Actually, a rider crashed against that concrete post at the top of our drive, and died one year. (But that was long before our time, and we don't really like to talk about it..)
Oh, and oops, since filming this I stand corrected. Hubby took Sam NOT out on Marshall duties today (there's a law against that, apparently), but up to watch the races from the grandstand, instead. Not being a mind-reader, I didn't know my dear beloved had booked himself a day out from his usual volunteering lark, as a one-off special treat for the lad.
So, guess it's not going to be that peaceful for me this week, after all. Sam is utterly obsessed with the TT, he's a virtual walking encyclopedia - with a knowledge of it he just loves to share!
(The TT spans a full two weeks, not including all the hype leading up to it.)
But on the bright side, keen bike enthusiasts, and a fellow blogger of mine, Denise and her husband Jon (she aka. Mrs. Nesbitt's Space) will be spending a day with us again.
This year, they've promised to give Sam a ride with Jon, up to the Paddock.
And um, no, Sam has never ridden pillion before.
But, er, he is very keen!
(God help them!)
I'm sure it'll be fine, I mean, what on earth could POSSIBLY go wrong, eh..?
82 comments:
wow. the bikes racing on by your home like that would get rather OLD i'd think. i much prefer the sound of the creek you had at the end of your video! :) but it is nice to see a sport that folks are enthusiastic about. terrible about the deaths though!
Those bikers are flying! But if they didn't ride there, they'd find another place to go. No stopping whatever's in the DNA. There's an extreme triatheleon in New England where the organizers try to talk participants out of entering. Still, each year it's filled.
Your garden is beautiful. All those butterflies and bees - sheer bliss! You truly live in a little slice of heaven! Thank you for sharing.
ack!! the noise! and this lasts for weeks too! i love the part of your yard you left natural with all the wildflowers. i love your creek! what a blessing to be able to retreat from the noise.
You garden and neighbourhood is lovely - wish I could just pop in for a cuppa down by the river. Say HI to Denise for me! :D
I could listen to your voice, all day! However, those bikes are deafening. And dangerous. I prefer down by the water, even if the sound does make me need to pee.
whoa! so fast I could barely see them. and loud! but I really do like your wildflower garden. I had one myself for many years in the front yard of the house next door that I used for a studio. eventually, my daughter and her family moved into it and the wildflowers had to go. I missed them but I did get my grandchildren right next door in exchange.
I can't believe that they race by right on the street, keeping you inside the whole time! AND SO FAST! Holy cow!
Your garden looks lovely! Plus you're on the river? Beautiful!
What a lovely garden, Shrinky. You must get regular rain where you live! Quite a juxtaposition of the tranquil homes with the crazy loud bikes. Thanks for the video. pat,pat, Jake.
Love your garden and you have a golden and his name is Jake.
I have a golden and guess what his name is?
Yup, it's Jake ...LOl!
I so love goldens!
Gosh, those bikes are going fast, kind of scary to me!
Beautiful place you live in!
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed seeing you and love your accent!
Margie:)
THAT was spectacular! I can see why Sam is so obsessed; I would be seated on a lawnchair at the end of your driveway if I could.
And I loved your ramble... I kept watching for the faerie.
beautiful garden... what a lovely place :)
Hi there Texwisgirl, actually, I don't mind the races that much, it's taking the car out in between! The island is overrun with bikes, enthusuasts flock over her from all over the globe - and driving around here gets a wee bit dicey!
Haha Kittie, you know you're in trouble when it's the ORGANISER'S who are trying to dissuade folk from entering..! It truly is a scandal how many deaths we have over the TT, it just appears to be an accepted risk worth taking!
Yeah Foam, I have the choice if I want to retreat, but most years my best friends brother and his mates camp out at our house for the races, this year is a rare exception for them to miss. You kind of get into the spirit of it, the whole island takes on a carnival atmosphere!
I will, Leslie (smile) - and for the record, if ever you are passing, you would be more than welcome to pop by for a cuppa'!
