Who's going to the TT this year?
Discussion
I watched an interview with a TT racer a couple of years back where he talked about the track 'slowing down' during practice week. As I understood him he meant his brain was working faster to process the vast amount of sensory input.
Do you ever get into that 'groove' where you seem to lap faster by trying less hard?
Do you ever get into that 'groove' where you seem to lap faster by trying less hard?
Absolutely loving th TT - can deal with the presenters but my gawd the commentary is fecking awful.
Cameron Phrase 1: He is wasting absolutely no time whatsoever
Cameron Phrase 2: Sensational footage...
And repeat.
Thanks for all the insight from you that travel to watch/help/take part. I will go one day for sure - more of an urge to do this than get to many other sports fixtures annual or otherwise. Just truly amazing.
Cameron Phrase 1: He is wasting absolutely no time whatsoever
Cameron Phrase 2: Sensational footage...
And repeat.
Thanks for all the insight from you that travel to watch/help/take part. I will go one day for sure - more of an urge to do this than get to many other sports fixtures annual or otherwise. Just truly amazing.
robinh73 said:
A few You Tube links to the Ulster GP, my favourite of all the road races.
In the first clip, I am the bike that is just passing at about 35 seconds as the camera pans round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF3YIKWnd6E
This clip shows a mix of the Ulster GP and Dundrod races. The incident I mentioned with one guy running wide in my earlier post can be seen at 7.05 here with me having a squeaky bum moment for a few seconds after that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB8zu7s5BaU
great to see someone involved in road racing posting here. ignore the doom mongers ,they will never get it. i have watched those incidents involving you already when browsing the road racing films on you tube, great job avoiding them ! apart from an even bigger burst of adrenaline i take it they don't have much of an effect on you during the race if it isn't stopped.In the first clip, I am the bike that is just passing at about 35 seconds as the camera pans round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF3YIKWnd6E
This clip shows a mix of the Ulster GP and Dundrod races. The incident I mentioned with one guy running wide in my earlier post can be seen at 7.05 here with me having a squeaky bum moment for a few seconds after that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB8zu7s5BaU
one of the things i admire the most about those continuing year after year is the huge level of commitment involved between getting the time and raising the funds.if it wasn't for the lads self funding it would be a far lesser spectacle. i would like to see more people like you get a bit more tv time at the bigger events as a bit of recognition and a help to finding sponsors as i know how hard it is from speaking to a couple of local lads that do the roads.
pretty sure a standalone post with some stories of your travels and races would go down well here.
wc98 said:
pretty sure a standalone post with some stories of your travels and races would go down well here.
Absolutely this. I would love to hear more about it. I’ve spectated at a lot of road races as I used to live in N.I. In fact I used to work at portstewart golf club. Being paid to be right next to the pits at the NW200 was awesome!
Please do share some more tales from the roads!
robinh73 said:
Thanks very much indeed. I do hope that I can share my experiences with you all on here, as it is such a huge passion of mine. This is the first photo taken at my very first road race in the Isle of Man at the Southern 100. I had no idea what to expect and to top it off, it was chucking it down with rain. Absolutely loved it though and the rest is history as they say!
That's a fantastic photograph.Very much enjoying reading your posts regarding your experiences on the roads, too.
Many thanks indeed for all the positive comments and feedback. I maybe should do a separate thread with some insight into my road racing and what is involved.
As has been said, it has been a huge commitment both time wise and financially and I have been pretty much self funded. Tyres are the biggest expense, but the wear rate on the roads is nowhere near as high as it is on a short circuit (conventional race track as it were). I could do an entire weekend at Oliver's Mount on one set of dry tyres (which would be 2 lots of practice per day and then 2 8 lap races per day). It sounds quite bad, but at somewhere like Anglesey or Oulton Park, I know of lads who would go through maybe 2 fronts and 3 or rears in a weekend. It is in fact only last year that I managed to strike lucky with a couple of friends who offered me funding, one of who runs a courier and transport company and very kindly donated an redundant Mercedes Sprinter van for my use, as I had previously been sharing a van with a friend. Only downside is that the damn thing has since decided it doesn't want to play and lives in limp mode, so is due to go in for some diagnostic work! Anyway, I have never asked for sponsorship as I feel that I am doing the racing for myself and if i can't afford to do it, then I shouldn't expect someone else to cough up to fund it. I have never had a career to be forged in it, as I left it far too late in life to make anything of it, but I do it because I feel so lucky to be able to do it. There is something quite special about the whole road racing scene, it isn't really full of egos as you would find in some of the short circuit paddocks. You generally don't get the young lads parading round in Oakley sunglasses with huge headphones on looking miserable as sin and trying to "get in the zone" before they race. Don't get me wrong, I have my moment before a race where I do go a bit quiet and just try to focus on the task ahead, but there is very much more of a down to earth feeling about the road racer paddock.
