“A Lap of the Island”

Home , 1920 Isle of Man TT, 1949 Ulster Grand Prix, 1952 Isle of Man TT, 1968 Isle of Man TT, 1970 Isle of Man TT, Alec Bennett

By Dave Greenwood

The Isle of Man TT Course in 1978

Riders’ Comments 2

Foreword by Roy Bacon 3

Dedication 4

About the Author 5

Introduction 6

IOMTT Course 7

My Favourite Quotation 143

Footnote 143

The author pictured beside the memorial plaques for Joey Dunlop & Mike Hailwood.

Dedication

To my wife, Beryl, for her unfailing patience and understanding in remaining married to me for 51 weeks of the year; the other week being spent as an Isle of Man recluse during TT week each June.

About the Author

Dave Greenwood has been a lifelong supporter of the Isle of Man TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix. In total, he has made 62 trips to the Island.

An aircraft engineer by trade, Dave acted as mechanic & refueller for several TT riders.

He was a marshal for 21 years, usually at Greeba, where he dealt with numerous incidents.

He has restored several vintage British motorcycles and won many awards with his Velocette and Nortons.

In 1978, he was accompanied by his friend Dave Whitham and Dave’s young son, Jamie. Inspired by the TT win of the legendary Mike Hailwood, Jamie went on to become a successful professional motorcycle racer.

The author pictured in June 1979, with his son, Paul. In the background, TT riders Bob Orton and Brian Kaye relax between races.

Introduction

The Isle of Man TT course is unique. It comprises 37¾ miles of public roads that are closed for a few hours for practising and racing. The course cuts its way through country villages and over the mountain. There are hairpin bends and hump back bridges. Roadside hazards include stone walls, telegraph poles, phone boxes and trees. The micro‐climate of the Island means that the TT course is often shrouded in mist on the mountain while the sun blazes over Douglas. It is the ultimate challenge for motorcycle road racers.

In 1978, Dave Greenwood decided to photograph every significant feature of the IOMTT course. These photographs, along with postcards, stickers and souvenirs were compiled into a book – “A Lap of the Island”. The one and only copy of this book returned to the Isle of Man each year for the TT races and it was enhanced with riders’ comments and autographs, as well as additional photographs. In 2013, the book was digitalised and published on the internet for TT fans everywhere to enjoy.

The IOMTT Course

The Grandstand

Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, where all present day TT Races start and finish. The Time‐keepers’ Box and the Scoreboard are situated opposite the Grandstand. The progress of every rider is charted on the Scoreboard, this being achieved by the passing of messages from the Time‐keepers to local Boy Scouts, who manipulate the massive Scoreboard from behind.

Behind the Grandstand lies Noble’s Park, where the Paddock is sited. The park was bequeathed, along with Noble’s Hospital and the Villa Marina, to the people of Douglas by Henry Bloom Noble who, after staring work in a timber yard, left a fortune.

Enthusiasts enjoying a ride around the TT Course between races

The Isle of Man TT Course

A view of the Grandstand and Pits, showing the ancient refuelling cans which were installed in 1920 and are still in use in 1978.

Riders start in pairs at 10 seconds intervals, thus a normal race field of 86 riders takes some seven minutes before the last rider is flagged away. At the moment when the last rider pushes off, the leaders are normally between Glen Helen (10 miles) and Kirk Michael (14 miles).

Following the tragic fatal accidents to Mac Hobson, Kenny Birch & Ernst Trachsel on Bray Hill in 1978, sidecars now set off individually at 5 seconds intervals and hence the last rider sets off 7 minutes after the first outfit starts.

GiacomoAgostini (Italy) gets the big MV‐4 away in the 1968 Senior TT, which he won at a race average speed of 104.75 mph.

Down goes the flag… push start… and another Tourist Trophy Race is underway.

Accelerating away to St. Ninian’s crossroads and past Parkfield Corner, where the old Clypse Course turned right.

A tribute to the great Stanley Woods.

The old wooden Grandstand was replaced in 1986 with a new design – an improvement prompted by the Bradford City Football Club fire disaster.

The Grandstand overlooks the start & finish line and it is the main commentary point for Manx Radio.

Bray Hill

The frightening plunge down Bray Hill – one of the fastest sections of the course.

½ Mile Distance

The famous photograph of GiacomoAgostini popping a wheelie on the 500cc MV at the bottom of Bray Hill in the 1968 Senior TT. This spot was originally called Brown’s Hill but, in later years,came to be known as “Ago’s Leap”.

Quarter Bridge

The Walter Handley memorial bench on the approach to Quarter Bridge

The approach to the first bend, the right hander at Quarter Bridge.

One Mile Distance

My friend Pete Bates rounds Quarter Bridge during practice for the 1975 Production TT Race

The busy Quarter Bridge Hotel at the point where the TT course crosses the River Glass. A handy viewing spot for those without their own transport but is does get congested on race days.

It is not uncommon to see the occasional rider drop his machine here, especially on the first lap or after a refuelling stop due to the top‐heaviness caused by a full fuel tank. Even the impeccable Geoff Duke dropped his Gilera here on the fourth lap of the 1953 Senior TT.

The leading rider of this threesome in the 1965 Lightweight 125cc TT is Brian Kiddie

Braddan Bridge

The sweeping left‐right S‐bend is a popular venue for spectators. Sidecars are particularly dramatic through Braddan.

Kirk Braddan

Kirk Braddan or Braddan Church ‐ the name Braddan being derived from an Irish saint. Access may be gained from Douglas via Saddle Road during racing. Although the clergy charge a small fee to view from their Churchyard, the benefits of excellent tea and cakes plus a toilet, outweigh this somewhat.

