles in just over an hour and 45 minutes, only stopping to refuel twice and change wheels.
The top riders are true gladiators of the 21st century, risking their lives for the glory of being the fastest around the TT course. This is a spectacle like no other, and you don't have to be a bike racing fan to appreciate the skill and bravery involved.
The TT (or Tourist Trophy to give it its official name) was started in 1907 and was run on the St John's short course, which was 15 miles long. The Snaefell Mountain course as we know it today was added in 1911. The first full mountain course race was won by Oliver Godfrey, with an average speed of 47.63mph. The Isle of Man TT race was part of the FIM Motor Cycle Grand Prix between 1949 and 1976, however the FIM stripped the TT of its official status shortly after the 1976 event.
The TT is unique because it's a time trial event on public roads. Riders set off individually in ten-second intervals, which means they are racing against the clock and not necessarily the rider in front.
There are five major classes: Superbike, Senior, Superstock, Supersport and Lightweight. There is also the TTXGP, which was introduced in 2009 for electric prototype machines. This year the Isle of Man festival takes place from Saturday, May 25 to Friday, June 7: week one is practice week, week two is race week.
Who to watch out for
John McGuinness is the unmistakable king of the mountain, has 19 TT wins to his credit and is second only to the late, great Joey Dunlop, who has 26 TT victories. McGuinness is the outright lap record holder with an average speed of 131.578mph, and is once again back on the Honda Legends team. If this was horse racing, he would be the bookies' favourite.
The fast-charging Michael Dunlop has joined the Honda Legends team this year and is team-mate to McGuinness on identical machinery. Michael's father, Robert, was a multiple TT race winner and his uncle was the famous Joey Dunlop: road racing runs through his veins. He's as determined as ever and has no excuses in terms of machinery.
Isle of Man local Connor Cummings is back to full fitness and has joined the Milwaukee Yamaha squad. Connor had a life-threatening crash at the 2010 TT and was injured last year, which means he's never really had the opportunity to attack the TT since his famous accident. The big man is with a quality team, holds the lap record from a standing start and should be back to podium pace, if not better.
Guy Martin is arguably the most famous of all TT riders thanks to his BBC TV series The Boat that Guy Built, Channel 4's How Britain Worked, and his film debut in 'Closer to the Edge'. Despite his TV fame and Fred Dibnah similarities he shouldn't be underestimated. Guy is dedicated, desperate to win, with one of the best teams - TAS Suzuki - and is one of the fittest sports men around.
New Zealander Bruce Anstey shouldn't be overlooked; he has nine TT wins to his credit, is one of only six riders to have ever lapped the TT course averaging more than 130mph and was last years' Supersport winner. Bruce has once again teamed up with the incredibly experienced Padgetts team, who took all five victories in 2011. Bruce is a safe each-way bet - he's likely to be on the podium at some stage and is keen to take his tally of race wins to 10.
The likeable Aussie Cameron Donald has shown brilliance at times, and his unofficial 131.457mph practice lap in 2009 was outstanding. Cam is back again with the Wilson Craig Honda team and came away from last year's TT with three second places. Cam should be another safe bet for a podium position, if not a race win, but he is lacking race experience, and the TT will be his first road race of the season for him.
Where to watch
The 37¾ mile track is littered with famous vantage points; you're really spoilt for choice. Some fans choose locations where there's a pub, good food, great atmosphere and easy access. Others prefer solitude, finding a unique spot which is a closely guarded secret. If in doubt ask and take note of prohibited or restricted areas.
Bray Hill
One of the most spectacular and famous places to watch as the superbikes approach the huge dip at almost 190mph. The bikes bottom out, scraping their bodywork at the bottom of Bray Hill at 180mph. If you're in the right spot you'll get an excellent view of the riders as they wheelie off Ago's leap after the dip. There is a small catering facility which serves light snacks, hot drinks and there are port-a-loos nearby.
Creg Ny Baa
The famous Creg Ny Baa pub is one of the most famous spectator vantage points and well worth a visit. Bikes approach the right hand bend flat out; you can hear them wailing on the approach. There's a small grandstand at either side of the corner for excellent viewing. There's ample parking for a small sum and the pub serves food all day. The inside of the famous pub is full of TT memorabilia and worth a visit even when the racing isn't on.
Grandstand
The main grandstand on the start / finish, above the pits, holds approximately 700 seats and it's the perfect place to keep up to date with riders' times because it is situated opposite the score boards. Before the race you'll be able to soak up the atmosphere as riders prepare for their race.
