Every year for 1 week, the Isle of Man is transformed into the greatest Racetrack in the World.
The Island becomes a 37 mile circular track for Motor Bikes.
Using the regular streets around the island and the pass over the Mountains it achieves speeds up to 206 MPH.
Pretty fast – even for an island that has no maximum speed limit all year round !
So if you think you’ve seen it all in Bike Racing – think again !
The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the Irish Sea, equal distance from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is 52 kilometres – 32 miles – long and, at its widest point, 22 kilometres – 14 miles – wide. It has an area of around 572 square kilometres – 221 sq miles.
It has its own Government, Money, Laws and is not part of the United Kingdom. Although Queen Elizabeth is the Head of State and the UK supplies its defence it remains independent.
It has a low rate of Tax and many people claim to live on the Island – to avoid high taxation.
At the start of June each year the roads are closed and the Island is taken over by Motor Cycle Racing.
With speeds of over 200 MPH on regular streets – it’s a bit scary !
Take a look —
I think you’ve caught the spirit of what attracts many to riding, a sense of breaking free of the ordinary, of the ground itself…but I hope you weren’t standing too close in front of him!
Great photo! I was searching Google for headline “Liverpool man killed in motor race”, but seems you escaped without serious injury.
A really good zoom lens can take us into the action – without leaving our seat.
Pity they wont stop and pose for a Pic at 200mph !