Thousands of motorcyclists gathered at the legendary Ace Cafe in London to embark on a heartfelt journey to Cumbria, celebrating the life of the late Dave Myers.
Myers, known for his role as one-half of the Hairy Bikers, passed away in February at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
The event, aptly named “Dave Day,” was organized to honor his memory and raise funds for cancer research and children’s charities.
Gathering at the Ace Cafe
The Ace Cafe, a historic hub for motorcyclists and automotive enthusiasts, saw an influx of bikers early in the morning. Among them was Myers’ long-time TV partner, Si King.
Together, they prepared to ride from London to Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ hometown, accompanied by thousands of fellow motorcyclists.
The ride, beginning at 7 a.m., marked the start of a day dedicated to celebrating Myers’ life and contributions.
Fundraising Success
Dave Day has already seen significant success in its fundraising efforts. Organizers launched a GoFundMe campaign with an initial target of £15,000 to benefit NSPCC Childline and the Institute for Cancer Research.
By 1:30 p.m., the campaign had more than doubled its goal, raising over £32,000.
Myers’ widow, Lili, expressed her gratitude to the participants, noting that the event has provided her with much-needed support during her grieving process.
Remembering Dave Myers
Lili Myers shared her reflections on her late husband, emphasizing his zest for life and the adventures they shared.
“He taught me to live every moment to the fullest,” she said. “We had so many adventures together, fueled by his creativity and energy. Even after his passing, his spirit continues to inspire and carry me through.”
The Journey Begins
The motorcyclists’ route included several notable stops. The first was at the Welcome Break service station on the M40, followed by the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.
Next, they visited Moto Services in Knutsford, and the penultimate stop was at the Moto Services in Burton-in-Kendal.
Finally, they arrived in Barrow-in-Furness around 4 p.m., where a larger celebration awaited them.
A Celebration in Barrow-in-Furness
In Barrow-in-Furness, the day’s events included a music concert and a service of remembrance, bringing together friends, family, and fans of Dave Myers. Si King spoke to BBC Breakfast, describing the event as a “celebration of my best friend that we’ve lost.”
He highlighted the emotional atmosphere and the overwhelming support from the biking community.
A Global Tribute
Participants traveled from far and wide to join the ride, with some coming from as far as Texas, Malaysia, and various parts of Europe.
The diversity and camaraderie among the bikers underscored the widespread impact Myers had on people around the world.
Jason Woodcock, one of the event organizers, shared how the idea for Dave Day emerged from a conversation among friends shortly after Myers’ passing.
Embracing Dave’s Legacy
Si King encouraged people to adopt the phrase “Dave Day” instead of “great day” to honor Myers’ legacy. He described cancer as a ruthless disease and emphasized the importance of the event in raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
The bikers, many of whom wore Hawaiian shirts in tribute to Myers’ favorite attire, embodied the joyous and positive spirit that defined him.
A Journey of Remembrance
As the bikers made their way from London to Cumbria, they were greeted by well-wishers lining the streets, cheering them on.
The convoy, escorted by police in batches of 1,000, made its way along the A590 to Barrow-in-Furness.
The journey was not just a tribute to Myers but also a celebration of the shared experiences and friendships within the biking community.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
Dave Day serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have on countless lives. Through this memorial ride, thousands came together to honor Dave Myers’ memory, raise significant funds for charity, and celebrate the spirit of camaraderie that defines the motorcycling community.
As the event concluded, it left behind a legacy of love, remembrance, and hope for those battling cancer.
World News