The advantage of the Grandstand is that you'll witness live pit stops as the professional crews change the back wheel and re-fuel the bikes in under 40 seconds. There is ample parking in the Nobles Park, a wide choice of food, stalls to grab your TT memorabilia, and after the racing you are free to wander around the paddock autograph hunting.
Ballaugh Bridge
Ballaugh Bridge is a relatively slow section of the TT course but it is very dramatic because the bikes get airborne over the famous bridge at around 60mph before accelerating hard thorough the village. To keep spectators safe, viewing is permitted from either side of the junction behind barriers.
On the outside of the bridge the One Stop shop sells coffee and tea; the Raven Pub on the inside serves food and quality beers all day long.
Gooseneck
A very popular location as you witness the riders start the dramatic climb up the mountain from Ramsey on the approach to the second-gear Gooseneck right-hander. If you're feeling fit you can walk up to the Guthrie's memorial, a dramatic, picturesque "S" bend. A catering van provides hot snacks and drinks, but there's no pub.
More information at www.iomtt.com.
Source: Click here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/10044586/The-Isle-of-Man-TT-races-a-beginners-guide.html)
The Isle of Man TT races: a beginner's guide
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1520/johnmcguinnesstt12p4204.jpg
The Isle of Man TT races are a spectacle like no other, says Adam Child.
Source: Click here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/10044586/The-Isle-of-Man-TT-races-a-beginners-guide.html)
Great thread Lara , I hope to get over ah first time ever without a bike if I do lol. Well in fairness I have a RD 500 in the garage , hummm will I won't I , it's my pride and joy don't fancy sliding it down the road .
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 13:52
Great thread Lara , I hope to get over ah first time ever without a bike if I do lol. Well in fairness I have a RD 500 in the garage , hummm will I won't I , it's my pride and joy don't fancy sliding it down the road .
I was going to say "take it and just don't go out on Mad Sunday" but that would be a silly thing to suggest!
I was going to say "take it and just don't go out on Mad Sunday" but that would be a silly thing to suggest!
Never have gone out mad Sunday my view on that it should be outlawed , to many people have lost their lives .
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 14:04
Never have gone out mad Sunday my view on that it should be outlawed , to many people have lost their lives .
Mad Sunday was cancelled last year because the mountain was closed because of bad weather... saved a lot of lives, I reckon.
Dreading it this year, though, and I'm not even going to be there!
Mad Sunday was cancelled last year because the mountain was closed because of bad weather... saved a lot of lives, I reckon.
Dreading it this year, though, and I'm not even going to be there!
Fingers crossed they might have bad weather and it gets cancelled , message from the gods , lol mad Sunday is day for the pub like :D
Great win for that Irish lad Eugene Laverty the weekend .
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:09
Great win for that Irish lad Eugene Laverty the weekend .
Oh yeah... he did well :D
...I get the feeling we might be the only ones posting TT things
Martin Ward
14-05-13, 15:10
Is this the race where if you survive you are the winner?? :D
Is this the race where if you survive you are the winner?? :D
Yep , true gladiators mate.
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:17
Is this the race where if you survive you are the winner?? :D
Yes - all survivors are winners :D This guy is a winner because he's racing again this year... not because he's actually won
http://youtu.be/sL8YXQDLzVc
That isn't even the worst footage of a TT crash
Yes - all survivors are winners :D This guy is a winner because he's racing again this year... not because he's actually won
http://youtu.be/sL8YXQDLzVc
Thrown around like a rag doll , and the worst thing going through your mind no control where you fall our how hard you fall.
Martin Ward
14-05-13, 15:24
I'm amazed that guy survived, seriously
I'm amazed that guy survived, seriously
It's all in the lap of the gods Martin its destiny .
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:30
This is why I don't take my biker friends up on their offer to ride on the back of one of their bikes as they run the course... I quite like living
This is why I don't take my biker friends up on their offer to ride on the back of one of their bikes as they run the course... I quite like living
Lol never was a good back seat driver :D
Martin Ward
14-05-13, 15:35
Yes, keep your motorbikes and I will keep my health!!!
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:36
I can't decide who are the crazier people... the bikers or the sidecar teams...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp28Dev-pOc
Yes, keep your motorbikes and I will keep my health!!!
Martin the feeling on a motorbike is just so sweet lol
I can't decide who are the crazier people... the bikers or the sidecar teams...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp28Dev-pOc
Never on a side car but would love to try
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:41
Never on a side car but would love to try
One of my friends is the passenger in a team... how he does it is beyond me! Casually throwing yourself around as you speed around an island...
