Interesting comments Tom re. the sparsity of spectators on the Mountain. If you look at the really old photos, say pre war, there are thousands pictured all the way up to Kate's.That was when "Motor Cycle" and " Motor Cycling" ran special day excursions, and a coach took you to the Creg.
Yet the Tourist Board keep telling me that there are virtually as many going over as ever.
My little theory? The races are so short that there is no point making the effort to go up onto the mountain with flask and sandwiches, for a race that may be delayed, shortened, and over in one hour twelve minutes.I've been up on the mountain at last year's Manx on the right hander before the Black Hut, but it did seem a lot of effort for such short races. Better to be at a Pub, and be able to get off somewhere instead of waiting for the roads open car on a cold mountain.Years ago a race would last going on three hours.Anyone else agree with this theory?