The Isle of Man closes it public roads for racing during this two week period of TT racing. The Isle of Man has held these two week time trial format motorcycle races for over 102 years.

The TT races are normally held the last week of May or the first week of June will be held from May 30th through June 13th for 2009. The crowds are similar to the Tour de France with crowds of onlookers picnicking along the sides of the roads. The TT races have been referred to as “the greatest motorcycle road race in the world”. The roads are filled with lumps and bumps, gravel, and other obstacles just like in a real world public road. The Snaefell Mountain course is open to the public to ride on “mad” Sunday. The race is run with high speeds, narrow, twisting streets and lanes lined with buildings and walls. This event is man and his bike against breathtakingly beautiful but dangerous roads, riding on Supersports, Superstocks, Superbikes, Lightweights, and Sidecars.

The current lap record was set by John McGuinness on a Honda CBR1000 Fireblade with a time of 17 minutes and 21.99 seconds for an average speed of 130.35 mph
The Isle of Man has other activities besides racing, such as evening entertainment, beach racing, motocross, and rallies. As always, the camaraderie and friendship of the bikers and the residents of the Isle of Man is legendary. As an added bonus, the Ducati Museum will be at the Isle of Man during TT week with motorcycles that have helped shaped TT history.


The 2009 dates are:

May 30th through June 5th is Practice Week.
June 6th – Superbike TT Race and Sidecar TT Race
June 8th – Superstock TT Race & Supersport Junior TT Race
June 10th – Supersport Junior TT Race and Sidecar TT Race
June 12th – Senior TT Race
June 13th – Lightweight TT Race and Ultra Lightweight TT Race

To find out more about the TT races and the Isle of Man, click on the link below and go to the Isle of Man TT Website. This link provides advice on travel and hotel accommodations, camping, entering the race, and has a fun page of games and trivia.

Until next week, ride safe.

Nancy