2 Miles Distance

Snugborough

Entering the left‐hand bend that is situated halfway between Braddan and Union Mills. On the right is a Quarry Works but parking there is restricted.

Union Mills

The approach to Union Mills used to a very narrow, tight bend but the road was widened in 1976. An example of adding M.P.H. to the TT course.

Entering Union Mills, there is a difficult, downhill, right‐hand bend. It can be treacherous in the wet. Due to the afore‐mentioned road widening at Snugborough, riders approach this bend at much faster speeds than pre‐1976 days.

Bill Barker on his Yamaha at Union Mills

Glancing back at the Railway Inn, where Castletown ‘Real Ales’ are popular on race days.

The evolution of Union Mills.

Union Mills Methodist Church is on the right just before the Post Office. You may view free of charge from the church garden but a small levy of 10p is charged for the hire of a chair from the chapel. Again excellent tea and cakes are on sale.

Union Mills Post Office – the odd rider has been known to call in, but there are no collections on race days.

The village street at Union Mills ‐ the name was acquired from the water‐powered tweed cloth mill that was once situated here.

The petrol station and the arch of trees as you exit Union Mills (photo 1980 – 36p per litre).

3 Miles Distance

Union Mills village church is easy to miss unless you glance back over your right shoulder as you leave the village.

Elm Bank

Elm Bank – the area on your right‐hand side is known locally as Ballahutchin.

Glenlough

Glenlough dairy farm and campsite are on the left before the descent into Glen Vine. It’s a very good campsite but you won’t need an alarm clock in your tent when early morning practice starts at 5 am.

Ballagarey Corner

Ballagarey Corner – a right‐hand bend on the entry to Glen Vine village.

4 Miles Distance

Glen Vine

Glen Vine village church – not a popular viewing spot as the bikes shoot past at high speed.

The descent into Glen Vine ‐ there is a nice garden centre part way down the hill on the left, if it’s plants that you like.

Glen Vine Motor Museum is small but it would pass an odd hour on a wet day. Four star petrol at £1.38 per gallon. What price in future years?

Crosby

Entering Crosby village – ‘Crosby’ is from the Scandinavian, meaning ‘Village with a Cross’. This part of the Island is known as ‘The Plains of Heaven’ or ‘The Valley between the Two Mountain Masses’.

Looking back at the Little Castle in Crosby and, in the distance, the village chapel.

The Crosby Hotel serves O’Kells Ales all day. This is Mike Hailwood’s favourite pub as, on the rare occasions when he retired, it was nearly always there. Note the sign ‘DO IT AGAIN, MIKE’.

5 Miles Distance

Half Way House

Another O’Kells Ales house ‐ ‘Half Way House Hotel’ in 1978. A year later it was given a facelift and renamed ‘Waggon &Horses’ .

Half way between Douglas and Peel (or Peel and Douglas!).

Brian Reid wheelies over the rise at the Half Way House.

St. Trinian’s Roofless Church

This church dates as far back as King Olaf in 1230. A Manx legend of the ‘Buggane’ (Giant) of St. Trinian’s Church ascribes the lack of a roof to a giant who lived in Greeba Mountain and blew off the roof every time it was completed. The only thing that could prevent it was for a tailor to sit in the chancel and make a pair of breeches. A local tailor volunteered to do this and he had almost completed his task, which was only short of one button, when he ran out of thread. He hurried home to get more thread but before he could get back, the giant appeared and off went the roof once more. The tailor was never seen again and neither was the roof.

The ‘Highlander Inn’ – Castletown Famous Ales ‐ one of the fastest parts of the TT course and often the location for speed traps to clock the riders. Chapel Rock sits high above the Highlander Inn.

Greeba Castle

The approach to GreebaCastle – a tight left‐hand bend followed by a right‐hand sweep – coming after a very fast three mile stretch, makes it an interesting place to watch.

Greeba is a Scandinavian name meaning Peak.Greeba Castle was at one time the home of Sir Hall Caine, the Manx novelist of Victorian times.

Mike Hailwood 864 Ducati) leads Ron Haslam (996 Honda) through Greeba in the 1979 Formula 1 TT.

Appledene

6 Miles Distance

Tony Rutter’s 996cc Honda retired from the 1979 Formula One TT Race at Appledene with a flat rear tyre. It leans against a typical Manx slate stone wall.

Northop

The white cottage on the right‐hand side is called Glass Cottage. The area on the right is known as Cronkdhoo.

Greeba Bridge

The village policeman always stands on the corner throughout race week.

TT great, Joey Dunlop, at Greeba Bridge.

Hawthorn Cottage

Hawthorn Cottage &Greeba Chapel, both on the left, approximately 100 yards before the Hawthorn Inn.

Hawthorn Inn

Hawthorn Inn – Castletown Real Ales again. Access during ‘Roads Closed’ can be gained from Ballacraine via the disused Douglas‐Peel railway line, which is now used as a footpath.

Gorse Lea

A very fast sweeping, right‐hand curve, with a farm on the right.

CronkBreac

A second, fast right‐hand curve, following Gorse Lea. One or both of these bends is to be named Herron’s Bend, after the late Tom Herron, a great TT rider and IOM fan, who said that he always enjoyed these bends.

Ballagarraghyn

Ballagarraghyn House is situated on the right, approximately a half mile before Ballacraine.

Prior to the 1950’s, Ballagarraghyn Bridge was a nasty hump‐back bridge, but today it is merely a gentle rise and fall. Some old books carry a photograph of Werner Haas airborne over this bridge on his NSU.

