'Dave Day' tribute to late Hairy Bikers star sees 46,000 ride into Barrow-in-Furness

Thousands of bikers banded together to celebrate the life of late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, who passed away earlier this year following a two-year battle with cancer. 

• Related: Thousands of bikers attend memorial ride out to honour Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers

The event, dubbed ‘I’m having a Dave day’, kicked off in London on June 8, before heading some 300 miles north up the country to conclude in Dave’s hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. 

Some 46,136 riders joined the precession, with attendees from countries as far flung and the US and Malaysia joining in and various non-biking supporters also travelling to the Cumbria town. In addition to this, a whopping 200,000 people lined the route, waving from the roadside or cheering the droves of bikers on from motorway bridges. 

As well as remembering Myers, the ride was a chance to raise money for good causes with £83,000 being generated for Childline and the Institute of Cancer Research throughout the event. 

“The idea came about shortly after Dave passed,” Liliana Myers, Dave’s wife told MCN. “I’m quite amazed by the response. At first, we were hoping for just 100 bikes, but people were so eager to pay their respects. 

“The Hairy Bikers were a part of peoples living rooms for so long and they touched so many different communities,” Liliana added. 

Indeed, it was not just bikers who turned out on the day, but a myriad of people from all walks of life. The local school even held their own ‘Dave Day’ the Friday prior, encouraging students to don their best Dave Myers inspired moustaches. 

Once it the town, attendees were greeted by food stalls, children’s entertainment and a tribute concert to Dave himself. Eight bands performed including headline act, Massive Wagons. Si King and Liliana Myers, who had ridden side by side into the town on Harley-Davidsons, appeared as special guest here speakers too.  

To top up the substantial charity pot even further, guests paid £10 entry to the festival, with 100% of the funds being donated. A motorcycle was also auctioned here, which added another £11,000 for good causes. 

Remembering Dave, Liliana added: “Dave has always been a kind person. He always had time for people and never told anyone no. He was always friendly, always smiling and there was always a hug waiting for people. 

“The stories I get now from people who met him, they all say what a wonderful man he was. It’s funny, it’s so extraordinary what he did with his life. It goes to show that if a lad from Barrow-in-Furness could do that, then anyone can – and that’s what he always used to tell me.” 

Following ‘Dave Day’, Si King, the other half of the icon Hairy Bikers duo, took to social media to say: “A massive thank you. What an expression of love and affection we have for one another.  

“Every single person that turned out, thank you. What a wonderful affirmation of friendship and camaraderie and what a wonderful community we have in the motorcycling world. God bless you all, love you loads.”

You can still contribute to the charity fund here.