Watty wrote:
Cheers Budd, I'm aware of the above as I'm a regular but its good to reiterate and point it out as some people may not realise
![Shocked 8O](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
. I think the new format gp is the way forward
![Thumbup :thumbup:](./images/smilies/icon_thumbup.gif)
.
I must admit I really like the MGP or Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling as it was known last year (not sure if this new name is permanent), don’t get me wrong the TT is great but it’s not what it used to be in terms of riding your bike on the course. To me the racing was always secondary and what really enjoyed was the lack of speed limits on much of the course and the fact you could ride at speed with relative impunity.
But in recent years the consent reduction to these derestricted areas as meant many riders now focus on the one way mountain section and ignore the rest of the course. And while the one way system that is in place over TT fortnight is an undoubted success and as definitely contributed to the improvement in overall safety at the event, these is a down side. Previously you’d tend to ride the whole course as a lap fast through the derestricted bits slow through towns and speed limited areas this was great but now rather than the riders been spread out over 37miles there is now a greater concentration solely on the mountain section, which can be pretty daunting.
Maybe I’m getting old (Ok I’m getting old) but nowadays I’m finding riding the mountain section during TT a bit intimidating if not flat out scary (pun intended), not only do you have to worry about faster riders coming up behind you have slower and out-and-out slow riders to contend with in front this coupled with the sheer volume of riders is pretty daunting, I’ve been going regularly for nearly 25 years and have a reasonable track knowledge so don’t have that to worry aboutthat aspect of it too much, it must be quite a culture shock for a first timer on a big modern sports bike.
I still love the TT but for me the Manx is just a better fit, not as frenetic as the TT, just a bit more relaxed which suits me better, best situation would be been able to go to both but I can’t make that happen this year , maybe next year.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)