Zero to Hero
If you’re lucky enough to be heading over for this year’s Isle of Man TT races, be sure to take a look at our handy TT guide.
The Isle of Man TT. Where on earth do we start? I mean, it’s incredibly difficult to find any combination of those 26 letters on offer in the English language that could ever describe the feeling of being there; the sheer excitement that arises by sitting inches from some of the world’s best riders at their absolute limit, nailing some of the trickest machinery that money can’t even buy is like nothing else (legally) available. In a world of health and safety obsessed lunacy, it’s the last real hub of extremity, world renowned for the bravery needed to take it on, and the buzz that surrounds the place in the process.
Don’t worry if you haven’t been before though; just get there once and you’ll be hooked for life. If you don’t know, for two weeks a year in the height of summer, the Isle of Man turns from a sleepy island retreat for old couples with a load of dosh into a riding, drinking and partying haven. Swarmed with tens of thousands of bikers from around the world, there really is no show on earth that comes close, and there is no sporting event of this calibre that puts you closer to the action. All you have to do is look at the numbers on paper to be impressed: 37.73 miles of public
road, 219 corners and a lap record that is just a natter above 16min 42sec – giving an average speed of a whopping 135.452mph – through towns, villages, and even over a mountain. This year, the entry list is pure gold, with no less than 195 podium finishes between the lot, and with nine former race winners all going in for battle, it’s going to be an absolute belter. But it’s not just about lap records and fancy teams – oh no, you can walk through the paddock, buy a drink in the pub with your racing heroes (our man Boothy loves a free pint) and mingle right where the action happens… it’s the rawest, purest and indeed the most brutal experience man and machine can possibly endure.
The thing is though, with so much excitement, and such an action-packed schedule, where on earth do you start? There’s so much to explore, from the best roads with no speed limits, to the quietest and closest places to watch, all the way to the best places to grab some decent grub on the Island.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or a virgin to the Island, our handy guide will help you out, whether you are watching at home waiting for next year or if you’re lucky enough to be able to make the journey over.