I will seriously look at doing a separate thread on here, the only downside is that I am taking a year out, so current updates will be non existent sadly. In the meantime, here are a couple more shots from Oliver's Mount and the Ulster Grand Prix.
As has been said, it has been a huge commitment both time wise and financially and I have been pretty much self funded. Tyres are the biggest expense, but the wear rate on the roads is nowhere near as high as it is on a short circuit (conventional race track as it were). I could do an entire weekend at Oliver's Mount on one set of dry tyres (which would be 2 lots of practice per day and then 2 8 lap races per day). It sounds quite bad, but at somewhere like Anglesey or Oulton Park, I know of lads who would go through maybe 2 fronts and 3 or rears in a weekend. It is in fact only last year that I managed to strike lucky with a couple of friends who offered me funding, one of who runs a courier and transport company and very kindly donated an redundant Mercedes Sprinter van for my use, as I had previously been sharing a van with a friend. Only downside is that the damn thing has since decided it doesn't want to play and lives in limp mode, so is due to go in for some diagnostic work! Anyway, I have never asked for sponsorship as I feel that I am doing the racing for myself and if i can't afford to do it, then I shouldn't expect someone else to cough up to fund it. I have never had a career to be forged in it, as I left it far too late in life to make anything of it, but I do it because I feel so lucky to be able to do it. There is something quite special about the whole road racing scene, it isn't really full of egos as you would find in some of the short circuit paddocks. You generally don't get the young lads parading round in Oakley sunglasses with huge headphones on looking miserable as sin and trying to "get in the zone" before they race. Don't get me wrong, I have my moment before a race where I do go a bit quiet and just try to focus on the task ahead, but there is very much more of a down to earth feeling about the road racer paddock.
I will seriously look at doing a separate thread on here, the only downside is that I am taking a year out, so current updates will be non existent sadly. In the meantime, here are a couple more shots from Oliver's Mount and the Ulster Grand Prix.
Dakkon said:
robinh73 - What is your favourite section of the TT course, when you are racing, where you are thinking yes, this is it, this is what it is all about?
The TT course has so many great bits, but I think it must be the Sulby Straight section. It is just so fast. But I must admit that the Ulster GP is really my favourite. The Flying Kilo there is something else as you hit the start finish straight in 4th gear flat out and then up the gear box to 6th and leave it pinned on the throttle stop for about 7 or 8 seconds down the Flying Kilo, rolling off the throttle right at the last minute to clock the highest speed through the speed trap, drop it down one gear for the left hander, peel it in right up against the grass verge and then down one more gear for the fourth gear right hander. It is an awesome section and flows so nicely. Another great one (and probably my favourite bit of all time) is the very fast right hander at the Ulster, Lougher's. It is a blind exit right hander, taken flat in 5th and you are literally riding wall to wall. The sense of speed through it is incredible as you really are wrestling the bike to make it around the turn and then get back on the power. Gives me goosebumps thinking about it! robinh73 said:
I am not quite sure why I am bothering to write this, as some people on here do seem to be completely and utterly blinkered to the lure and draw of the TT and the fact that to race on roads such as the TT is somewhat foolhardy, irresponsible and in need of banning.
I have been a road racer, as a privateer, for a good number of years now. I started off doing short circuit stuff but did my first road race in the Isle of Man at the Southern 100. Immediately I was hooked. I have since done virtually no short circuit stuff (not because I am slower on the circuit than the roads) but because I am drawn to the road races. Now I do not consider myself to be a sandwich short of a picnic. I have a regular day job where I run a boating business and petrol station with a great friend of mine. I also play sax in a soul and funk band. So, I consider myself a pretty grounded individual. My piss therefore gets well and truly boiled when accusations are made as to the sanity or ability of us road racers and that we all have a death wish. We all participate in the sport fully aware of the risks and this is something that we do of our own free will. Nobody is pointing a gun to our heads to compete. Nobody is promising huge piles of cash to compete. In fact the sport costs us all dearly. The TT as a privateer will cost in the region of £10-12,000. So, please don't go judging our abilities, our sanity or such like. I have known and lost a good number of friends to the sport, but I can guarantee that none of these felt obliged to participate, they all did it of their own free will and for the love of the greatest sport known to man. Our rationale and mental state is quite normal, in fact a great friend of mine is racing at the TT this year (and doing very well in all his classes) and he is a nuclear engineer. Racing a bike on any road race circuit is not easy, your head is processing so much information and analysing exactly what is going on and how much further you can push, for lap after lap on a circuit that is doing its level best to throw you off the bike, but yet you still have to analyse how much to push with the knowledge that pushing too far can result in some dire consequences.
