Tourist Trophy

So should time be called on the IOM TT - 5 deaths this year including a father and son in a sidecar combination.

I know it won't be stopped - presumably because of the economic importance to their economy - but 5 deaths in one 2 week sporting festival seems excessive.

I'm leaning towards the Guy Martin argument that the only people they are hurting are themselves - I don't think I could go over and watch it - but I don't feel I should have the right to impose my feelings on this on society. After all I tend to ride my bicycle sans helmet a lot of the time and some would deny me that pleasure for "safety reasons". Jesus Christ though in 2022 it (the TT not me riding without a helmet) does feel like something from a different era.
[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
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Comments

  • MattFalle
    MattFalle Posts: 11,644
    No. 100% not.

    Personal choice to do it.

    Iconic. Greatest racing event of greatest, bravest sport in the world.

    And if you do, where are you going to stop? Irish roads? Macau? Slovenia?

    100% utterly, totally not.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689
    Reading this, there might be a stronger case for restricting access to Mont Blanc. Maybe 100 deaths a year.

    https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/07/why-is-mont-blanc-one-of-the-worlds-deadliest-mountains/260143/

    But if people really know the risks and are happy to take them, then crack on.
  • MattFalle
    MattFalle Posts: 11,644
    What's the death rate on the Cat and Fiddle?

    Don't see anyone trying to close that down.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,252
    The riders are nutters, sidecar passengers are a whole other level.
    A mate raced there once, apparently it's normal to get quicker over the 3 laps of his race as fuel level drops. He got slower as he was scaring himself witless.
    But, no, I don't think it should be banned.
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348
    A few deaths is almost the point innit?

    Not my sort of thing but it's their choice and it should stay that way
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • Wheelspinner
    Wheelspinner Posts: 6,551
    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.

    Open One+ BMC TE29 Seven 622SL On One Scandal Cervelo RS
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
  • Wheelspinner
    Wheelspinner Posts: 6,551

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.

    Open One+ BMC TE29 Seven 622SL On One Scandal Cervelo RS
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.


    There's always soul searching when a youngster dies doing Ten Tors on Dartmoor, and it's got close to being stopped, especially as the Army is the organiser.

    TBH, if you were doing risk assessments, I don't think rugby would be considered a sport suitable for schools, if it were invented now, given the number of fatalities over the years, and high chance of serious injury (not to mention all the less serious ones).

    But I think once you reach adulthood, you should be allowed to make those risk assessments for yourself, as long as all the relevant risks and statistics are well known.
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.


    There's always soul searching when a youngster dies doing Ten Tors on Dartmoor, and it's got close to being stopped, especially as the Army is the organiser.
    Wow, wasn't aware anything like that had happened...
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689
    ddraver said:

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.


    There's always soul searching when a youngster dies doing Ten Tors on Dartmoor, and it's got close to being stopped, especially as the Army is the organiser.
    Wow, wasn't aware anything like that had happened...

    It's only been a very small number, normally involving swollen rivers and drowning. Last one was about 10 years ago, I think. I was liaising with someone from the Army about providing music at the finish line, and it was very much in their thoughts at the time.
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689

    ddraver said:

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.


    There's always soul searching when a youngster dies doing Ten Tors on Dartmoor, and it's got close to being stopped, especially as the Army is the organiser.
    Wow, wasn't aware anything like that had happened...

    It's only been a very small number, normally involving swollen rivers and drowning. Last one was about 10 years ago, I think. I was liaising with someone from the Army about providing music at the finish line, and it was very much in their thoughts at the time.
    Edit... 13 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Charlotte_Shaw
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 17,689

    ddraver said:

    There's a "Targa Tasmania" rally here which has had 5 deaths in the last two years, and is now under review whether to continue or not, primarily because the insurers are getting nervous.

    Seems a shame, especially since the competitors themselves seem to be against canning it. They race, they know the risk, and the responsibility for the accidents is - ultimately - theirs.


    I think that, or someone suing the organisers for negligence, would be the most likely reason for its demise.
    They've been "lucky" here (for want of a better term) in that the accidents have not involved any spectators or officials. Had that happened I expect the race would be finished for good. As it is, the event this year was only held after extensive review of the safety guidelines and route planning provided for the racers, after three fatalities last year. And yet, it was the first day of this year's event that a crash killed driver and navigator.


    There's always soul searching when a youngster dies doing Ten Tors on Dartmoor, and it's got close to being stopped, especially as the Army is the organiser.
    Wow, wasn't aware anything like that had happened...

    It's only been a very small number, normally involving swollen rivers and drowning. Last one was about 10 years ago, I think. I was liaising with someone from the Army about providing music at the finish line, and it was very much in their thoughts at the time.
    Edit... 13 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Charlotte_Shaw
    Edit2 - I see hers has been the only death, thankfully, but that was grim year for the attrition.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    IoM TT - perfect example of a classic road circuit being incompatible with today's high performance machines and the speeds they travel at. The very definition of a 'death trap' IMO.

    Would I ban it? No - free choice n all that. However, I can see it getting to the stage where the IoM govt would have to do something about it. I can't see that happening though, as it's such a massive revenue generator over there.

    If you were to put on a sporting event where you were certain that at least five people would die at it - would you cancel it or let it take place..?

  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 25,597
    edited June 2022
    oxoman said:

    Thing is the original TT was on old slow bikes, bit different now. The sidecars are averaging above 115mph per lap. I think they might try and take some of the bad bits out, or try and level the lumps out a bit.

