Date: 27 August, 2016
Location: TT Grandstand, A2, Douglas IM2 6DA, Isle of Man
The late, great comic Norman Wisdom liked nothing better in his later years than to get on his bike and burn up the roads on the Isle of Man.
And the slapstick king wasn’t as daft as he made out. Norman knew, like millions of bike fans around the world, that the North Sea island is a dream for motorcyclists.
The Isle of Man TT is synonymous with a celebration of bike riding around the world. For older bikes and their riders, there is now also the Isle of Man TT Classic to look forward to.
When does it take place?
That depends how you look at it. You could say it runs from Saturday August 20 to Friday September 2.
But much of this time is for qualification. The nitty-gritty of the race days themselves spans four days from August 27 to September 2, with time for rest days thrown in.
Perfect parades and riveting races
The crux of the event takes place on the bank holiday from August 27 to August 29.
The Saturday sees the Bennetts Senior Classic TT and Lightweight Classic TT races, both run over four laps.
You can also catch the spectacular one-lap Vintage Motor Cycle Club parade between 2.50pm and 3.30pm.
Monday brings three four-lap contests in the shape of the Okells Brewery Junior Classic TT, Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Classic TT and Newcomers’ MGP races.
There will also be the Classic Racer Magazine Classic TT Lap of Honour.
If last year is anything to go by, it should be an unmissable experience for old bike buffs with a penchant for road race legends.
John McGuinness, the 23-time TT race winner, headed an all-star cast, on his Triumph Daytona 600cc. Jim Redman, the six-time world champion, revived his 1960s glory days on his Honda 500cc.
Bruce Anstey piloted a Manx Norton 500cc in a special lap held to celebrate Geoff Duke’s incredible TT career.
Don’t leave without…
• Picking up a bike bargain: Backpacks, T-shirts, DVDs and programmes - all things bike are here to be bought
• Soaking up the scenery: The Isle of Man is considered one of England’s most picturesque islands, with its rolling countryside and winding roads
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