I apologise for the rant here, but there are a couple of people commenting on here that clearly are totally and utterly clueless and at times quite offensive with their views on road racing and the people like me who compete in it. I would happily talk for hours and relay stories and impart my knowledge with anyone with an interest in the sport, but what I cannot abide is people who think they know everything but in actual fact know everything about nothing.
well I for one am grateful that you got the brains & balls to do this and give people like me many years of enjoyment and for that I thank you. Its also really good to have the racers view as well. Crack on fella! I have been a road racer, as a privateer, for a good number of years now. I started off doing short circuit stuff but did my first road race in the Isle of Man at the Southern 100. Immediately I was hooked. I have since done virtually no short circuit stuff (not because I am slower on the circuit than the roads) but because I am drawn to the road races. Now I do not consider myself to be a sandwich short of a picnic. I have a regular day job where I run a boating business and petrol station with a great friend of mine. I also play sax in a soul and funk band. So, I consider myself a pretty grounded individual. My piss therefore gets well and truly boiled when accusations are made as to the sanity or ability of us road racers and that we all have a death wish. We all participate in the sport fully aware of the risks and this is something that we do of our own free will. Nobody is pointing a gun to our heads to compete. Nobody is promising huge piles of cash to compete. In fact the sport costs us all dearly. The TT as a privateer will cost in the region of £10-12,000. So, please don't go judging our abilities, our sanity or such like. I have known and lost a good number of friends to the sport, but I can guarantee that none of these felt obliged to participate, they all did it of their own free will and for the love of the greatest sport known to man. Our rationale and mental state is quite normal, in fact a great friend of mine is racing at the TT this year (and doing very well in all his classes) and he is a nuclear engineer. Racing a bike on any road race circuit is not easy, your head is processing so much information and analysing exactly what is going on and how much further you can push, for lap after lap on a circuit that is doing its level best to throw you off the bike, but yet you still have to analyse how much to push with the knowledge that pushing too far can result in some dire consequences.
I apologise for the rant here, but there are a couple of people commenting on here that clearly are totally and utterly clueless and at times quite offensive with their views on road racing and the people like me who compete in it. I would happily talk for hours and relay stories and impart my knowledge with anyone with an interest in the sport, but what I cannot abide is people who think they know everything but in actual fact know everything about nothing.
zeb said:
robinh73 said:
I am not quite sure why I am bothering to write this, as some people on here do seem to be completely and utterly blinkered to the lure and draw of the TT and the fact that to race on roads such as the TT is somewhat foolhardy, irresponsible and in need of banning.
I have been a road racer, as a privateer, for a good number of years now. I started off doing short circuit stuff but did my first road race in the Isle of Man at the Southern 100. Immediately I was hooked. I have since done virtually no short circuit stuff (not because I am slower on the circuit than the roads) but because I am drawn to the road races. Now I do not consider myself to be a sandwich short of a picnic. I have a regular day job where I run a boating business and petrol station with a great friend of mine. I also play sax in a soul and funk band. So, I consider myself a pretty grounded individual. My piss therefore gets well and truly boiled when accusations are made as to the sanity or ability of us road racers and that we all have a death wish. We all participate in the sport fully aware of the risks and this is something that we do of our own free will. Nobody is pointing a gun to our heads to compete. Nobody is promising huge piles of cash to compete. In fact the sport costs us all dearly. The TT as a privateer will cost in the region of £10-12,000. So, please don't go judging our abilities, our sanity or such like. I have known and lost a good number of friends to the sport, but I can guarantee that none of these felt obliged to participate, they all did it of their own free will and for the love of the greatest sport known to man. Our rationale and mental state is quite normal, in fact a great friend of mine is racing at the TT this year (and doing very well in all his classes) and he is a nuclear engineer. Racing a bike on any road race circuit is not easy, your head is processing so much information and analysing exactly what is going on and how much further you can push, for lap after lap on a circuit that is doing its level best to throw you off the bike, but yet you still have to analyse how much to push with the knowledge that pushing too far can result in some dire consequences.
