Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Hairy Biker Si King sends heartfelt message to 20,000 bikers who gathered for Dave Myers memorial

Fans gathered to remember late TV chef on a motorbike ride dubbed ‘Dave Day’

Ellie Muir
Monday 10 June 2024 11:32 BST
Comments
Dave Day 2024: Hairy Bikers Si King sends message to fans ahead of Dave Myers charity motorbike ride

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Hairy Bikers star Si King has sent a heartfelt message to the 20,000 people who gathered for a memorial day for his late friend and TV co-star Dave Myers.

Members of the biking community descended on Burrow-in-Furness, the home town of Myers, for a remembrance day dubbed “Dave Day” on Saturday (8 June).

The TV chef died in February aged 66, two years after he told fans he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. Myers found fame alongside his best friend and work partner King as the pair became known for travelling the world on their motorbikes and trying out foods from different regions on their TV show, The Hairy Bikers.

The pair have a passionate community of bikers and appreciators, with some taking part in “Dave Day”, a mammoth bike ride from London to the English town to remember the late TV chef.

Following the impressive turnout, Si King thanked those who came to the event for a “wonderful affirmation of friendship and camaraderie”.

“Hi everyone, I’ve just got home. I sincerely hope everyone got home and is safe and sound,” he said in the video. “Again, a massive thank you – what an expression of love and affection we have for each other. Every single person that turned out, thank you. I’m lost for words, thank you.”

“What a community we have in the motorcycle world. And for everybody else that joined in, thank you, love you loads.”

At the event itself, King addressed the crowd and said his friend would have been “proud”.

“We’ve all been in tears, not one dry eye,” he added.

Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers
Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers (PA Wire)

Myers’s widow, Lili, said at the event: “Dave was always a Barrovian in his heart. He loved Barrow and he wanted to put Barrow on the map. And today, beyond his grave, he’s done it again.”

Bikers ride from from London to Myers’ hometown, Barrow-in-Furness
Bikers ride from from London to Myers’ hometown, Barrow-in-Furness (PA)

Wendy Gunning, the owner of a local wool shop, crocheted pies in honour of the chef to sell for charity, which were in high demand among the bikers.

“Dave was a customer for years and I knew his family. He always supported local businesses,” she told the BBC. “His favourite food was Green’s Pies so I decided to crochet pies while my husband Stephen, a biker, joined the ride at Burton-in-Kendal.”

Bikers celebrate ‘Dave Day’
Bikers celebrate ‘Dave Day’ (PA)

Gunning said she sold more than 100 items, raising more than £500 for charity.

“All the profit goes to his charities. He was such a nice guy and I wanted to get involved in Dave Day,” the artisan added.

“It has been fantastic how many people have come together to commemorate Dave Myers.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in