MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS-
a lifetime at the IOM TT
It was in 1985 that journalist Brian Crichton contacted me after he had read in a magazine that I was approaching my fortieth annual visit to the TT
He made a number of telephone calls to me and arranged to visit me at my home
He arrived and sat for some considerable time going through my collection and asking many questions
As a consequence I received a real accolade in the 1986 TT programme when I was, in Brians words " THE TTS GREATEST FAN "
He asked me to predict the winners in my 'crystal ball' for that year and I managed to pick three out of six including Roger Burnett who won the Senior, Joey Dunlop won the F1 and Lowry Burton the Sidecar 'B'
Not bad was it !
I was asked back for the next ten years to write relevant articles and set quizzes and to interview the top riders
I also gave my suggestions for the fans as to 'Where to Watch" and actually presented some new spots not previously mentioned
The late Brian Kreisky visited these spots and used them in subsequent videos
I would now like to reproduce Brian Crichtons article with updates so it is relevant to the present
Thank you Brian and all the other people who have made the TT a way of life for me
THE TT'S GREATEST FANIan Huntly from Earley near Reading, attends his **** consecutive TT this year as spectator and fan
Though he has never riden a solo motorcycle he has been a passionate devotee of the June races since he was seven years old
And it's not just the people, the racing and the bikes that draw him across the Irish Sea each year
He loves Monas Isle simply for itself
While at home in Earley he constantly thinks about the Isle of Man and the TT
He is an expert on the subject of the TT and his house is filled with memorabilia and souvenirs from the Island and its racing heritage
He was introduced to the Island by his father Harry, a famous speedway rider during the 1920s and 1930s
Harry Huntly rode for Gosforth and Newcastle and at 6 ft 6 ins tall was speedways tallest successful rider
he was also distinctive for his riding style
" He trailed his knee because he was so tall ,"
explains Ian
" with his pudding basin helmet and boots he topped 7 feet
He was in at the beginning of speedway and raced long-stroke Douglases
Johnny Hoskins, the father of speedway used to organise special match races---my father against Wally Lloyd who was 4 ft 5 ins tall "
Huntly senior loved the TT and was always helping wherever he could
Naturally son Ian was roped in--a willing disciple and assistant at the worlds greatest motor cycle event
In 1955 as a 15 year old, Ian found himself signaller for the Norton works team
Ians first TT visit was in 1947 the year the TT resumed following the Second World War
Ian can claim to be a "visitor" in 1939
" My mother was six months pregnant with me "
smiles the Wearsider who originates from Chester-le-Street, Co.Durham
Ians visit in 1950 was to be extra special
He was ten years old and about to be committed to the TT for life
It was the thoughtfulness and consideration bestowed upon this ten year old by two heroes of the TT which rooted a growing commitment
For the reasons let's look to Ians notes made following his 21st visit
" 1950 was the year of Geoff Duke and his Featherbed Norton
A friend of Geoffs was staying at the Regal (where we were staying) and Geoff came in one evening to see him just as I was on my way to bede
I had been to my first ever early morning practice and was feeling a bit under the weather
Now I was wide awake and overwhelmed
MR DUKE IN OUR HOTEL !!!!
My face must have been a picture as I stammeringly asked him for his autograph
I also had my photograph taken with him on the hotel steps, a photograph I treasure very dearly
I wished him good luck and at the Presentation after his Senior win I gave hime an extra loud cheer which had the people round us grinning
The following year Geoffs team-mate brought his silver replica to show me and left it on my dressing table overnight
Next day I was photographed with Jacks Bronze (Senior) and Silver (Junior) replicas "
Work sometimes proved to be an obstacle when TT time came round
In 1966 Ian made THREE separate visits to the Island during the TT fortnight
THAT'S DEDICATION
Schooldays also forced compromises
" I used to fly over after exams to join my parents who were already there
However so that I missed nothing I used to pinch out of class and go to the loo with a portable radio to hear the TT news
Nowadays Ian knows he is on the way to the TT when he sees the stalwarts on his ferry
" The first people I bump into are Mick Chatterton, Bill Smith, Steve Murray and Allan Robinson
Then I really know that I am on my way
I love seeing the Island coming out of the mist
When I get off the boat, the first things I do are to visit the Little People at the Faery Bridge then I do my first lap of the course to spot any changes "
HOW DOES IAN SUM UP THE LURE OF THE ISLAND AND ITS TT ?
1/Nowhere else can one immerse oneself in a fortnights fun, good companionship and interest as one can on the special Island
2/Nowhere else can one meet up with people after 50 weeks apart and start up conversations as though the gap had never existed
3/ In this fortnight one can entirely forget the problems of life and then return home absolutely refreshed
4/Though only 33 x 12 miles, this Island is packed with so many things to see and do
5/Only 18 miles from England yet it is like another planet
If you have not by now realised that Ian Huntlys spirit lies on the Isle of Man, then consider this
When his time comes he wishes for his ashes to be scattered on THE MOUNTAIN
Roll on May and the next trip to Elan Vannin and its green hills by the sea
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