Bikers streamed off a ferry in Belfast on Thursday, among the tens of thousands heading for a famous road racing triangle, home of the North West 200.
It is expected that more than 100,000 are expected to attend the event, which began in Wednesday with practice runs and continues with races on Thursday evening and all day Saturday.
Ardent bike fans from across Britain and Europe are expected to watch some of the top road riders in the world, with much expected of the local favourites Michael Dunlop and Glenn Irwin.
The North West 200, an international road race, takes place every year in May on closed public roads between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.
The 8.9 mile circuit is triangular in shape with racers able to lap in around four minutes. There are zig-zag country lanes, straight runs and seaside roads as part of the circuit.
There are nine races in total, with roads closed between 4.45pm and 9pm on Thursday, then from 9am to 7pm on Saturday.
Fancy a run through Station corner with Glenn Irwin?
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) May 8, 2024
Of course you do! 😜
The PBM Ducati rider set an unofficial course lap record during the opening Superbike practice session at the North West 200 🏁#BBCBikes pic.twitter.com/AkJMeTqedq
