The rag (spit) measured the course back in the 70s with professional surveying equipment as I recall and found it had actually shortened by about 1/3 or a mile from its original 37.75 miles over the years due to bends being straightened out. The organisers wouldn't have it and refused to change the "traditional" length of the course. So today's lap speeds may not be quite accurate!

However I agree with their decision, it's not absolute speed that matters as every rider out there is fighting his own private battle and what matters is where you come in the finishers list, not some theoretical average speed numbers.

However Peter, you have raised some interesting points. You have outlined pretty well the problems facing the events but I don't agree with your conclusion that we should accept we are beaten and walk away with our tails between our legs. The Mountain Course is still a unique challenge and it would be sad to let it fade into the mists of history and accept a dull grey safety obsessed future. Today's challenge is to recapture its relevance and spark the enthusiasm that such unique events should be able to. Look at the number of spectators who came over for the 07TT despite the boring samey programme. People WANT to be excited and thrilled. The riders WANT to ride a fantastic closed road circuit. The organisers and governing bodies need to get off their well-padded derrieres and manage the events professionally - meaning run the classes riders and spectators want, make sure the facilities are there to actually run the races even if there's a cloud in the sky and ensure those who want to come over are not ripped off at every turn. That would mean hard work, not just issuing a few press releases and waiting for the money to roll in from the willing sheep. The potential is immense if they were only prepared to do the work and unlock it.