Isle of Man TT attendance flat - and dangerous
TT round up from our man on the island. Including one racer who has been convicted of assault and actual bodily harm.
Posted: 11 June 2008
by Roger Willis
Despite early reports that bookings were up for the 2008 TT following the huge success of the centennial event last year, attendance in fact appears to have dropped straight back to the 2006 level.
Isle of Man Steam Packet figures for ferry traffic show that the number of motorcycles shipped to the Island for the festival actually fell by 70 from 9625 in 2006 to 9555 this year. However, the passenger total was up marginally by 247 against 2006 to 31,038. Vehicle numbers also rose slightly on the 2006 figure, from 4359 to 4556.
Manx retailers, hoteliers and campsite operators also claim that TT fans spent much less time on the Island than either last year or even in 2006, with many reverting to just a'long weekend'.
Mount Murray Brewery boss Martin Brunnschweiler, who runs the big Bushy's beer tent and entertainment zone on Douglas Promenade during the TT fortnight, says the event was 'quiet' with sales well below target.
The 2008 TT was also the bloodiest for some time in terms of visitor fatalities, with four bikers killed in separate accidents. There was only one death last year and none in 2006. The Manx police say they were mainly caused by people 'riding beyond their abilities'.
Guzzi-mounted Frenchman Christian Roulie was the first terminal casualty when he hit a Land Rover head-on at the 11th Milestone while overtaking a car on Mad Sunday. He was joined the following day by Danish rider Klaus Kristensen, collided with Ford Transit van coming the other way.
On Tuesday of race week Liam Parrish from Louth was involved in yet another collision at Alpine, this time with another bike. He died two days later in Noble's Hospital. And on Thursday, a GSX-R1000 ridden by Neil Edge from Stoke-on-Trent collided an MV Agusta at Hailwood Rise on the one-way Mountain section of the course. Edge was killed instantly. The un-named MV rider was seriously hurt.
On a more cheerful note, no TT competitor was killed during this year's practice sessions or races, with only one serious injury. The most famous minor casualty was 74-year-old trials legend and former road racer Sammy Miller, who comprehensively binned his bike at Waterworks during the Ducati parade lap.
Sidecar TT ace Dave Molyneux also badly injured his reputation. Molyneux drowned his sorrows big-style after defeat by Nicky Crowe in the second sidecar race, went back to his motor home in the paddock and beat the shit out of his wife Gaynor. He was subsequently convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and awaits sentencing. Happily, Mrs Molyneux has agreed to have him back.
Discuss this story
If that's the case, here's hoping the cunt never wins another anything. 
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 19:25
Jesus lordy!  Hope she opens her eyes at some point.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 19:30
I fucking hate wife beaters, what an asshole. How the hell can anyone beat up the women that loves you FFS.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 19:40
If that's the case, here's hoping the cunt never wins another anything.
Bet she's hoping he wins everything, Fucking arsehole
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 19:41
he's a mardy C... never met him, but plenty of folk I marshal with have, including some that have passengered for him - and fallen out over payment believe it or not! If I remember rightly, he's never been beaten on the road by Nick Crowe before, and apparently did try hard to knock him off the track since he couldn't pass him. Sad when people resort to beating someone less able to defend themselves - even more sad that she's daft enough to have him back. Makes me wonder if she's used to it, but then I'm a suspicious person when it comes to things like this. Been told the IoM tends to sentance heavily for this particular type of offense - lets flippin hope they do.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 19:50
Wanker!!!!!!!!! Lock him up. nuff said.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 20:09
9000 odd bikes ? so lets say even if all of them are 2 up then foot passengers and those that fly will make ...what???? 30 '000 people ? so , how much does it cost to run the TT ? no entry fees for the riders start money insurance costs So, at what point does the IOM benifit frm the races 
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 20:20
I admired the guy until reading this - what an f'in twat! The whole principle of sport is competing - HE SHOULD BE BANNED FROM EVER RACING AGAIN!
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 20:32
I've seen him a few times, as my local bike dealer used to race sidecars at the TT. (Ian Bell) Beggars belief that he could do that to his wife, if I ever see him again, I'll not bother speaking. Guy's an arsehole for doing what he's done.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 20:37
poor girl, i hope she can see sence soon
he's a cock, and hopefully he will be labelled as one for ever now. I would love to see him banned from the island.. but im not sure if that would do the sport any good....
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 20:48
Of the 7800 wifes who are beaten in this country every week whats the one thing they have in common????? Thats right, they just wouldnt fkn listen!! Arf.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 22:45
not that I'm defending his actions but 'beat the shit out of his wife' is a blatant journo exageration, as it was described in the local paper he grabbed her and pushed her against the wall and gave her a black eye. I've met both of them and have always got on with them both, but obviously stupid drunken behaviour after being beaten by a rival is unforgivable. By all acounts he made a cock of himself at the presentation night too.
