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| My Spot
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There are few sights in the world that will stir the
heart quite like a Superbike, hurtling across the crest at Waggon and Horses on
the back wheel, and disappearing over the horizon in a wave of sound and smell.
I have been lucky to spectate at some of the most famous and
spectacular vantage points on the TT course over the years, and having spoken
to numerous fellow spectators I have discovered that opinions on good "spots",
vary dramatically between one person and another. I have a personal preference
for air-time, and both Waggon and Horses and Ballacrye provide me with all I
desire in a vantage point.
Rhencullen is a truly outstanding spot, and
one I have visited many times, but I have to say that I am shit-scared if I
can't get behind the telephone pole just after the house. The place is hairy in
the extreme for some of the lower numbers, and you can see them changing their
lines each lap, trying to get it right at least once in the race. The top
riders love it, and I have been fortunate to see the likes of Joey and Hislop
in the F1, Robert Dunlop on the 250, and Brian Reid on the 600 as they aviated
their way past the 30mph road sign.
Ballacrye jump rates alongside
Waggon and Horses for sheer speed and aviation. I first saw Joey there in '88
as he destroyed the field in the F1. It is simply spectacular, and a must for
any lover of adrenaline pumping jumps. You hear the bikes accelerating as they
come from Ballaugh Bridge. The crescendo builds as they hurtle towards the jump
flat in top and doing 150+ as they crest the rise. Most of the top men get this
one right, but on the odd occasion that they mis-time it (Fogarty on the YZF)
they simply pour more on, and inevitably the bike straightens up. The lower
numbers however are another thing altogether. I recall French presidential
outrider Marc Grainie taking a different line in each of the six laps of the
'88 F1. He still didn't get it right, and I was prepared to jump into the field
by the time he came around. On the sixth lap he was almost on the left kerb,
and inches from my feet, which only goes to show that even with practice, not
everyone gets it right. Maybe not ever!
Although not a jump or indeed a
very high speed spot, nonetheless the Black Dub is an awesome spot to watch
from. The thing I remember most about here is, (Hazy Day aside) the sense of
anticipation as the bikes power on from Laurel Bank proper, with the sheer rock
face echoing the roar of highly tuned machines. The approaching engine notes of
the top men seem impossibly high. The last time I spectated there it was very
damp and slippery, yet Joey and rest came through just as hard as ever. I
recall being more aware of the speed they were carrying into the right-hander
than ever before. I was secretly praying that they would slow down for f**ks
sake, before my heart gave in. But did they listen, like hell they did. To see
a top man through here is the nearest thing to poetry in motion you will ever
see. It's like Quarry bends only much much better and far far scarier. Further
up the road towards Glen Helen there are a few decent spots also, but be
prepared to stay for the duration.
The legendary Bray Hill is another of
my favourites, and I have done this spot sitting on the kerb at the bottom and
also from Agos leap. I usually do the kerb thing for practice, due to the fact
that I can easily slip away any time I want and make my way to the Grandstand.
Agos is the spot if you are there for the day. Find a garden gate with a decent
owner and you will never forget it. You can see the riders as they drop down
the hill. Then they disappear for a moment before rocketing past in a flash,
mostly on the back wheel, a truly awesome spectacle. By the way, if you need to
take a leak, ask to use the loo. There is nothing the locals hate more than
someone pissing in their privets.
I have done numerous spots simply
because they were handy, and later regretted it. I now make the effort to go
where I know I will be comfortable and where I can see the show without
obstruction. I did Quarter Bridge one year, never again. Unless you're there at
nine o'clock in the morning and get a spot beside the bar, forget it. The same
goes for The Creg. I was there for Joeys 250 win in '96 and didn't see a bloody
thing. The only saving grace was a beer tent at the back of the hotel. But you
can drink at any time, whereas you can only see each race once. The Grandstand
is ok for those times when your legs are done in from all the hill walking in
Douglas. The fuel stops and garlanding ceremonies are nice to see also.
Ballaugh Bridge is a pretty good spot too, with food and drink available, but
it gets mighty packed.
So there you go, digest that lot and give me
some of your favourite spots. I guarantee there will be much debate on the
merits and downsides of my selection. Wherever you do decide to spectate at the
TT, obey the marshals and conduct yourself with dignity (do as I say not as I
do).
By Eddie Byrne
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