Dave Myers, one of the Hairy Bikers, passed away on 28th February, aged 66. With his long-time friend Si King, Myers was part of the highly successful TV chef duo, whose programmes became prime time favourites. The pair would invariably ride their bikes to a location, cook up a feast, and everyone would have a good time. Dave Myers also reached a new audience in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

In a statement, Si King said: “All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu, who Dave loved like his own. Personally, I am not sure I can put into words how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.”

Myers, who was born in Barrow-in-Furness, first worked as a makeup artist before meeting King – the pair made their first TV appearance as the Hairy Bikers in 2004. He announced in May 2022 that he was receiving treatment for cancer but celebrated getting back on his bike for the latest TV series the Hairy Bikers Go West, currently showing on BBC Two. “There was a time I couldn’t balance, I couldn’t walk, I didn’t think I’d be getting on a bike,” he said at the time.

BMF Chair Jim Freeman joined those paying tribute to a man who had presented a joyful, positive image of motorcycling to a mainstream audience. “Gutted. Both Dave Myers and Si King were brilliant ambassadors for motorcycling. I cook a lot; I used their Chilli recipe only last week. I’ve always depended on them for simplicity and for taking ordinary cooks through to great results. For me, right up there with Nigel Slater, Jay Rayner, and Felicity Cloake. Thoughts with his family and friends.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

All images courtesy of Hairy Bikers website