Dave

Today was “Dave Day” - a celebration of the life of Hairy Biker Dave Myers who sadly passed away earlier this year.
The main event was a motorcycle ride, led by fellow Hairy Biker Si King, from London to Dave’s home town of Barrow-in-Furness. As I live in Kendal, I opted to join the rest of the bikers after they turned off the M6 and headed down the A590. For all those wishing to do the same, we had an official start point of Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and several hundred off us set off around 3pm, filtering into the main convoy just past Levens.
And what an experience! There were rumoured to be 45,000 bikes in total taking part but I was only really aware of the ones immediately surrounding me though, as we reached the outskirts of Barrow and slowed down, I could see there were bikes stretching into the distance both in front and behind!
The crowds were incredible. Every lay-by, junction and gateway was full of people waving and clapping. Same for the bridges over the route and along the pavements and verges in the towns and villages. It really was an incredible sight but, unfortunately, not one I could capture in a photo. It was hard enough riding and waving without trying to take a photo as well!
However, when I got to Barrow, my friend Stuart asked I wanted a comp ticket to the celebratory concert that was happening all afternoon and evening. I hadn’t planned to attend but I’d arrived just in time to see Stuart’s band play their slot, so it seemed serendipitous that I was now being offered a ticket. Their set was excellent and they were joined onstage for the last number by Adam Thistlethwaite from Massive Wagons - who would be the headliners later. Adam is helping the band produce their first album, hence the offer to play with them.
I rode home after their set, and there were still bikes arriving. And there were still people at the side of the road, only now they were waving at us heading home!
I have had a great day and feel proud to have been part of the celebration, albeit only in a very small way. And I think you can tell from Stuart’s face that he is having a great time as well.
I understand the event was being filmed for a future Hairy Bikers special, and I really look forward to seeing how the whole day unfurled, not just the few hours I was a part of.