Following on from my earlier post on this thread, I’ve been asked a number of times what was my favourite section of the course. I don’t have one, but many - Glen Vine, Greeba Castle, from Ballacraine to Lambfell, Barregarrow (top and bottom) the 13th Milestone, Rhencullen, Kerrowmoar, Glentramman, the Verandah, the left-hander before the Bungalow, Brandywell, the 32nd Milestone, Cronk-ny-Mona and, of course the Glencrutchery Road are amongst them. My favourite of all though is the 33rd Milestone. Most of my TT Course experience was gained on my own BSA B50, not known for speed, but still a very pleasing ride and after several practice attempts I could negotiate the 33rd flat in top and ‘under the shed, what a memory!
My TT Course ‘competitive career’ ended at the 26th Milestone during the 2014 Senior Classic TT as a result of a collapsed rear wheel. I was knocked unconscious after hitting the bank on the outside of the left-hander followed by (I assume) an aerial trip over the bank and a helicopter journey to Nobles. I only know this as the marshal on duty (who I contacted later to express my thanks) saw, out of the corner of his eye, me and my machine flying into the field. Also following the incident my team went to recover the machine and took photos of the banking and my ‘landing site’. Obviously this doesn’t seem to be one of my ‘Best TT Memories’ but, in a sense it was as I got away essentially uninjured. Bruised and battered, yes but nothing broken and no long-term damage, also I was treated brilliantly by the hospital staff.
This incident prompted a change from competing to marshalling. My wife and I have marshalled at many locations and we have many great memories as a result. Obviously we haven’t marshalled everywhere, but some of the places that have provided us with great memories are Windy Corner, the Bottom of Barregarrow, the 11th Milestone, Signpost, Bedstead, The Nook, the Helicopter Field approaching Glen Helen, the Quarry Bends and the Sulby Crossroads. We’ll be back, when Covid-19 allows, marshalling wherever there’s a shortage. We can’t wait.