ENGINES were revving as hundreds of bikers took part in a ride-out in memory of “legend” Paul Harker.
One year on from the motorbike fanatic’s death, bikers came together to pay tribute to Mr Harker on a scorching Saturday afternoon (July 11).
It’s estimated that 300 bikes formed a convoy, which departed from Tewkesbury and finished at the Drum and Monkey pub near Upton upon Severn.
The convoy is the second time that the Worcestershire biking community has come together in memory of the bike mechanic.
READ MORE: Hundreds of motorbikes to ride in Worcestershire for Paul Harker
Hundreds take part
TRIBUTE: Hundreds of bikers rode in memory of Paul Harker (Image: NQ)
Kyle Court, who knew Mr Harker and organised the event, said the ride-out had been a success, with an impressive turnout.
“It’s gone really well,” he said. “Everyone’s here and everyone’s in one piece. I reckon there’s around 300 bikes here.
“That’s the sort of turnout we were hoping for.”
READ MORE: Family ‘struggling to find closure’ one year on from popular biker’s death
‘Touching’ tribute, says brother
AJ Harker, the younger brother of Paul Harker, also took part in the event, which he said was a “touching” tribute.
“Anything to do with bikes was his life so of course seeing this enormous turnout here today is really quite touching,” Mr Harker said.
MEMORY: Paul Harker, from Upton upon Severn, died last year (Image: Kyle Court)
“It’s amazing how you spot these things after he’s gone, just how many people’s lives he actually touched.
“I dragged my old bike out and joined the ride. It was quite hot but it was great. Kyle and the guys organised it beautifully.”
Paying tribute to his brother, with whom he owned the Drum and Monkey pub, Mr Harker described him as a “legend” and said it was joyful to see so many people pay their respects.
“Paul was totally his own man,” he said.
“He did whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to do it.
JOY: Tim Shepherd and Steve Cox were in good spirits after the ride-out (Image: NQ)
“He had no obligations anywhere to anybody. He devoted his whole life to good work, charitable stuff, helping people out, a lot of it bike related.
“He was something of a legend, even in his own lifetime.
“What a joy it is to see so many people turning out on a beautiful day, turning up at the pub that we jointly owned.”
READ MORE: Police still investigating death of ‘kind and vibrant’ motorcyclist one year on
Memories shared
TURNOUT: A large number of motorbikes arrived at the Drum and Monkey after the ride-out (Image: NQ)
As the large crowd gathered at the pub, many were reminiscing about Paul, including Thomas Jones.
“Paul was a great man,” he said. “He was there for anybody, anytime. It’s a fitting tribute to him, it’s lovely. He was an inspiration.”
With Mr Harker having died after a battle with cancer, the ride-out raised funds for Worcestershire Cancer Care.
