Where legends live on..

Mountain Milestones Celebrated

From Oliver Godfrey’s first Senior TT win in 1911, due to be recognised by American classic racing ace Dave Roper – who unfortunately had to withdraw due to a broken handlebar on his Indian, through to fellow American Michael Czysz, aboard the beautiful TT Zero race winning machine, all the great TT milestones were celebrated.

With Roper out Grahame Kneale, with sidecar TT winner Nick Crowe in the chair, led the parade away on the Freddie Dixon banking outfit, only to retire just before Ballacraine. And with Murray Walker on hand to describe every starter – and the milestone they represented – as they left the line, the atmosphere couldn’t have been better.

Key milestones celebrated included 10-times winner Stanley Woods (Ivan Rhodes, Velocette), Jimmy Simpson’s first 50, 60 and 70mph laps (John Kidson, AJS), Freddie Frith’s first 90mph lap (Malc Wheeler, Norton) and Geoff Duke, who enjoyed a day at the Grandstand, with son Peter looking just as stylish in period gear on the National Motorcycle Museum’s Manx, doing the honours.

The only casualty was David Hailwood, aboard a 500 Honda four replica celebrating his late father’s 14 TT wins, who tipped off at May Hill, Ramsey, uninjured.

Yamaha also celebrated 50 years of Grand Prix racing, courtesy of Ferry Brouwer and his stunning Yamaha Classic Racing Team.

Riders taking part included Kel Carruthers, Phil Read, Steve Baker, Charles Mortimer and Rod Gould.

I did it Freddie’s way

The opportunity to be my boyhood hero Freddie Frith for the day, was a dream come true. Working with Paul Phillips and his team on the concept of the Milestones of the Mountain parade we quickly realised we were creating a piece of theatre rather than a traditional lap of honour.

As far as possible, those of us taking part adopted the persona of the rider we were representing, and I really pulled out all the stops. You can read about the people that helped along the way on page 14.

With changeable weather on the morning of Senior race day and damp roads around Ramsey our milestones lap was moved up the order, which meant the banks and hedgerows were packed by spectators. And what a reception they gave us.

With legend Murray Walker talking us all away from the line – I’m told the commentary was brilliant – and with big gaps between riders the fans got an audible and visual treat.

For my part, my plan was to wave at every opportunity – except when a firm grip of the bars was required – and the enthusiasm that came back was a pleasant surprise.

I’ve always had massive respect for those prewar legends, how Freddie lapped at over 90mph in 1937 I’ll never understand, but after a brisk lap on my beautifully prepared Norton, courtesy of the National Motorcycle Museum, I am even more in awe.

It was an emotional experience and one I hope Mr Frith would have approved of.

Malc Wheeler