The Isle of Man TT: The Deadliest Race in the World

Since its creation in 1907, there have been 258 deaths contributed to the Isle of Man mountain course, making it the "deadliest race" in the world.
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[@gravesclayton3604]

One of the modern top riders said in an interview that at those speeds there is a green blur, and a gray blur, so he tries to keep the bike on the gray blur. He also said one of his favorite curves was bordered by a hedge alongside the road, and he would take the corner lightly brushing his helmet on the hedge. Until one day he walked the curve and discovered it was actually a stone wall with a thin cover of ivy!

[@nicksykes4575]

Two different riders, the grey blur/green blur quote was from the late great Joey Dunlop, while the quote about the hedge was I believe, from Steve Plater, who is now part of Channel 4s commentary team.

[@gravesclayton3604]

@@nicksykes4575 Thanks for clarifying that. It was all in one video, and I couldn't find it again to recall who exactly said each quote. Both were very memorable, to say the least!

[@networkbike543]

Yikes!

[@patheddles4004]

See also, the rider who knocked his helmet-cam off on a stone wall on the inside of a corner. Not a whole lot of margin for error there...

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, HERE is Our Savior HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins ** NO FEMALE INVOLVED WHATSOEVER ** - Hebrew Book of Isaiah Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.

[@LucasOliveira-tt2ll]

the speeds of this race is a testament to what Mario Andretti once said "if you think that everything is under control, then you're not going fast enough"

[@tokyosmash]

And imagine he is in a car, now we’re in a world where superbikes are making a comfortable 230+ hp

[@tonywilson4713]

Go watch some of the on-bike footage here on YT. There's also a in car that's just insane.

[@stevenwilliams1805]

Epic

[@tokyosmash]

@@tonywilson4713 absolutely

[@hillclimbracingfan5821]

@@tonywilson4713 Yep.Mark Higgins in Prodrive built Subaru Impreza.Some of the best driving i ever seen.

[@dingus153]

Shout out to the late Doctor John Hinds, known as the flying doctor, who would ride around and respond to any crashes in these races. An absolute legend

[@choughed3072]

He was an amazing man.

[@Coltnz1]

He was never at the IOM TT. He rode in the Irish road races.

[@LeonB54]

The riding marshals are the real MVP's of the IOM TT!!

[@K2edg]

He was a great guy........ this video is a much watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6S9c4uiia2Deck

[@vssjim4311]

Yeah dingus, Irish road races lad, not IOM

[@SteveMHN]

Some of my best memories with my Dad was going to the IOM TT, we went every year from when I was age 8 to 16. He knew a lot of people because he worked as a mechanic for John McGuinness's team for 2 years. He died when I was 17 and I haven't been to any race since.

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

Hope you take your kid some day if you plan on having children!

[@kanomoro6433]

Keep going to them to maybe remember your dad by. He showed you the races because he wanted you to enjoy the races as much as he did. Take as much time as you need to recover my friend and maybe go to a TT race one day to remember your father by.

[@calikid7116]

Gotta go back lots of good memories sounds like a time to take a trip back down the rabbit hole

[@jamesfrost7465]

Go to the races, you dont think your father would want you to stop going do you? HELL NO, NOW GO TO THE RACES, let him watch the races through your eyes. GO

[@noth606]

I had a similar thing with my dad but about the 1000 lakes rally, haven't been in a rally car or watched any of the races even on TV since he died. He survived a really bad crash, just to die a few years later from a blood clot while taking a nap.

[@scottcutler7749]

As a motorsports fan all my life I will say that nothing comes close to this. It's more like watching gladiators scrapping at 200mph. It totally blows me away every year. Maximum respect to these riders.

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

Just reaching 130mph on the TT Course is a terrifying prospect. To average it is incomprehensible.

[@russellfitzpatrick503]

Just think, to manage 130+ per lap means you're going at nigh 200 at some places ...., and that's on a 2 lane road with stome walls on both sides. Believe me

[@ryanb9749]

My bikes top speed is only 112mph. Lol

[@chitlitlah]

I don't know the Isle of Mann course, but hitting 130 mph down a long straightaway isn't very frightening. I've done faster than that on a bike and in a car, and it was scarier in the car. Averaging that over a tight road course is pretty intense though. It requires larger testicles than I possess.

[@paulnolan6866]

130mph on one of the straights doesn't feel like much you must not ride a bike. Now to average it over the lap... That's a different story

[@paulnolan6866]

There's times on a bike you feel like your just trotting along and you look down and your doing 120mph. Feels closer to 70 in a car

[@blackbuttecruizr]

IMO, anyone who finishes this event and walks away is a LEGEND.

