ISLE OF MAN TT

ABC WEDNESDAY - I
Isle Of Man TT

Well what else was I going to have for the letter this week. A no brainer really. Actually it came in quite handy as I am re sorting the images due to the publication of some fresh ones in Motoaction Magazine. Folks Remember, people read your blog and see your images. The ones in the mag, are ones from the blog, and remember my best bike images don't make the blog.

Here's what wiki has to say about the TT

The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race is a motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man since 1907. The race is run in a time-trial format on public roads closed for racing by the provisions of an Act of Tynwald (the parliament of the Isle of Man). The first race was held on Tuesday 28 May 1907 and was called the International Auto-Cycle Tourist Trophy^[1]. The event was organised by the Auto-Cycle Club over 10 laps of the St. John's Short Course of 15 miles 1,470 yards for road-legal touring motor-cycles with exhaust silencers, saddles, pedals and mud-guards.

The winner of the single-cylinder class, and overall winner of the first event in 1907, was Charlie Collier riding a Matchless motor-cycle in a time of 4 hours, 8 minutes and 8 seconds at an average race speed of 38.21 mph. The winner of the twin-cylinder class was Rem Fowler riding a Peugeot engined Norton motorcycle in a time of 4 hours 21 minutes and 52 seconds at an average race speed of 36.21 mph.^[2]

The trophy presented to Charlie Collier as the winner of the 1907 Isle of Man TT Race, was donated by the Marquis de Mouzilly St. Mars.^[3] It featured a silver figurine of the Olympic God Mercury (The winged messenger of the gods) astride a winged wheel. The trophy was similar in design to the Montague Trophy presented to the winner of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy car race.^[4] The Marquis de Mouzilly St. Mars Trophy is now presented annually to the winner of the Isle of Man Senior TT Motor-Cycle Race.

The 2007 Isle of Man TT was the Centenary event which ran between 26th May and 8th June 2007 and featured a special Re-enactment of the 1907 Isle of Man TT Race^[5] was held on the village green next to Tynwald Hill in St. John's on Monday 28th May 2007.^[6] The vintage parade of 100 classic motor-cycles^[7] for the Centenary Re-enactment on the original St. John's Short Course was flagged away by former World Motor-Cycle Champion Geoff Duke.^[8] The first of the participants to be flagged away was the recently restored twin-cylinder Peugeot-Norton^[9] ridden by Rem Fowler during the first Isle of Man TT Race in 1907. Also participating in the 2007 Re-enactment was TT race competitor Guy Martin riding a 1938 Triumph Tiger 100 500cc^[10] and other former TT competitors included Alan Cathcart, Sammy Miller, Nick Jefferies and Mick Grant also completed the Re-enactment lap.[11

Again the image was taken, back alley Taubman St. looking onto the Swan pub. It's a low res watered down blog version. This image does require a decent camera, to handle the speed, low light, a telscopic/telephoto lens and a steady hand. So this is a real bog standard job photo, because that's me a photographer. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!

Want to join ABC got the lovely hostess with the mostest, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE

RAMSEY LOCALS CHECKING OUT THE TOURISTS

Click to enlarge re the title.

I have often said it's difficult for me to photogrpah people here. You have to appreciate that if I were to photograph someone at random, the chances are they could be neighbours, friends, aquaintances, basically no one here is a stranger. Someone will know someone evenutally. Comments I make could be misconstrued as my humour is a little out there. This is usually why I stick to tourists to capture who always seem quite comfortable starying into the world of RAMSEY DAILY PHOTO .So why the change of policy today?

Yet again one the CDP bloggers has fallen foul of the local council in his area and asked to refrain from taking and in fact the photos have been banned. For the full story please gohttp://southshieldsdailyphoto.wordpress.com/ to where you can add your thoughts.

It's been on the laptop for a while gathering dust. I cropped and desaturated it just to emphasise the tourist bikers on the right, with the local girls of Ramsey on the left( as you look at the picture.) I just thought it was a comical image but have been relunctant to use it

ISLE OF MAN TT 2008, SENIOR TT

That Was The week That Was Then. The Fat Lady has sung and the 2OO8, Isle of Man TT has drawn to a close for this year, but not without thrills and spills in the closing race. The race was finally won by John McGuinness , with Cameron Donald second. John has now won 14 TT races, the same as the late, great Mike Hailwood.

The images.

First image is two Manx riders, look closely you can see the Isle Of Man 3 legs. 54 is John Crellin.
(If someone could tell who 55 is as I haven't got the programme to hand. Doh!)
No 13 is another Manx Man, Gary Carswell finished 13th
No 3, John McGuinness the winner
No6, Cameon Donald gained 2nd place
No 8 Ian Hutchinson who came 3rd.

