🏍️ Isle of Man TT: A Dangerous Addiction | Al Jazeera Correspondent 

I was a heroin addict for 7 years until...My neighbor made a bet with me. He said he'll show me how to ride his bike and once I knew how to ride it he'd let me borrow it for an hour or two. We were both addicts just for different things, he told me that there's no better feeling than riding a motorcycle and I told him that there's no better feeling than being high and he laughed.. Long story short, I've been clean for a year and bought my first motorcycle and let me tell you that he was 100% right..Rip my friend, you truly don't understand what you did for me and my life..

As a lifelong motorcyclist 16 to my current 61, worked as a motorcycle courier, clocked up hundreds of thousands over my time, owned some of the fastest bikes made, I look at the guys who race there and think they must be insane yet I'm also deeply impressed with their level of skill and dedication.

Michael Dunlop's Northwest 200 win days after his father died on a practice lap is the most incredible sports story I've ever heard. Hands Down

David Jeffries was the rider that got me fully addicted to the Isle of MannTT. His on bike camera views were simply amazing. When he died it was like Senna and Earnhardt dying. I simply couldnt believe it happened. Rest in Peace David.

Good news, everybody. The film has been nominated for Best Single Documentary in the BAFTA Television Awards. Thank you for watching it, thank you for your kind comments. With respect, David

Four Hundred Thousand hits!!!! Thank you everybody .... especially that weird guy who has watched it 300,000 times! Seriously, this is a great achievement for our little film and I just want to thank everyone who made it possible, again. Thank you. David

Having raced 16 years in the IoM it is THE number 1 races of the year in the world. The riders know what they are letting themselves in for and what the worst outcome could be. It is the ultimate test of Man, Machine and environment.

Just getting on my bike and riding to the grocery store is amazing. I cant imagine riding the TT

Respect all who race the IOM.. All winners in my book!

This is probably the best TT Documentary i've ever watched ...... open, honest, informative and (in places) quite sad ..... a real 'insight' into the inner 'processes' that most people overlook !! Can't believe it's taken me 9 years to actually find and watch it ..... but i'm sooooo glad i now have ..... BRILLIANT !!!!! May all those people that feature in this that are sadly no longer with us be looking down with smiles ..... NON of them forgotten and every single one of them loved and admired 💖

RIP William Dunlop, you will always be one of the greatest and an inspiration for millions of us 😔

Having done 200 mph on a bike. These guys are professional. I could never be at this level. To ride in this environment. The best of the best are here.

R.I.P OUR IAN BELL TT SIDECAR CHAMPION OF BEDLINGTON.SADLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.HIS SPIRIT IS THERE WITHOUT DOUBT.

As a kid across the pond, Man was always a mystic place for me. Started watching in the 80s when a Brit mate sent me a video of Joey Dunlop's V Four Victory. I was forever hooked. When I finally made it to the IoM, I was blown away. The men, and now women, that compete are at once so ordinary, yet so extraordinary. Long live the TT.

Not gonna lie. Had the feels hit my chest when William Dunlop was speaking in this video. Ride In Paradise :(

This makes racing look extremely special and attractive.

Rip William Dunlop

I can’t conceive of the level of focus, and mental & physical strength it must take to even enter such a race. I may not have the skills or heart for such racing, but it makes for a fascinating spectacle.

A seven years old production and it still shines. This is beautiful storytelling.

@2:58 “Setting a cracking pace of nearly 80 miles an hour.” - I wonder if they ever imagined that they’d be running this race at 200+ MPH.

I've been following this race since the 70s. Wide world of sports wouldn't televise it because of how dangerous it is. I've always wanted to go, even though I have never wanted to leave the states. Great documentary.

I watched the TTs in the late 1950's early 1960's, cars were scarce and many people rode motor bikes or had motor cycles with side cars. TT stars were family names, John Surtees, John Hartle, Mike Hailwood, Pat Read, Geoff Duke, Agostino, and the best sidecar racer Helmut Fath (although I can't remember his passenger). This brought back many memories.

great footage, respect to the makers of it ... TT is a lifestyle, not a bunch of crazy bikers.... These are truly experienced guys, living their dream. And this is exact how the footage is brought ... thumbs up !

As an American, with many people here who have no idea what this race is, I really appreciate this documentary. Well done! Love from New Mexico, USA!

Guy Martin is a proper lunatic. What a legend

I met a old guy in San Pedro once who was on his way to IOM with his bike. At the time all I remember thinking was you lucky guy. He was trying to raise some funds for the trip. Wasn't his first time. Wish we had these video recorders like we have today back then. He had some real cool stories about his times in the race.

I’m a huge fan of the TT and I’ve watched a bunch of documentaries about it, and this by far is the best one out there well done kind sir!

