BRAVE SOULS // STEVE PLATER @ THE ISLE OF MAN TT

Growing up in a middle class family allowed me certain privileges, one of which was cable television. From the Discovery channel's Shark Week to live Formula One broadcasts on what was then Speed Vision, I have to say, I was a pretty lucky kid. And while I was not always as interested in motorsport as I am today, there was certainly a time in my life where motorcycles and motorcycle racing dominated my free time. I could tell you the horsepower of every superbike. I knew their weight, their 0-60 times, their top speed. I knew where Matt Mladin was in the points standings and was truly obsessed with the Honda RC-51. Right around this same time a spectacular bit of speed, endurance and sheer bravery was being displayed on Speed Vision. They called it the Isle of Man TT.

Full speed through the narrow country streets of the Isle of Man. Flat out across the rolling countryside. Front wheels raising at over 160mph. Bodies tucked tightly against the tank at 190mph. One rider after another, each as brave as the next. I was hooked! So when I came across this bit of video from the 2009 Isle of Man TT (which I somehow missed entirely I might add), memories of late night Isle of Man broadcasts, Pagliacci pizza and arguments with my father over which superbike was really the fastest, came flooding back to me. So with that said, follow the link and ride along with 2009 Isle of Mann TT winner Steve Plater as he navigates what might be the most dangerous race in motorsport... [read more]