Thousands pay tribute to Simon Andrews at Isle of Man TT

Author: Bike Social Sports Reporter Posted: 01 Jun 2014

Thousands of bikers brought the Isle of Man to a standstill this afternoon in honour of Simon Andrews, who passed away after a tragic accident at the North West 200 road races two weeks ago.

A reported five thousand bikes assembled on Glencrutchery road at 2:30pm on what is traditionally known as ‘Mad Sunday’ of TT week. Former Grand Prix racer, Steve Parrish read a statement of thanks from Simon’s family before Dave Hailwood, son of Mike ‘the Bike’, gave riders a safety briefing ahead of leading the procession on a replica of his Dad’s TT winning 1967 Honda RC181. There was also a ‘minute of noise’ ahead of the procession, with those there on bikes revving their engines while others applauded.

Starting out as a suggestion on social media, the idea for a tribute lap soon gathered momentum as one fan took on the gigantic task of organising the event in conjunction with the Isle of Man TT organisers, the Isle of Man road policing unit, the TT marshals association and the ACU benevolent fund.

Riders and teams turned out for the event, with the Tyco Suzuki team wheeling Guy Martin’s Suzuki to pit lane. John McGuinness, a close friend of Andrews, watched from the top of the Grandstand tower, tweeting “More popular than you thought, daft lad”.  

Bit more popular that you thought daft lad!! @SI_ANDREWS6 you've stopped the whole of the Isle of Man!! pic.twitter.com/M2dT0R2ttm

— John mcguinness (@jm130tt) June 1, 2014

Even though the roads were not officially closed for the event, the police had organised green lights across the course and the sheer amount of bikers brought almost the entire island to a standstill as the procession, escorted by police, navigated the 37.73 mile mountain course.

Andrews’ funeral will take place at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday 17 June. The service starts at 3pm and everyone is welcome.

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