THOUSANDS of motorcyclists paying tribute to Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers made a pit stop in Solihull.
The bikers turned out on Saturday (June 8) for the memorial ride called Dave Day and travelled from London to the TV chef’s hometown of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.
The memorial ride reached the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull where NSPCC staff and volunteers gave Si King and all the bikers a good Midlands welcome.
The much-loved TV personality passed away in February after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Dave’s wife Lili and Hairy Biker Si King posted a message on X thanking everyone for taking part.
Si said official figures estimated over 46,000 motorcyclists had taken part with at least 200,000 people lining the route for the event.
He said: “Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts because it’s just overwhelming and we’re kind of lost for words really.”
Lili, who suggested having another Dave Day, said: “It was an amazing day.
“On the bikes crying our eyes out when all those beautiful people were greeting us from every bridge that we went under on the motorway and getting into Barrow.”
The ride raised money for the NSPCC and Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research, with the money to be split between the charities.
So far the ride has raised more than £70,000 for the charities.
Sir Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC, has thanked everyone who donated to the charity following an epic ride by thousands of motorcyclists to celebrate the life of Hairy Biker Dave Myers.
He said: “Events like this play an essential part in raising the vital funds we need to keep our services going for all the children and young people who need our help.
“The day was a brilliant way of remembering Dave Myers and all our volunteers said it was an extremely special event. Thanks to everyone for helping us make a difference.”
NSPCC North West and Cumbria fundraiser, Janette Drew, said: “What an incredible day Dave Day was.
“It was breathtaking to see a biking community come together as one to honour Dave Myers.
“It was very emotional as friends and family close to Dave arrived in tears.
“The sun shone down as everyone celebrated Dave’s memory in style. Very kindly this amazing event also raised money for the NSPCC and Childline and the Institute of Cancer Research.
“Dave’s wife Lili was overwhelmed by the support and it felt like the whole community had wrapped their arms around her with love for Dave. She said if Dave had been there he would be chuffed to bits.”
