2002, my friend Jim had never been to the TT, so he came across with me, on his bike. We were staying with friends and arrived about 6.30 am, so I suggested we do a lap of the course, and he could see it all when there was noone around.
When we got off the boat it was dull...by the time we got on the bike it was tipping it down, and by the time we got on the Mountain, you could see nothing,and we had water dripping out of our boots.
By the time we got to Douglas my hair, inside a full face helmet, was wet, and it took a couple of days for all our gear to dry out. How the blazes does Manx rain get in your helmet?
Needless to say, Jim was utterly in awe of everyone who has ever done a lap at racing speed!
For me, the worst ever, was 2003 second sidecar...not for the most rain, but because it was different all round the course, and it was on and off all the time...the ultimate dangerous combination...wet tyres...no good on dry...dry tyres..no use in the wet, and anyway, no time to change...that's when 37 3/4 miles seems like 1000. Brian Rostron, one of the "young bloods!!" at nearly 70, reckoned it was the most dangerous race he had ever competed in.
By the way, have a look at the lap speeds achieved....