Simon Hargreaves, Senior Editor of Bike Magazine

"Since I was old enough to see over a snooker table I’ve been in the grip of a fantasy. Well, two fantasies, but the girl on the cover of the Top Of The Pops album is probably a granny by now. Mind you... ahem... anyway, I’m left with racing at the Manx GP.
The Manx is the ‘junior’ event to the TT. It takes place over a similar two-week practice and racing period to the TT, but in August, not May/June. It’s primarily for newcomers, old-timers and – now they’ve been axed from the TT – two-stroke nuts. In fact for many people – racers and spectators – it’s better than the TT because there’s more racing, the classes are more varied and it’s easier to get accommodation on the island. But it’s no less of a spectacle, no less of a challenge, and no less dangerous.
When, as a foetus, I knocked around the roads of north Kent on a variety of two-strokes, I used to pretend I was riding the Mountain course. For me, the sensation of speed rushing between hedges and villages (this was the mid-Eighties and I was 17) was a thrill I felt certain short circuits couldn’t match, even though I’d never ridden on one.

When I finally landed on the Island for the 1992 TT, my fantasy became an ambition. As I rode from Bray Hill, through Union Mills, along to Greeba... as I turned right at Ballacraine and began the picked up the scent of garlic winding through Laurel Bank and Glen Helen... as I rattled down from Handleys, through Barragarrow, on and down over Ballaugh to Sulby, then the boneshaking run from Ginger Hall to Ramsey... and then the climb ever upwards across the Mountain before dropping back into Douglas... it felt like coming home even though I’d never been there before. I cannot claim a Wikipaedic knowledge of TT history but the names of the corners are part of my biking DNA. Look deep inside yourself; they’re part of yours too.

And so of my ambition to race the circuit; to follow in the wheeltracks of men whose courage – a primal, dignified, noble courage which today more than ever exemplifies the essence of what it is to be a raw, real, living, breathing human being. It’s a vindication and a validation. And while it might sound like dewy-eyed romanticism; and is probably just that; for me it’s as important as eating.

And then there’s the risk. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t part of the attraction. Risk is partly why I ride a bike in the first place. What thrill, what glory is there in being wrapped in cotton wool? Be dangerous, be brave; be alive!

And racing at the Manx – lampposts, trees, kerbs and all – isn’t as dangerous as it seems. I’m told that, statistically,(ie accidents per racing mile) it’s safer than short circuit racing. And, contrary to the impression I sometimes give, I’m not stupid. Well, not that stupid. I want to come home and see my kids. I haven’t spent a 15 year career as a motorcycle journalist riding, it must be said, at some fairly outrageous speeds on outrageously fast bikes outrageously frequently not to be either a) unfeasibly lucky or b) bloody good at staying alive. I’d go for a bit of both but put my money on b). So I’m not going to race anyone, or any time. I just want to ride it before I’m too old; in youth we have fantasies which in time become the ambitions of adulthood. Let them not become the bitterness and missed opportunity of age – act, now! Live the fantasy. Fulfil the ambition."

Note: offers from sponsors who wish to help Simon fulfill his road racing ambitions - and also get the Manx GP prime time editorial space in Britain's biggest selling bike magazine - please contact Si at simon.hargreaves@bauermedia.co.uk.

To comment on this article click here....
Your comments will be posted below.

30.8.09 Hi Simon, I only ever raced once in the Manx (1978), but 30 years later, I sometimes struggle to remember if I raced at 8 or was it 9 other tracks in the UK.
Even today, the memories of riding flat out down Bray Hill and through Kirk Michael are still as fresh in my mind as though it were only yesterday!  Take in all these sights and sounds, and taste the atmosphere, because the new generation of resticted electric bikers will be amazed to hear your story!
I wish you the very best
Rex Edwards

Do the Manx Motorcycle Club, the competitors and all old bike lovers a favor, write a really great article in Bike about the whole Manx GP experience. The rallies, the thousands of "museum" quality bikes being ridden, the priceless bikes being raced in the classic races. Plus, of course the young'uns learning the craft to later become TT heroes. So much to write about, so little covered!

Mick Ofield