Isle of Man TT

[wilcom]

Another sidecar pilot died during sidecar race 2  

"If you're a lunatic you'll last two minutes here - you're dead in a breath,". "You can't get blase about it. It will bite you, this place.

....................John McGuinness

[marcmax]

I just don't understand what drives people to do this. I have thrown myself out of perfectly good aircraft at altitudes that will kill you in an instant, and placed myself at the pointy end more times than I care to remember, but it was always for a reason. Placing yourself on the razors edge, just for the adrenaline rush makes no sense to me. jmho

[jonathanrowley]

I get it - and I understand what drives them.

There is a great Video/Documentary on YouTube which I watched at the weekend. I'm a big fan of the TT and have seen the Sidecars live on the island, it's an amazing spectacle.

It's called "A dangerous addition"

[media width=800]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8J6s7qSUbY[/media]

Give this a go, the correspondent struggles with it too, and he's a Biker.

They want to live life and push the boundaries, they know the consequences, just as every Biker does when you hit busy traffic - while I know the risk levels are off the scale on the TT we're all taking more risk than someone in an SUV.

So why do we do it?

[jonathanrowley]

"If you're a lunatic you'll last two minutes here - you're dead in a breath,". "You can't get blase about it. It will bite you, this place.....................John McGuinness  

I think this year 3 or maybe 4 have died on the circuit. RIP.

[jonathanrowley]

The greatest show on Earth - I think so!

[media width=800]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRWp9rhfS_0[/media]

[wilcom]

The greatest show on Earth - I think so!

Great video with good resolution.

There was a follow on video of a talk by the late Dr. John Hinds concerning the medical staff working the TT and other road races.

 It was extremely informative and the Dr. is quite the humorist, highly recommended

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsZBXlTHPCg

[Burt]

I went to the TT in '90 and to me it is the ultimate race circuit anywhere.  The convenience of pubs along the way in case you get a little thirsty is a nice touch.  

Whilst watching one of the sidecar races I was amazed to learn that some spectators were there for the sidecars only.  That year must have been one of the few years that there were no deaths amongst spectators or racers as the previous year there were six.  

I attended the international BMW meet and won the longest distance award.  Somehow I forgot to mention that I picked up a hire bike in London to get there.   [smiley=whistling.gif]

[montmil]

As the TT wraps up, I notice that here in the Colonies, the Real Road Racing series -road races in England and Ireland sans safety barriers and such 'sissy bits' kicks off today June 12 on CBSSN and MAV TV.

Got hooked on this series last year. Same insanity of speed. Check it out if you have not had your fill.

[jonathanrowley]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsZBXlTHPCg  

If you remove the s from https it should embed.
In addition if you add width=800 to the media tag it should stretch it a bit. i.e. [media width=800]

I'm in IT - will watch the link now though, just settling into last race - the seniors. Death toll now 5 I believe as it comes to a close.

Well, what a legend and great presentation from John Hinds, what a shame he was taken so early - 35.

Finished the TT Seniors, No 1 and 2 to BMW machines. Another lap record Averaging 133 MPH ! unreal