38 years ago my father Phil raced the Isle Of Man TT on a 350 Aermacchi and a Matchless 500. I was born two months earlier and christened on the island while he raced. 2007 marked one hundred years of the legendary TT race, and I made the journey over from France, where I’ve been living for the last eight months, to watch it with my old man, who made the long trek over from Australia. It was my fourth visit to watch the TT races, the first I can’t obviously remember, and my first time back to the island with Dad making for a very special occasion.

About as close as I’ll ever get to racing the old man around the Isle Of Man

For those of you who have never heard of the Isle Of Man TT races here is a short description. First, anybody who attempts to race the 37 mile circuit that winds its way around the small island between the UK and Ireland is a little mad to begin with. Why? We’ll basically the race circuit is a street course where riders now reach speeds of up to 190mph and the fastest average lap has passed the 130mph mark, set this year by John McGuiness, which is absolutely frightening considering the circuit is lined with stone houses, curbed gutters, stone walls, a mixture of tar surfaces, areas where riders become air-born, mountain stretches where the weather can be completely different from the lower levels of the course.

Nearly every year a rider loses his life, as do a few spectators from crashing their motorcycle while darting around the circuit full of adrenalin when it re-opens. It’s a very special event that attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Some riders even brought their motorcycles over from NZ and Oz for the centenary.

Spectators rise as early as 5am to make their way to the best vantage points around the circuit, and once they find a good spot, sit anywhere up to 10 hours on their backside to watch the day’s proceedings. Even though the first race doesn’t usually get underway until 11am, there is plenty of excitement at the crack of dawn as thousands of fans lap the course early on every type of machine imaginable. The hardcore fans park early taking up their position, feet dangling close to the circuit, and cheer on those riders showing off as they pass. It’s actually the characters that are drawn to the TT races for its raw charm and spirit that help make such a special atmosphere during the TT week.

For me it was just so special to spend the time with my old man and listened to him talk about his days of racing the TT. He had many great stories to tell, like the many times he came close to having a fatal crash during the many laps he raced around the unique course, and his moments of pleasure on the way to winning a silver replica in the 350 and 500cc class he entered. Most of his racing friends have passed away now so to have him there with me to share the experience was one of the highlights of my life.

Even if you aren’t into road racing a trip once in your lifetime to experience what is one of the most famous events of its kind is absolutely worth it. Below my experience of being at the 2007 Centenary TT races continues through photos and captions, hope you enjoy, cheers Goba. P.S. Thanks for the great time on the island Dad!!!!! And also a big thanks to IOM locals Willy, Lynda, Penti and Faye for having us stay once again at their incredible farm close to the course, hopefully see you guys again soon….For more info on the IOM TT races go to www.ttwebsite.com

John McGuiness, one of the all-time legends of the IOM, races towards the bottom of Bray Hill while the fans cheer him on with cold beers.

A sidecar races over the rise from the Crosby Hotel. There’s plenty of good vantage points like this one.

The view racing away from the same vantage point as above.

It helps knowing the locals who can cut through neigbours farms to reach the less crowded spots, thanks Penti.

The action on the promenade in main-town Douglas every night was on the money. Here a member of the Bolddog FMX team busts out a big Double Grab.

The freestyle road bikers went off too.

Extreme action of all kinds, even though these guys were a little lame, but this move rated OK amongst the crowd.

This dude aboard his jet propelled machine was a nutter. His jet flame singed more than a few hairs.

Bands, amusement rides, beer tents, food tents, the promenade was always packed every night.

Most pubs got right into the spirit of the TT races, well they should as they make a killing from the amount of grog they sell.

Our farm host Willy left and my old man Phil around the breaky table.

Dad tuning into the race report as the bikes race by.

Mike Hailwood was one of the most famous TT racers, and here a rider rides one of his bikes during the TT lap of honour.

Some of the classic sidecars enjoying the TT lap of honour.

Check out the pit set-up for the Douglas beach race.

The Red Arrows put on a fine display before the beach race got under way.

Once the Douglas beach race got underway the action didn’t let off for two solid hours.

We managed to loan a bike to do a few laps around the course, which was very cool. Here we head over the famous Ballaugh Bridge. Thanks for the loan of the bike Ian.

Fans kicking back between races on the Gooseneck corner.

Kiwi Bruce Anstey fires away from the Goosneck only a foot or two away from the old mans legs. Try getting that close at a GP.

One for the scrap book. Me and Dad at the Gooseneck.

Low camera angle at the Gooseneck.

And a high one.

One for the crowd.

Lynda couldn’t care less about the bikes. She escaped by horse early most mornings before the mad mob cut loose.

A real old timer.

The beach race at Peel was a hit too.

Penti gave the quad class a good nudge finishing right up there.

There was plenty of carnage, especially in the B group.

It was off the the pub to say our goodbyes after the Peel beach race. From left: Willy wearing his favourite Crumpy jumper (big speedway fan), me, Lynda and Dad.

It was back to serenity once the beach races were over and the beach back to its old self.