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, oh Ms A, you are SO right about that bladder thing.. it's an uphill trek back to the house, too!!
Oh, I think that is a more than fair swap, ellen - how fabulous to have family living next door, in this day and age it's truly a rare blessing to have, isn't it? My little sis' and her family also live on this isle (but over the mountain from me), and they have just recently moved in next door to her Brother-in-Law - it's a perfect arrangement!
Hi Portia, well, technically the roads are only closed every OTHER day - but the open days are reserved to be taken should the previous race day be cancelled due to either mists on the mountain, or an oil spill/rain/whatever else might go wrong, which often happens.
Hi Kate, yes, this island truly comes alive in the summer, but our winters, although mild compared to most, tends to bring unrelenting, endless rain, rain and more rain!
Oh Margie, isn't that such a coincidence? I think you can a lot about a person from the companion of dog they choose to hang with, don't you? (Grin) Our Jake may be a useless guard dog, but he more than earns his dog-food with all the love and loyallty he showers on us!
Hey there Les, darn it girl, I have a free shed this year, you should have given me a shout, I could have opened it up for you! Wouldn't it be a blast if you actually ever did make it over here? There will always be a cool beer waiting for you, if you do!
Hi Lines and Shades, I think the best part of living in this place is there are no nasty critters or plants to either bite or poison you. The worst that can happen is to be stung by a bee (grin)!
Vrr-oom Vrr-oom
Speed demons whip by Cooper's Corner.
Zoom Zoom
Flying crotch rockets zipping past.
Boom Boom
TT riders break the sound barrier.
Room Room
Shrinky's place to watch the race.
Chewy
200 miles an hour round bends? NOTHING would persuade me to try that. Just the thought of it scares me.
It was lovely watching the video, though. It looks so beautiful where you live.
Thanks to you, I've just looked up a ton of stuff on the Tourist Trophy races. Interesting route (from what I see on Google Earth), with lots of great scenery (which, I guess, would include your place).
That creek might come in handy if you have to make an escape during the race. Otherwise, it's gotta be a pain--forced to stay at one place while the bikes are racing.
I've read to that, during it's history, the race has had its share of mishaps, and that's not even mentioning the ones you cited during the practice period this year. I wonder if someone has, derisively, under her/his breath, called it the Lemming Race.
Ah Chewy me lass, you're a veritble genius, so's you are! (Giggle) - I loved this, thanks for making me chuckle. x
Hi there Sharon! The closest I got to scary was being taken over the mountain road on the back of a bike on "Mad Sunday". No races are held on a Sunday, and on one day a year during TT, on Mad Sunday, there is no speed limit imposed on the mountain road - it's sheer chaos, so many boy riders trying to emulate their hero's - but it is a kind of rite of passage. Once was quite enough for me..!
Oooh X-Dell, it really tickles me to think you have done a little research on this place, in fact it's made my day! The races begin from the grandstand at Bray Hill, and continue on down through the Quarterbridge (where my house is).
There is an escape I can use if I really need to get out, involving a rather dodgy stepping stone route across the river, and climbing over a couple of styles.. but when the river is high, I'd rather not chance it (I've fallen in a couple of times)!
Ha, Lemming race - very apt! In the ten years I've been here, not one year has passed without incident - I think the worst count reached seven or eight fatalities in the space of five days. My neighbour used to be the doctor on call when any accidents occured - the things he witnessed made my blood run cold.
Hallo Shrinks!!! Long time no hear!!!
I just read that you lost 3 stone- can you give me any tips how??? -the new med they stuck me on has made me gain 2 stone in a couple of months....aaargh!!
OMG, how great to hear from you again Helena!! Yeah, it's been FAAAR too long, my friend - yikes, you poor thing, that med thing must suck big-time! Hum, well I went a long time with a mis-diagnosed under-active thyroid, so the weight steadily kept creeping up. worst thing was, no one believed me when I told them |I didn't eat THAT much - they'd just shoot me a pitying look that said, "Yeah, course you don't, lardy-bum!" Anyway, I take a dosage of meds for it every day now, and it seems to regulate my metabolism well enough. Sadly, my youngest has recently been diagnosed with the same problem (it's in the genes), and will also need to take medication for life.
