I can’t wait to make my Isle of Man TT debut on the legendary mountain course
Fleetwood rider Ryan Garside is preparing to live out a lifelong dream as he makes his Isle of Man TT debut after years of dedication, sacrifice and success both on and off the racing circuit.
A motorbike racer from Fleetwood is gearing up for the biggest challenge of his career as he prepares to make his debut at the legendary Isle of Man TT races.
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Ryan Garside, 35, will compete in four races during this year’s event after working his way through the ranks from local championships to the world-famous Mountain Course.
Born and raised in Fleetwood, Ryan said motorbike racing has been part of his life since childhood.
He said: “My dad raced motorbikes all my childhood, so naturally all I ever wanted to do was race motorbikes.”
Ryan first competed in races in 2010 but struggled financially in the early years to fund his love of the sport.
After returning to the sport full-time in 2017, he enjoyed rapid success in North West championships, winning four titles in just two seasons.
Despite considering quitting the sport, support from sponsors and friends helped him continue racing and eventually progress to British Superbikes and the Manx Grand Prix - widely seen as the stepping stone to the TT.
Now, after two years competing on the Isle of Man’s famous course, Ryan is ready for his first TT appearance.
“I’m excited more than nervous,” he said. “It just feels so wrong and illegal, but you can do it. You’re going through villages at 160mph - it’s genuinely mental.”
Ryan will race for both Legit Racing and Wiggles Property Triumph during the event and is also part of the first Isle of Man TT team effort to run sustainable race fuel.
His personal title sponsor, Helical Technology, has played a major role in helping fund the challenge with staff travelling to the island to support him during race week.
Away from racing, Ryan has spent eight years working as a college motorsport lecturer, helping train future race technicians while balancing his own racing career.
After a year working in car sales, he is set to begin a new role as a light vehicle maintenance lecturer at Blackpool and The Fylde College when he returns from the island.
Ryan said reaching the TT means even more because of his connection to the Isle of Man.
“I live opposite Fleetwood Golf Club and on a clear day I can see the top of the Isle of Man from my living room window,” He said. “I watched the ferries go all the time and always thought, ‘I can’t wait to go back over there.’”
The Isle of Man TT races begin this week with Ryan competing on Tuesday and Friday race days.