One of my friends is the passenger in a team... how he does it is beyond me! Casually throwing yourself around as you speed around an island...
It's all about gravity , I sometimes think lol to my self the passenger is more important then the driver , love to try it someday
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 15:55
It's all about gravity , I sometimes think lol to my self the passenger is more important then the driver , love to try it someday
Better you than me!
Better you than me!
Is there not something in side of you saying , girl go on give it a go lol
Out of interest, what channel should I be zipping to on the day?
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 16:06
Out of interest, what channel should I be zipping to on the day?
ITV 4 covered it in the UK last year... not sure where else it might be showing? ITV.com are probably going to have it streaming live too
redforever
14-05-13, 16:32
So Fitzy all those men in leather eh
is Clyde going with you :D or is it just you and jc
11 days until the TT! :D
I'm probably far more excited than I should be, considering I'll be watching from the comfort of my own home rather than at the Grandstand or at Ballascary. Will any of you be lucky enough to go to the island this year, or are you in a similar boat to me?
Already got some interesting articles about it, while I'll post after this. :D
Not familiar with the TT? No worries! There's a beginner's guide here too! :)
Lara I'm really getting to like you the TT is the best race in the WORLD Balls of steel
http://youtu.be/wS43s3slbGY
http://youtu.be/G2IrPZBKquQ
So Fitzy all those men in leather eh
is Clyde going with you :D or is it just you and jc
Lol mate James is riding side car , the size of the fecker he defeats gravity lol
http://youtu.be/G2IrPZBKquQ
Clyde I hope bonnie is not at the side of the road she's bound to cause a crash lol
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 16:41
Clyde I hope bonnie is not at the side of the road she's bound to cause a crash lol
I think any of the ladies on here would!
I think any of the ladies on here would!
Lara the jokers are comming out to play
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 16:45
Lara I'm really getting to like you the TT is the best race in the WORLD Balls of steel
Thank you :D TT is by far my favourite sport, and I'm not a massive sports fan. There's just something about it... it gets under your skin
redforever
14-05-13, 16:46
Lol mate James is riding side car , the size of the fecker he defeats gravity lol
So is there a prize for coming last then :p
Thank you :D TT is by far my favourite sport, and I'm not a massive sports fan. There's just something about it... it gets under your skin
Do you ever get into your leathers Lara?
Oh i love a chick in leather.
http://omgfactsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/super_funny_hilarious_pictures_pics_of_chicks-in-leather.jpghttp://omgfactsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/super_funny_hilarious_pictures_pics_of_chicks-in-leather.jpg
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 16:50
Do you ever get into your leathers Lara?
Oh i love a chick in leather.
http://omgfactsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/super_funny_hilarious_pictures_pics_of_chicks-in-leather.jpghttp://omgfactsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/super_funny_hilarious_pictures_pics_of_chicks-in-leather.jpg
That picture is probably as close as anyone can get, without me forcing my way in to some leathers
Thank you :D TT is by far my favourite sport, and I'm not a massive sports fan. There's just something about it... it gets under your skin
It's the shear power of man and machinery . Lara you have great taste in sport cool darling.
That picture is probably as close as anyone can get, without me forcing my way in to some leathers
I probably have leathers you can get into
Lara Mills
14-05-13, 16:52
I probably have leathers you can get into
Is that a challenge? :D
So is there a prize for coming last then :p
Your life mate :D
Martin Ward
14-05-13, 16:53
Your life mate :D
Very good!!
Very good!!
It's what you get into , the love of two wheels , the rush .
Thank you :D TT is by far my favourite sport, and I'm not a massive sports fan. There's just something about it... it gets under your skin
It's afew years since I was there awesome event and bikers are so chilled out.... Tbh I'm thinking of getting a bike again if the funds are ok next summer it will be Clyde on an FZ900 the last bike I had ..........
Lucy Chambers
14-05-13, 17:46
11 days until the TT! :D
I'm probably far more excited than I should be, considering I'll be watching from the comfort of my own home rather than at the Grandstand or at Ballascary. Will any of you be lucky enough to go to the island this year, or are you in a similar boat to me?
Already got some interesting articles about it, while I'll post after this. :D
Not familiar with the TT? No worries! There's a beginner's guide here too! :)
Yup, I shall probably work the TT. Manx is a fun tour.
Yup, I shall probably work the TT. Manx is a fun tour.