[@ddtt3076]

Some people say it’s “pushing the envelope”, others say “ it’s the obvious life choice”. An average person has no grasp of the thrill of life until they have done what others consider to be insane. Respect and prayers to the people who seek the thrill!

[@kirkjones9639]

Excellent video! I did the IOM TT in 76. I was much older when I finished, than I was when I started.

[@01menyou]

One of the last truly gladiatorial events left. The world would be a poorer place without the TT.

[@charlesfollette9692]

Between this event, the Dakar rally and the 24 hours at lema’n

[@rider65]

Well soak it all up because it will soon be banned. There are forces hard at work to get rid of the TT, mostly in the UK government but you'd be surprised there are people within the iom government as well. And of course the influence ($$$) is coming from outside Elite banksters. TT will probably be gone by the end of this decade. Along with many other freedoms and choices. Most people cannot even understand what's happening and do not even realize that it has crept into every facet of life including Sports. Like the Brits say, pull your feckin thumb out...🤦‍♂️

[@01menyou]

@@rider65 regrettably I think you're right, however, always remember, restrictions and limitations never apply to those in charge, and the TT is a curiosity for them. Watching those they regard as plebs risking their life for glory, and their entertainment. Certainly the cushy life enjoyed by the indigenous Manx folk is finished, the island will become uber expensive and a high net worth only place. It's well on that way now but likely to go far worse, imo.

[@FartsnShitz]

The bleeding hearts have tried to stop it like they try to ruin everthing. But they basically got told to piss off.

[@whotf888]

@@FartsnShitz that's the most British thing ever.

[@HCR_Motorhead]

As someone who lives here I can say this place is the best place on earth for two weeks and I go up to watch as much racing as possible. However, it is the worst feeling in the world to see someone start a session but never finish.

[@mpainter22]

Have you done the Manx International rally?

[@toblerone5071]

@@mpainter22 Wtf is tht?

[@mpainter22]

@@toblerone5071 it used to be a round of the British rally championship, it lost it's international status a few years ago but it does look as though it is going to be getting it back again. It was a three day event that took place on the isle of man , mainly on the interior roads but incorporated some of the TT course as well, I recommend search for "Patrick Snijers Manx Rally 1988" that'll give you an idea.

[@toblerone5071]

@@mpainter22 Ah, I see ! I wondered why I hadn’t heard of it since I live on the Isle of Man but it was before my time, ever since 2003 when I was born I can only ever remember the TT and the Manx GP happening over here

[@mpainter22]

@@toblerone5071 it happened about a month ago (I know one of the chief Marshalls, he live in Wales) as I say it wasn't a full international event but it may well be one going forward, I can't recommend the video I suggested enough, that or Mark Higgins Isle of man lap record in a car

[@tedrex8959]

A Biographics video on Mike "The Bike" Hailwood would be great, he was an amazing rider whose life was sadly cut too short.

[@oddshot60]

Please don't forget John Surtees, the only World Champion on both two and four wheels.

[@peterwheeler4735]

Him and many others. I'd love to see them on Kenny "The King" Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson, Barry Sheehan, Freddie Spencer and a host of other greats.

[@LiamNI]

The biggest legend of the TT is Joey Dunlop. I'd watch a Biographics on him for sure (not that I wouldn't watch Mike Hailwood).

[@siabell]

Just as long as Simon doesn't spend the entire video pronouncing his name as 'Haliwood'

[@siabell]

@@LiamNI If you haven't already seen it, I can strongly recommend a documentary film called Road. Came out in 2014, it's an extremely well made documentary about the Dunlop family

[@richycfcyates]

I will be sitting in my garden watching the boys come past. A garden full of strangers from across the globe but all part of the TT family. Schoolhouse corner is great place to watch so I'm expecting to see some of you there. Happy TT everyone.. It's going to be absolutely mega ..!!!!

[@Dang3rMouSe]

Excellent episode. Another lesser known but also very deadly, brutal & highly unique race is the Baja 1000. Everyone who runs that is insane but especially the dirt bikers. It's on another level.

[@donaldoehl7690]

As a rider myself that has only exceeded the ton a few times I have great respect for anyone that can ride this course. I like to tell people that motorcycle riding is like a video game but without the do-overs.

[@philip.guitarra]

Went to 1986 TT on back of my dad’s Norton Commando. Unbelievable! My old man’s still motoring and he’s 80, bikers are amazing but TT racers are insane. Great vid.

[@sandybarnes887]

Nice. My dad had that bike. I loved driving it

[@Sk1m_Beeble]

Word to ya pops

[@turbofan67]

As the late Joey Dunlop once said, "There's a grey blur and a green blur, I try to stay on the grey one".

