Full Chat podcast: Isle of Man TT record setter Peter Hickman on using bikes as a form of escapism

Motorcycle racer and outright lap record holder for the Isle of Man TT, Peter Hickman, is the latest guest on a brand new motorcycling podcast, Full Chat, hosted by former Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas and footballer-turned-presenter David Prutton. 

Hickman is one of the most recognisable faces in British motorcycle racing, having competed in the TT series and the British Superbike Championship during his career.  

The 37-year-old is the third guest on Bikesure’s new podcast after Michelin star chef Paul Ainsworth and former athlete and television personality Kriss Akabusi. 

During a wide-ranging chat, Hickman discussed his love of racing, why he doesn’t tend to ride outside of competitions and revealed his all-time favourite two-wheeler.

Peter Hickman on bikes being his form of escapism

Hickman may be best known for setting record lap times at the Isle of Man TT, but the racing rider revealed to the boys that he often uses motorcycling as a form of escapism away from the track. 

“It’s really nice to have the lap record (at the Isle of Man TT), I’ve held it a couple of times which is really cool, but really I’m there to enjoy myself,” he said. 

“Riding bikes started as an enjoyment. I’m fortunate and lucky enough to make riding my job, which is an extra bonus for me, and then to actually be able to race at the Isle of Man TT is even better.

“Obviously I’m there to try and win, but I also just enjoy racing and riding around the island, it’s like nothing else I’ve ever done. 

“I’m quite a sporty person, even growing up I tried anything from cross-country running, to badminton, to rugby, to football. I did a bit of everything. 

“I’ve tried all sorts of different stuff including bungee jumping, but nothing gets close to the adrenaline rush that you can get from riding, particularly at the Isle of Man TT, but even just riding a bike to be quite honest. 

“A bike is so freeing, it gets you away from the rest of the world. I’ve described it as escapism in its purest form before, and that’s something that I still stand by.”  

Plenty more episodes of Full Chat to come

Series one is off and running, but there’s plenty more to come from our brand new motorcycling podcast about everything on two wheels. Each week a celebrity guest will detail their history of bikes, along with some funny anecdotes.  

You can listen to Full Chat on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or various other platforms if you want to see what all the fuss is about.