Remembering… Dougie Lampkin’s incredible 37-mile TT wheelie stunt

Popping a wheelie on a country road is one thing or doing one to celebrate a victory on the race track, so imagine the precision, skill and stamina required to stand up a motorcycle and ride it on the back wheel for… a full 37 miles!

More than that, these are no ordinary miles either, tracing the layout of the Snaefell Mountain Course, centrepiece of the Isle of Man TT road racing festival.

Nevertheless, in September 2016, Trials legend Dougie Lampkin rose to the challenge and kept it there for the full duration in a remarkable test of endurance and skill against tricky weather elements and physical stress.

In terms of status and asphalt-lined appreciation from start to finish from Isle of Man TT spectators, there is no other location more appropriate to attempt such a challenging stunt. Then again, the Snaefell Circuit may be iconic, but that is because it isn’t easy to ride on two wheels, let alone balancing on one.

Undeterred, Lampkin battle against gusty winds around the loftier stages of the course - forcing him to bring filming trucks in closer to provide a windbreak - navigate street furniture, bumps and roundabouts and doing his utmost to avoid a false neutral or missed gear that would destroy his bid in an instant.

Did he do it? Spoiler alert, yes but that’s only a small fraction of the tale.

Recently Lampkin reflected on his achievement, talking us round the lap and explaining how a bit of local knowledge allowed him to stay focused, as well as the physical toll it took on his body as it tensed up in the final stages.

Relive the brilliant achievement right here with this video, complete with commentary from Lampkin himself.