Nonlinear: An engineer’s ride to the world's deadliest race

Lennon
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

The true story of a team of MIT engineering students, led by the author, building electric motorcycles to compete in the world's oldest and most dangerous motorcycle races: the Isle of Man TT (TT Zero) and Pikes Peak Hillclimb. Notes: [1] This is a draft memoir divided into four parts. [2] The audio was generated with a text-to-audio service. For the free e-book version and photos, visit: lennonrodgers.com

Episodes

  1. Jul 25

    Epilogue and Life Before the Race

    -A summary of life after the race -Life before the race -Acknowledgements.

  2. Jul 25

    Part 3: Isle of Man

    Arriving at the Isle of Man, the sheer danger and lethal history of the public road course finally become a terrifying reality to the author. Over a grueling week of practice and qualifying, the team overcomes missing shipments, data logger meltdowns, and last-minute motor rebuilds, relying entirely on their collective grit and trust in their seasoned rider, Allan. Ultimately, the team achieves a triumphant, safe finish as the fastest rookie team, teaching the author that true, ambitious success relies on profound collaboration rather than isolated control.

    Part 3: Isle of Man

  3. Jul 25

    Part 2: Critical Path

    With the race fast approaching, the team faces severe financial strain and catastrophic setbacks, including a devastating motor explosion during dynamometer testing. A brief hiatus in Peru allows the author to step back, empowering the rest of the team to take ownership and successfully rebuild the project's momentum. Armed with last-minute funding from MIT and the TT organizers, the team successfully tests the bike at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ships it to the island.

    Part 2: Critical Path

  4. Jul 25

    Part 1: Free Body Diagram

    Upon returning to MIT, the author sets his sights on a goal: building a custom electric motorcycle to compete in the treacherous Isle of Man TT race. He forms a volunteer army of MIT students and engineers, working out of a campus garage to develop pioneering fast-charging technology and secure crucial sponsorships from industry giants like BMW. As the project gains momentum, he learns to balance grueling academic requirements and a budding romance with the complex challenge of assembling a cohesive, highly skilled "band" to build the machine.

    Part 1: Free Body Diagram
  • 4 Episodes

About

The true story of a team of MIT engineering students, led by the author, building electric motorcycles to compete in the world's oldest and most dangerous motorcycle races: the Isle of Man TT (TT Zero) and Pikes Peak Hillclimb. Notes: [1] This is a draft memoir divided into four parts. [2] The audio was generated with a text-to-audio service. For the free e-book version and photos, visit: lennonrodgers.com

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