Whakatane motorcyclist Mitch Rees. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Mitch Rees says his Isle of Man TT experience was "like nothing else", but it could have been so much better for the Whakatane rider.
This month Rees joined a select group of New Zealanders to have raced the iconic road course on the island in the Irish Sea.
Unfortunately his first experience of the Isle of Man was hampered by the weather.
Much of the two weeks was wet while strong winds forced the cancellation of the Senior Race for only the fifth time in its 114-year history.
"So my first speed controlled newcomers lap was not the greatest way to begin your Isle of Man experience with rain and a wet track," Rees told RNZ.
Infact most of his practice, qualifying and race session were hit by the weather with the majority either cancelled or reduced in distance.
In the end Rees ran probably half the laps he would have expected to, however it was still a great experience for him.
"It was awesome. It's hard to explain, it's an experience that is absolutely mind-blowing.
"Everything that you think you know about riding, it is so much different.
"It is very physical, you're changing direction on the motorbike at fifth and sixth gear at over 200kmh.
"Absolutely thrilling but stuff that you just clench your teeth and hope you make it out the other side."
New Zealand rider Bruce Anstey during the 2015 Isle of Man TT Races. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Rees said that while riding the 60km course wasn't as terrifying as it appeared, it's when you're sitting in the pits waiting that you freak out a bit.
He had since watched some video of his riding and admitted he couldn't quite believe that it was actually doing it.
Despite just getting three days on dry roads Rees said "it's like nothing else".
Rees finished 19th and 23rd in two of the Superstock races and was named the 2025 Isle of Man TT fastest newcomer.
His third race was cancelled because of the weather.
"A lot of people came up to me and told me how well I'd done but I was playing it down a bit because I was a little disappointed.
"I know I'm better than where I sat at the end of it just because I know my capabilities and because everything was stacked against us."
Rees stayed in Britain after the event to try and finalise arrangements for a return in 2026.
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