[@ninjaswordtothehead]

They do this same race with sidecar motorcycles. The passenger is not attached, to the sidecar, that is open in the back. Let that sink in.

[@jacobthrym7552]

Sider car racing is the greatest, I still marvel at it every time. All of the different class riders have balls but the passengers, they're something else entirely.

[@user-sn8oe5sb1b]

@@jacobthrym7552 The passengers use their massive balls as counter-weights to steer the side cars.

[@santi3991]

Want to add that the race featured "flying doctors" Dr. John Hinds and Dr. Fred McSorley at the time, which are real doctors that ride behind the riders to be able to reach a crash in the least time possible, this means they have to go full speed as the riders themselves, sadly Hinds lost his life in 2015 on a practice run.

[@Coltnz1]

They both rode as doctors in Northern Ireland races, not the Isle of Man.

[@lozhayton7391]

I've always thought that I'd struggle to keep them speeds on a motorway, these guys manage it through towns over hills and round corners. My favourite quote come from Conor Cummings when recovering from his massive crash at the Verandha and his gran said I wish you'd return to your job in banking and he said "nan I'd rather crash at the verandah again then go back to that job"

[@tommallon4052]

He now owns a small coffee shop in Ramsey called Conrods. Which is typical. Many TT riders have full time jobs.

[@Quickdraw_Punslinger]

I have been to the TT as a team mechanic. I can put my hand on my heart and say that I am truly privileged to experience this event. It is the best two weeks of my life relived every year!

[@tomoliver8996]

It’s always a pleasant surprise to know that the rest of the world actually know that we exist ❤️🇮🇲

[@freakysteve140281]

These guys are the purest of racers. Totally iconic, hope it goes on forever

[@GrrMeister]

10:53 *It's Pronounced [MIKE] Hail Wood and met him several times, one occasion was in 1964 at the Race of the Year at Mallory Park September 1964, and long after the race had finished and the crowds had gone, asking a Marshall if I could drive my car (Citroen DS19) around the circuit, he said better ask Mike (Hailwood) and directed me to him. I asked Mike, who I had briefly met a number of times before, and he said of course you can, and told the Marshall to let me through the top gate (Near Hairpin) - He said come back after we are having a bit of a Party with Chris Barber later. Did two/three laps and then went back. Mike appeared genuinely pleased to see me again and asked how I got on. Had a good laugh together as we found had a lot of common interests (3 years older than me and born on the same date 2nd April) and had been to the Belgian Grand Prix the previous year in my Morris Minor 1000. Stayed until late with many of the riders and "Chris Barber & his Jazzmen" playing. Imagine that today, the pits were open and you didn't need a fancy pass to get in. I was very keen on Jazz Bands, and in fact had an Acker Bilk Beard at the time, and was often mistaken for him ! (Maybe Mike thought I was "Acker") Still got the Program Price 2/6p and signed by many riders then including Phil Read, Jim Redman, Mike Duff, Bill Ivy etc. Incidentally Mike Won the race on the MV Agusta and was £1000 richer. Huge amount in those days. So no wonder he was happy. He held the 350cc Lap Record from 62-64 at 84.93 mph and the 500cc Lap record at 53 seconds 91.70 mph in 1962* *What a great person Mike was, and a terrible loss to Motor Sport. I was not aware at the time I was talking to a Millionaire's son, as Mike was so modest and unpretentious, an everyday kind of Guy.*

[@MrDavil43]

I was at that meeting at Mallory Park too, although I didn't have the incredible experience you did. Mike was the hero of my teenage years and I had a brief chat with him in the paddock during the afternoon. The only bike racing I see now is at the Goodwood Revival but my memories are still quite clear. Happy days!

[@GrrMeister]

@@MrDavil43 Nice to hear from you, met Mike also at the TT in that famous race with Ago

[@tullochgorum6323]

My uncle spent the last few years of his career as the Consultant Radiologist at the Noble Hospital on the Isle of Man. He said that his long experience in medicine had not prepared him for the horrific injuries he had to deal with during TT week - it is a uniquely dangerous event. One point not made in the video is that it's possible for the general public to ride the course during practice week. This leads to yet more mayhem...

[@Staggs2200]

The UK and Ireland have some of the most insane Superbike street courses in the world. The Ulster GP at Dundrod circuit is another crazy race to watch

[@fuzzy1dk]

ID say in some ways more crazy since that are not time trails

[@georgebarnes8163]

the UGP is dead and gone.

