The last word that could ever be used about the TT is sanatised. I stood at top of Lambfell on Senior Saturday this year and marveled at how much time had seemingly stood still for years upon years as bikes came by. Not a grandstand in sight and free to all.

Ideally I would have Joey burst into view with his yellow helmet on his RC30 but alas I have MD hurtling by at silly speed not a couple of feet away these days.

Sure, the annual wet t shirt contest is a thing of the past as is lining up to use overflowing urinals etc.

The TT organisers are given a mandate each year by the tax payers - maximize revenue. Luckily there is a team in place attempting to ensure its future.

Things change but we also have to accept that we change along the way. You do the same thing over again and the law of diminishing returns kicks in - nothing will ever replace our first time . Luckily for me, nothing has changed.