I'm old and I still ride, but not like these fellows! Much respect and admiration for these superb and daring riders! Would luv to come and watch!

200,000 views and climbing! Thank you so very much everybody. I am grateful that you are watching and enjoying something that we gave our very best to make. Keep spreading the word. Love and respect, David

Never thought I would spend 40 min. watching Aljazeera . Great film really tells the TT story I;ve been there twice and hope to go again one day.

Great documentary, good to see Milky helping everyone out, he helped me at MGP 2003 🏁

I have only one dream in my life...Going to see Isle of Man TT race!! Life is courage !! Great men!!!

“The Edge...There is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. The others-the living-are those who pushed their control as far as they felt they could handle it, and then pulled back, or slowed down, or did whatever they had to when it came time to choose between Now and Later. But the edge is still Out there.” Hunter S. Thompson

The best documentary I have seen about the TT. Please do another one next year. The privateers are as much a part of the TT as the big teams. So happy that you have focused on them. Counting the days until next year. It is better than Christmas for me and my family.

Just watched this for the second time and, without blowing smoke up your arse, it really is a superb documentary! I didnt elaborate much last time I sang its praises, so I will now. It is clearly aimed at the lay person rather than a life long motorcyclist and race fan but it never gets sensationalistic (is that a word?) about the obvious dangers. It doesnt patronise either and I think those would be faults that most films of this type would be guilty of. As I said in my last comment, I must have watched 100's of films and documentaries and 1000's of hours of bike racing so Ive seen a huge variety of styles and levels of quality but as a good, honest film about a truely unique event it would be hard to beat.

Not sure why I got this in my feed..however..this was beautifully presented and informative. I have been a professional athlete and know the desire to compete at all costs! Bravo!!!!

Having ridden round the TT circuit many times I find it amazing the these guys can lap 17 minutes or so considering the many "slow" sections like the "Nook" etc!.

Fantastically entertaining documentary. I loved the fact that they took a newcomer's perspective, really helped get across the unique difficulty of the TT.

Just watched this for the first time, came across it after a search for the TT. I thin it is one of the best films I have ever seen. Full of facts, great interviews and an admirable passion and respect shown by the interviewer. Thank you for posting on RU-vid.

I'm saddened to hear today of that young man, William Dunlop's death whilst racing. My respects to his family.

Awesome documentary! These riders are shamefully few and far between. Hats off to all of the competitiors who have the courage and direction to continue this sport. Also may they rest in peace those who have had their lives taken by the sport they loved dear.

Brilliant documentary. Moving, exciting.....good to see there is still an old school event like this still running. Well done all !

This documentary and Closer to the edge are two great documentaries about this spectacular event.

As a long-time rider and enthusiast of the sport, you all did a great job of capturing the essence of the race itself. It's all about toeing that line. They surely have some cojones.

Great documentary. TT is intense. And Guy Martin needs subtitles. I´d love to understand what he says.

I am not really into bikes, but this film came up on my feed, and I watched it. Kudos to the people who put this together. Well written, poignant, telling a story with dignity, empathy, and humanity. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and found it to be a captivating glimpse into a world I have not explored before. Well done.

I am a rider who is legally allowed to ride only 160cc in the country because that's the countries law. I am from Bangladesh. I studied in England doing my graduation, but I didn't know about the Isle of Man or the TT. Now every single day I pray to God, and wish; one day, before the end of time, I will ride my bike on that piece of road. For once in my life, even if it is for a day, I want to live, I want to ride, I want to race with these legends One day....

More of a 4 wheel racer myself but I doff my cap to the ultimate race.. amazing people. Great documentary congratulations

Fantastic film short, it really opens your eyes to the danger of the TT and bikes in general, it throws up a lot of questions and answers more. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Long live the TT. Have been lucky enough to witness this road race phenomenon on a number of occasions. It amazes me every time. The atmosphere is literally electric. Thank you.

RESPECT.. I can't text any other words.. Men of passion.. RESPECT AGAIN

Nerves of steel....Balls of solid brass.

Amazing footage of the TT and a really interesting documentary

Guy Martin is actually Wolverine!!

As a Manxman and massive TT fan, it really annoys me when these sort of documentaries are thrown together, sensationalised, factually incorrect and far too much time spent on the obvious dangers and incidents that sadly occur. However, I thought this was really well filmed. A great insight from a Newcomers perspective and the 'torture' pit crew and family go through waiting for riders to return (I've been in that position, Horrible lol). You obviously have a passion for the TT and did your homework...something a lot of past documentary makers and journo's could learn from. Excellent work David!!!

Beautifully made and narrated film. Captured the passion and love for this event in a kind and sympathetic light. Thank you 🙏

Every rider who finishes this race has balls of steel, deserves the greatest accolade, n the greatest respect of any rider on earth all I wish for is every rider returns safely best wishes to you all great riders

I agree with Peter. This is a well constructed documentary with some great interviews.

