These guys have cojones of steel

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

While the F1 "solo's" are the fastest, the most fun to watch are the unlimited sidecars which are nearly as fast, but much heavier and with two men up (I had the pleasure of living in the Isle of Man for a while at two different times, and the TT "fortnight" was the closest thing to a national Manx holiday). More people die in the sidecars than the solo’s.

I have followed the Isle races since the early 80's and have always wondered what it would be like to live there outside of the race dates.

[lahalte]

You have to admire the courage and skill of these riders.The limit of balance and speed is quite extraordinary just a few inches from a stone wall.I saw an interview with Valentino F1 racer who was there and he would not consider attempting the race.On track it is much safer at those speeds.Only when you are that much on the edge are you really alive.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by coreseller

I have followed the Isle races since the early 80's and have always wondered what it would be like to live there outside of the race dates.

Kind of a "Currier and Ives" existence, but with better ale. When I first lived there (Castletown), in the winter they turned the street lights off at 8PM because there was no place to go except the pubs (everything closed at 5:30PM), so you had no reason to need lights. Even the police station closed, but all of the “bobbies” had their home phone numbers listed in the book in case you needed one after normal business hours. When a commercial flight was on final approach to the only airport (Ronaldsway) at night, they would turn on the runway lights until the plane’s landing gear touched down, then switch them off again. No sense in wasting electricity………..

It really was an enormously charming life style when the Southern Hundred or TT motorcycle races were not going on. 16X32 mile island with 56-57K population, not counting the sheep. But when the races were on, the population more than doubled, so you can imagine what that was like.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Kind of a "Currier and Ives" existence, but with better ale. When I first lived there (Castletown), in the winter they turned the street lights off at 8PM because there was no place to go except the pubs (everything closed at 5:30PM), so you had no reason to need lights. Even the police station closed, but all of the “bobbies” had their home phone numbers listed in the book in case you needed one after normal business hours. When a commercial flight was on final approach to the only airport (Ronaldsway) at night, they would turn on the runway lights until the plane’s landing gear touched down, then switch them off again. No sense in wasting electricity………..

I really was an enormously charming life style when the Southern Hundred or TT motorcycle races were not going on. 16X32 mile island with 56-57K population, not counting the sheep. But when the races were on, the population more than doubled, so you can imagine what that was like.

Wow. That is kind of what I had heard....why would you leave?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Wow. That is kind of what I had heard....why would you leave?

At the time, I was a "corporate gypsy" following the business money trail (I headed the mergers and acquisitions group for a major NYSE player), but I still go back to visit from time to time..

[lahalte]

The Macau race is also a dangerous event where some riders do not even want to enter.This video gives a feel of the narrow coursemacau12 race2 fin - YouTube

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

At the time, I was a "corporate gypsy" following the business money trail (I headed the mergers and acquisitions group for a major NYSE player), but I still go back to visit from time to time..

JFP.........You have a Helluva "Life Resume" when it comes to the Race / Car Section....Would love to buy you a beer or ten and hear the stories. Merry Christmas....

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by coreseller

JFP.........You have a Helluva "Life Resume" when it comes to the Race / Car Section....Would love to buy you a beer or ten and hear the stories. Merry Christmas....

Thanks. I have had my moments.......... All the best of the holidays and the New Year to you and yours.