Ballacraine

The Ballacraine Hotel – no traffic lights or 30 mph limit on race days, just a sharp right‐hand bend – avoid the pub wall at all costs. The first commentary point after the Grandstand is here.

7 ½ Miles Distance

Ballaspur

A sharp left‐hand bend after the short run up from Ballacraine.

Ballig Bridge &Ballig Cottage

Ballig – Celtic, meaning “little”. Pre‐war, this was a very vicious hump back bridge which tossed riders into the air ‐ as many an old photo shows – and made Ballig a popular vantage point. The present owner of Ballig Cottage collects Jaguar motor cars, which stand in a neat rows by hi cottage.

Doran’s Bend

An unusual left‐hand bend is named after the famous Lancastrian rider Bill Doran, who came off his AJS during Thursday evening practice prior to the 1952 TT Races. His fall resulted in a broken arm and leg, subsequently side‐lining him from that year’s TT races. This accident also tmeant tha the main threat to the Norton team had passed and, in consequence, Norton machines filled 1st, 2nd& 3rd places in the Junior TT and Senior TT. Bill actually crashed further along the road towards Laurel Bank but he blamed this bend for his initial ‘loss of control’.

8 Miles Distance

Laurel Bank

Approaching the Laurel Bank section, one of the trickiest parts of the whole TT course, is very hard to learn. It’s a notoriously dangerous section in the wet, due to fallen leaves from trees which overhang the road.

The entry into Laurel Bank proper, with an Autumnal feel (photo Sept 1981).

Laurel Bank number one.

Laurel Bank number two. This is the famous one, with severe adverse camber on the apex – although much worse in the reverse direction! The slip road (or the gate in between the straw bales) leads directly to the cabbage patch. A rough track (trail bikes only) on the left connects you with the Peel to Kirk Michael road.

With 5 minutes to go to ‘Roads Closed’, bikes stream through Laurel Bank, looking for a better vantage point (4th June 1980).

Neil Tuxworth, of Louth Lincolnshire, takes a tight line through Laurel bank on his attractive yellow & black 348 Yamaha in the 1980 Talbot Senior TT.

The exit from Laurel Bank – just time for a quick look over your shoulder to see who’s on your tail.

TT legendary Geoff Duke.

The 9th Milestone at Glen Moar Mills& Black Dub

Glen Moar Mills Café is worth a visit, if only to see the working water‐wheel and the beautifully preserved Grandmother Clock, not to mention the typical Manx hospitality.

Glen Moar Filling Station is attached to the café. A good place to top up the tank – only 93p per gallon (1979).

The Isle of Man Highways Board busy with road repairs at the Black Dub between races.

9 Miles Distance

The autumn sunshine picks out the quarter lap marker, between the Black Dub and Glen Helen.

¼ Lap = 9.19 Miles Distance

The approach to Glen Helen, showing Mike Hailwood winning his last TT race, the 1979 Senior TT on board his Team Castrol Heron Suzuki. His race average was 111.75 mph.

A pair of riders, keeping close company, enter the final right‐hand bend before Glen Helen.

Glen Helen

Glen Helen is the later (and some say rather vulgar) name given to Glen Rhenass, its correct title. The Helen part of the name was derived from a notorious Landlord’s wife, who lived at the Glen Helen Hotel in mid‐Victorian times. The Hotel, a large car park, gardens and a children’s’ playground sit off the road on the right.

9½ Miles Distance

Sarah’s Cottage

Jack Findlay, from Australia, leads a pack of riders on the climb from Glen Helen to Sarah’s Cottage in the 1976 Junior TT.

Sarah’s Cottage – Mike Hailwood and GiacomoAgostini both on MV Agusta machines, fell off here in the very wet 1965 Senior TT. Ago came off first and Mike the Bike ended up at Ago’s feet. Ago retired but Mike continued, despite a rather battered machine, and went on to win, albeit at only 91.69 mph average race speed. The story goes that Mike Hailwood actually bump‐started the MV downhill, i.e. in the reverse direction! My friends Alan Capstick& Bill Barker also met similar fates hereover the years.

Another view showing the adverse camber of the right‐hand bend known worldwide as Sarah’s Cottage.

Creg Willy’s Hill &Lambfell Beg

10 Miles Distance

Climbing up Creg Willy’s Hill and passing the 10th Milestone. In years gone by, this hill was known as Quilliam’s Hill. In the early TT races, this hill – being part of the old St. John’s Course – presented riders of the belt‐driven machines with pedal assistance, much heartache and their mechanics would run alongside shouting encouragement.

Lambfell Chapel was converted into a private house and is ‘For Sale’ here in September 1980.

Lambfell Beg – a sweeping right‐hander followed by a left‐hand curve – is a favourite spectating place of Mick Grant and also of the late Bob McIntyre. Cronk‐Y‐Voddy

The Cronk‐Y‐Voddy straight is very rough and is famous for its ‘tank slappers’.

Vin Duckett, on a 1968 348cc Aermacchi, blasts across Cronk‐Y‐Voddy crossroads in the 1980 Lap of Honour.

The old Cronk‐Y‐Voddy Church has been converted into a private house and is ‘For Sale’ in 1980. Note the ingenious way that the chancel has been readily converted into a double garage.

11th Milestone

Joey Dunlop, the Irish rider, on his 750 Yamaha, disappearing down towards the 11th Milestone on his record‐breaking lap at 115.22 mph in the 1980 Classic Race (6.6.1980).

