Dougie’s wheelie of fortune
By TMX Archives on 17th Aug 16
Lampkin to tackle entire IOM TT course feet-up
Red Bull athlete Dougie Lampkin will take on one of his toughest ever challenges, even in the context of his long and illustrious career, when he attempts to wheelie continuously around the entire Isle of Man TT course on Saturday September 24.
This momentous occasion will be shown Live on Red Bull TV, when viewers from around the globe have their first ever opportunity to watch coverage of the mountain course as Dougie bravely endeavours to navigate the two hundred plus corners that lay ahead of him.
Leaving the famous start line in front of the TT Grandstand at 5pm Lampkin will look to use all his incredible bike control and experience as he sets out to complete the 37.7 miles of undulating tarmac riding purely on his rear wheel.
Although the entire course presents a real challenge Dougie has already identified a number of parts that stand out in terms of the difficulty they pose .
While the World renowned mountain course is better known for its high speed exploits, with the current lap record standing at just under 17 minutes thanks to an average speed a touch shy of 134mph, Dougie's historic passage will be at a more sedate pace as the ex multi FIM Trial World Champion hopes to complete his challenge in a time under two-hours with an average speed of around 20mph.
Confirming the sheer scale of this challenge Dougie has been in training and involved in testing for over six months as he has prepared his mind, body and bike for this daunting conquest that will test both him as a human and the mechanical aspects to the absolute limit.
Lampkin's standard Vertigo Combat two-stroke fuel injected trial machine has been greatly modified and adapted for the challenge of riding solely on the rear wheel over this prolonged distance.
Thanks to the kind co-operation and permission of the local authorities this unique challenge will take place under a rolling road closure order (left hand lane only - course direction 5pm to 8.30pm), with safety and warning vehicles positioned to both the front and rear of the short convoy that will protect Dougie's position.
Lampkin's own team of advance motorcycle riders will keep him advised of forward conditions via a mobile communication centre, while Police outriders will ensure his uninterrupted passage through all the major junctions on the extended route.
BBC Ski Sunday presenter Ed Leigh will be joined in the onsite studio by the renowned mountain bike commentator and trial fanatic Rob Warner as the lively and knowledgeable duo host various guests, while live coverage is beamed back to our screens.
With just over a month to go before he embarks on this amazing challenge, Dougie said. "I have taken on some big tasks before, but this one is absolutely massive as there are so many unknowns.
Over the last six months it has given me a lot of sleepless nights, and although we have made good progress in more recent weeks I am under no illusion just how tough it is going to be on the day.
What started out as just an idea, which I have had for a few years now, will soon become reality thanks to the support of Red Bull once again.
