TT 2022: Rutter’s Diary – Episode One

I arrived on the island about a week ago, but the week went really fast as there was plenty to do and keep me occupied. I did a few laps in the car and one with Glenn Irwin which impressed me a lot – he knew more than me. Seriously, he was telling me braking points that I knew nothing about so thanks Glenn.

It was quite a nice, relaxed build up to the first practice session and I think it helped with it being on Sunday afternoon rather than in an evening. It didn’t seem to be as big a rush as normal but before I knew it, I was heading off down Bray Hill.

I was a bit disappointed initially when it was announced that we wouldn’t be setting off in pairs in practice as you could always have a bit of craic with your starting partner, but I actually enjoyed it last night. It was very calming. It was pretty cool and a real honour to set off the first, the first rider at the TT in three years.

I kept expecting people to come by me, but they never did, and it was great to have the entire lap and track to myself. There was a good crowd, and they were all getting really into it. Loads of people were waving at me so I can only presume they thought I was John McGuinness.

It all came back to me quite quickly, in a weird kind of way and my first lap was 121mph which was nice and steady. My second lap was actually more difficult as I was expecting more from myself, but I was more than pleased with the Bathams Racing BMW on its first night around the Mountain Course.

Conditions were absolutely brilliant, but you quickly notice how the course has changed. There’s a big, new bump at Ginger Hall which I’ll need to get used to and Sulby Straight was very scary. I swear it’s at least 70% bumpier than before. On the flip side, some parts are