Can't believe I only just got around to watching this! A brilliant documentary made with sensitivity and insight that will engage people with no interest in bike racing. On a personal note, I watched the 2010 Macau GP with Sue, Gary Johnson's mum, and was moved by the footage of her during Supersport Race 1. Great job.

Outstanding documentary the commitment and dedication from riders to Marshals is immense

Many thanks & congratulations to everyone involved in producing this superb documentary. I've watched it countless times - and it never fails to impress me with its quality and sensitivity to the amazing spectacle that is the TT.

That John McGuiness guy looks like Angus Young when he was younger. I guess he rides his motorcycle like Angus plays his gutair. Wide open and loud.

A thoughtful and very well produced and presented documentary, done without any agenda. I very much enjoyed watching it.

Thanks for your excellent documentary on the TT - the world's most exciting motorsport race - well done! 😎👍

Great documentary. Scared the heck out of me but got to admire the passion that drives these guys!

What a Fantastic Documentary! I enjoyed the enthusiasm and curiosity as you are a rider yourself! Motorcycling is something else and it is enjoyed by people that are something else! I love the honesty that exists between motorcylists! Thank you for your efforts in making this documentry! Stay safe and enjoy every ride!

I have always wondered why people want to race at the IOM tt,this documentary really does give an insight into the physiology of those who do literally put there life on the line. Thanks.

One of the best documentaries I've seen, and that's the truth. Thank you very much.

This is true racing.There's nothing like that.

Thank you for this. The film really captures the spirit of the TT. Loved every second. Brilliant.

Really well done. Such a great balance between the thrill, the love, the danger and the history

You know the demeanour or the doc maker is very nice, I wish all newscasting was still like that. It’s not about him at all, it’s about the people in the doc. So many “reporters” now force themselves on all of their stories as a way of lending them credibility. It’s a pretty big mess honestly. Nice to have someone do some self-effacing sort of stuff for once, especially for rural racing types who usually get treated like dirt by the fancy pants in offices.

17:40 Possibly the greatest interview clip ever. If I could give this 5 stars I would, brilliant doc.

Big Respect and Salute to all those who rode here. I wish I had the resources to participate there.. It's a distant dream from the mountains of India🇮🇳. Born to race and ride.

Still one of the best holidays taken, even after years of skydiving

I have been there a few times, spectating and working. This pretty much grasps the feeling of the Isle of Man rces

Exemplifies the dangerous and scary side yet a relaxing documentary at the same time

RIP William Dunlop

it's just fabulous watching 1 hour TT

I can watch this on film but if I lived there I would try to visit London while this was going down. That is crazy scary fast. My heart races watching them.

Fantastic video though it’s sad to see William Dunlop discussing the risks.

Amazing video guys! Thanks for putting this together so well. Motorcycle racer's are living life like its supposed to be lived.

A fabulous documentary thank you

Well done. Much respect for the riders and all the people that make this race possible. I envy those that have died doing what they love. As an auto racer myself, I can understand the rush and risk versus reward.

A absolutely superb documentary, watched it numerous times really captured the feelings involved on the island.

Brilliant...

those evy disguised stone walls really smart. R.I.P Dunlap

The absolute best riders in the world! One mistake and your a mark on cobblestone. Hats off to all the men who choose to risk their lives to win that race.

All these riders are the bravest men on earth. Irrespective of their position in race, they all are winners

I’ve ridden since I was 4 years old. I’ve ridden fast. I genuinely wish I had been brave enough to have done this. Everyone who has ever turned a hot lap at the IOM has my respect.

Manx GP: Neil Kent 25.08.2011, RIP my friend.

Most expensive hobby I've fell in love with. I'm on my second one right now!! Gear saves tears!!!

Motorsport and car/moto culture is a wonderful thing. I feel the love dedication all over this piece. All for the love of speed

One of the best I've seen regarding the TT. Thumbs up especially to all the fellow riders.

absolutely a fantastic documentary (as well as the race of course great effort team AlJazeera

It's that time of year again, time to watch some youtube vids inbetween races, this one is very well put together.

Living on the edge makes you feel more alive, don't think anything else gives you more adrenaline than driving this race! Such brave men😀

There's no fixer 4 this addiction, it's something I've dreamed of, 'n' it won't go away... Luv it.......

RESPECT to all Riders the King of King RACES!!! TT RIP to those who are gone....

I absolutely love the dialect of their English. So unique, from an American perspective. Ours can be quite vulgar.

I am a big tt fan and really love your doc and cannot believe I have only just found this absolute gem. Thanks so much for the thrill and enjoyment it has just given me.