[@davehopkinson1547]

I’ve built bikes for the TT for 20 years and it disturbs me how many people who write about the TT purely as just “the most dangerous” race. I’m sick of hearing this from people who have no understanding of why we do it.

[@bicyclist2]

As a adrenaline junky, I love speed. I have loved watching the Isle of Mann TT race since I first discovered it. Unfortunately I've never had the chance to ever ride a motorcycle. I'd love the chance to visit just to watch the race. I hope to watch it on TV this year. Great content as usual. Thanks.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Just in case you ever get the chance, you should take it... AND start out with a parking lot and doing those basic slow-speed drills... just like the MSF and copious members of the YT riding community preach. LOTS of figure-8's... if nothing else... and get solid on your use of the brakes FIRST... you can't do anything until you know how to stop anywhere... everywhere... no matter the situation. Get that down and all the technique to do it well, and then move on to actually hitting the road and ride. I hope you get that chance afforded you. I hope you find it as much fun as I do. I hope you can enjoy a LONG life with a motorcycle in it... BUT even if you don't care so much or don't wish to pursue it, I hope you get the chance to find out... and a good coach to help you get it right... in the sense of "correct". I'd rather ride than breathe, as if that's even a choice. ;o)

[@hankjones3527]

What's stopping youn from getting a bike? (Genuine question)

[@theant9821]

Anyone can learn to ride. You have the chance. You're just not taking it.

[@bongholio82]

So weird this has come up now, I've been binge watching Guy Martin and TT doccies for the last week.

[@rasradders9708]

Nice work! You`ve mistakenly got footage from Irish road racing at the beginning though - the mass start and "Coleraine" on the posters is a giveaway that it's not the TT.

[@mikewatson2055]

Hi Simon, you should make a Geographics video on the Isle of Man. It's a great place to live with lots of history!

[@bushmanPMRR]

The fastest I've ever riden was 135mph which I kept up for around 20 or 30 seconds after which I thought yep, that'll do. That record of 131mph was the riders AVERAGE, for around 90 minutes! Allowing for pit stops and slower twisties and corners they have to not only go over the 131mph but it has to be sustained for quite some time! Their skill and dedication is simply amazing, anyone even competing is a total hero and complete legend!

[@zzdoodzz]

Long ago I took my bike up to 125mph and same as you, shortly after I had the thought what if there was a big pot hole or something on the road. At that speed everything comes at you very fast. In my old age now, I mostly just cruise around now.

[@AveragePicker]

Yeah it is hard to wrap one's head around that being the average.

[@bushmanPMRR]

@@zzdoodzz that was in the back of my mind although I knew this road pretty well (A2/Watling Street near Gravesend) which although an A not M road is four lane dual carriageway and dead straight for a couple of miles. Before this the fastest I'd ever done was 30 years prior on only my second ever bike, a Yamaha TDR250 and got to 115. I was absolutely thrilled to the bone by it but knew I'd always want to go as fast as my vehicle was capable of and I'd eventually lose my licence or my life so I always had cruiser bikes and slow / old / comfortable cars then I got into Land Rovers. I still have my Speed Triple I did the 135 on, I've had it longer than any other bike I've owned and its been bulletproof and even after eight years it still has the potential to scare the crap out of me! Keep the rubber side down and the blue side up!

[@TheWolvesCurse]

the fastest i was ever going was 260kph on the autobahn for about 30kilometer. good surface, only slight bends, a very wide 3 lane road and almost no traffic allowed for that. it was all my 636 ninja was capable of. it didn't feel comfortable, i can tell you that and it was very noisy inside the helmet. can't imagine racing tight country roads, through villages and all that at even higher speeds. crazy, but impressive what these guys do.

[@bushmanPMRR]

@@TheWolvesCurse I would like to visit Germany one day and not just for the Autobahns! I agree about the noise inside the helmet, it is unbelievably LOUD and t is manly the win and air, not the bike. The other unusual sensation was slowing down afterwards, I went from 135mph(217kh) down to 100mph (160kph) which felt so incredibly SLOW!

[@johnnymittens77]

Clicked like before I even started watching. Bikes are ace, the TT where the big boys go to see who's the biggest boy of all

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

I might take the biggest poop in my pants..,...does that count?

[@stephenhammond6962]

Great video Nomis! I believe the Legend that is Joey Dunlop, deserves his own video, even John McGinnis! 👍

[@LiamNI]

McGuinness, but yes, both deserve a video of their own, although I reckon there's a bit more meat on the story of Dunlop, like when he went over to the TT on a fishing boat one year, but it sank on the way. Also, he had a pretty famous quote. "There's a green blur and a grey blur. I try to stay on the grey one". I met him at the TT in '99 at about 3am in the Glencoe Summerville and he said a variation of the quote to me when I asked him about doing 200mph on the mountain. It was something along the lines of "everything is a blur. I try to stay on the grey blur".