    Why not simply limit the HP/kg? I know. Technology moves forward and all that but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    pblakeney said:

    but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    It's not so much that the bikes are 'better' than the riders - you don't see five people dying at every MotoGP or BSB/WSB event. There is little or no margin for error on the IoM circuit. Hitting a tyre wall or a gravel trap at speed after a wide run-off is risky but survivable. Hitting a stone wall, or a tree, or the side of a house at the same speed will mean a life-changing (or life-ending) moment..

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    oxoman said:

    Thing is the original TT was on old slow bikes, bit different now. The sidecars are averaging above 115mph per lap. I think they might try and take some of the bad bits out, or try and level the lumps out a bit.

    Slow (er) bikes or not, there's always been fatalities, ever since the first event in 1911.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Isle_of_Man_TT_Mountain_Course_fatalities
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 25,597

    pblakeney said:

    but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    It's not so much that the bikes are 'better' than the riders - ...

    I will contend that any accident during the IoM is a rider doing something that exceeds their skills. Faster bikes aid that outcome.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • MattFalle
    MattFalle Posts: 11,644
    PB is talking tripe, soz.

    These guys are ridiculously good and ridiculously brave. It isn't some hackers run what ya brung. Its not a club ride

    They know exactly what they are doing and they know the throttle works both ways.

    Its the TT - its iconic. Leave it alone.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • MattFalle
    MattFalle Posts: 11,644
    pblakeney said:

    pblakeney said:

    but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    It's not so much that the bikes are 'better' than the riders - ...

    I will contend that any accident during the IoM is a rider doing something that exceeds their skills. Faster bikes aid that outcome.
    Soooooo wrong.

    Far too many variables, incidents, possibilities, and, tbh, to say that is actually quite insulting the people who have lost their lives.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • TheBigBean
    TheBigBean Posts: 20,511
    I've learnt what TT stands for.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    pblakeney said:

    pblakeney said:

    but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    It's not so much that the bikes are 'better' than the riders - ...

    I will contend that any accident during the IoM is a rider doing something that exceeds their skills. Faster bikes aid that outcome.
    Really. What about accidents caused by equipment failures, or other forces beyond the rider’s control? Accidents happen in motorsport all the time..

  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 8,719
    Accidents are usually down to rider error though - that's not an insult they are riding on the edge of their abilities.
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • monkimark
    monkimark Posts: 1,462
    The guys in the 50s were pushing 100mph on bikes with drum brakes and mountain bike tyres, in the 80s they were probably doing 120mph on ridiculously peaky 2 stroke bikes. They have been hitting nearly 130mph for 20 years.
    I don't think it has suddenly got more dangerous.
    oxoman said:

    Thing is the original TT was on old slow bikes, bit different now. The sidecars are averaging above 115mph per lap. I think they might try and take some of the bad bits out, or try and level the lumps out a bit.

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028

    Accidents are usually down to rider error though - that's not an insult they are riding on the edge of their abilities.

    Accidents are really not the issue here. Accidents happen everywhere. But An accident at somewhere like Donnington, the rider would just get up and walk away. The same accident at Creg Ny Baa or Ballaugh would likely prove fatal.

  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 40,217

    pblakeney said:

    but there is a point where the bikes are better than the riders.

    It's not so much that the bikes are 'better' than the riders - you don't see five people dying at every MotoGP or BSB/WSB event. There is little or no margin for error on the IoM circuit. Hitting a tyre wall or a gravel trap at speed after a wide run-off is risky but survivable. Hitting a stone wall, or a tree, or the side of a house at the same speed will mean a life-changing (or life-ending) moment..

    This. When I went over there and did some cycle races in the early 90s including the TT circuit itself I was amazed how few adaptions to the road there were to reduce risk (basically some painted kerbs and walls) then a few straw bails on the day. At the end of the day that is what attracts the riders in the same way rallying attracts certain drivers.

    Another problem out there are the Wannabees out there spectating, I think the year I was out there the TT had been a week or two before and more spectators had killed themselves than those racing.

    I'm in the they know the risks camp, it's not like they are going out on a circuit and suddenly finding unexpected hazards
  • rjsterry
    rjsterry Posts: 27,487
    edited June 2022
    If the problem is the lack of safety measures on the course - a bit of red and white paint - what's the justification for not investing some of the income from the race into adding the odd gravel trap or whatever?
    1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
    Pinnacle Monzonite

    Part of the anti-growth coalition
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348
    edited June 2022

    Accidents are usually down to rider error though - that's not an insult they are riding on the edge of their abilities.

    Accidents are really not the issue here. Accidents happen everywhere. But An accident at somewhere like Donnington, the rider would just get up and walk away. The same accident at Creg Ny Baa or Ballaugh would likely prove fatal.

    You're both right.

    The bigger issue though is that the skill/risk/reward/thrill/romance is in the jeopardy though.

    Same with Paris Roubaix except the risk is a lot less significant, or the grand national except the risk is for the horse

    You can go there, ride safe at 98% and come 17th. Or go 100% and risk going 101% with a terminal outcome.

    That's why it is the event it is.
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • rjsterry
    rjsterry Posts: 27,487
    Not sure what is romantic about scraping bits of person off a tree but each to their own.
    1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
    Pinnacle Monzonite

    Part of the anti-growth coalition
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348
    You'd have to ask a real life woman...

    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver