TT Mountain Course Centenary parade

The event was organised by the Vintage Motorcycle Club and featured almost a dozen motorcycles officially in the veteran (pre-1914) class. Amongst the entrants were riders from as far afield as Germany, the USA and New Zealand, with most donning period costume to suit the era of their motorcycles. A highlight amongst the bikes was a fully-restored Indian twin, like thatused by O.C. Godfrey to record the first Senior TT win in 1911.

In glorious weather, the bikes were sent off in the shadow of the TT Grandstand amid a haze of smoke. Partway through the parade, the riders stopped to mark the unveiling of a plaque on the point of the start line of the first Mountain Course race in 1911. The riders then traced part of the TT Mountain Course, stoppingfor a display in the Parliament Square in Ramsey before continuing on to finish at the TT Grandstand for a second display.

After the event, all entrants were given a replica of the 1911 TT finishers medal. A special commemorative souvenir program was also produced, listing all entrants and featuring period photography. The program also featured a foreword by John Surtees, OBE, copy of the original 1911 TT programme, plus an article by Geoff Duke. Money from sales of the prgramme was used to support local charities.

A highlight for visitors and parade attendees was picking out some of the diverse range of motorcycles that participated. Amongst the familiar names like Indian, BSA, Norton andTriumph were some rare marques like Dot Bradshaw, Scott,Humber, Rainbowand NSU.