The 11th Milestone – a short straight run to a double right‐hand bend, immediately followed by a much tighter left‐hand bend, the latter having severe adverse camber and being known as Drinkwater’s Bend. Ballig Farm sits on the left just after Drinkwaters, not to be confused with Ballig Bridge.

11 Miles Distance

Drinkwater’s Bend

Drinkwater’s Bend – named after Ben Drinkwater, a motorcycle dealer from Rochdale, who crashed fatally here in the 1949 Junior TT when endeavouring to make room for a faster rider. He was a well‐ known and popular competitor at Northern circuits. He nearly won the 1946 Lightweight TT on an old Excelsior, finishing third behind the two new, fast Guzzi’s of Manliff Barrington and Maurice Cann. Handley’s Cottage

Handley’s Cottage, a bend that never ceases to surprise you, coming upon you suddenly after a fairly straight stretch of road without walls. Named after the famous pre‐war rider, Walter Leslie Handley, who came off his works Rudge here in a dramatic fashion, plunging through the hedge on the left‐ hand side, on the 4th lap of the 1932 Senior TT Race. Walter Handley was the first rider to win two races in one week, namely the 1925Ultra Lightweight &Junior TTs. He died in an air crash near Carlisle on 15th November 1941, while serving as a Ferry Pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary.

Startfield Farm House Restaurant, just 1½ miles before the village of Kirk Michael, is a favourite eating out place for TT riders, especially Mick Grant.

Barregarrow Crossroads

Looking back at Barregarrow Crossroads (or Barregarro as old Manx maps spell it). Alan Duffus (No.31) retires with a seized engine in his 247cc Yamaha in the 1977 Formula 3 TT Race.

From the inside of the circuit (shown here on the right) you can travel across the mountain, via Injebreck Hill to Brandywell (approx. 5 miles) or south from Injebreck to Crosby, Union Mills, Braddan, Cronk‐ny‐Mona or Glencrutchery Road, Douglas.

1979 ‘Millennium’ Lap of Honour

The Duke (G E Duke, OBE) stylish as ever, riding the Gilera on which he won the 1955 Senior TT.

Phil Read leads Jon Surtees, both on 500cc 4‐cylinder MV Agustas.

George Meier from Germany riding he super‐charged BMW on which he won the 1939 Senior TT. When racing resumed after the Second World War in 1947, the ACU banned super‐chargers due to the FIM regulations.

Eric Oliver on the Norton outfit on which he won the 1954 Sidecar TT on the Clypse Course (the first sidecar race on the IOM since 1925).

Ralph Bryans (125 Honda).holder of the 50cc lap record at an incredible 86.49 mph, leads the Swiss rider, Luigi Taveri, (4 cylinder 250 Honda). Taveri won the 1962 & 1964 Lightweight TT and the 1965 Ultra Lightweight (50cc) TT. The 50cc Honda that he rode to victory had a twin cylinder, double overhead cam engine, revving to 22,000 rpm.

Bottom of Barregarrow

Barregarrow (pronounced Bi Garra), from the Celtic for ‘Rough Road’. 12 Miles Distance

The fast descent into Barregarrow – still the most exciting bend on the TT course.

CronkUrleigh

The difficult 13th Milestone, known as CronkUrleigh – a good place to watch if you can find a hole in the hedge. The Celtic name CronkUrleigh means ‘Eagle’s Hill’. The Tynwald Parliament was held here in 1422. The Spanish Ossa Works rider, Santiago Herrero, was fatally injured here in the 1970 TT Races.

13 Miles Distance

Wayside Cottage on the left‐hand side before the drop down to CronkUrleigh. Think what an excellent viewing platform a TT fan could build here in that sheltered corner.

Westwood

The last bend before the half‐mile straight run into Kirk Michael village. Mr Norman Crowe, Manx Magistrate and winner of the first TT race on the Mountain Circuit, lives here (Sept 1981).

Coming into, or going into, Westwood (depending on whether you are riding or spectating).

Exiting Westwood.

Kirk Michael

Kirk Michael ‐ pronounced ‘Kirk Mikkle’ ‐ is known as the Bishop’s Village as no less than five bishops are buried here.

Entering the village. 14 Miles Distance

The right‐hander on the entry to Kirk Michael.Is called Douglas Corner. The old St. John’s Circuit (15.8 miles) turned left here and went to Peel via the notorious ‘Devil’s Elbow’ and Knocksharry.

A shot of Kirk Michael village street. The cars and vans are quickly moved away on race days. It must seem very narrow at 110 mph. Derek Minter says that he once got a speed wobble as he entered the village, which he kept all the way through it.

The Mitre Hotel (Castletown Ales) is an exciting place to watch as the bikes rattle through the village.

Kirk Michael Parish Church. “I am the resurrection and the life” – these thoughtful words are carved above the beautiful Lych Gate at the entrance to the church. The purpose of the Lych Gate was to provide a space for the coffin (Lych being the Saxon word for corpse). It also provides shelter for the local TT Marshall on wet race days.

Kirk Michael Wesleyan Chapel. Note the sign on the left as you leave the village (centre of photo) ‘BEWARE OF SUN FOR NEXT 9 MILES’. This is to warn riders in early morning practice that they are now facing due East and into the rising sun from here until they reach Ramsey.

Rhencullen

Rhencullen ‐ Celtic meaning ‘The Holy Ridge’. 15 Miles Distance

Rhencullen. The section following this bend is Lyndhurst.

Birkim’s Bend, named after Archie Birkin, a Cambridge undergraduate, who was tragically killed here in early morning practice on 7th June 1927. He met with a fish lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction. The sudden appearance of the lorry caused him to swerve and he hit a telegraph pole. In those days, roads were only closed for the actual races. However, Birkin’s unfortunate accident prompted the closure of roads for practice as well.