DIANESE SENIOR TT - top 10

1, John McGuinness 1 hour 46 minutes 47.69 seconds (127.186mph)
2, Cameron Donald 1:47.38.64 (126.183mph)
3, Ian Hutchinson 1:48.29.44 (125.3198mph)
4, Ryan Farquhar 1:48.47.45 (124.852mph)
5, Steve Plater 1:49.22.02 (124.195mph)
6, Gary Johnson 1:49.42.39 (123.810mph)
7, Ian Lougher 1:49.59.30 (123.493mph)
8, Carl Rennie 1:50.18.08 (123.180mph)
9, Daniel Stewart 1:50.30.89 (122.905mph)
10, Michael Dunlop 1:51.03.62 (122.301mph)

This is just a small sample of images. Some of the others will turn up at intervals, but for now normal service will be resumed. Locals and birds watch out, Babooshka and her camera will be
capturing you for Ramsey Daily Photo as per normal.

I hope you've at least got the flavour of the biggest event to hit this tiny isle each year. A special mention must go to Manx resident John Qualye. He's a 105 years young gentelman, who watched the very first TT in 1907. Yes 101 years ago. Now that is too amazing a timespan to comprehend. John, you're a TT legend too.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - FLYING BIKE

It's Skywatch with a difference. Had to get the Isle of Man TT in the post somewhere and this one can do the multi tasking this week. So, a rest from the business of motorbike races and one from the stunt team instead. This was taken over the park, where during the TT we have a day off from the races and have what's known as "Ramsey Day." Not the most imaginative title, but it seems to pack the punters in. This is a wonderful all day event, with stalls, displays, and motorcycle sprints along the promenade. One for all ages, locals and tourists in unison with the sole aim of having a good time.

The biker here is one of a two man stunt team. The event has the two bikers showing an appreciative audience their agility skills, with a very jokey compare at the helm. All I will say is if you were from outside of the UK, some of the jokey comments may have got lost in translation. The stunts though are universal. This one was taken just as the guy had left the ramp before landing atop of a lorry. I went for the "suspended in mid air moment against a brilliant blue sky."
Good job I got it then! For TT action see previous posts this week.

f you want to particpate in skywatch see Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

ISLE OF MAN TT, SIDECAR B

Two races today, but for now we'll concentrate on the afternoon race, Sidecar B. Unlike the other races that we've had this week, Sidecar B went to form, the winners, the favourite team of Nick Crowe/Mark Cox. Very popular result as they are local guys. As you can see this is the sunniest day by far, which is ok so long as you aren't taking photos. Couldn't bag the spot I wanted today as the locals were out in force, and they won't budge, but this angle isn't too bad.

Images again a quick snatch from roughly 100.

From the top.

5I, Claude Montagnier/Laurent Seyeux, finished 37th
18, Greg Lambert/ Sally Wilson finished 11th
19, Doulgas Wright/Stuart Bond finished 10th
2, Nick Crowe/Mark Cox the winners
21, Roger Stockton /Peter Alton finished 18th
7, Nigel Connole/ Dipash Chauhan finished 9th
4, Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer finished 5th
1,Dave Molyneux/Daniel Sayle bagged second place

It's the early hours of thursday morning. Whilst I'm covering the TT. Barker is Covering the living room floor with football caricatures for the European Championships. You can check out the ones he's uploaded so far at this link,BARKER BITES BACK! . We'd really like some input on these, as it's hard for us two to be objective about each others work, so your comments would be welcome. Makes a change from his Political Cartoons.

Time to hit the sack.

SURE MOBILE SIDECAR 2

1, Nick Crowe/Mark Cox 59 minutes 34.76 seconds (113.989mph)
2, Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle 59.45.31 (113.654mph)
3, John Holden/Andrew Winkle 1:00.19.33 (112.585mph)
4, Steve Norbury/Rick Long 1:00.33.58 (112.144mph)
5, Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer 1:00.34.47 (112.117mph)
6, Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance 1:00.59.78 (111.342mph)
7, Phil Dongworth/Stuart Castles 1:01.16.68 (110.830mph)
8, Simon Neary/Jamie Winn 1:01.19.27 (110.751mph)
9, Nigel Connole/Dipash Chauhan 1:01.51.10 (109.801mph)
10, Gary Bryan/Robert Bell 1:02.40.45 (108.360mp

ISLE OF MAN TT, SUPERSPORT 1

ABC Wednesday had to be T for TT. Same as post yesterday, a bunch of images , no particular. order. As I've before, said posts all hit and run this week, got to be out and about.