Not for the person that's hit a garden wall Lucy
Lucy Chambers
14-05-13, 19:43
Not for the person that's hit a garden wall Lucy
It's strikes me that it's their own fault. I've driven that course and it's scary enough at 70mph.
Lara Mills
17-05-13, 12:03
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Y5k-pRo5w
Lara Mills
24-05-13, 10:12
TT officially starts tomorrow! And to celebrate 30 years since Joey Dunlop's first TT win, they have brought out a special whisky.
A wee dram for 'Yer Maun'
http://www.iomtt.com/News/2013/05/23/~/media/Images/Blogs/News/2013/05/23/jdf3%20copy.ashx?mw=800
A special whisky will celebrate 30 years since Joey Dunlop’s first TT win for Honda.
‘Yer Maun’ scored the vast majority of his 26 TT wins for the Japanese manufacturer, starting in 1983 with the Formula 1 TT.
He went on to win another five consecutive Formula 1 races for the factory helping to ensure their long dominance of what was, then, the premiere TT racing class.
The Joey Dunlop Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the Ballamoney rider, has created a special blended malt whisky to commemorate Joey’s unique legacy.
Limited to just 2013 bottles the whisky proudly displays the number 3 on the label. As well as being Joey’s usual racing number it also recognises the third anniversary of the opening of Joey Dunlop House.
The House is an accessible self-catering holiday complex and, as Kevin Quirk of the Foundations says ‘The success…has exceeded even our wildest expectations’ adding ‘in order to ensure funds are in place to undertake the construction of two additional holiday apartments we had to decide on something different’.
The result is the Joey Dunlop whisky. Demand is expected to be high when the bottles go on sale at the Bushy’s Tent on Douglas Promenade on 28th May.
The rear of the label carries a sound warning ‘We trust that you will savour this quality whisky sensibly and only ever ride or drive before drinking it and never afterwards! Ride well. Stay safe.’
Source: click here (http://www.iomtt.com/News/2013/05/23/A-wee-dram-for-Yer-Maun.aspx)
Lara Mills
24-05-13, 10:18
So, any ideas on who will do well this year? Here is the race schedule:
PRACTICE
Saturday, May 25
18.20-18.45 - Solo Newcomers' speed controlled lap
18.35-19.00 - Sidecar Newcomers' speed controlled lap
18.50-19.50 - Lightweight TT/Newcomers (all solo classes)
19.55-20.50 - Sidecar
Monday, May 27
18.20-19.55 - Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight)
20.00-20.50 - Sidecar
Tuesday, May 28
18.20-19.05 - Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight)
19.10-19.55 - Supersport/Lightweight/Newcomers (all solo classes)
20.00-20.50 - Sidecar
Wednesday, May 29
18.20-19.55 - Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight)
20.00-20.50 - Sidecar
Thursday, May 30
18.20-19.10 - Sidecar
19.15-19.55 - Supersport/Lightweight/Newcomers (all solo classes)
20.00-20.50 - Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight)
Friday, May 31
18.20-19.10 - Sidecar
19.15-19.50 - Supersport/Lightweight/Newcomers (all solo classes)
19.55-20.25 - Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight)
20.30-20.50 - TT Zero
Saturday, June 1
16.40-17.40 - Supersport/Lightweight
17.45-18.30 - TT Zero
Monday, June 3
12.30-13.00 - Sidecar
16.00-16.30 - TT Zero
Wednesday, June 5
15.50-16.15 - Senior
16.20-16.45 - Lightweight
RACE
Saturday, June 1
12.00 - Dainese Superbike (six laps)
15.00 - Sure Sidecar 1 (three laps)
Monday, June 3
10.45 - Royal London Superstock (four laps)
14.00 - Monster Energy Supersport race 1 (four laps)
Wednesday, June 5
10.45 - SES TT Zero (one lap)
12.00 - Monster Energy Supersport race 2 (four laps)
14.30 - Sure Sidecar 2 (three laps)
Friday, June 7
10.45 - Bikesocial.co.uk Lightweight (three laps)
13.00 - Pokerstars Senior TT (six laps)
Please note this schedule is subject to change.
(Source: click here (http://www.iomtt.com/TT-2013/Practice-and-Race-Schedule.aspx))
Lara Mills
28-05-13, 15:09
So, the TT started on Saturday. Races start on the 1st, practice laps are going on now. We have, unfortunately, already lost one racer, and weather conditions on the island seem to be causing issues.
Who will be watching/listening? Any favourites to win in the races?
You can see the results from the first practice here (http://www.iomtt.com/TT-2013/Results.aspx).