Thousands take part in memorial ride for ‘Hairy Bikers’ star Dave Myers

Thousands of motorcyclists gathered for a memorial ride in North Yorkshire on Sunday in honour of the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers.

Myers and his best friend Si King rose to fame as TV duo the Hairy Bikers, publishing 25 cook books and a number of TV series’.

Myers died of cancer in February at the age of 66 and in honour of the chef, Biker Escorts East Yorkshire organised a ride from Beverley Market Place in Yorkshire before moving through various north Yorkshire towns including Scagglethorpe and Pickering before ending Scarborough.

King, Myers’ long-term friend took to X, formerly Twitter, to thank the hundreds of motorcyclists that gathered for the 75-mile memorial ride on Sunday and said in a message posted on the Hairy Bikers Instagram account: “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.”

The memorial ride was organised by Paul Quigley, 54, and his Biker Escorts East Yorkshire group. Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of the ride, Mr Quigley said: “I think he means a great deal because he was just a normal and regular bloke who loved cooking and really enjoyed his motorbikes, too.

“Everyone has a soft spot for him, for both of them really.”

In a post on the Biker Escorts East Yorkshire Facebook page, Mr Quigley said that between 2,000 and 3,000 bikers were expected to join the ride, adding that 22 junctions will be marshalled throughout the day, allowing bikers to ride past roundabouts and junctions unhindered.

Widespread tributes and grief spread following Myers’ death earlier this year. In a post on the Hairy Bikers official X account at the time, King wrote: “Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

“Last night, on 28 February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.

“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow.

“I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”

In a heartfelt Facebook post following Mr Myers’ death, his wife, Liliana Orzac, wrote: “Rest in peace, my love. My wonderful, brave man! Till next time we meet!”

BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore said that everyone at the BBC was “incredibly sad” to hear the news of Myers’ death.

“Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions,” Ms Moore said. “The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend. More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ earned himself a loyal following alongside King with their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went.

The pair also won over viewers with their cheeky northern humour and enthusiasm.

The bearded duo filmed many cooking series and specials for the BBC, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.

King and Myers made their debut as the Hairy Bikers on the Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook BBC series in 2004. The pair won the Fortnum and Mason Food and Drink Awards – Personality of the Year award four times in 2014, 2017, 2022, and 2023.

The duo went on to work on a series of TV projects over the years, including the Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain in 2009 and the Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure in 2014, in which the chefs travelled around Asia trying a range of local cuisines.