This is the Monday Race, The Supersport 1. Quick who's who in the pics. 73 is local Guy Peter Hounsell who finsihed 42. Next is Chris palmer 14 and Adrian Archibald 13. They finished in this order in 11 and 12TH place respectively. Next Keith Amor, No. 4 who finished third. Following that is John McGuinness No 3 who finshed second. Steve plater is the next image, rider 1o and the eventual winner( Bruce Anstey was disqualified.) Final pic is Michael Dunlop 23 who finished
a respectable 1oth.

No racing today, but it was Ramsey Day. These pics may have to wait until next week as there is more racing tomorrow, the sidecars Pierre( I couldn't do the sat race). Ramsey Day is a fun day of stalls, sprint racing, stunts and kiddies entertainment. A bit of light relief and a day off for the riders. Not the photographers though.

Oh yes, have to say thanks to the magazine photographer who tried to get me into the media enclosure to have better access. He argued the point that I was actually the only one with Ramsey Daily Photo on the shirt and a local. Typical Isle of Man mentality, the answer was no. Laxey Lass, I agree with you about the courier, but it's international magazines that have approached me, never the island, and yes it infuriates me.

I'll get a T.shirt pic sorted at some point. Time for bed.

Like to join ABC Wednesday? Please got to this link, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt is the host for ABC Wednesday, where you can find details for joining, her own ABC shot to comment on and a list of fellow bloggers who are playing today, who would also appreciate your comments.




SUPERSPORT STATS.

1, Steve Plater 1.14.01.07 (122.338mph)
2 John McGuinness 1.14.04.46 (122.245mph)
3Keith Amor 1.14.12.28 (122.030mph)
4, Ryan Farquhar 1.14.14.25 (121.976mph)
5, Ian Lougher, 1.14.15.50 (121.942mph)
6, Gary Johnson 1.14.50.89 (120.981mph)
7, Mark Parrett 1.15.26.86 (120.020mph)
8, Mats Nilsson 1.15.32.16 (119.879mph)
9, Cameron Donald 1.15.33.15 (119.853mph)

ISLE OF MAN TT 2008, SUPERSTOCK RACE

Here are a bunch of images from Monday 02 June 2008 Superstock race. Again in no particular order. Put it this way, I've 175 to sort out so it's going to be a long "day for night." Only two deleted but those 175 left are all on the money. That's only one race too. Haven't even contemplated looking at the afternoon race!

The Winner was No. 6, Cameron Donald. Second place went to No. 3, John McGuinness. Third position was No. 1, Guy Martin. Those three lads are amongst the pics. I was one of the few fortunate ones who actually got McGuinness waving, which was a real crowd pleaser. We didn't get any wheelies today, but maybe later in the week.

A big thanks to the guys down the back alley of Taubman Street( where they were taken) for making a little space for a slight female and her camera. Hustling for position is never pretty, we all want a bite at the photo cherry, and they allowed me space to have mine. I hope you all got the goods too lads.

The T. Shirt now seems to have it's own fanclub and is a life force beyond my control. Being asked if you can have your T.Shirt photographed is well, surreal. Being called Babooshka in the middle of my local high street even more so,especially as the name does not appear on the shirt.

Well, eats shoots and leaves post again. I am going to be a bad blogger this week, but I will be "calling at a blog near you" soon as I can. I will leave you with some stats of todays race.

1, Cameron Donald 1 hour 11 minutes 59.69 secs, 125.776mph
2, John McGuinness 1:12.14.76, 125.338mph
3, Guy Martin 1:12.17.71, 125.253mph
4, Ryan Farquhar 1:12.34.98, 124.756mph
5, Conor Cummins 1:12.40.28, 124.605mph
6, Adrian Archibald 1:13.15.87, 123.596mph
7, Ian Lougher 1:13.33.48, 123.103mph
8, Steve Plater 1:13.40.87, 122.897mph
9, Carl Rennie 1:13.46.81, 122.732mph
10, Daniel Stewart 1:14.13.33, 122.001mph

ODD SHOTS MONDAY- ISLE OF MAN TT SEA OF BIKES

I know it's not one of my usual barmy bird images, but The Isle of Man TT is finally here and that's where I'll be working mostly this week. What though is particuarlly odd about this shot.

Well there are probably more tourists bikes here in this shot, than there are on the whole island the rest of the time. Also, do you notice those white posts in the distance, far left ? They are rugby goal posts. That means the motorbikes you see are actually parked on the rugby pitch. For me this is really wierd to see motorbikes en mass parked on a piece of land that belongs to another sport, especially as I usually photograph Ramsey Rugby here.

Gotta run. Off to the morning races. By the way, I will be wearing the T.shirt I had made with Ramsey Daily Photo on the back, and one of my photos of a rider on the front. You'll know who I am then if I turn up on someone else's photos or the T.V.

Want to join Odd Shots Monday?

