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***Malcolm*** · 06-05-2015, 11:07 AM

Motorcycling legend Geoff Duke O.B.E. will be taken on a final lap of the TT Mountain Course this weekend.

A hearse bearing his coffin will leave the TT grandstand at 2.30pm on Sunday 10th of May.

It will be followed by cars carrying family members, and Geoff’s sons Peter and Mike riding motorcycles as a fitting tribute to a rider whose name is inextricably linked with the Isle of Man TT.

Whilst confirming that Geoff’s funeral will be private, according to his wishes, and take place next week, Peter said

“Mike and I thought that ‘the last lap' this weekend would be an appropriate opportunity for any local fans to pay their last respects to our dad. Anyone is welcome to follow on bikes or in cars. The more variety of machinery the better - after all, he also raced cars and competed in the first Manx Rally starting from the Grandstand and also organised the International Six Days enduro and Two Day Trial, all based from the Grandstand."

"This isn’t going to be a 10 mph cortege but it’s on open roads and we will be respecting the speed limits. Nevertheless, we think he’d probably like it if we open it up a bit on the run down to Brandish!”

It is hoped that a service of commemoration will take place during the Festival of Motorcycling in August.

The family have asked that any donations in Geoff’s memory are made to the TT Riders Association, c/o Frances Thorp, Mountain View, Glen Maye, IM5 3BJ

Directly copied from the iomtt.com website

Fizzy · 06-05-2015, 03:26 PM

Is anyone here planning on joining lap to pay tribute?

iomfireblade · 06-05-2015, 05:34 PM

I will be there, think there will be a good turn out for Geoff on his final .a true gentleman always had time to talk to anyone . Had a natter with him about 3 years ago ,had grandchildren with me and he made a fuss of them, the kids then asked who he was and I had to explain to them who he was ,they were well impressed .r.i.p. Geoff you will sadly be missed by many people.

bsa499 · 06-05-2015, 05:57 PM

I wish I could be there, I think one last TT lap is a truly fitting tribute to such a great TT rider and man.

***Alfie Noakes*** · 06-05-2015, 07:22 PM

What a very respectful thing for the family to do .. much admiration and respect.

Steady the Edward · 06-05-2015, 08:43 PM

How I wish I could be there , to do that lap , but I am sure there will be a good turnout for the much loved man that he was

RIP Geoff Duke

scaramanga · 06-05-2015, 10:03 PM

must add my view that respect must go to the family geoff requested private funeral and they are doing this but also allowing friends and fans to show there respect by aranging this true lap of honour

ian huntly · 06-05-2015, 10:06 PM

Hope that his "last lap" will be recorded tastefully so we can see how it went.................

c iom tt · 07-05-2015, 11:59 AM

It is a fitting tribute to Geoff.
I wish I was there to take part, but I will be at the Hougton Tower Sprint on Sunday, hopefully the Marshals will mark his passing there as well.

***Malcolm*** · 10-05-2015, 01:04 PM

Last lap for Geoff Duke

Geoff Duke will be making his final lap of the Mountain Course this afternoon.

A hearse carrying his coffin will leave the T.T. Grandstand at 2.30pm.

The six-time World Champion and T.T. winner passed away on Friday 1st May at the age of 92.

David Cretney MLC will wave the starting flag.

Geoff's sons Peter and Mike will follow on motorcycles with the rest of the Duke family in cars.

Fans are invited to join the lap and pay their last respects - whether on a bike or in a car.

The cortege will be on open roads and will observe all the speed limits but it is thought the hearse will "open it up a bit" over the Mountain Road.

Meanwhile, Police are reminding motorists that the Mountain road will remain TWO WAY throughout the memorial lap and are asking drivers to be respectful of the lead vehicles and not overtake them.

Police and DOI officers will be positioned at various points throughout the course to provide what they call "a reassuring presence" whilst helping traffic movement.

They say with the expected numbers, congestion is likely at various points around the course and drivers should follow any instructions from police officers.

Officers say they hope the lap will provide a fitting send-off for Mr Duke and that all those taking part will have a safe and memorable lap.

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beetroot · 11-05-2015, 01:40 PM

Pit lane was packed with bikes and cars and it was very touching to see his final lap flagged away. Weather up top was a bit misty but thats how he would have ridden it back in the day!

ooobaby · 11-05-2015, 07:17 PM

RIP. Condolences to family and friends. Never had the honor of meeting the man but everything I've ever seen in print or on film you could just tell he was the consummate professional and gentleman and that the TT and the IOM held a special place in his heart. He will be missed by all who knew him and I will toast him with a Guinness and watch him on film again tonight.

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