the beach . The riders now contending with softer hands , lapping waves and pools of salt water .
It seems irrelevant as many riders continue to cut a straight line and simply race through the water adding to the spectacle enjoyed by a few thousand spectators , numbers limited to account for Covid restrictions . The vocal approval not lessened .
A similar phenomenon when the sidecars take to the sand , three-wheel drifting through the two right hand bends . Unlike the bikes they seem to brake at the very last moment , a slide more effective at scrubbing speed . These guys , no sorry , these riders , as many women also take part in this form of motorcycle racing and as in most forms of motorsport , men and women compete as equals . There ’ s no easing off here , if you ’ re in the race you ’ re a competitor that must be beaten . The racing is at times close , hard , and fierce , witnessing these often-priceless machines bang into each other is not uncommon and yet there is a comradery ; riders are often grinning the entire time a race takes place .
The laughter continues throughout the pits as many tales get taller as the day goes on . The older riders command a respect , their exploits legendary , the younger riders , TT champions , motocross winners , speedway hopefuls all listen on in the hope of learning something that will give them the slightest edge .
It ’ s that sort of event . Lumbering Harley ’ s of the 1930s mix with nimble two-strokes of the 1960s , it matters little
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