Thousands of motorcyclists pay tribute to Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers

A special journey from London to Barrow-in-Furness has taken place in memory of the 66 year old, who died from cancer in February

The convoy stops for a break at Knutsford services in Cheshire
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 8th Jun 2024
Last updated 8th Jun 2024

A huge convoy of motorbikes has travelled from London to Cumbria in memory of TV chef Dave Myers.

The 66 year old died in February from cancer.

Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers

He spent many years starring in the TV cooking show Hairy Bikers alongside Si King, who was among huge crowds taking part in today's ride along to Barrow-in-Furness:

"It's remarkable. It's an affirmation of the character of my best friend. Every overbridge that we go under, there've been people stood three deep.

"It's just an affirmation of the love that everyone has for Dave."

Dave's wife Lilli Myers has told us it's been a really poignant day:

"The camaraderie here - you can just feel it.

"They're all here to celebrate my late husband - and I can't be more grateful than I am.

"I'm just overwhelmed with the response that this event has had - it's amazing.

"All these people have turned up wearing wonderful coloured shirts. It's a picture - it's amazing."

The journey began at the Ace Cafe in north-west London at 7am this morning (Saturday 8th June).

The first stop was at the Welcome Break Services in Oxford. The National Motorcycle Museum then hosted the convoy before it made its way to services in Knutsford and Kendal.

The end of the journey was at Barrow Town Hall.

A special service and concert have since been held in Dave's memory.

An estimated 20,000 people have taken part in Dave Day, which Si King has described as "a celebration of my best friend that we've lost".

The event has been raising money for the NSPCC and a number of cancer charities.

Jason Woodcock, Dave Day organiser, said:

"I went to see him the day before he passed.

"Lili asked me for a couple of bikes together for his funeral, which I did. Some of the guys that are here today were there as well. They got to the funeral, had a few beers as you would do. And then the idea came up during the conversation of let's do a memorial ride."

He added the people in Barrow have been "amazing", offering spare rooms and gardens for people to camp in as there is no accommodation left.

Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour, on Jazz FM on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app