Bearded best mates Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers, were a near-constant fixture on our TV screens for nearly 15 years. We were heartbroken when it was announced that Dave passed away in February 2024 following his battle with cancer. Scroll down to read more about the friends, their lives and tv shows.
Who are The Hairy Bikers?
The Hairy Bikers are a British cooking duo consisting of Si King and Dave Myers. They are known for their television shows and cookbooks that combine their passion for motorcycles with their love of food. They gained popularity with their TV series such as "The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook" and "The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour of Britain."
The duo's shows often featured them travelling on their motorcycles to explore different regions and cuisines, meeting local chefs and home cooks along the way.
How did The Hairy Bikers meet?
Dave and Si first met on the set of Catherine Cookson TV show The Gambling Man back in 1995 where they were both working behind the camera rather than in front of it.
Speaking to The Independent, Si said: "I was the second assistant director and Dave was head of prosthetics, hair and make-up. At lunch most of the crew were ordering salads and mineral water at the local pub, while I was having a curry and two pints of larger. When Dave came in he took one look at my lunch and went, 'I'll have what he's having!'' Pretty quickly we discovered that we both loved eating, drinking and motorcycling."
The rest, as they say, is history!
Hairy Biker cancer diagnosis and death
In May 2022, Dave announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria recently, he said: "I'm doing all right, I wouldn't say I was the best I've ever been, I've had quite a lot of chemotherapy but it's working. The numbers are going in the right direction, my hair is growing back, my beard is coming back."
He also applauded TV partner Si, adding: "The very first week before all the treatment started you have a week of going round hospitals, it was enormous pressure on Lil my partner, but Si was the one who drove me around for a week."
Dave sadly passed away on 28 February 2024. Si shared the sad news on Instagram, writing:
"Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. 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 on 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. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya."
How old are The Hairy Bikers?
Si King was born on 20 October 1966 and is currently aged 57 while Dave Myers was born on 8 September 1957 and was 66 at the age of his death.
Where do The Hairy Bikers live?
While we don't know for sure, it is believed that Dave lived around the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire area while Si lives near Newcastle.
The Hairy Bikers wives
Si was previously engaged to Australian cook Michele Cranston however reports say that the couple have sadly now split. Before this, Si was married to his first wife Jane who he shares two children.
At the time of his death, Dave was married to his second wife Liliana Orzac.
Hairy Bikers shows
The Hairy Bikers had a lot of shows together, here are a few of their most recent...
The Hairy Bikers Go West
In the seven-part series for BBC Two, the boys travelled down the west coast of the UK, starting in Scotland and ending in Devon, with Dave even making an emotional homecoming to the county where he was born.
Each week Dave and Si based themselves in stunning locations while exploring the changing areas through restaurants, recipes, and inventive new food entrepreneurs.
The Hairy Bikers Go Local
In this series, the Hairy Bikers have an important mission: to play matchmaker and bring together the best local restaurants with the most innovative local suppliers.
The Hairy Bikers Go North
The Hairy Bikers Go North saw the duo travel on their bikes from the west coast to the east of their native north of England, and both Si and Dave said it was an emotional journey for them both as they return to areas from their childhood, including Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where Dave grew up.
“My Dad was retired by the time I was growing up so we spent a lot of time together," Dave recalled. "He was mad on bikes. Motorbikes in the backyard, playground in the street. It was magic. Monday was baking day. It sums up my love of food and bikes. It all started there."
When he was eight his mum was diagnosed with MS. Cooking fell to Dave and his Dad, and it was this responsibility that sparked his love of food.
“We had three years living on tinned mince, Smash and peas. But then I got £10 to do the weekly shop at a newly opened superstore 20 minutes walk away, and it meant I got to choose what the family ate. I still remember the carrier bags cutting into my fingers.
“Some of my first culinary efforts were a bit cack handed! Looking back, it was quite harsh being a carer but being a young carer kick started my love of food. I’ve always cooked since I was eight.”
One of the series’ highlights for the boys was visiting the therapeutic project Growing Well in Kendal, where volunteers lend a hand in return for a share of the crop. It was during this visit that Dave talked honestly about Si’s own struggles with mental illness.
“Si had some problems with depression, he won’t mind me saying that. There was this time at the NEC in Birmingham, and we were there in front of 3,000 people cooking away, and being happy, and I looked at him and deep down inside, he didn’t know what way to turn.
“I did feel so sorry for him. As the years have gone by, I am only just now, beginning to respect what it took for him to get up there with me to do the show and also to give the 3, 000 people who bought the tickets what they came for.
“Anyone can wake up in a bit of a fug but we always sense that and it can be something as simple as me saying to Si: ‘Oi you, here. Come here, and have a cuddle and a slap across the chops’."
What bikes do The Hairy Bikers ride?
The Hairy Bikers are known for their love of motorcycles, and often showcased different bikes in their shows. However, their choice of bikes can vary, and they have been seen riding various models over the years. In some of their series, they've been spotted riding Harley-Davidsons, while in others, they were on different types of motorcycles like the F650GS and Triumph Rocket III.
Hairy Bikers weight loss
The Hairy Bikers have been well-known not only for their love of food but also for their weight loss journeys. Both of them have undergone significant transformations to improve their health.
Si King, in particular, made headlines for his weight loss. He lost a considerable amount of weight after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He adopted a healthier lifestyle, incorporating exercise and making dietary changes to manage his condition.
Dave Myers also made efforts to adopt a healthier lifestyle and shed weight while alive. The duo even wrote a cookbook titled "The Hairy Dieters" where they share healthier recipes and their experiences with weight loss.
The Hairy Bikers' cookbooks
The Hairy Bikers have authored over 25 cookbooks together, sharing their yummy recipes and culinary experiences with their fans. Here are just a few of our favourites plus their most recent and final book together The Hairy Dieters’ Fast & Fresh.
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Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.