John McGuinness and his happiest fan

                        This guy


Photo shoot at the TT Grandstand, John McGuinness book signing. This guy, first in the queue. Possibly the happiest fan of any rider I've ever seen and photographed. John McGuinness, one the all  nicest riders, celebrities, people all round nice guy you will ever meet. The super fan, one of many waiting patiently for a snap with the motorbike race legend, and purchase his hand signed book. It's all part of the Isle of Man TT Races. As I left, I could still hear the guy laughing. Whatever part of the world he'd traveled from, he'll always be remembered as the happiest fan to me. If anyone knows who he is, pass on this post. I'd love him to have the original large file of the image.  2014 Isle of Man TT Races, TT Grandstand

Hotheads

                     It's a TT thing


I started this blog with the intention of uploading years of road race images. So far, the posts have veered towards the spectators. Well, they do have some great riding gear. Taken after a meet and greet with riders at the TT Grandstand, these bikers doing a few laps of the course. Unusual helmets, not obligatory, helmet hair unavoidable. Image 2013.

Wilma

                      Hello Duckie
 

A short introduction to Wilma the duck. She accompanies her human owner on all her biking adventures, not just TT races. Tis is one well travelled bike race duck. Expect more photos to follow of Wilma with TT riders, Policemen, spectators, her infamous owners. If you want a photo with a TT rider, take a backpack duck. No rider refuses to be seen with Wilma. She's also the ice breaker conversation starter between fans, of which the ducks owner is one of the biggest, with over 25 years continued visits.  Image 2009, Ramsey, Isle of Man.

One for Mrs N.

A nun, Superman, and Jack Sparrow walk into a pub......

             ......is either the best joke ever...........


.....Or just your average day at the TT races in Ramsey. It's Mad Sunday again. Another group dressed as an assortment of characters, having a pint  (or several), watching the tourists and locals ride a the TT course route. I'm not sure if this was the year Batman rode a motorbike closely followed by Spiderman or was it Banaman,  I but I know it's not the year of the Pink Panther riding a moped. Photo of this motley crew taken just outside the Swan Pub, Parliament Square 2011.

Team Orange, TT Marshals

                              Hello Terry 
 


The unsung heroes and heroines of the TT Races (and later in the year Manx Grand Prix) The TT Marshals, know affectionately as "Team Orange." Without these volunteers manning points along the course and so much more, there would be no races. It's a great way for people to view the action even closer, meet new people who become lifelong friends, rub shoulders with riders and spectators alike. I have a lot of time for these people. Volunteers always welcome, many come from across the globe to man the course for two weeks. You can also capture photographs from unusual vantage points. Go team orange.

Two pints of Okells and packet of crisps please

                              Beer O'clock


Riders day off and head over to the TT Grandstand. Every other day is race day, over the 2 weeks of the TT Races, and days off are a great for photo opportunities around the paddock and pits. You can find mechanics tinkering, riders book signing, locals and tourists grabbing a pint of the local stuff and a bite to eat. I'd like to say blue skies are always an Isle of Man staple, but we all know that's not the case. The beer though, never stops flowing at the Okells beer tent.


Fancy a pint, buy some TT merchandise, spot a rider eating a burger. TT Grandstand, is the place to be. Free entry on non race days. Family friendly atmosphere. Blue skies not guaranteed. Well you can't have everything.

Team Oscar Racing

                                                              On their way


It's not all about motorbikes, it's about sidecars too. It's not all male driver's and riders either. Team Oscar Racing pictured, driven by local Manx lass, Debbie Baron, and wing man passenger, Karl Schofield on the turn past Taubman Street, Ramsey.  It's a great vantage point to watch or photograph the sidecars from. If you're quick you can catch both the arriving and leaving shot. Photo. 2014, Sidecar Race 1.


More about Team Oscar Racing can be found here.