Bishops’ Court

Leaving Lyndhurst and entering the section known as Bishops’ Court. The old Bishops’ Palace is on the left‐hand side. It was here that the top American rider, Pat Hennan, was seriously injured when he crashed in the 1978 Senior TT, shortly after becoming the first rider to achieve a sub 20 minute lap.

Bishops’ Court Palace is the Pro‐Cathedral of the diocese and has been the home of the Bishops of Sodor and Man since the early 12th century. Years ago the Bishop had power over life and death and he had his own gallows hill adjacent to the Palace.

Ballacurnkeil

Ballacurnkeil – another bend to negotiate.

Alpine Cottage

Alpine Cottage – the last bend before the ¼ mile dash to Ballaugh.

Ballaugh

Ballaugh, pronounced ‘Ber‐larf’, with the famous hump back bridge. 16 ½ Miles Distance

The policeman stands well back on race days.

Ago smacks the 350 MV‐3 down on its rear wheel at Ballaugh, on his way to victory in the 1972 Junior TT, his last year in the Isle of Man. From 1965 to 1972 he won 10 TTs, always on MV Agustas and he covered 65 laps at over 100 mph.

Ballaughvillage street after leaving the bridge.

‘ThieOast Y Feeach’. Or in English ‘The Raven Hotel’, the second race commentary point, famous for Geoff Cannell and his vivid descriptions of how the riders jump the bridge.

The memorial in the village to the German rider, Karl Gall, who was killed whilst negotiating the bridge in the 1939 TT Races. His widow came over from Germany every year until well into the 70’s and placed a wreath on the hook below the plaque.

Neil Tuxworth at Ballaugh

Grant Sellars leaps Ballaugh Bridge in the 1984 Manx Grand Prix.

Nick Jefferies flies over Ballaugh Bridge in the 1988 TT Races.

Shortly after leaving Ballaugh, you come across this charming Manx cottage, ‘CoanBuigh’, which translates as ‘Golden Hollow’ and here lives Gwen Crellin, who is well known to many TT riders., being referred to as ‘The Lady in White’. Over the years she has entertained many famous, and lesser known, TT riders to tea. She has been a regular TT & MGP Marshal for over a quarter of a century.

The author with Gwen Crellin

Everyone is made welcome at CoanBuigh and the inside of her cottage has become a museum to Isle of Man racing; her photographs alone are well worth seeing, as the riders have shown gratitude for that welcome cup of tea. Her most treasured possession is an empty, faded chocolate box that was a gift from GiacomoAgostini. A veritable shrine to the IOM TT – long may she reign!

A little further along the road, on the left, is this charming house, ‘Cronkgould House’ – ‘House of the Owls’. Mr Ivor Crowe (of all names) lives here and he breeds Manx Loaghtan Sheep, which grow four horns instead of the usual two.

A lone 1980 MGP rider, GeoffryHadwin, passes Ballacreddin Farm, where my friends Denys and Faye Teare live. A very close and fast viewing spot – to be recommended.

Ballacrye

Riders disappearing around Ballacrye bend – just around the bend there is a small bridge that lifts most riders out of their seats. Quarry Bends

A notoriously difficult part of the course, especially in the wet. The Wildlife Park is on the left, just before the first bend.

Memorial to Steve Henshaw at Quarry Bends. Steve died following a crash in the 1989 1000cc Production TT, shortly after the fatal accident to Phil Mellor at Doran’s Bend in the same race.

Joey Dunlop is neat & tidy through Quarry Bends.

18 Miles Distance

Quarry bends after road widening and improvements to visibility.

The half way marker – 18.866 Miles Distance – at Gob‐Y‐Volly, just after Quarry Bends. Sulby Village

The Sulby Glen Hotel – a good pint and a sandwich with the bikes passing at 110+ mph – what more could a TT fan ask for?

Sulby Crossroads – the road on the right leads up through Sulby Glen over the mountain of Snaefell to the Bungalow. It is quite easy to see your favourite rider at the Bungalow and then dash to Sulby on your road‐bike and see him again the next time that he passes Sulby, but it’s impossible to do it in the reverse way.

SulbyCafé, situated on Sulby Straight, another good refreshment stop.

Sulby Bridge

Sulby Bridge, a tight right‐hander after the very fast Sulby Straight. The Nisbet Shield (to commemorate J R Nisbet Esq, Chairman of the ACU) was presented in the 1920’s and 1930’s to the rider exhibiting ‘the most pluck and endurance in triumphing over difficulties’. The first rider to win this trophy was a certain G W Jones (New Hudson) who, after hitting the bridge wall at Sulby and being catapulted into the river, straightened his forks and finished the 1921 Junior TT Race.

19 ½ Miles Distance

Mike Hailwood on the MV at a wet Sulby Bridge.

Ginger Hall

Ginger Hall is the left‐hander immediately after Sulby Bridge – the two bends forming an S‐Bend. The Ginger Hall Hotelhas excellent viewing from the pub window on wet race days.

A close group of riders complete this bright colourful TT scene at Ginger Hall. Narradale Road on the right leads you back up the Mountain. Narradale is Scandinavian for’the dale of the shepherd’s hut’.

The Ginger Hall left‐hander is my favourite bend. It was here, in the days of the immaculate Geoff Duke, that the famous telegraph pole story came about. Geoff used to flick his head up to avoid the telegraph pole so the pole was relocated behind the iron railings.