Posted: 11/06/2008 at 23:20
"Sidecar TT ace Dave Molyneux also badly injured his reputation. Molyneux drowned his sorrows big-style after defeat by Nicky Crowe in the second sidecar race, went back to his motor home in the paddock and beat the shit out of his wife Gaynor. He was subsequently convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and awaits sentencing. Happily, Mrs Molyneux has agreed to have him back" she's happy to have him back!!!! what the fuck is wrong with these girls that let there "loving" hubbys do this sort of shit to them!? i once stopped a bloke from dragging his mrs (while she was pushing a pram) along by the hair, she was kicking and screaming like a banshee...................only to be told by her "it's alright he's my boyfriend"
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 07:47
"Sidecar TT ace Dave Molyneux also badly injured his reputation. Molyneux drowned his sorrows big-style after defeat by Nicky Crowe in the second sidecar race, went back to his motor home in the paddock and beat the shit out of his wife Gaynor. He was subsequently convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and awaits sentencing. Happily, Mrs Molyneux has agreed to have him back" she's happy to have him back!!!! what the fuck is wrong with these girls that let there "loving" hubbys do this sort of shit to them!? i once stopped a bloke from dragging his mrs (while she was pushing a pram) along by the hair, she was kicking and screaming like a banshee...................only to be told by her "it's alright he's my boyfriend"
but - the 'happily' comment is made by whoever wrote the article. Not by her. She may feel she has to have him back. I would also guess that assult and Actual bodily harm is more than a black eye? (Probably wrong!)
But yes - why oh why to women take back violent arseholes? and then defend them. Although I spose I know why - mental abuse is a good start, get the female to believe its her fault and you can get her to accept most things.
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 08:11
these types always seem to go for the woman. they are cowards, he is a coward.
his reputation is now shot i would hope. on another note. it would seem that all the new speed limits that have crept up over the years around the circuit from Douglas to Ramsey have been innefective as we have seen a larger number of tragic deaths this year than 2006 when as it says in the article there were none. there is now virtually nowhere between the start finish and Ramsey where you can let it go, and there they have taken waterworks out of the equation with cones, bugger! i dont know if it's a money making exercise to rake in more money through fines or just another example of some jobsworth without a clue jumping on the speed bandwagon as being the cause of every accident. another sinister move is the threat of unmarked police cars patrolling the roads. they love it, dont they? even though i'm pissed off with all this sanitisation of the TT riding experience i have already booked the ferry for next year (22nd year). just can't seem to give it up, doh!!
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 09:33
The speed limits only serve to make people ride faster and more erratically in between. This was pointed out to the persons responsible back in 2005 and 2006 by a lot of folk. And I'm sure it is still pointed out. But as we are all constantly told - speed kills, therefore limits are the only answer!!! hey ho  As for Moly - the consencus amongst the people I know in sidecars/racing is complete lack of surprise. Lets hope it really does ruin his reputation - he was already a poor loser and arragant sod in my limited view (not having met him) but this kinda compounds the image he gives off
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 10:01
I woner if his attitude is the reason why Rick Long wasn't his number two this year after they did so well last year. 
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 10:03
I think the first time someone does something bad to you, it's their fault. The second time it's your fault for letting them. I wouldn't be giving him the opportunity to do it again.
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 11:14
on another note. it would seem that all the new speed limits that have crept up over the years around the circuit from Douglas to Ramsey have been innefective as we have seen a larger number of tragic deaths this year than 2006 when as it says in the article there were none. there is now virtually nowhere between the start finish and Ramsey where you can let it go, and there they have taken waterworks out of the equation with cones, bugger! i dont know if it's a money making exercise to rake in more money through fines or just another example of some jobsworth without a clue jumping on the speed bandwagon as being the cause of every accident. another sinister move is the threat of unmarked police cars patrolling the roads. they love it, dont they?
well we don't have most of those speed limits the rest of the year, they just get put in because of all the useless twats with litre sportsbikes smearing themselves all over the countryside. It's all your own fault to be frank. The island has had 3 attempts to introduce a national speed limit and each time it's been defeated by public opinion. Trouble is all these idiots turn up and try and ride like they're TT racers which they are not. Over the years from what I've seen the standard of bike riding has got worse and worse. No anticipation, no road craft and then when it all goes wrong everyone blames the TT and calls it "Death Island". Then when the authorities try to do something about it you all whinge. What else can they do? They have no influence over UK licencing laws or rider training so that leaves road management and speed limits. Having had a bike licence since the mid nineties and done it properly by starting on a 125 and working up through the cc range I've learnt proper riding skills. Something Direct access and jumping on a fireblade/gixer/R1 doesn't teach you. I don't see why people can't learn to ride bikes properly before assuming they are all Rossi.
