First night of practice at the Classic TT

The main focus over the next 2 weeks is the motorcycle racing.  Even the most seasoned riders need to re-familiarize themselves with the 

37 3/4 mile course around the island.

We headed to our favourite viewing spot, 'Harold's Farm', near Greeba.  93 year old Harold lets any spectator who wishes, come to his farm and stand in his front garden or lean over the wall in his field to watch the racers whiz by.  Every year I look forward to seeing how large the sunflower is in his garden.

The most coveted viewing spot in the garden, is an elevated ledge against the garage which allows you to get a better angle as the riders come around the turn.  Harold reserves that spot for his friends, so I was honoured that he allowed me up there to take some snaps.

Michael Dunlop,a prohibitive favourite to be a winner - 1100 Suzuki

Masayuki Yamanaka on a 600 Honda has close company

Dean Harrison, a front runner, on a 750 Kawasaki

 

Andrew Dudgeon - 600 Suzuki, David Lumsden 600 Honda

 Safe ride guys.....

Start your Engines

Finally, race day has arrived. First up is the 500cc Classic event.  Thanks to our friend TH, we got pit passes which allowed us to go beyond the spectator areas and into the hallowed grounds where the riders get ready to race, the starting gate and the winners circle.

Hustle, bustle and engines revving, the racers prepare themselves for the complete concentration required to safely complete 

'the race of their life'.

I get the sense that he has been doing this for years!

David and his friend Paul Matravers, discussing race strategy

Champion, Bruce Anstey and his wife chilling before his ride

And they are off.....with a tap on the shoulder, off they speed down Bray Hill to start each of the 4, 37 3/4 mile laps around the course

TT star, John McGuinness gets the 'tap'

Michael Dunlop guns his ride

My favourite racer, Maria Costello...

(whats up with the SLOW DOWN sign??)

 

Given that the race is 4 laps long, the bikes can't make it on a single tank of gas.  Pit stops can either 'make it or break it' for a race.

  ...but more importantly, if they don't get their bikes 'bump started', they can lose valuable seconds on the clock

.....and the winner is.....

Dean Harrison....all smiles for his victory interview

11, 12 and 13 all on the podium, flanked by friends and family

Back to the house for a humble dinner of bangers, beans and  mash...

Stay tuned for the Jurby festival....