Then see KATNEY

THEME DAY - MY CORNER LOCAL SHOP

There seems to be a pattern running throughout the blogs today that "corner shops" are a thing of yesteryear, to be replaced by one stops shops or supermarkets. Even this island has few old fashioned corner shops now. I do however shop at this tiny mall for that most British of things, my "daily newspaper." Everything else I buy online, the supermarket, or go to the biggest town on the island Douglas to purchase goods.

I admire the sentiments behind todays theme, but the sad reality is corner shops are fast becoming a thing of the past. Maybe this kind of day can help stop the march of time and make those of us who still have the local corner shop appreciate it more.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Check out my post yesterday if you are motorbike enthusiast, or know what the TT is.

CAN YOU SPOT THE BIKERS WAVING AT BABOOSHKA?

Here they are then the TT tourists! These images portray a tiny fraction of the thousands of people that are setting foot on the island as I type. It's been building slowly, but this first friday always see the great swelling of numbers.

The images are in no particular order, just a mix to give you a flavour of my town around 6pm friday evening. I took them from 3 different sides of the crossroads at Parliament Square. You can see glimpses of the Swan and Central pubs, the Town Hall and Library and Ray Motors Garage. Compact is a word that comes to mind. For UK readers if I said Ramsey reminds me of Trumpton, they would understand the sentiment. Trumpton was a 70's kids tv show, a tiny town which had all facilities more or less within inches of each other. Not aware of it having Pubs though! That's why I draw the comparision between the two.

This post is a bit of a hit and run. Didn't get to the laptop 'til late so a quick upload, grab a few, quick crop, desaturate and post. They're just to give you an idea what happens to a kind of "Smallsville" town during the biggest even of the year. So did you spot the two bikers (yes two, if you enlarge) waving at me and the Japanese tourist resetting his camera missing all the action. I hope it's gets the setting right before the races or he won't stand a chance.

Collecting the T.Shirt and will be wearing later today. I'll give you all a wave on the T.V if they fim my way

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - RAMSEY ISLE OF MAN

This image looks a little wierd to me. My minds eye keeps telling me this image should be a in portrait mode rather than landscape. It's the tree! Those side branches look like the apex of the tree, not twigs branching out from the trunk. It is the right way up though as you can see by the blackbird perched on one of those branches. Still got the rolling clouds looming over the island, but with optomistic patches of blue sky waiting to burst through. Always the same before the tourists arrive. The Manx Fairies save the best weather for them.

Today the town was inudated with those tourists, here for the Isle of Man TT Motorbike Road Races. You couldn't move down Parliament Street, the main High Street, for Motorbikes and leatherclad bikers with mainly German and Italian accents. Ramsey goes cosmopolitan! I've giving them a chance to settle in before I start waving my camera at them and snapping away for the blog. By the way, I have ordered a custom made T. Shirt to wear during the TT. One of my bike pics on the front and "Ramsey Daily Photo" on the back panel. If this doesn't explain to the locals what I'm doing snapping around Ramsey, then I don't know what will!

If you want to particpate in skywatch see Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

CRITTERS SUNDAY - RED ADMIRAL

Lots of butterflies around this week that are actually settling long enough to photograph. Think it's the warmer weather. Even the critters want to take time out and rest. Good for the photographer.

This is quite a common butterfly, a red admiral. Are you all familiar with this butterfly? I say it's common, but that's in my part of the world. Be interesting to see if he's a widespread as I think. He was so vivid that I chose to desaturate the distracting background emphasing his orange/red bands more.

A short text today. A very busy two weeks for me as the tourists for the TT, the motorbike races have hit town and I 'd like to capture a few for the blog as the locals just run away when my camera appears. At least the critters don't as you'll see on "monday's odd shot." They see to flock round me to have there image taken.

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera ctrittrers.

LAXEY BLUES FESTIVAL RELOADED

Another from the Laxey Blues Festival. As you can see the lighting in these venues is always quite poor. The photographer(yes me) is usually a little merry aswell on the local ale by this time, so getting serious with the camera is the furthest notion from my mind. It's a fine line on these type of occasions, especially live music events which I adore, whether to be professional and dispassionate and seek out the ideal images or just kick back and be a fully fledged audience participant. Falling somewhere between the two camps I try and establish a happy medium. Usually though, the fan takes over. Who wouldn't want to enjoy a musical feast such as the Blues festival.

The band, as mentioned in a previous post are "Walter Ego." A local band that has many a line up change, but still maintain a quality sound.

I frequently mention the TT and have been asked via comments what this is. Basically, as I've said before, it's the oldest motorbike road races in the world. TT stands for "Tourist Trophey" and is not one but a series of week-long races for various class(size) of motorbikes and sidecars. A month to go now before the island is swamped with TT enthusiasts, including Mrs Nesbitt of
ABC Wednesday who can be found at MRS NESBITT'S PLACE