IOM TT 2012 Sidecar Practice Monday Ramsey Hairpin

Monday evening's 2012 TT Sidecar practice. as seen from Ramsey Hairpin.
This used to be a magnificent and unique viewing point.
From the inside of this very tight bend it used to be possible to look down on the bikes as they arrived at the corner, swung around in a tight semicircle, and powered on up the hill towards the Waterworks.
But now it has been completely spoilt by the thoughtless or selfish positioning of an advertising hoarding that entirely blocks the spectators' view of the riders as they pass the apex of the corner.
The advertisement can only be seen, from the opposite side of the road, by the occasional visiting TV camera during a fleeting glimpse each lap of a few of the leading riders. The rest of the time it just gets in the way of the spectators, generating a great deal of ill-will, which is presumably not the intended purpose of an advertising board.
Although it is hardly necessary, since the area is plastered with many more of the same banners, if they really wanted one here it could have been placed close to the barrier rope, where it would not have obscured the view, as everyone would have been able to see over the top of it.
However it would be better still if it was removed altogether.
See what you think, near the end of the video.

[@ffinnywix]

Merci beaucoup, c'était un vrai plaisir de vous rencontrer.

[@ffinnywix]

2013 The view was much better this year - thanks to the rope barrier being close to the sign, so it was possible to see over it. Well done.

[@wa67jr]

I was up at the waterworks and where you used to be able to see the bike fly up the road after the turn, it was very difficult to see as they had put a massive green cargo crate in the way for the marshalls...

[@saxjonz]

Thanks so much for posting this up! I look forward to one day finally getting to see this event in person and getting to ride the course, of course not racing as I value my life. lol

[@ffinnywix]

Thanks for the comment. I hope you get to visit some time. It's a very friendly occasion, and you can get to meet the riders and teams. Riding round the Mountain Course is a great experience, and there's lots more to see too.

[@ffinnywix]

Thanks for that.
And yes, the sidecars certainly are great, and the sidecar crews are the greatest.
Thanks for watching the video. More later, I hope.

[@mburleigh8]

Those guys must be in very good shape to throw themselves all over that side car and handle the G forces.

[@ffinnywix]

Unfortunately this is directly opposite a TV camera position - and money "talks", so I am sure they wouldn't remove it, but all it needs is to be moved back a few feet.
If it was right by the rope it wouldn't block the view.
I'll try again going through the proper channels to get it positioned in a spectator-friendly position for next year.
I'd love to go out with a saw one night - or even a paint-brush - as I think it is a disgrace where it is, but then everyone would know who had done it!

[@mad4tarmac]

woo hoo my mate came 13th on times on his second attempt at it...watch out molly!!!!!! and someone fire that sign over the ditch!!!!