‘He would have loved it’: Hairy Bikers star thanks riders for Dave Myers tribute
The TV chef Si King has thanked those taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, saying: “He would have loved it.”
Myers, who was part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo with King, died from cancer in February at the age of 66.
In memory of the late TV star, motorcyclists from across the UK met up on Sunday morning to ride in a convoy to pay tribute and raise funds for cancer research.
A message from King was posted on the Hairy Bikers Instagram account on Sunday before the ride, alongside a photo of the motorcyclists at the initial meeting point.
The statement said: “I hope the ride out goes well for you all. Many many thanks for remembering Dave in this way. He would have loved it. Dave’s family, friends and I are really touched. Love to you all, be safe.”
Dave Myers and Si King at the Hay festival in 2007. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian
Dave Myers obituary
Read more
The ride, organised by the group Biker Escorts East Yorkshire, began in Beverley marketplace in Yorkshire before moving through various North Yorkshire towns including Scagglethorpe and Pickering.
It was due to end in the seaside town of Scarborough in the afternoon.
A Facebook page for the event said the ride was to be marshalled and local police had been informed.
It also said they were expecting up to 3,000 bikes to take part, gauging by the interest expressed on the event page.
Motorcyclists gather in Beverley marketplace on Sunday. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers gained a loyal following alongside King with their combination of riding to locations around the world and cooking as they went.
The pair won over viewers with their humour and enthusiasm. They filmed many cooking series and specials for the BBC, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.
Their last series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, continued to air on BBC Two after Myers’ death.
In addition to their travelogue series, Myers also competed on Strictly Come Dancing and they published more than 25 cookery books.