[@gordonwallin2368]

Good point!! He's a hero here. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada

[@stevelee4561]

I moved the the Isle of Man for the TT. Love the races, the greatest motor sport event in the world.

[@Adam-jf4lj]

As Someone from the island, I can say it’s definitely worth watching if you get the chance

[@frankmiller95]

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle hard is, or should be well aware that not only motorcycle racing, but motorcycle riding at anything but most modest speeds is "inherently dangerous."

[@motoxtbat]

it's a great pleasure to play a small part at TT marshalling also gets you the best seats on the track. looking forward to going over in the few weeks

[@deathsicon]

after discovering this race close to 15 years ago, one of my goals is to eventually get my harley over to cruise on the course, no way in hell i wanna try it anywhere near race pace, but it just looks like an amazing ride

[@DezciiXx]

my great uncle is fred cook he raced in the 1955 isle of man tt as a rep of new zealand. he still kicking and alive to this day in his 90s. he lost his brother my other great uncle bob cook who also raced motorcycles back in those days he past away practicing on the aintree circuit. i love hearing from my grandfather and his brother what it was like during the isle of man races and such a inspirational story of 3 brothers racing.

[@Lmeister420]

You can watch as many KZbin video's as you want about the TT, nothing comes close to see those bikes pass you at 200mph when you're sitting 3feet from the Road.

[@LiamNI]

I think the NW200 and Ulster GP compare very favourably to be honest. They're just better to watch, cos they are all together, like an actual race rather than a time trial.

[@hillclimbracingfan5821]

@@LiamNI That's because they are circuit races and TT is time attack.

[@williamfischer3990]

You know when The Doctor himself wants nothing to do with a track it’s insane. I would love to just ride the course at a regular speed because it’s awesome.

[@MlKEcc]

As a local of the Isle of Man and huge fan of the TT Races this was very informative and quite well written i must point out though a few errors were made as while watching i saw 2 accident clips that were not even on the TT course and Including Manx Grand Prix deaths in the figures gives an inaccurate impression of the amount of unfortunate fatalities, The TT Races and Manx Grand Prix are different events Both having different competence levels to be able to ride.

[@darkwaveatheist]

He mentioned the Manx Grand Prix...

[@MlKEcc]

@@darkwaveatheist the Manx grand prix races are an entirely different race as i stated THIS IS NOT TT RACES so the death toll quoted is totally incorrect

[@choughed3072]

John Surtees may make a good biographics. Multiple TT winner and the only man to ever win the f1 and motorbike world championships. A true legend of Motorsport.

[@johnfaragher3959]

quite s, and a thorough gentleman

[@michaelcolligan6686]

Always love watching the TT every year

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Thanks for posting Simon, I started riding Motorcycles in 1968, The Isle of Man is my favorite, Joey Dunlop was amazing, I've also rode on Mike {The Bike} Hailwoods bike Via camera, It was a Two Stroke, It hit speeds of 180-190 Mph, It was incredible.👍

[@shimsteriom4191]

Great video, thanks 👍 By the way, Snaefell is pronounced Snayfell 😉

[@UnluckyFriedKitten]

Aye, one more 'Snaffle' from Simon and I'd be reaching for the dislike button, jk

[@Gersti96]

I think he also called hailwood "haliwood" 😅

[@richshimmin664]

He says Snaffel, we say Snayfell. ;)

[@OllyGibbonsVideos]

This is brilliant. Most people just don’t understand what these guys do. You’ve simplified it perfectly for the non bikers

[@andersjjensen]

It's fairly simple: First you shut down the part of your brain that understands the concept of consequences. Than you treat the bike to bike as much hatred as if it had raped your sister.... and then, of cause, you make absolutely sure to not blink once until you're over the finish line.

[@danielburgess7785]

"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death" - Hunter S. Thompson

[@siuchek]

Hello, Simon, I am from Hong Kong. I am hoping one of your channel can feature the ridiculous housing price and ridiculous small apartment here in the city. To give you a perspective, a new apartment unit of 300 sqft would cost you 8 million HKD. I'm not talking about one singular development, but it is the average housing price here for an apartment in the outskirt of main commercial area. People with low income trying to apply for government housing has to wait an average of 5 years. People who cannot wait are forced to rent what we coined as "coffin room", which is a subdivided unit within a single flat, a 60 ft unit would cost you 5k HKD per month. I am hoping someone can bring this situation on the international stage so the world can know hong kong is not as glamorous as it may seem. If you wish to know more or are interested in developing on this topic. Please let me know how i can be of help.

