Isle of Man 2022

from Born To Ride Motorcycle Magazine #219 - August 2022

by Born To Ride TV & Magazine

Nefarious James

AKA THE PETER HICKMAN SHOW AKA THE PETER HICKMAN SHOW

The last time this majestic race took place was in June of 2019. Covid -19 had closed the borders to the worlds countries and millions of people suffered and died. I feel selfish writing about the TT, but it was my light at the end of the tunnel, knowing someday I would be back on the rock called the Isle of Man with my best friends, to celebrate our survival and to witness one more time, The Greatest Show on Earth.

37.5 Miles is just one lap of the Isle of Man circuit. To navigate the turns, the dips in the road, the walls, curbs and buildings at speeds approaching 200 mph…just one lap, you have accomplished something that 99.99% of the world will never do. Everyone that comes here knows the dangers of this course and it has taken many lives over its history. Prayers go out to the 5 souls who started the race this year but didn’t come home.

There is so much going on at the TT I just don’t know where to begin. It would be the 100th start for John Mcguiness who has been a fan favorite since I can remember. Michael Dunlop was in top shape and itching for a win. Dean Harrison, the 2019 Senior TT winner was looking strong, but it was Peter Hickman who would have everyones attention for the entire race week and that is why I am calling it “ The Peter Hickman Show”.

Peter came on the TT scene in 2014 and got his first win in 2018…actually 2 wins that year. 2019 rolled around and he left the Isle of Man with 3 wins. He had the momentum going for him but the wind was blown out of his sails as Covid-19 took over in 2020. 3 years would go by before he stepped foot on the Isle of Man again, but he was ready.

I had a chance of a life time during the week to take a lap of the course with Peter Hickman on a bus as he gave us a blow by blow of how you get around the circuit and win a race. My big question was “ How do you practice for this race?”

“Good question”’ Peter said. “The first year I raced I came over to the Isle of Man a few times and hired a car. I drove the course at least 70 times trying to pick out markers for braking, looking for the apex in corners and anything that would help me come race week. I played a lot of the Play Station TT gams which actually really helped me with visualizing the circuit.” I believe it takes a few years to get it right, too many riders come over with high hopes and don’t prepare properly. Winning is not going to happen overnight”