I apologise for the rant here, but there are a couple of people commenting on here that clearly are totally and utterly clueless and at times quite offensive with their views on road racing and the people like me who compete in it. I would happily talk for hours and relay stories and impart my knowledge with anyone with an interest in the sport, but what I cannot abide is people who think they know everything but in actual fact know everything about nothing.
well I for one am grateful that you got the brains & balls to do this and give people like me many years of enjoyment and for that I thank you. Its also really good to have the racers view as well. Crack on fella! I have been a road racer, as a privateer, for a good number of years now. I started off doing short circuit stuff but did my first road race in the Isle of Man at the Southern 100. Immediately I was hooked. I have since done virtually no short circuit stuff (not because I am slower on the circuit than the roads) but because I am drawn to the road races. Now I do not consider myself to be a sandwich short of a picnic. I have a regular day job where I run a boating business and petrol station with a great friend of mine. I also play sax in a soul and funk band. So, I consider myself a pretty grounded individual. My piss therefore gets well and truly boiled when accusations are made as to the sanity or ability of us road racers and that we all have a death wish. We all participate in the sport fully aware of the risks and this is something that we do of our own free will. Nobody is pointing a gun to our heads to compete. Nobody is promising huge piles of cash to compete. In fact the sport costs us all dearly. The TT as a privateer will cost in the region of £10-12,000. So, please don't go judging our abilities, our sanity or such like. I have known and lost a good number of friends to the sport, but I can guarantee that none of these felt obliged to participate, they all did it of their own free will and for the love of the greatest sport known to man. Our rationale and mental state is quite normal, in fact a great friend of mine is racing at the TT this year (and doing very well in all his classes) and he is a nuclear engineer. Racing a bike on any road race circuit is not easy, your head is processing so much information and analysing exactly what is going on and how much further you can push, for lap after lap on a circuit that is doing its level best to throw you off the bike, but yet you still have to analyse how much to push with the knowledge that pushing too far can result in some dire consequences.
I apologise for the rant here, but there are a couple of people commenting on here that clearly are totally and utterly clueless and at times quite offensive with their views on road racing and the people like me who compete in it. I would happily talk for hours and relay stories and impart my knowledge with anyone with an interest in the sport, but what I cannot abide is people who think they know everything but in actual fact know everything about nothing.
robinh73 said:
Cheers Zeb, much appreciated. It is something I am so passionate about, so it is great to have a sort of captive audience who enjoy hearing about the life and times of a road racer!
Hi Robin, I have tried sending you a PM but it says the email isn't valid. Any chance you can send me a PM?Thanks
MotorsportTom said:
robinh73 said:
Cheers Zeb, much appreciated. It is something I am so passionate about, so it is great to have a sort of captive audience who enjoy hearing about the life and times of a road racer!
Hi Robin, I have tried sending you a PM but it says the email isn't valid. Any chance you can send me a PM?Thanks
robinh73 said:
Awesome riding by him. One of the nicest guys in the paddock too. He deserves the win no doubt about it.
I hope he gets a win this week, one he deserves it and two he's from yorkshire so I may be biased 
I was there when David Jefferies did the first 125mph lap and I geniunely thought i'd never see quicker....how wrong was I. Miss the big man though, such a talent.
zeb said:
robinh73 said:
Awesome riding by him. One of the nicest guys in the paddock too. He deserves the win no doubt about it.
I hope he gets a win this week, one he deserves it and two he's from yorkshire so I may be biased I was there when David Jefferies did the first 125mph lap and I geniunely thought i'd never see quicker....how wrong was I. Miss the big man though, such a talent.
AdamIndy said:
I reckon the 135 lap will be done this week. Either Hickman or Harrison I think. I'm not biased though so if either of them do it then I'll be happy for then!
I agree and I think that either of them will be capable of it. Michael Dunlop will also be on a mission, even more so after his time penalty today. Personally, I hope that either Harrison or Hickman get it, both awesome riders and equally deserving of it. Going to be a good day I reckon! robinh73 said:
I agree and I think that either of them will be capable of it. Michael Dunlop will also be on a mission, even more so after his time penalty today. Personally, I hope that either Harrison or Hickman get it, both awesome riders and equally deserving of it. Going to be a good day I reckon!
You’re more qualified to comment on this than me but if Hickman is capable of 134.4 on a stocker(I’ve no doubt that lap could have been quicker) is the extra power of the Superbike actually useful or is it a bit overkill? In my head, the Superbike advantage is in the chassis/suspension rather than the extra 20-30bhp. Would a simple, fairly stock motor in a Superbike chassis be the ultimate weapon round there? AdamIndy said:
You’re more qualified to comment on this than me but if Hickman is capable of 134.4 on a stocker(I’ve no doubt that lap could have been quicker) is the extra power of the Superbike actually useful or is it a bit overkill? In my head, the Superbike advantage is in the chassis/suspension rather than the extra 20-30bhp. Would a simple, fairly stock motor in a Superbike chassis be the ultimate weapon round there?
I'm sure Hickman ran a superstock bike with slicks on in the senior last year or the year before.I might have dreamt it though.
Wes
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