I'm leaving for my 8th annual trip to the TT, and Motorcycle.com has given me the task/ pleasure of covering the spectacle again this year. Here is my first column, hope you enjoy it, and be sure to follow along over the next two weeks. I'll be looking for some CB1100's on the roads over there!
http://www.motorcycle.com/events/top-5-s...-of-man-tt
I will never forget when I met John McGuinness for the first time. I was not very familiar with the stars of the TT as I had never followed it very closely, although I had always considered the guys that ride there as insane. So, I was at a BSB race at Cadwell Park for the first time with a good friend racing for Kawasaki. While in the paddock, his teammate John steps out of his motorhome holding his little kid in his arms. Looked just like an ordinary and sweet father.
My friend introduced us, and we began chatting. I found John to be a particularly calm and sweet guy, not really what you imagine when you talk of motorcycle racers in general, and TT racers in particular. I honestly did not know who he was, which is probably why we had a really nice and normal conversation. We laughed a bit at his name, and my wife began calling him "McBeer", and name that has stuck with us since. I saw in your article you refer to him as McPint, but I like McBeer better!
Anyway, getting back home from the race weekend, I decided to look up on the net what McBeer had done up until then, and was simply amazed to read about his accomplishments at the TT. It did get me to begin following the races there more closely in the following years, and considering it was way back in 2004 that I met him, I was lucky to follow him as he emerged as a true legend there.
Each year though I always fear the TT. I just can't watch it live due to the danger involved, and it is only until after when I know the results and that John is okay that I can watch. It is a bit of a bitter-sweet friendship because although I would love to go to the TT at some point, I know I would be far too nervous throughout the weekend if John was riding.
But the image of this sweet father stepping out of a motorhome will always stay. I often refer to this when talking to other friends who are not familiar with racing or racers, and usually think they are all a bunch of rowdy hot-heads. The reality is so different...
Nice story Henrik, and yes sometimes the perception is very far from the reality, but again sometimes it isn't. Some of the early 70 s motocross stars I came to know were some of the wildest guys off the track you could imagine. Embarrassingly so.
Capo have a great time and safe travels, and look one way several times before crossing the street. Looking forward to your yearly reports.
It is great that you share your reports with us. Looking forward to reading them. Your reports last year got me to follow the TT. Thanks for sharing your reports with us. Ride safe and enjoy you trip.
(05-29-2015, 08:42 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Nice story Henrik, and yes sometimes the perception is very far from the reality, but again sometimes it isn't. Some of the early 70 s motocross stars I came to know were some of the wildest guys off the track you could imagine. Embarrassingly so.
Capo have a great time and safe travels, and look one way several times before crossing the street. Looking forward to your yearly reports.
Indeed. I got to know also some enduro guys from Finland and Sweden, and those guys could sometimes also be referred to as embarrassingly wild off the track... The roadracers seem more civil.
Thanks Capo! That Bruce Antsey video is insane. Incomprehensible speed for so long on normal roads...almost inhuman. Have a great time and I'm looking forward to your reports.
All going well on the IOM so far. Weather, as usual, is erratic, but that's what pubs are for! Great day today, after two days of Marshaling at Ago's Leap, I spectated at Hillsberry for the first time, and it's a fantastic location, 190 MPH straight down from the Creg ny Baa, with a sweeping right, 1 mile from the start/finish.
Here's my latest report for Motorcycle.com. Please like, share, and comment, I'm hoping they like the work.
http://www.motorcycle.com/events/isle-of...eek-report
Outstanding report Capo and the photos are stunning. Especially that one of mcGuiness bending around that wAll at no doubt insane speeds and proximity.
I don't know about Motorcycle.com, but I really enjoyed your report (Hard to imagine they wouldn't find it stellar). I'm looking forward to more! I love the rider and race reports, but I'm also looking forward to the whole TT experience reports (would love to go someday). Bring us all back a pint please!
Fantastic report Capo! It looked to me like Hutchy almost high-sided getting in front of Dunlop. Hopefully, the leather cleaners are open during practice week. I suspect the backside of Hutchy's suit is in need of some reconditioning.