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Ragged Edge

The brutal true story of the Isle of Man TT - the world's most dangerous race

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Ragged Edge

By: Stuart Barker
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

The unvarnished, raw truth behind the world's most dangerous sporting event - in the words of those who ride it.

One week in June. One small island. 40,000 annual visitors. Raw speed. Numerous annual deaths. The Isle of Man TT motorcycle road race.

Five minutes to go. The claxon sounds, harsh as an air raid siren. Television crews attempt last-minute interviews with riders. The thousand yard-stares give it away: they're really not listening now.

Four minutes to go. The grandstand is packed. Some racers tell their mechanics, 'I'll see you later for a pint' - just to make themselves believe they will.

Three minutes to go. For the first man on the road, hidden dangers exist. He will have no-one to follow. And he is the hare that the greyhounds will be chasing.

Two minutes to go. By the end of the first lap, riders will be howling past faster than a bullet from the barrel of a gun. A full 160pmh. And that's not even the fastest part of the course.

One minute to go. The atmosphere is palpably tense. It's like no other sporting event on earth. Formula 1 drivers can crash spectacularly and just walk away. Everyone knows that's not the case here.

Five seconds. The starter raises the chequered flag, ready to snap down. No more time for nerves, for doubts. The race has started. How it will end, no-one knows. The TT has begun.

In Ragged Edge, Stuart Barker will write the definitive story of this unique event, from the tarmac up. The history, the atmosphere, the heroes, tragedies and legends. And most importantly: our fascination with this seductive yet perilous test of skill and daring. This is the unvarnished, raw truth behind the world's most dangerous sporting event - in the words of those who ride it.

©2015 Stuart Baker (P)2023 Bonnier Books Motor Sports Sports

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All stars
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So the author is very open from the start of this book that nothing will be left out. He captures the highs and lows of the TT and doesn't skirt around any of the negatives of the TT. The book is expertly written, he captures the highs but also hammers home the tragedy that can happen at the TT. I couldn't decide if the author loved the TT or wanted it to be banned! This said I listened to it twice back to back and there is no doubt that it is very well written but..... as strange as it may read I'm not sure if I liked the book. I wasn't sure about the reader at first but he did a great job hence the 4, the 4 for overall also reflects how I feel - great book but not sure if I liked it.

Very Honest

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An enjoyable title start to finish. Covering an extensive history of the TT, the greats of many different generations and it’s all broken down into the grittiest details. Some spectacular moments, and some wrenching scenes.

Insightful, gripping and emotional

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There is really nothing in the world of sport like the TT and this book portrays the highs and lows of the Isle of Man TT like no other. I remember watching some of the great battles described in this book, and meeting some of the great TT stars whose tragic deaths are described. The Ragged Edge brought back so many memories and emotions, and introduced me to so many other dramatic, funny and tragic TT stories I hadn't heard of. The TT can be a horrible event at times, but its wonderful too and I think on balance the good wins out. And this book really captures it all.

Emotional Rollercoaster

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If, like me, you've listened to the various TT riders' bios here on Audible - McGuinness, Rutter, Hutchinson, Martin, the Dunlops - you will be familiar with much of the biographical material in this book. What makes 'Ragged Edge' essential listening is the sheer breadth of coverage - riders, teams, behind the scenes preparation, etc, - and the fact that it is bang up-to-date with reportage from the 2022 races.

I particularly enjoyed the historical stuff: the Hislop/Fogarty rivalry, the Hailwood vs Agostini years, Surtees, Duke, Frith, and even further back to when riders stopped mid-race for a cheese-and-pickle sandwich washed down with a glass of champagne!

As for the narrator, Jonathan Keeble is his usual dependable self, nailing all the pronunciations and being respectful to the material.

All in all, then, it's a great and often emotional listen for any racing fan. TT aficionados and newcomers alike will be entertained and learn enough to justify the price of a credit.

A solid and satisfying listen

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An eye opener into the TT race, really enjoyed the book would recommend. Worth a listen

Very interesting

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Well worth either reading or listening to this story about the TT (Isle of Man TT), and some of the riders who have undertaken such a feat - the legendary 37.73 mile road course over generally 3 to 6 laps dependent upon the class and/or other variables/circumstances including the dramatic weather that can descend over the island. Some riders even race in numerous classes!

First class in every way.

Ragged Edge - a great story about the TT and some of the riders

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I can't say I didn't enjoy the book but a lot of stories that has been told many times before. I all so found it to start to repeat its self but I did enjoy and learnt a lot from the earlier years

Good book but...

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