Si King recently took time to celebrate the remarkable life and lasting legacy of his late best friend and co-star Dave Myers, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 66. Myers, best known for his role as one half of the beloved duo Hairy Bikers, succumbed to cancer after bravely battling the illness for two years.
On December 23, BBC Two aired a poignant documentary titled The Hairy Bikers: You'll Never Ride Alone, chronicling the duo's friendship and shared career as they brought culinary adventures from around the world to life. This heartfelt tribute coincided with the special memorial event known as "Dave Day,” which paid homage to Myers and solidified his enduring impact on both his fans and the culinary world.
Reflecting on their 32-year friendship, King spoke passionately about his commitment to preserving Myers's memory. “It's my duty to look after his memory and to look after the legacy he built, to look after the legacy of the Hairy Bikers we both built,” he expressed. These sentiments echo during the documentary, which features touching interviews with King, Myers's wife Lili, and countless fans who rallied together to honor the man who brought laughter and joy to so many.
The documentary offers glimpses of their enduring camaraderie and features previously unreleased footage, bringing fans closer to the essence of their friendship. It carefully recounts how King and Myers, both working behind the scenes at Tyne Tees Television, first met at a Newcastle pub over drinks and hearty meals, igniting what would become one of British television's most cherished partnerships.
Following the showing of the documentary, King led 45,000 fellow bikers on the unforgettable 300-mile ride from London to Barrow-in-Furness, Myers's hometown. This tribute ride was not just about grief; King described it as giving fans and participants “permission” to begin the healing process after losing such a beloved figure.
“It was a humbling experience,” King reflected on the tribute ride, “What a beautiful moment it was, an affirmation of a wonderful man.” The massive turnout from the biking community showcased not only the widespread admiration for Myers but also the bonds of friendship and shared experiences forged through their joint passion for cooking and adventure.
Myers and King's success as the Hairy Bikers spans over two decades, producing 30 television series and 27 cookbooks celebrated for their blend of genuine friendship and culinary passion. Their distinctive humor and relatable personas endeared them to audiences across various platforms, making trips to foreign locales both entertaining and educational.
Animation accompanied by various past episodes illustrated their culinary diversity as they embarked on road trips, tasting local delicacies, and meeting interesting people along the way. The documentary captures moments of their travels, humor, and unforgettable bonding experiences as they rode around the world on motorcycles.
Despite his declining health, Myers remained committed to their latest series, showcasing both resilience and dedication to his craft. His wish to continue filming spoke to his love for the show and the joy it brought to audiences and himself. “He absolutely wanted to be there, he didn’t want to be anywhere else,” King recalled, emphasizing how integral their work was for Myers even during his illness.
King's promise to continue celebrating what Myers stood for reveals the duo's unbreakable crossover between friendship and professional dedication. He underscored the need for joy and celebration of life, stating, “Life ain't easy, but it should be celebrated.” This overarching message was seen through their myriad adventures, both of them enjoying every moment and finding beauty and transcendence within life’s chaos.
The documentary recalls the immense efforts made to keep their spirit alive, not only as entertainers but as friends. The heartwarming stories shared, the amusing anecdotes, and the emotional interactions between King and Myers blend together, creating both laughter and tears among viewers. King consistently invokes the mantra they shared: “grab life by the balls, give it a shake and see what happens.”
Aside from the rides and events, the documentary shines light on the powerful connection between King and Myers, illustrating how their friendship defined their professional identities, leading to groundbreaking success. “What you see on the telly is what you get off the telly,” King remarked, emphasizing the authenticity present within their interactions and presentations.
Leaving behind not just dishes cooked and shows aired, but also cherished memories, Myers's legacy lives on through each individual he touched and inspired. This legacy is encapsulated within both their contributions to television culture and the heartfelt remembrances told across this documentary.
Through their adventures, Biker camaraderie, and personal philosophies, King aims to perpetuate Myers's spirited approach to life, ensuring the Hairy Bikers duo remains ever-relevant. The farewell ride and the memories woven throughout The Hairy Bikers: You'll Never Ride Alone serve as reminders to those left behind — to cherish every moment, laugh heartily, and embrace warmth as shared between friends.
With the tribute now aired and the motorcycle voyage concluded, it’s clear Si King is dedicated to carrying forward what he and his best friend and partner embodied: joy, friendship, and camaraderie.
