SV wins at MGP

Originally Posted by SVSteve1

Thank Dave. I tried the Isle of Mann site, but it asked a lot of questions about my server that I didn't know the answer to. I am an old fart and don't understand computers as well as some of the younger people do. I had a cancerous tumor removed about two years ago along with about 7 inches of lower intestine, and racing the Isle of Mann has always been a dream of mine (since I was 14 or 15 years old). For the last year, I have been in the Gym losing weight and getting back into shape. I am not suffering under the delusion that I could win, but I'd like to try and compete just to finish.

I found that quite inspirational to read. Best of luck Steve.

To qualify is an achievment, to finish is outstanding I cannot imagine what it must be like to win. I have ridden the course [Not competitively] and it is very demanding if you are to ride it under race conditions. It is a unique event. All I can advise is get fit and do research the course It really is not somewhere you can just turn up and ride. I mean THIS IN THE NICEST OF WAYS, it is not forgiving at all, there are no spaces for error you must be inch perfect and even then the elements, nature or mechanical failure can all get you, the number of riders who have succombed to the course bear testiment to this. Each race requires in the region of 530 marshalls to man the event. Please be careful and again good luck this web site may help it is a road racers/marshalls website you can glean info from these people.
http://www.between-the-hedges.com/ph...forum.php?f=11

Thanks for the link Dave. I fully understand how serious an undertaking this is, so no offense taken. This year, I plan to race the roughest and most technical courses I can find and try to do as much endurance racing as I can to get used to riding all out for a couple of hours at a time. I'm also trying to research the mountain course and studying all of the on bike video that I can find to get a point of view feel for the track layout as best I can. I've also found some very good tips on the IOM site. If at the end of this season, I feel completely confident that I have a chance, then I'll make a decision whether I'm ready or should wait another year.

[Sid Squid]

This sounds like a giggle - keep us posted!

I feel that I'm probably coming across as a noob that is looking for a holiday lark. I have been racing motorcycles and cars for 35+ years. I have raced off-road, on-road and closed course. I agree that the IOM is a unique event. Unfortunately, it is becoming more unique every year. I have raced road courses before and every year it seems that, around the world, less and less of them are allowed. By their very nature, they are hard to prepare for, as they are public roads and the only opportunity that you have to run them at anything close to racing speeds is to enter the race and have limited practice time on the course.

Unfortunately, my doctor has told me that I have a spot on my liver that is cancer, so it looks like my plans are moot for this year at least. I do plan to run the newcomers at the Manx, although it will probably not be this year, maybe not the next. One thing that I have learned is that once your doctor has had the "life expectany" discussion with you a couple of times, the fear of death succumbs to the fear of regret. Thanks for the help Dave. When I do get there, I'd really like to meet you.

If you come over even just to spectate there is a lot to be learnt just by watching lines and talking to the lads an lasses. Let me know dates when/if and I am sure we could meet up for a beer and chat. Cheers Dave m

Thanks Dave. Sorry if I sounded like I was whining last night. After the news I got, I had drank way too much to type. I'm really a decent guy when I'm talking face to face over a beer. Unfortunately, when I type, it comes across as pathetic and/or asinine. I really hate typing instead of talking face to face, as it never seems to come across right. I guess that I was born in the wrong time period. When I started racing motorcycles, they actually had two shocks on the back. How Ancient is that? So, Please allow me to start over. Hello. My name is Steve. I'm here to have fun and participate in the stimulating conversation. The only problem being that I'm typing this while you "blokes" are sleeping.

Not to worry i am the wrong side of 40 and yep most of my bikes had twin shocks and even spokes. I am still not a wizz at this typing I.T thing but it is mighty handy although you do have to be wary of some advice sometimes. Although I do find this to be one of the better sites and friendly.

I see both of my doctors tomorrow and find out what they think I should do. It's looking like more Chemo and possibly liver surgery. So Dave, you're about my age. Are you married? Kids? I've got two boys. One graduates from college this spring and the other goes into the Navy next month. Depending on how everything comes out, I might try and swing a trip to the IOM this year as a spectator. If I can make this happen, I need to work a lot of things out. Most importantly, where we can meet up and have a beer. My email is "suggssteve@ymail.com" if you'll send me an email, I'll get back to you and we can discuss logistics without posting everything to the whole free world. Steve