T-M Wrote:I love these tales of the Aussie and Kiwi riders who came here to race in the 50's and 60's.
The world was a much bigger place then, and it must have taken some bravery and determination to leave their loved ones and travel half way around the world to race at the most dangerous track on Earth.

As a matter of fact, we were talking to Alan about this only a few days before his passing. The five to six week sailing on the ships, then landing at Southhampton, arranging for the bikes to travel north then the ferry ride to Douglas. One of the famous Hinton family, Eric, a former TT rider of the fifties was at Al's funeral yesterday which was attended by so many people. Just showed how popular he was and how the motorcycle 'family' stick together and remain life long friends. The Douglas family Al stayed with after his dreadful crash in '55 still kept in contact with him.
Yes, it was a long way for the lads to travel from their friends and loved ones and, of course, we knew that some may not return.