Mick Grant leads Charlie Williams at Ginger Hall in the re‐run 1981 Senior TT Race.

Mick Grant (497cc Suzuki) winning the 1981 re‐run Senior TT on Tuesday 8th June after the original race, on the previous day, was stopped after 3 laps due to bad weather, when incidentally Mick had already retired.

Leaving Ginger Hall and heading towards KerrowMoar. On the right is one of the most desirable front windows on the entire Island during TT week.

KerrowMoar

Approaching KerrowMoar – Celtic, meaning ‘Great Quarterland’.

20 Miles Distance

The exit from KerrowMoar. Park your bike and walk up the road, then pick your spot in the hedge ‐ an interesting bend to watch from.

Glen Duff

The entrance to Glen Duff. The council yard is on the right.

21 Miles Distance

The exit from Glen Duff.

Bob Orton hammers into Glentramman. Glentramman

Phil Read (No.9, 496cc Suzuki) winning the 1977 Senior TT. The race was reduced from 6 laps to 5 laps due to low cloud on the Mountain – 13th June 1977.

P.S. Don’t sit on the wall without permission; I asked at the house and was kindly invited into the garden.

The entrance into Glentramman – an exciting place to watch the sidecars. The meaning of the Celtic Glentramman is ‘Glen of the Elder Tress’. An old Manx tradition is to plant an elder tree next to your cottage because a witch will not face an elder tree. Hence, you may see many elder trees in the Isle of Man.

The exit from Glentramman.

Churchtown

Lezayre village, with its war memorial & church, are on the right and Ballakillingen House is on the left. Lezayre is the largest parish on the Island. 22 Miles Distance

Leyzayre ‘Kirk Christ’ Parish Church was built by John Welch in 1835. It was an attempt to reproduce, in local stone, an English country church seen in the Midlands in the 19th Century. Call in for a moment of peace – the difference in 100 yards is amazing, and don’t forget to browse through and sign the visitors’ book.

Milntown Cottage

Milntown Cottage – a very fast right‐hander, followed by a jump and another right‐hand bend. Charlie Williams describes it as ‘very exacting, get the first one wrong and you can’t get the rest anything like right’. Glen Auldyn

23 Miles Distance

Schoolhouse Corner

Schoolhouse Corner or TheCrossags. This bend used to be known as Russell’s Bend, in memory of the brilliant young Irish rider called Benjy Russell (a close friend of the great Stanley Woods), who crashed his Moto Guzzi here while leading the 1947 Lightweight Manx Grand Prix.

Royal Ramsey

Approaching Parliament Square, Ramsey.Ramsey – Scandinavian for ‘Islet of garlic ‐ is known as Royal Ramsey due to the many monarchs, such as King Orry and Queen Victoria who have landed here.

The Central Hotel, Ramsey, serves Castletown Real Ales. The TT Marshal at Ramsey wears a white coat and has a flag with a V on it. It is shown to warn riders of mist on the Mountain, i.e. V for poor visibility.

Parliament Square – a 90o right‐hander, followed by a left around the telegraph pole and the climb up May Hill.

Probably the ultimate ‘Man & Machine – Stanley Michael Bailey Hailwood aboard the 6‐cylinder Honda 250, on his way to winning the 1967 Lightweight TT. Those of us who saw him race in the Isle of man TT were truly privileged.

Paul Cott, the Lincolnshire lad, who I stayed with in the 1974 TT week, on his water‐cooled 350 Yamaha, heads for 3rd place in the 1974 junior TT – 3rd June 1974.

The German sidecar competitors, Siegfried Schauzu& Wolfgang Kalauch, drift their 560cc BMW through Parliament Square, on their way to victory in the 1974 Sidecar TT – 3rd June 1974.

May Hill, Ramsey

Roger Marshall ascends May Hill.

Stanley Woods in 1980 aboard the 1937 works KTT 495cc Velocette.

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The top of May Hill, approaching Cruikshanks Corner.

Cruikshanks Corner.

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Whitegates – there used to be a pair of white gates here, leading to a farm. The gates have gone but the name remains.

24 Miles Distance

Stella Maris Bend – leaving Ramsey and beginning the climb up the Mountain. Free parking and cheap teas are ‘on sale’ at Stella Maris House, plus a superb view. You will find the name ‘Stella’ on one gatepost and ‘Maris’ on the other.

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Ramsey Hairpin

Ramsey Hairpin – very good for photographers as the bikes are at their slowest here.

Ramsey Hairpin – in & out. Even Geoff Duke had one of rare spills here, in the 1949 Junior MGP whilst avoiding a fallen rider. He picked himself up and still managed to finish in second place.

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Waterworks

Waterworks No.1 – a very tight right‐hand bend.

Waterworks No.2 – an even tighter right‐hand bend.

25 Miles Distance

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Tower Bends

Tower Bends No.1, the right‐hander – passing Prince Albert’s Tower on your right‐hand side.

Tower Bends No.2, the left‐hander.

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The Gooseneck

Another good place for photography, with excellent views over Ramsey Bay in the background.There is a rough road from here that joins the Ramsey to Laxey road but it is not suitable for cars.

Charlie Williams negotiating the Gooseneck on his 377cc Maxton Yamaha in the 1976 Senior TT – he later retired.A pair of binoculars prvides a view of the riders approaching from Tower Bends.

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Sitting almost unnoticed with the TT fans watching the 1981 Senior Manx Grand Prix, is the man who beat Mike Hailwood in his last TT race, Alex George.

Trevor Parker, from high Wycombe, riding in his 16th MGP, takes his 347 Maxton Yamaha rather too close to the camera lens for comfort – Thursday afternoon 3rd September 1981.

