5-31 Isle of Man race practice

[doug]

I got to IOM at 7am & rode to Pam & John's house. They have moved since last time I was here in 05, that was for the Manx grand prix race. As long as I have been into bikes, I've always wanted to come see the TT race. This is the 100th year, so I thought it would be a good one to see. Its the oldest bike race still running. Their new house is right on the track. When you go out the front door, you are 6 feet from the road, & bikes whizzing by at 150mph. Its awesome. Here is a video shot from across the road during practice. you can see the house on the left. The upstairs window is my room. Hey Louie, see the upstairs window on the right? that would have been your room if you didnt chicken out & cancel your trip! hahaha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ZTmbbDbBw
John is one of the marshalls along the track, they have flags they wave when it rains, or a wreck, or whatever. The rain flag is the same as the Alabama state flag.
theres many more film clips shot by other people on youtube.
Ive been going to a different place each time, trying to get some good video footage. Its looking good so far, I hope to have 40-50 minutes total once I edit out all of the crap.
so anyhow, heres some pics

[doug]

heres a couple arial shots of the mountain showing the 37 mile long racecourse.
this one is looking to the north


and looking to the south



and a map of the course


John & Pam live in Ballaugh, the northwest part of the course.
these pics are from the Ballaugh bridge, a popular spot to watch, as the bikes catch a little air.

[doug]

after the bikes, came the sidecars. this is what I really wanted to see, Id never seen sidecar racing before. these guys are nuts.








this one blew the engine

this one had electrical problems. they were waiting for the truck to fetch em.

[LouieMCman]

Hey Thanks for rubbing a little salt in the wound! Great pictures of the races and the hot girls! See ya when you get back to bama.

Louie