Tues 2nd part two. After crossing the finishing line I must come back up the return road to the paddock, this was lined with lots of people giving any rider a round of applause which is a nice feeling. From here all finishers are ushered into Parc Ferme, my bike will have to stay here till it is released by the race officials. The first three bikes in each race have to have a capacity check to ensure that they are legal in their class cc wise, this for the unknowing involves removing the cylinder head or heads so the bore and stroke can be measured to calculate the engines capacity. This might be easy for bigger supported teams with mechanics but I know Elwyn the winner in my class had to strip his own engine as he was also the one with the mechanical knowledge and know how in his team.
Back to Park Ferme while I am waiting for the stand to arrive it gives me a few moments to gather my thoughts and I must admit I am feeling a little pleased with myself. Ive only gone and done it ! Finished my race around the world famous TT course. Its not long before the pit crew arrive with the stand and there's congratulations all round, there's the same sort of buzz from all the other riders and teams that have managed to get there bikes back to here, this really is something special and you never know amongst  my fellow newcomers there could be a future TT champion, but in my mind today we are all champions of our own making.
At this stage I have no idea idea of what has actually happened in the race only that I have finished and as we wander down to the paddock another rider tells me he thinks I have finished 5th in class with this information we head of to race control to wait for the official result. Its not to long before they come out and yes I am 5th in class but not quick enough for a replica which is the next thing you can get above the finishers medal. But I am happy finished 5th not to shabby for the oldest newcomer in town.We wander back to base camp where Bev produces a bottle of bubbly and I get my well earned celebratory drink which I am glad I did not have it before going out as I forgot to mention I like others in my race were breathalised to check that our alcohol content was zero . its not often I want a zero score in a test but this time it was fine.
We went out that night for a well earned celebratory meal and a few beers of course. Wednesday evening was the presentation of medals replicas and trophies for all newcomers followed by a band and some more beer of course.
Well I am now at the end of my little journey . Was it all worth it ? Of course it was ! If you are considering giving it a go just make the effort push yourself that extra mile the silly grin you get is reward enough for anyone plus its a good conversation piece down the pub.
What would be the tips would I pass on to you a budding newcomer. Course knowledge is everything    Learn from sensible speed onboard footage. Attend Weekends like the Mike Hailwood Newcomer weekends the knowledge you can get from others that have ridden the course is priceless. If possible get over before the Manx and get laps in, a hire car for this is fine. But when you get to ride the course be careful the TT course can bite if you push to soon let it just come to you the more laps you do. Advice like if in doubt knock one out have stuck firmly in my mind .
Any regrets , My original goal I went there looking for a finishers medal which I got, but looking back at the results I was only 35 seconds in 1 hour and 14 minutes of racing away from a replica, the lack of decent conditions during the practice week meant that it was only during the race I realised the bike was over geared and an adjustment would have easily have found that time.
Would I do it again ? 100% Yes . but since returning from the Island my company has gone to the dogs so I will very soon lose my job so I cannot see it happening again the near future. ( Its a bloody good job this did not happen last year otherwise I would not have got there this   )
But none of this would be possible without the support of you lot. Whatever you be : marshals, organisers, doctors, paramedics, sponsors, spectators, technical bods, zombies, helicopter pilots, FAMILY , head forum honcho, thank you one and all we did it together !

THANK YOU

Keith Terry
 
foot notes.

The technical inspection by class/number system works, keep it !

There's not enough ladies showers in the paddock . ( she said )

I think a newcomer replica should be awarded for achieving an average % race speed above that of the race qualification time and not based on the first finishers time. The system is unfair to any rider that turns up on a year when a real road talent is riding.