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Climbing up from the Gooseneck, this right‐hand kink is so far unnamed in my book.

26 Miles Distance

The uphill approach to Guthrie’s.

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Guthrie’s Memorial

Guthrie’s – known earlier as ‘The Cutting’ ‐ is a superb viewing point, with views back over the north of the Island.

The Guthrie Memorial – erected to the memory of Jimmie Guthrie, the Scots rider, who retired here in his last TT race in 1937. He was tragically killed while competing in the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring (now in East Germany) in the same year. On a clear day, Jimmie’s native Scotland can be seen from this memorial. Jimmie Guthrie’s son, also called J Guthrie, won the 1967 Senior Manx Grand Prix, a unique combination.

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The author’s vintage Norton outfit at Guthrie’s with passenger John Bentley in the chair.

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The Mountain Mile

The right‐hand kink just after Guthrie’s. 27 Miles Distance

The Mountain Mile – a climb of 300 feet in one mile. We have now reached the ¾ distance point.

28th Milestone is at the end of the Mountain Mile

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Bill Barker (250 Yamaha) caught in early morning practice in for the 1974 TT Races. Note the heavy woollen sweater worn over his leathers to keep out the cold.

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Mountain Box

The approach to the Mountain Box – also called East Mountain Gate or Snaefell Gate. East Gate is something of a misnomer, as the old sheep gate was the Northern Gate, with the Southern Gate at the Bungalow. The gentle left‐hander immediately after East Mountain Gate is known as Rice’s Corner, after the extremely spectacular tumble by H R Rice on a Sunbeam in practice for the 1920 Races. He wasn’t badly injured but the marks in the roads remained for ages.

‘The Black Hut’ or ‘The Stonebreaker’s Hut’ or ‘The Shepherd’s Hut’.

29 ½ Miles Distance

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The Verandah

The Verandah – four fast bends.

Bungalow Bridge, formerly called ‘The Stone Bridge’.

30 Miles Distance

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Les Graham Memorial Shelter

The Les Graham Memorial is a memorial with a purpose – it provides shelter for the TT Marshalls. Leslie Robert Graham, a former WWII bomber pilot, was a great rider for the works AJS team. He won the 1953 Lightweight 125 TT but was tragically killed later in the same week when he lost control of the big MV‐4 in the Senior TT Race, as he plunged down Bray Hill. In 1967, his son Stewart won the 50cc TT Race on a Suzuki – the first and only Father & Son to both win a TT.

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The Bungalow

31 Miles Distance

Looking back at the Bungalow and Murray’s Motorcycle Museum, an interesting place to visit for an hour or so. The Manx Electric Tram from Laxey to Snaefell (Scandinavian for ‘Snow Mountain’) crosses the TT course at this point. Crossing the tramlines in the wet can be interesting! Between races, one can easily climb to the top of Snaefell where, on a clear day, it is possible to see England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

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The Bungalow is the third commentary point as the riders crank left, then straighten up to go over the tramlines and then crank right, before tucking in behind their fairings for the long pull up to Brandywell.

Mick Grant on his Suzuki at The Bungalow.

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Hailwood Rise &Hailwood’s Height

Hailwood Rise – an apt piece of roadway to be named after the great rider. A place where the less brave rider can stretch his arms and have a go.

The climb from Ramsey to Hailwood’s Height is usually accompanied by a drop in air temperature of 15oC in just 8 miles.

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The author’s daughter, Jane, tries the newly erected bench in 1981. It’s all that is left to remind us of one of the greatest men ever to ride a motorcycle.

Brandywell

Brandywell, also known as Brandywell Gate, is the highest point on the TT course, at 1398 feet. The road on the right leads to Injebreck Hill with access to Barregarrow, Ballaugh& Douglas. The mountain on the right is called ‘Penny Pot Mountain’ or its old Scandinavian name ‘Beinn‐Y‐Phott’, which translates as ‘Turf Mountain’.

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32nd Milestone

‘The 32nd Milestone’ or ‘The Second Mountain Box’. On your right is a hill called Garraghan, which translates as ‘Rough Hill’, where lives the little red witch of Garraghan who brings you more misfortune the nearer she gets to you. 32 Miles Distance Windy Corner

Windy Corner is affected by unusual gusts from Laxey Glen. A good place to watch on Mad Sunday if you dare, but a bleak spot in poor weather.

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33rd Milestone

The infamous ‘Thirty Third’ or more impolitely described as ‘The Dirty Turd’ by Billy Fulton, the flying coalman from Liverpool, who fell off here for the second time in 1977. In pre‐war days, this was one of the worst sections of track, causing many a spill. 33 Miles Distance Keppel Gate

Dick Greasley on his way to victory in the 1978 Sidecar TT.

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Keppel Gate – derived from the Scandinavian ‘KaplGata’ meaning Road to the Summit; the name being somewhat misleading as there is no gate here. The right‐hander before Keppel Gate is known as Clark’s Corner, as it was here in the 1920Junior TT, that a certain Reginald Olney Clark crashed his 250cc Levis, but then carried on and almost won the Junior 350 TT on a 250 machine, eventually finishing in fourth place.

The exit from Keppel Gate. Note the loudspeakers on the left for the Manx Radio race commentary.

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Kate’s Cottage

The approach to Kate’s Cottage. 34 Miles Distance

The steep drop from Kate’s Cottage to Creg‐ny‐Baa.

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Dicing on the drop from Kate’s.