I had a bike and loved every minute until the crash some 500 miles from home. I lived to tell the story, but never returned to biking. Nevertheless, I do love these machines. Bikers pass here often, in that it is a scenic highway, and the bike clubs come through in large numbers. I found the video sorta scary. They were really flying. My fav bike is a Motoguzzi. If you punch it, you better be holding on tight!
My cousin who lives in Douglas does marshalling. He is bike mad and loves TT. He took my Dad out on the bike once and I think Dad nearly had a heart attack. He still talks about it though!! I was there during TT, 6 years ago. Seems like yesterday *sigh*
A Mottowhat?? New one on me, Dan! As you stopped riding after that crash of yours, I'm guessing we are pretty lucky to still have you around? Glad you've at least lived to tell the tale. From all the carnage I've witnessed living on this isle, I'd hate the thought of any of my loved ones ever taking up the sport..
Aww Fen, shame I didn't know you back then, it would have been such a blast to have met up! Ah well, there is always next time, eh?
I wonder if my hubby and your cousin know each other??
Hope Sam enjoys his ride - and the rest of the racing!
The races are on as I type RC, and Sam is happily esconced at the top of the drive with his beloved Manx radio glued to his ear, watching the bikes fly by!
Thank you so much for this peek into your world during this bike race. Wow! I would not want to be on one of those bikes. My husband went to fast one day with me on the back and I haven't wanted to take a ride since. Of course it could have been the helmet - I had forgotten to open all the air holes.
It was fun to see and hear you! Your gardens and area are just lovely.
That said, the noise from those bikes was horrendous! I could only stand to listen to it for about 30 seconds. UGH!
I am with you seen one you'd see them all I'd want to get out of the house that day! Cool excuse for a party though.
wow. my son would love it...he is fascinated by anything that goes fast and has an element of risk involved....
I think I could think of a bunch of things I'd rather do..ha
It makes me too nervous to watch people racing motorcycles.
Oh, I hope nothing TOO exciting happened this weekend! What a beautiful spot you live in!
Oh Nancy, I know I shouldn't laugh.. teehee!!
Cocotte, as I filmed them zoom past, I felt the vibrations thunder right through me!
Yeah Bathwater, when we have our biker friends come over from the mainland to stay, we've had some great BBQ's inbetween watching the races.
Hi Brian, ahhh, boy-racers - this island is chocka-full of them right now (grin)!!
Yeah Jackie, sometimes I can do, and when I do, I go off and do 'em!
Hi Secret Agent, yes, I can understand that.
Um sorry Barbara, since posting this, yet another rider has died. *sighhhhh*..
Oh Darn it, add another death to that one, too, and we are only halfway through the race week.
You live in such a beautiful and interesting place...like something out of an English novel! Speed and danger and a country garden...perfect.
Hi. Been hearing about the deaths. I know it is part of the thrill of the sport, but I can't help feeling for those who are left behind.
Hi #1 Nana, when you put it that way, I s'pose it is a WEE bit Agatha Christie-ish (wink), 'cept hopefully with less murders??
There is little thrill when a death occurs, RC, well, not for any true followers of the sport - I guess there will always be a sad few in the minority who might get a buzz from that, but for the most of us it brings a depressing cloud over the whole event. It happens every year, and it does make me question if the price is worth it.
After my brother's second near-death accident on his bike, he gave up the Harley. Yikes, never mind just driving along roads... but racing! That's crazy!
Love your video. You have such a soothing voice. :)
Jayne, mehhhhhhhhhhh, I HATE my voice, in fact I DENY that's my voice, some high-pitched midget climbed into the audio mike and re-recorded everything I actually said there, I just know she did.. (pout).