[@stephenphillip5656]

Er...what exactly is the connection between motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man & housing prices in Hong Kong? Asking for a friend.

[@evilelf5967]

There's racers and then you have TT racers.....it's another level literally.respect to all who will be attending the TT this year.

[@barnyseegers]

I live on the Isle of Man and can with certainty say it's crazy dangerous! Love it though!

[@ecrusch]

I watch it every year. It is absolutely unbelievable. John McGuiness is a racing machine.

[@GAMakin]

Yes. The need for Speed... Once upon a time in the West... My neighbor "down The Valley" (let's call him Dave) and I met along the Road to Perdition. Dave was a former Formula 4 racer who had taken to motorcycles in lieu of the four-wheel version of Suicide Machines. Seems he'd had an "accident" a number of years before, at Watkins Glen: His rocket went airborne off the downside of a curve. Detonated on impact. Broke his lower spine and a limb or two. He took to racing motorcycles. Easier Work. LOL Yeah, like the the core of the Sun is a half-million degrees cooler than the surface. I was a "good" throttle jockey on a motorcycle. Only good. Dave and I "met" on my way home, along Laureles Grade (Carmel Road to San Bonacio). I was tooling along at a comfortable 90 mph, working at it, when a UAP shot past me at light speed. It screeched to a halt 100 feet downgrade, smoked the back shoe in a 180, and came screaming straight at me @264 fps; popped a wheelie on the pass, shut it down, did the 180 thing and pulled to a stop alongside me on the poor excuse for a "shoulder"... where I had retreated for fear of screaming Harpes and certain death. Let's just say we got along from then on. LSS: He took me to Laguna Seca (a ball bust "oval" track just down the road), put me on his personal rig (a very expensive, custom blueprinted Yami) and said: Go for it. The short of it. My best avg: 118 mph. Not too shabby... for a Citizen. To put it in perspective: Dave passed me up... TWICE on that run. TAKES a RARE BREED: as in Effin' CRAZY... or maybe just wired different. We talked about Isle of Man. Dave was just past 40 at the time. He bemoaned the fact that he hadn't given it a shot when he could. His take on the pass-a-dena: "I have the COJONES, Bro but... the reflexes aren't quite what they once were." Dave's Creed: "Play it safe and you'll die a thousand deaths. Balls out, you might die... once. But what a ride. But keep it on The Track. Fewer BOZOS in the way." Yep. Words of Wisdom and just like Dave: Equivocal to a fault. 👍

[@MrDoYouKnowMe2211]

core of the sun is about 15 million Kelvin hotter than the surface. i feel the need to point that out for some reason. that's about 27 million fahrenheit difference.

[@GAMakin]

@@MrDoYouKnowMe2211 No doubt. My statement was an example of negation by hyperbole. A MOOT distinction from the perspective of my personal, comparatively limited, experiences, pushing the envelope, on a motorcycle. Try it sometime.

[@LadyAnuB]

Never been on the Laureles Grade myself. I got plenty of time on the roads on base though as I was stationed at Ford Ord from 87-89. Got some miles around Fort Hunter Liggett during this time as well even finding the mission that's on base.

[@blackline66]

Brilliantly read Simon. Perfect description of every angle. Well done!!!

[@sammywalrus]

Apart from him saying the mountain name wrong!

[@joepublic8582]

Isn't it still pronounced snay fell? It was when I was a kid.

[@Cazzy09]

Yes sney-fell. I live on the Isle of Man 🇮🇲

[@lenser.competition]

Ok, as a Manx Grand Prix and TT racer I thought I’d reply. You presented it well. A few notes, main one is that the Manx Grand Prix and tourist trophy are 2 events, so combining stats is a little unfair. Second, while it’s undoubtedly dangerous, we do ride a lot, much more than any other racer, so the accident per km travelled is lower than some other events. Yeah, 3 years to learn is about right. And it’s the most amazing, addictive thing you can ever do in your life.

[@LadyAnuB]

Interesting to hear the accident rate per km is lower than other races. So you are doing lots of kms for each year. This kind of per unit idea is an idea that comes to mind with the Golden State Warriors 2014-2015 team which was heralded as a high scoring team but was also a great defensive team on an efficiency basis, i. e., points given up per times the opposition had the ball.