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Creg‐ny‐Baa

Creg‐ny‐Baa ‐ Celtic for ‘The Hill of the Sheep’ – and nearly always pronounced incorrectly, the correct pronunciation being ‘creg‐ny‐bay’. A very popular vantage point with easy access from Douglas via Onchan when roads are closed. In 1974 Mick Grant crashed into the sandbags when he ‘overcooked it’ in the Senior Race and then tried to continue with a very sick and broken machine. Riders on the old Clypse Circuit came up from Cronk‐ny‐Mona and turned right here at Creg‐ny‐Baa.

34 ½ Miles Distance

Gary Padgett (249 Yamaha) from Batley, Yorkshire, tucks himself behind the fairing after leaving ‘The Creg’, on his way to third place in the 1980 Newcomers’ MGP, while setting a new lap record of 99.39 mph. Note the heavy mist on the Mountain.

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Brandish Corner

Brandish – a tight left‐hand corner coming after the one mile straight from Creg‐ny‐Baa, passing three areas called Gobnygeay, Ballacottier&Slegaby en route. This is one of the fastest parts of the course where Mick Grant was clocked at 191 mph on his 3‐cylinder 750 Kawasaki. Phil Read crashed here on a non‐race day in 1977 and was summoned for using a race bike on public roads. The corner was named after Walter Brandish who crashed his Triumph here in the 1923 Senior TT Race and broke his leg. He had finished second to Alec Bennett in the same race the year before. Before it was called Brandish, it was known as O’Donnell’s Corner. 35 ½ Miles Distance

The author rounds Brandish on his 1937 Norton International in the vintage event.

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Hillberry

Hillberry is a very fast sweeping right‐hand bend and a popular vantage point. The Glendhoo camp site is on the right. Formerly called Knockberry (Knock is Celtic for Hill; Berry is Scandinavian for Hill).

36 Miles Distance

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Cronk‐ny‐Mona

This is the point where the old Clypse Course jojned the present Mountain Course but in the reverse direction. The uphill rise here is Countisbury Hill; the area on the right is GlendhooBallachrink.

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Signpost Corner

Signpost Corner is the final signalling point. As each rider passes here, a light is illuminated next to his number on the scoreboard, warning his pit crew that he is on the last mile of the lap.

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131

Bedstead Corner

Bedstead Corner ‐ the name was due to the original fence being made from old bedsteads. It’s a sharp left‐hand bend that has caught out many a good rider. Before the 1930’s this was called Rectory Corner.

Looking back to Bedstead, a spot where brave (or rather silly) spectators dare to dangle their legs over the bank.

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The German pair of Klaus Enders and Ralf Englehart with their 500 BMW outfit, only one mile from victory in the 1973 Sidecar TT. BMW machines with German or Swiss riders dominated the Sidecar TT Races from 1955 to 1974, winning all but two races.

A group of sidecars in close company leave Bedstead and head towards The Nook in the 1981 Sidecar TT. Access to the field on the left can be gained during racing from Onchan village.

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The Nook

The Nook has caught more than its share of good men. It was formerly known as Bennett’s Corner, as it was here that the legendary Alec Bennett dropped his Velocette (what a crime!) while leading the 1926 Junior TT by a mile. He managed to remount and won the race.

37 Miles Distance Governor’s Bridge

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Governor’ Bridge, so named because of its close proximity to Government House is a dream corner for photographers. Get there early and sit on the wall and you will be on all the press photos.

The ever popular Percy Tait flicks the legendary Triumph Trident ‘Slippery Sam’ around Governor’s Bridge in the 1974 Open Formula Classic 750 TT Race. He finished a creditable fifth behind four Yamahas.

The dip out of Governor’s Bridge – another popular spot for the camera boys.

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Glencrutchery Road

That final half mile dash along Glencrutchery Road is all uphill as many riders, who ran out of fuel and pushed their machines home, found to their cost. Including the late John Williams who was leading the 1976 Senior TT by two minutes (after twice breaking the lap record) when hen ra out of fuel; he pushed to the line for 7th place.

Reg Armstrong was fortunate as the chain on his Norton broke just as he crossed the finish line in the 1952 Senior TT.

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The Chequered Flag

37.733 Miles Distance

Home at last! My friend and room‐mate Bob Orton of London takes the chequered flag on his 250 Suzuki in the 1979 Junior TT Race.

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The Victors

Trevor Ireson& Clive Pollington celebrate victory in the 1979 Sidecar TT.

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Trevor Ireson – the driver.

Clive Pollington – the passenger.

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The Vanquished

Rolf Biland

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A Word of Thanks

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One Late Addition to my Book

Ian Hutchinson from Bingley celebrates taking a clean sweep of all five solo races in 2010 TT week – a remarkable achievement for the Yorkshireman.

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My Favourite Quotation

“To me the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Races have been, and always will be, the greatest challenge to any road‐racing motorcyclist. The Mountain Course demands more of the machine and the rider than probably any racing circuit in the world. For this reason, and this reason alone, I am proud to have competed in the TT Races and can honestly say that winning on the Island meant more to me than winning any other International Grand Prix.”

Geoff Duke, OBE

Footnote

As I type these last few words, it is Monday afternoon 23rd March 1981 and I learn of the death, this very afternoon, of Mike Hailwood, the result of a car crash two days ago. The tragic news not only shocks but saddens me deeply, no doubt along with thousands of his fans, not to mention his family. What can I say?

One day I hope to see, at a very special place high on the Mountain, a memorial, similar to the Guthrie and Graham memorials, erected to the memory of a man who can only be described as a legend; to MIKE the BIKE.

Dave Greenwood 23.3.1981

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