What is it
The International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy)
Race is an annual motorcycle
sport event that is held on Isle
of Man in May or June almost every year since 1907. What makes this event so special? For most of
the year 60.67 kilometers of public roads are used with the usual purpose. But
for 2 weeks per year roads are closed to let racers compete in one of the
deadliest motor races. As of today, the number of deaths is 146.
Isle of man
Isle of Man
is a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea between the islands
of Great Britain and Ireland. Biggest sectors of the economy are insurance and
online gambling with 17% of GNI (gross national income), while tourism sector
is only 0.3%. There is no national speed limit on public roads.
History
The first
Isle of Man TT was held every year starting from Tuesday 28 May 1907 except for
two breaks, First World War (1915-1919) and Second World War (1940-1946). At
first event was organised over 10 laps of the St John’s Short Course of 25.51
km. From 1911 the track route was changed to the current one named Snaefell
Mountain Course whose length is 60.67 kilometers. In 1949 Isle of Man TT became
part of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP). However, TT lost its world
championship status in 1976 after boycott of racers who did not want to participate
in such a dangerous race.
About event
The event
last for two weeks, where the first week is intended for practice. Participants
has to prepare themselves and their motorcycles for the unforgiving track.
Every one of them has to memorise each of the 219 turns, because often the next
corner is obstructed and without this knowledge it would be impossible to maintain
appropriate speed and line. During the second week races of various categories
are held which differ in allowed parameters of motorcycles. The most distinctive
race category is Sidecar TT where two-person teams try to be faster by
balancing on small platform to provide the strongest traction.
Safety
Modern race
tracks are specially designed to meet the strictest safety requirements. They
have several meters of roadside, the track is smooth and is thoroughly cleaned
from any type contamination. In comparison, public roads are uneven, asphalt is
of inferior quality and is not cleaned as thoroughly as on a track. On the
sides of the roads are sidewalks, walls and buildings. In some parts of track
speeds exceed 320 km/h. That is the reason that between 1907 and 2017 146 people
has died on Snaefell Mountain Course during official practices or races and 255
if we include other events on this course.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man_TT
http://www.thedrive.com/opinion/11287/the-isle-of-man-tt-is-the-worlds-deadliest-race-and-thats-why-people-come
https://rideapart.com/articles/everything-need-know-isle-of-man-tt
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_Isle_of_Man
Questions:
- Do you think it is worth to compete in such an event and risk your life? Why/Why not?
- Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
- Do you watch motor races? Why/Why not?
Comments
2. Yes. I even consider making a license. Although I only consider it as a slightly faster alternative to car in city and recreational means of transportation when traveling.
3. I don’t. I don’t watch sports at all actually. There’re so many different and better forms of entertainment for me that I would consider it a waste of time.
I know that feeling, which is while driving a motorcycle, it is a completely different feeling than when driving a car and it is great.
Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to watch the races, I don't know why, maybe because it's not so popular in Poland and there's not so much of it on TV.
I would like to try riding a motorcycle, I have never done that and it seems like an interesting experience. Nevertheless, I wouldn't use it as a regular mean of transportation because cars are more convenient.
I don't watch motor races because I'm not interested in sports.
In professional sports, there is always a risk of harm to the body. The interest of a person in exercising and exercising much causes this risk to be much less.
I've experienced ride a motorcycle.One of the most dangerous and unsafe vehicles.
Maybe, but in that case, I wouldn't try to do anything risky at big speeds that might be dangerous for me and others. In fact, I would rather try ride offroad motorbike rather than one intended for public roads.
No, I don't. I'm not a fan of motorsports.
2. I’m not a big fan of motorcycle, however I’d like to ride a chopper one day.
3. I don’t watch motor races, because I’m not a fan of that sport. Also there are other races that I like to watch from time to time mostly F1 or Dakar. These fill up most of my free hours, so I usually won’t have more time to do anything else.
I would love to! What's more, next year I want to do a motorcycle license and buy myself a motorbike. Of course, I have to do it in secret from my parents, because they wouldn't allow me to do that. ;)
I not the kind of person who is interested in watching sports. I prefer to read something which is interesting to me rather than spending time in front of the TV.
Yes. I would like to give it a try. I would like to feel this incredible acceleration, this wonderful feeling when the wind blows not only in your face but it also blows your mind, when there is only you, motorcycle, mountains and you.
No, I don’t watch sport at all. I have more fun playing it on my own than spectating how the others do it. I don’t see any sense in it.
I would like to ride a motorcycle, but I'm not stupid enough to make it more dangerous than it already is. It could be fun, maybe I would try to ride it on the tracks specially designed for this purpose, but I'm not into showing off or even taking part in races (especially street ones.)
