6 replies to this topic

[OSW]

Hi Does anybody have any memories that they would like to share of the TT's in the 60' and 70's.

 

On my first visit to the island we were that shattered that after a long day of travelling a few pints of Okell's beer I forgot where I had parked the bike and did not find it for two days.

[Jim77]

Three things about 68 first it was the only time I went in the 60’s, second they were handing out free copies of the Diamond Jubilee 1907-1967.

Last I will never forget going around the island with Dave Nixon in aThames van (think he was driving) don’t think it was Boyer vehicle.

Anyway it was definitely a Ford Thames because I was sitting on the top of engine.

Perhaps the other passenger would remember if he’s still around?

As I had never been around wasn’t expecting the leap in air and then hitting the roof...ouch.

Presume it was Ballaugh Bridge. 

[drumwrecker]

Went over in 1962 and 1963 and looking back not realising I had experienced maybe the best of the old and the new. I know the Honda sixes were to come but so many older bikes and famous riders.

Seeing Hailwood and Hocking having that epic battle on the MV's and Bob Mac doing 99mph on the first lap on a Honda four 250 etc etc. Wonderful sounds to remember unlike the  present when all bikes sound the same but the speed is amazing but in the end gets familiar and boring. It is the sound that lives on for me and the characters of racing. Wonderful times.

[roger9650]

Thinking about the 60s makes me realise how the present day event is a mere shadow of its former self.  The only thing that has improved is the lap speed.  

In the old days spectator numbers were vastly greater, there were plenty of boats, and accommodation to go round.  The majority of the world's best riders and factories were in attendance. The prom was stacked from end to end with bikes side by side, prohibited areas were only where they really needed to be, and each race was different!  Bikes could be identified by their sounds.  Riders could be identified by their helmets, (which didn't look like random tins of paint had been thrown at them), and miraculously, stayed the same from week to week.  The island's inhabitants hadn't yet acquired their sense of entitlement, you really could go on and on. I just loved the morning and evening practices which were very very special, although having said that it must have been pretty awful being faced with a low sun.  I didn't need to put Castrol R in my lawn mower in those days either.  The old times are, in truth, rarely better but they were as far as the TT is concerned.

[arsey30]

Watched in several places in 1967, Mike  was electrifying.

 

Ago off line at appledean.

.on line and going for it.

Edited by arsey30, 25 December 2015 - 23:16.

[roger9650]

Great pics.

[billlawrence]

first year I went was 1962 just started work and saved enough to make the trip .Spectated at Braddan Bridge for the 250 and sidecar what a great day Minter won the 250 and Chris Vincent the sidecar and SMB retired his Benelli right in front of us (sans fairing ) .Wednesday I was at Governors Bridge for the 350 and 125 races Taveri won the 125 and Hailwood and Hocking had a great race I will never forget the sound of the MVs going round together ,Some how I got up to the Bungalow for the senior Hocking won on the MV .Other memory's are of walking along Douglas prom looking at thousands of bikes one I remember had a Bob MaC Gilera fairing complete with the number 79 we to see (No Limit ) of course "Iam from the south " "I know lass from the daft way you talk I am from the north " " I know lad from the daft way you look'  great cheers from  us Southerners ..Went to the prize giving and found myself sitting next to Rem Fowler the first TT winner what a week    Bill Lawrence