TT tales
The Isle of Man TT – there really is nothing else like it in the entire world. There may be other races on closed public roads, but nothing matches the challenges around the 37¾ miles of tarmac which are not to be taken lightly. And the challenges to even get to the races are often worthy of tales all of their own.
Privateers are sometimes unjustly accused of making up the numbers at the Isle of Man TT races, but – like the established ‘factory’ stars – they have their own targets and aspirations. It’s that buzz that keeps them coming back for more and the dangers are just something that feeds that adrenaline. Conquering that island course – even once – is a truly incredible achievement and many have their own stories on how they got there. Here’s one from an old friend of mine…
In 1998, aged 51, Peter Small decided to race at the Isle of Man on his Suzuki GSX-R750. Not unusual, but then Peter came from Idaho so just to attend would be some undertaking. Not only that, but Pete would ride his bike to the event.
He left Idaho and rode to Vancouver, Canada where the GSX-R – which was 8500 miles old at the time – was freighted to the UK. On picking the bike up at Gatwick
