Hi Larry,

I notice you originally directed your post to me although I think you have edited it correctly now!

I have purposely tried to avoid posting on internet forums since the new year, purely because of inaccuracies like that, normally with more malice, along with a number of other issues. I'd rather talk on the hedge. This thread did make me bite though.

We could debate Rhencullen eternally and I take your comments on board. However, statistically, given the large numbers always present at Rhencullen, I think the race fan is more than happy to spectate from this popular vantage point and therefore I think the masses would disagree with your comments.

Anyway, I suppose it's irrelevant now. ACU Events Ltd have made a decision which is likely never to be reversed. Maybe we can discuss this at a bit more length at Braddan Bridge? Or from behind the newly erected cage like fencing at the Quaterbridge? We should be safe enough there.

Enjoy the races.

larry, thanks for taking the analogy in the light hearted manner it was intended. In the same way you accepted the risk when you went out on track so do fans need to accept some risk when they choose to spectate. This sport is not safe, its for people that don't always want 'safe'.

I and my friends do not stand is dangerous places (and that includes part of Rhen Cullen) - there is a judgment to be made on getting close to the action and putting one's self at risk. I have no problem with the judgment being made for me if it is reasonable. But based on Ben's post above the judgement is over conservative and not reasonable. If you read around there are many who support this view.

However, I am in the 'do a lap' crowd so will reseve final judgement till then. I know at least 7 spots not mentioned in the brochure so my TT week should be OK.

The thing is, even with these changes, someone will get hit. It might not happen for another 15-20 years but as sure as night and day, it will happen. Why? Because accidents happen.

Some people like risk and danger and thats why they sit an inch from a bike if they can.

With people like this around the changes may will be a good thing. Some people are not happy unless they can almost touch the bike and rider.

The problem you have with accidents is the distance the bike can travel after it has hit a hedge,tree,lamp post,barrier or wall.

Come on guys and girls lets look forward to the positives and hope everyone has a safe,succesful and enjoyable TT.

I look forward to meeting some of you.

Alan my mates and i marshalled at Ballacry and going through the Black Dub area we allways said to each other before the roads closed 'there is no way we would marshal or spectate there' but at the end of the day its commonsense were you choose to watch and all forms of motorsport are dangerous, i think that is printed on all race tickets and programes be it the TT or a scramble?

Pykey, like you say common sense. I have always sat in safe places, always had an escape route because the unlikely probably will happen. And I have always attended knowing it is dangerous - there are more than enough health warnings. I assume by your post that you thought Ballacry was safe but this is another area now out of bounds under the new guidelines. So the ability to use your common sense has gone.

larry, would love a cuppa but not ariving until Thursday of practice week. Might be in the Sidings for a few for a week after that!

moffy, you are right. For some, getting really close to the action is part of the attraction. If it wasn't surely they would go to a BSB round. There they would see arguably more quality riders and bikes. Only problem is you need a good set of binoculars. I guess it is the same as watching all TT races from the grandstand (but wouldn't know).

This is funny

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/TT-course-prohibited-area-signs.4084438.jp

Funny because look what the signs are being nailed to. Imagine if a rider hit one of those. People nicking the signs is actually making the course safer! People are being such nancies over this there was nothing wrong with the course as it was.

Someone was asking for pictures, here's a taster...

Stevie. You, LOOK WHAT THE SIGNS ARE BEING NAILED TO?

No stick is going to die if a rider or bike hits it, a human could. The sticks will give way with a small amount of pressure.

Then you say, PEOPLE NICKING THE SIGNS IS ACTUALLY MAKING THE COURSE SAFER?

Dont be so stupid, If people do sit where these signs have been put then they are putting themselves at risk and risk the races not running. Also by stealing signs they are making it dangerous and un-clear for others.

According to people of better judgement then you, things were not right and they have tried to be as possitive about this as they can be.

Not everyone is going to be happy but something needs to be done.

I remember sitting on the bank at Brandish corner when the Amarican rider william baldwin crashed and hit a girl, think it was 95. The girl lived and has been back to the races. My point is this, You must be completely mad to sit in certain places and that would be one of them. People do not care for the saftey of themselves or others until its to late and peoples family and friends suffer. I think we should support the organisers as they are doing this for our saftey, not themselves.

as a tt marshall (when i go to the tt) and manx gp were i have marshalled for a number of years now, i can shed some light on probited areas.
as a marshall i have the power to remove any spectator(s) from any probited areas that are deemed dangerous.
when asking fans to move, i have noticed all are more than willing to do so, if not we can obtain the help of the iom police, to forceably remove them.
now this has never happened to get police help, as most fans were more than happy to move along.
however we recieved instructions from race control, that if fans dont move, we contact race control were they will hold up the practice/race, until they are happy that everyone is safe.
i dont think anyone would want to see the race held up, so most do move on.
there are heavy fines in place for intrusion on the course ect, i would assume that they would imply to fans who wont move from probited areas.
there is a way of asking people to move, thr right way and wrong way. i have always been polite in asking and explaining, not like some over here who say you cant f****ng stand here now move.
i notice a photo from the 11th were i marshall the last photo is going to the corner, i have stood in the field, on a specially made platform, behind the bank,flagging its called the 11th flag, a vital point at the 11th milestone, i see they have the posts and ticker tape up, in all my time i have never seen anyone watch on this bank, as from all times, there it has been probited.
hope this helps to answer some questions.