[@patkins8319]

This is the ultimate Motorsport. One corner at a time and hope and pray you don't get it wrong... The walls and drops don't take prisoners

[@boyzinthewood1]

I feel the same when my wife's driving the car

[@Jon.S]

I am a 4 wheel motorsport enthusiast, not really into bikes, but the TT coverage just ridiculous. Along with things like the Monaco GP, it's one of those things that if you tried to start it today, you'd get laughed at for suggesting it. The footage of these guys going past the stone walls at over 300km/h is just astounding, and I whilst I applaud all the safety improvements that have been made in motorsport over the years, I'm still glad that a race like this is going strong.

[@bendgeddes]

“Don’t 1/2 ass anything. Whole ass 1 thing”. Ron Swanson. I feel this sums up the TT.

[@brendanmaguire4134]

Check out some Irish tracks.

[@borderlands6606]

Cars used to have their own version, with races like the Mille Miglia, but they were all banned over the years.

[@hillclimbracingfan5821]

@@borderlands6606 Hillclimbs are still going strong though.

[@essexginge9167]

It’s something you need to go see in person to believe just how dangerous it really is and just how fast they go

[@roadtotheTT]

Simon! You legend. Im a frequent listener to your many channels, its slightly concerning to be honest, and from the isle of man AND A CRAZY BIKE FANATIC. This video is the creme to my biscuit, thank you

[@TheDarrellimpey]

HAIL-wood NOT HA-le-wood.

[@user-sn8oe5sb1b]

Or just call him "the bike".

[@DavidMeggers]

Love the TT. I lived on the island for five years and went to pretty much all of the ones I could including the classic TT, and I am not a motorcycle fan. Best experience ever!

[@Touay.]

And long may it continue!

[@EricDKaufman]

PRAISE THAT!!!

[@mtlfpv]

Yes

[@werners5191]

I have seen a lot of videos about the IOM TT, but this is by far the most informative.

[@JoshuaEagle1080]

Thanks Simon, ive been waiting for this 1!

[@keitaino1502]

Hearing Simon say Snaefell as “Snaffel” is honestly hilarious to me. It’s pronounced, “Snay-fell”.

[@silverbaker2194]

I was going to post the same comment, but you beat me to it 😁

[@Kirovets7011]

The Isle of Man TT is GREAT!! It's a breath of fresh air to have a motorrace that is not packed with all kind of safety measures, making it boring, just like the Formula 1. The Isle of Man TT is living on the edge!! Something wich today is considered by many people as insane, wich is isn't!!

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:40 - Chapter 1 - The history of the TT races 4:10 - Chapter 2 - The need for speed 7:10 - Chapter 3 - The dangers 10:20 - Chapter 4 - The future of the TT race

[@garethburningham9467]

In 2001 the races were cancelled but the festival wasn't. The island still had thousands of visitors travel there on their bikes.

[@busaw7349]

Most exciting racing for sure..

[@claudiobizama5603]

The island of Man is an interesting small place. I would like a Geographics video on it.

[@russellfitzpatrick503]

Best find a U-Tube clip of the race and just sit back and watch it unfold. Just be grateful that it's not you doing it

[@Gix3D]

Riders fitness right up there, These guys are super hero's. Ive been on a few track days on my CRB 600, A few laps of hooning and im knackered. These guys not only have huge do daa's, they are athletes.

[@barrydysert2974]

Among our rights as human beings is the right to freely, knowingly and intelligently risk one's own life !:-) ⚡️🙏⚡️

[@999iiujhgvtfgyhjnbv]

Greatest motor sport event on the planet. And in my opinion Joey Dunlop was king RIP legend!!

[@katashworth41]

One of my old bosses used to live on the same road as John McGuiness, coming up to races were a nightmare cos his RV would take up half the street so it was a right pain in the arse to get in and out.

[@noisy3445]

Thanks for making this great video, I live on the main road and its always awesome watching the bikes fly by my house (although i will say the noise is something else)

[@pizzagogo6151]

It’s amazing this still exists & as much I hate the death & injuries- im very glad it still does. If humans can’t, voluntarily, test themselves to the absolute limit I think human kind will be much poorer as a species for it.

[@lordomacron3719]

Yep all are fully aware of the risks. But as the saying goes no risk no reward. To strive for more knowing the risks is how we move forward to stay in place is to stagnate and never change.

[@scotcoon1186]

Safety first over duty first is one of the things Teddy Roosevelt said would destroy America.

[@goldfox399]

The way I explain it to my friends is it's like riding from London to Liverpool in 1hr 45 mins on B roads

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

Super deal Simon! Many thanx 👍👍

[@LogicalQ]

The Isle of Man TT is the last bastion of competitive Motorsport yet to be safety softened. It’s fantastic

[@CroydonTramp]

See Guy Martin. Lovely bloke but mad.