I don't watch motorcycle races. I consider it as a waste of time. It doesn't really bring me any excitement, like any other sports which I can watch. The only exception for me are the winter sports which I happen to really enjoy. I don't spend much time watching the videos, but from time to time I like to remind myself how great it is to do it myself.
Yes, I would like to have a motorcycle but it's too expensive for me. I don't like second-hand equipment and I need time to collect all money. When I was younger I had motor scooter - Yamaha Aerox - and I have a lot of memories about that. I remember that maximum speed I have achieved was about 85 km/h in 50cm3 engine! It was very funny for me when I was overtaking cars. To be honest, I don't like to watch motorsports because it's boring. The same route by 50 laps? It's not for me.
If someone wants to compete in that event then why not. This is decision of a single person. I not ride on motorcycle and I would not compete in that event. People who taking part in this event needs adrenaline and no one can stop them.
Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
I never ride on a fast motorcycle, maybe I try someday but it is not my goal.
Do you watch motor races? Why/Why not?
No, I am not a fan of that sport, I prefer water sports.
I think that it is not worth it tpo risk my life in such an event because I know that I am important for my girlfriend, for my familly and it would break their lifes if I would die on my own wish. I know that it probably gives a lot of adrenaline for such people who take part in events like that but still it is too much risk for me.
2. Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
I had a scooter and I was thinking about a motorcycle but I gave up with this idea because I feel that during a crash accidents I wouldn't have a lot of chances to survive.
3. Do you watch motor races? Why/Why not?
I don't watch it because I'm not interested in it but sometimes I watch a F1's races.
Yes i would but not the usual as seen sporty bikes im more of a chopper guy. Yes going extremely fast might be awesome but i think that going moderately fast and a little bit more control over your bike is better.
I dont watch any sports to be honest. And i think that occasionally watching a recap of a race might be fun i would not be able to sit through a whole race. its not the same as being in a race yourself.
1. Do you think it is worth to compete in such an event and risk your life? Why/Why not?
Of course! For example, It totally worth for people who race there. In my opinion there is a particular point when this hobby becomes an addiction and you always want more and more. Also the people may set up a new record about Kawasaki or Yamaha. So as long as there are people who love it - it have to exist.
2. Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
Yes, someday I will move to a beach, buy an old vespa and never become online again.
3. Do you watch motor races? Why/Why not?
I don't, I prefer basketball, but sometime I watch street racing or F1 pilots performances.
Nope, I’m not interested in motorcycles. I respect people, who like them, but it’s not for me. I prefer sport/luxurious cars.
No, I don’t watch motor races, because as I said before - I’m just not interested in it.
I would like to try riding a motorcycle but mostly in terms of more convenient way of moving in a big city. To avoid traffic jams and getting faster to your destination point. I’m not crazy about the idea of traveling on bike or racing on it. Maybe for now and my mind will change once I try it.
Few times. In my opinion, it much interesting than car racing. I like when races overtaking each other and in moto racing, it happening always even in the last seconds of race and it’s very exiting.
I think it is totally worth to compete if only you are truly the moto maniac. When you love something so bad, that you are ready to risk your life for it, Isle of Man TT Race should be on your to-do life list, because when you're doing something you are passionate about, do it 100% and give everything you can to never regret you didn't do something in the past.
2. Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
I've tried few times to ride motorbike, scooter and finally motorcycle (125ccm) and what I've learned is motorcycles are not my thing. I can't point the single, particular thing I didn't like about them, but the whole experience just didn't give me enough joy from what I was doing.
3. Do you watch motor races? Why/Why not?
As I said above, motors are not my thing in general, therefore I am not a fan of motor races. Nevertheless, when I see one on TV, I don't mind laying down for a moment and watching all these motors competing for microseconds.
The reason for participating in those kind of events is very personal, you never feel more alive other than you are on edge of risking your life.
I might not be a motorcycle type of a person, preferring winter sports, rock climbing and diving, but yes, in the future I would like to ride a motorcycle.
As I already mentioned, I’m more of a winter and marine sports person, mostly watching rugby, diving and mountain climbing. I do not purposively watch motorcycling, but if it happens to be on television, sometimes yes.
I think racing is always dangerous and drivers need to be careful while riding but this is very interesting competition.
Would you like to ride a motorcycle?
No, because I don't like motorcycles at all, I prefer ATV's.
I'm not into motorcycles, I'm rather a car enthusiast. I watch a few car races, formula 1 and 24h le mans.
Yes. I am riding when I can, it gives me so much fun.
No, because I'm not into it - I think it's boring, and it's also better to ride a motorcycle, not to watch them racing
I would like to ride a motorcycle, but i dont think i want to own one. Maybe in future)
I think it's worse to compete if you really like it and motorcycles is your life) otherwise -no