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 18:26
on another note. it would seem that all the new speed limits that have crept up over the years around the circuit from Douglas to Ramsey have been innefective as we have seen a larger number of tragic deaths this year than 2006 when as it says in the article there were none. there is now virtually nowhere between the start finish and Ramsey where you can let it go, and there they have taken waterworks out of the equation with cones, bugger! i dont know if it's a money making exercise to rake in more money through fines or just another example of some jobsworth without a clue jumping on the speed bandwagon as being the cause of every accident. another sinister move is the threat of unmarked police cars patrolling the roads. they love it, dont they?
well we don't have most of those speed limits the rest of the year, they just get put in because of all the useless twats with litre sportsbikes smearing themselves all over the countryside. It's all your own fault to be frank. The island has had 3 attempts to introduce a national speed limit and each time it's been defeated by public opinion. Trouble is all these idiots turn up and try and ride like they're TT racers which they are not. Over the years from what I've seen the standard of bike riding has got worse and worse. No anticipation, no road craft and then when it all goes wrong everyone blames the TT and calls it "Death Island". Then when the authorities try to do something about it you all whinge. What else can they do? They have no influence over UK licencing laws or rider training so that leaves road management and speed limits. Having had a bike licence since the mid nineties and done it properly by starting on a 125 and working up through the cc range I've learnt proper riding skills. Something Direct access and jumping on a fireblade/gixer/R1 doesn't teach you. I don't see why people can't learn to ride bikes properly before assuming they are all Rossi.
very well said
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 19:36
on another note. it would seem that all the new speed limits that have crept up over the years around the circuit from Douglas to Ramsey have been innefective as we have seen a larger number of tragic deaths this year than 2006 when as it says in the article there were none. there is now virtually nowhere between the start finish and Ramsey where you can let it go, and there they have taken waterworks out of the equation with cones, bugger! i dont know if it's a money making exercise to rake in more money through fines or just another example of some jobsworth without a clue jumping on the speed bandwagon as being the cause of every accident. another sinister move is the threat of unmarked police cars patrolling the roads. they love it, dont they? "well we don't have most of those speed limits the rest of the year, they just get put in because of all the useless twats with litre sportsbikes smearing themselves all over the countryside. It's all your own fault to be frank.
The island has had 3 attempts to introduce a national speed limit and each time it's been defeated by public opinion. Trouble is all these idiots turn up and try and ride like they're TT racers which they are not. Over the years from what I've seen the standard of bike riding has got worse and worse. No anticipation, no road craft and then when it all goes wrong everyone blames the TT and calls it "Death Island". Then when the authorities try to do something about it you all whinge. What else can they do? They have no influence over UK licencing laws or rider training so that leaves road management and speed limits. Having had a bike licence since the mid nineties and done it properly by starting on a 125 and working up through the cc range I've learnt proper riding skills. Something Direct access and jumping on a fireblade/gixer/R1 doesn't teach you. I don't see why people can't learn to ride bikes properly before assuming they are all Rossi." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i'm heartened to hear that you do it right and are an extremely excellent motorcycle rider but, i have to say that some of the biggest and most dangerous twats out there are on manx plates. they seem to be out to prove to us visitors just how good they are, when in fact they are are shite. this does not of course apply to all manx riders the same as all visitors are not dickheads either. i know some limits come off after the TT as i have friends over there and they tell me. i have managed over 20 years of visiting the island for both the TT and the manx and all those "mad sundays" without hitting anything (so far) so i presume when you say "it's all your own fault" you dont actually mean me in particular? i do agree that there are a lot of riders not putting their brains in gear when they go out and causing a lot of trouble as a result. it could be said and has been said to me by a manx traffic cop that considering the number of bikes on the island for the TT the number of accidents is relatively small. so that must mean that most bikers go home happily without having had a problem.
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 20:03
I knew one of the lads killed this year  I know what happened and it was a case of over excitement and poor obs, first time at the TT too.
Posted: 12/06/2008 at 20:44
I can't understand why somebody would turn on their other half after losing out to a rival. I raced at club level for about 5 years and the support you need from your family and then even larger support you need from you wife to be even able to turn up and race is a big thing , but to put your better half through the stress of possibly having a big accident and then relying on that person to look after you while you recouperate or even worse just so you can enjoy your hobby is not an easy thing to do. Although at the time i assumed my wife was happy to support what i did, talking after i had given up racing, she did confess to being very stressed when we went racing and sort of looking back i can now appreciate how hard it was for her. So to read about this guy turning on his wife like this, makes him a selfish tosser who doesn't realise how lucky he his to be doing something he enjoys (thats racing, not beating the wife) Perhaps he needs a slap to wake him up.
Posted: 13/06/2008 at 08:35
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