Well its been a few months and the reality of redundancy has bought me back to earth this has also given me time to gather my thoughts on what was My Newcomers to the Isle of Man .
Getting to compete on the TT course takes dedication commitment and effort on all fronts , none of this comes easy for the average racer with normal empty racers pockets plus if like me you are a little older than the average newcomer getting back the same licence you had in the 90s can be harder than it is for you youngsters . That aside the rewards of getting there far out weigh the effort put in. I had the best two weeks I can remember. Meeting loads of new friends and chatting about everything bikes, trapped on a island of motorcycle madness, seeing fellow riders do well is special because as any rider knows getting there is an achievement then doing well is something else .
Riding the TT course has got to be the ultimate biking challenge and one you must not take on to lightly, by making that supreme effort to compete you are joining a quite exclusive club, why do you think I was racing with riders from all over the world ? Racing on the TT course is that special and lots want to give it a go but not that many that actually take those last big steps. Having loads of money might pave the way and make it easier to get there but then reality beckons and its all up to the rider and as I have found out since this style of racing is not for everybody.
Before I went and since my return I have been accused of various levels of madness as only a mad person would entertain such a race. I completely disagree and feel that madness or any form of it is the wrong approach, I think my approach was about as level headed and sane as you can get . I can understand how as an onlooker somebody could come up with the madness sentiment , but from my side of the fence on the track itself I left the red mist at home and just enjoyed the experience , the experience of riding the course has without doubt left a lasting impression on me and since returning to normality I have definitely had what I would call withdrawal symptoms.
When I have watched on board and track side recordings the on bike always seem what I would class as normal and in control but the track side recordings always look fast and scary. It is in my mind easier to actually do than it is to watch.
Will I get back , I would love to ! Now there's the 250cc two stroke class my appetite has been whetted even more. but reality first, find another job !  Not so easy for an out of work 64 year older motorcycle racer !