The Island of Man sits neatly in the Irish Sea midway between Scotland and Ireland. The island is not part of the UK or an overseas colony. It shares the same unique status as Jersey and Guernsey in the English Chanel. It is a self governing 'Crown' dependancy.....just the sort of place us Bazflyers would visit and we're certainly pleased with our decision.
Perhaps the Isle of Man is best known around the world for its legendary motor bike event, the Isle of Man TT. First held 108 years ago the race is staged on public roads. This year's two week event begins on the weekend and with race day preparations already deployed we drove our hired Ford Fiesta around the 60 kilometre course. Sedately of course....
New Zealand riders have a long history of participation in the TT. New Zealander, Bruce Anstey, has nine TT wins to his credit and holds the outright lap record at an average speed of 212.9 kph. His unofficial top speed was recorded at 332 kph...!
Watch this: http://youtu.be/OmNXCJt7K3Q
The intensity of this race at such speeds defies our comprehension. Through quaint settlements, down narrow country roads edged with hard stone walls, a mountain section where the road tops 1300 feet and altogether more twists and bends than a plumbers nightmare. No wonder the TT has claimed the lives of 240 riders.
The annual influx of people for TT week exceeds 40,000. Fortunately we will be departing the island for Dublin as the advance crowds arrive. Nevertheless, there's already many motor bikes on the roads and campers in the fields which help contour up a sense of the excitement to come.
The circuit as it descends down from the mountain section towards a fast right-handler
Bazflyers on the TT circuit
A popular viewing spot....with refreshments on hand
Looking down on the mountain course
Old timers
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