Isle of Mann presentation by Jason Len

This month we’ll have a presentation by Jason Len on his recent trip to the Isle of Man for the Manx TT and Classic TT motorcycle races. A fantastic event, specially the Classic TT for classic motorcycle enthusiast like me. There are races, shows, displays, and amazing motorcycles wherever you go.

I love this event because it’s a great combination of extremely fast modern motorcycle and graceful classic bikes racing. There is motorcycle shows and enthusiasm all over the island . The riding skill is amazing. Motorcycle racing on this island started in 1909 and is part of the culture here. The down side is racing on these narrow stone lined streets is extremely dangerous and every year riders lose their lives. On average 5 fatalities a year. In the five days we were here two riders died which makes me feel guilty for enjoying it so much.

The island has lots to offer other than motorcycle racing. People have lived on the island almost 10,000 years. So there is a lot of history here. It is its own separate country with very low taxes so it is a home to very wealthy people. Its hay day was the 1800s, when it was a very popular resort for the Victorian Era wealthy. Tourism died out when transportation to warmer areas of Spain and France became the vogue. Then in 1909 the TT races revived the economy. There are four main cities all with seeing, Douglas, Castle, Peel, and Ramsey. The island is on 40 mikes long so it’s easy to see them all. Currently Douglas is the capital but the cities take turns being the capital.

People from the Isle of Man are called Manx Men and the three legged emblem stands for “you can’t knock a good man off his feet”.

Hope you enjoy the photos