Aside from interruptions by wars and pandemics, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy has been run since 1907. Better known as the TT, the Snaefell mountain course used since 1911 covers an Adrian Mole-esquel thirty-seven and three-quarter miles.
The TT was born as a rebellion against regulation. The Motor Act of 1903 introduced a 20mph speed limit on cars in the UK, so those who wanted to race approached the Manx government to host events. The Isle of Man still to this day technically has no speed limit on public roads outside its villages and towns.
The TT Festival concludes this weekend with the running of the TT senior time trial. Riders reach speeds of up to 200mph and zoom past landmarks such as Sarah’s Cottage, Greg Willy’s Hill, and the K Tree. They need to average 130mph just to qualify. Overall, the competitors complete 226 miles in six laps, the equivalent of travelling from Liverpool to London in an hour and a half. The winner receives the splendidly named Marquis de Mouzilly St Mars trophy, named after its magnificent donor.
The TT is better than it has ever been
Watching a video from the perspective of the rider, as he completes an almost 40-mile lap in just over 15 minutes, is to be introduced to an almost unique example of courage, borderline insanity and a form of freedom rare in the modern world.