Watch 'em whiz by, and ponder how any bicyclist can stand the banana seat wedgie...
How fun was that! I so enjoyed seeing your garden and going on a walk with you.
The TT? I'm thinking my husband would like that. I'm with you - would find it rather noisy and boring.
Skunk, I rode pillion over the 37 mile course last year - ouch!!
Hi Mid-life Jobhunter, ahhh, boys 'n their toys, eh? (Wink)
Ahh they sound like giant mosquitoes!
You have a GREAT voice for narration, Shrinky. I think you should Vlog all your posts from now on. Maybe your comments too. ;)
He might know him, seems he's been at Agostini's Leap judging by his FB status:
"is still shaking from a close encounter with a sideways Subaru. Ago's leap does not go well with 4 wheels..."
What a gorgeous garden you have!!!! YOu really do live in paradise and I can see why you love it so much.
But those bikers! Whoa! Not even in my young and wild days would I have done that.
Happy weekend. I hope it's quiet. xo jj
Hilary, if I didn't know you so well, I'd suspect this was written tongue-in-cheek with a little sarcasm (giggle).. I am not sure the blogging world is quite ready for any more of my vlogs yet!!
OMG Fen, I was there at that same exact moment when it happened - we must have been within spitting distance of each other! Seriously, ask him to look for "Bramble Brae" (just opposite Selbourne) - wouldn't it be a blast if he could come down the drive for a photo oportunity of us both together, waving at you?? Too, too funny!!
Cars have never had a place in the TT before - but Subaru must have laid out some big bucks to have a lap included this year. The driver - Mark Higgins, had all four wheels in the air when he came round, and barely managed to miss crashing into the kerb..!
Hi jj, today is the final day of the races, and yes, I am looking forward to the peace after the storm, and a little normality to descend again (grin)..
Sorry, I guess I worded that wrong - I think the danger is part of the thrill for the RIDERS. I know a lot of bikers who have had really nasty crashes but jump straight back on as soon as they are fixed up. They look at me like I am mad when I tell them to stop, or at least ride at a reasonable speed!
Ooooh Shrinky! How long each day are you restricted to quarters? I don't realise they raced on actual no-kidding residential roads. Neeeeeeyoooooow!
Jake is gorgeous!! Say hi to Mrs Nesbitt for me. One of these days I'll get my finger out and actually start writing again ...
Hugs
CJxx
Argh RC, I didn't mean to come over the way I just did, either! I hear exactly what you say, in fact, I tend to freak when the race is resumed literally as soon as they manage to scrape the dead rider clear from it - it seems so disrespectful of human life.. but as it was pointed out to me - this is what the RIDERS want, they are all aware this happens should any one of them be taken like that, and it seems to be fine with them!
Hi CJ, the Nesbitts are watching the races from the top of the drive as I type, I'll be sure to pass your regards on to them! The amount of time we are penned in varies according to any delays between races due to poor weather conditions or accidents - today the road closed at 10am, and we hear via the local radio, we'll be lucky to have it open by 7.30pm!!
I Love this Blog!
Thank You Shrinky.
Hey Lori, you've changed your avitar, I love it - looks just like my Jake!
What a great grandstand view you have Shrinky, lucky Sam!
Very sad.
Hi Shrinky,
I'm new. MsA guided me here. She has fabulous taste! I so enjoy your writing (& voice). Thank You Much & Nice to meet You!
Crikey that's loud!
Hey Akelamalu, are you back home in Old Blighty yet? I must trot over for a catch up!
Oops Lori, I am so sorry, for a moment there I mistook you for someone else I knew! How lovely to see you in here, I'm delighted MsA was so kind as to point you my way.. I do hope to see more of you from here on out!
Yes Shopgirl, it can be at times.
Sorry Scott, you'll need to shout louder, I can't hear you..!
Shrinky, I enjoyed the stroll around your place far more than the glimpse of the race . . . I have traveled all around the British Isles but never to the Isle of Man. Perhaps, one day before I'm old and feeble . . .
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