[@boyzinthewood1]

Couldn't have put it better. "Lovely bloke but mad" 😂

[@Innerspace100]

Does he still race bikes?

[@LiamNI]

@@Innerspace100 no, not really. He's doing quite a bit of TV work recently.

[@RichO1701e]

@@boyzinthewood1 "You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

[@desmofan1864]

going to a TT has been on my bucket list for ages.

[@39hatter]

It's pronounced Snay fell Not Snafell!

[@maksphoto78]

Well, he certainly did.

[@nickk6518]

My great aunt's fiancé rode in the TTs in the 1920s and eventually became President of the TT Riders Association.

[@zandvoort8616]

We all have the right to race and die.

[@billallen4793]

I've dreamed about racing in a few different places, the T.T. is one, and the Bonneville salt flats is another dream event that I'd love to cross off the ol bucket 🪣 list..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@jayestrada3852]

Now we need a video for MotoGP and one for IndyCar 😁😁😁 GREAT JOB!

[@stuartyoung13]

I would never say anything bad about the TT the history and prestige of the race speaks for its self. You should check out the North West 200 though, its a road race that takes place in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. Like the TT on public roads but its not a time trial, its a free for all race

[@georgebarnes8163]

The NW is my favourite, much prefer it to the TT.

[@petebetz5358]

Pikes peak in America is our closest analog. So deadly that motorcycles are no longer allowed to try to race up its peaks. More of a time trial than a race, however, in the same vein is the aisle of Man....

[@dda40x1]

The increase in speed has as much to do with road surface improvement as it does with mechanical improvement.

[@0Zolrender0]

yes, and no. The current bikes with off road tyres of old would still be lapping the course 2-3x quicker than they did in 1907 to 1925. They do it 10x quicker now because of the roads. However the risk has gone uo expodentually. Coming off at 60kph on a dirt road with farm fences is very different to 250kph with solid stone walls.

[@micksterboone4517]

Joey Dunlop was an incredible man. Class act

[@Bikeadelic]

You better not fuck this one up fellow Simon. One day I would love to race here

[@allanvannin]

The riders of the TT are hardcore, the most precise and the most normal people you will ever meet. They, their teams, the marshall's, mostly do it for free, prize winnings might cover your tyres. The motivation is the test against yourself, a freedom of choice and the rite to live at your own will. The long term future of this event needs heavy investment from our local government, the damage limitation factors can be improved; kerb side safety, analysis into black spots, payment of marshall's, the covering of certain basic costs. As an islanders we see less and less investment, and attention from the local government, the marshall's are pure volunteers, only given food to eat, training needs more time dedicated for such a precise and dangerous race. And a bit more reward wouldn't go amiss, a big sponsor like redbull would help move event forward, this is the pinnacle of all man's ability to defy fear.

[@paulroberts3639]

You didn’t say that because of where it is, the race is outside of Government boundaries in the UK and Ireland. This is the primary reason why the race still exists. No government would allow such a dangerous race on their soil. But The Isle of Man is an anomaly. And survives off the tourism, money and broadcast right of the race.

[@MianCowell]

Yup, vital point of why it even started there.

[@brendanmaguire4134]

There's plenty of races meetings held all over Ireland,

[@LiamNI]

Care to explain the Northwest 200 and the Ulster GP? Nevermind all the smaller races in Ireland, like Cookstown, Tandragee, Skerries etc?

[@kloppanator]

Isle of Man and Nurburgring, you'd never get away with building and starting these race events today if they hadn't already been around for a hundred years.

[@rickintexas1584]

I’ve never watched the Isle of Man TT, but I’ve heard of it over the years. I might have to watch this year’s coverage. I’ve had a couple friends who have gone over several times to watch it. It looks absolutely crazy.

[@telemachbreuer601]

You must'nt forget, most of the killed drivers were private racers on "Mad Sunday" when the road isn't closed and both directions are allowed to go.But I must admit that price-money is not the real reason why the drivers take this challenge. It's about glory and survival on a course which demands "Balls of steel"

[@peterwheelerisgod]

Completely incorrect. Mad Sunday is the day between practice and race weeks. Traditionally it was where the mountain section between Ramsey and Douglas was one way. However recently that is the case for the whole TT fortnight. Now it’s just the busiest day on the island and has a tribute lap ridden slowly round the course.

[@WizzRacing]

If you ever wondered what the Roman Colosseum battles was like. This is the closest you will get. As you're literally in constant danger of being killed or injured for life...

[@jannesalonen1491]

Every year two boats go to Isle of Man. One is carrying the riders and equipment and the other brings their huge cojones.