Man, 95, returns to Isle of Man TT to scatter wife's ashes
A 95-year-old has returned to the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 44 years to scatter his wife's ashes at their favourite vantage point.Ron Allen, from London, last visited the island for the event in 1981, having returned annually with his late wife Cherry Allen since 1956. Following the death of his wife in February, Ron booked a flight to the island for the TT and scattered Cherry's ashes at Cronk Urleigh, just past the 13th milestone on the course.He said: "I decided I would bring back some of her ashes to her favourite place on the TT course where we use to watch the races and I thought she would be there forever then".
Ron met his wife at the age of 24 at work and he says the pair would "chat" at the end of the day when she picked up her bicycle and he collected his motorbike. The couple both enjoyed motorbikes over 45 years, with Cherry once attempting to be a passenger on a sidecar in Silverstone and pulling out the moves that she saw at the Isle of Man TT, Ron said.He said: "She really loved the Isle of Man TT and was always very enthusiastic about it".Ron said while he always wanted to return to the island for the TT, the couple started going to Greece instead and got into Greek dancing. During his trip this year, Ron also had the opportunity to ride around the course on the back of a bike ridden by a former Manx Grand Prix winner.
Organised by his neighbour and friend, Sebastian Edge, Ron experienced speeds of up to 100 mph (161km/h). He said: "It wasn't very comfortable, because those bikes aren't made for passengers", adding "I had my knees up to my neck, but I am glad I did it because I can see something of how the riders feel when they go plunging down Bray Hill".The roads had been smoothened, and were less rough than in the 50s, he said, meaning that riders could go much quicker.But the speeds riders now go were "unbelievable", Ron said, and the TT was a "unique" event as riders take on the 37.7 mile (60.7km) course.
The TT is "really modern now", he said, and in the past, there was just a black score board, and the paddock was not cut off, "so you used to be able to mingle with riders and share stories".Fondly remembering his visits, Ron said "early in the morning it was so invigorating to get on the bike and ride around" adding that it is a "beautiful island with beautiful spots".His neighbour, Sebastian Edge, said that Ron was an "avid fan and supporter of the races", and to come to the TT for the first time with someone who had visited since 1956 had "made it very special for me".
Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
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