The video features vintage footage from the Isle Of Man Annual Scooter Rally. The annual rally was organized by the Isle of Man Tourist Board from the 1950’s through to the early 1970’s. The week long event featured a 24 endurance ride along with the skill riding competition, attracting riders and spectators from all across Europe.
The idea of an Isle of Man Scooter Rally first appeared in the Isle of Man Examiner on 26 October, 1956. Mr J M Cain, candidate for East Douglas in the forthcoming election, made the suggestion, along with that of deferring TT week until later in June, and setting up a commission to assess travel to and from the island, with a view to increasing the number of visitors. He believed that a scooter rally would be a big attraction because of the opportunity it would provide to compete over the TT course, and thus bring two full weeks of trade for the island’s businesses. (Excerpt from Steve Jackson’s book ‘SCOOTER MANIA! – Recollections of the Isle of Man International Scooter Rally’ Veloce Publishing.)
Even though the annual scooter rally was a product of its time, the modern day Isle of Man, (IOM), scooter rallies keep the spirit alive. The modern rallies have been organized since 2010 by event organizer Barry Turner from The Wirral. Hundreds of riders participate in the weekend event, which takes place from Friday to Sunday. Included is a ride-out from the famous TT Grandstand with support from the Isle of Man Scooter Club. The ride-out’s usually travel along the road to Ramsey then head back over the mountain and on to the Cat With No Tail in Douglas for a barbecue and custom show judging.
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