VERY BAD NEWS...... BIKER DOWN

[skez]

I never met him but from you've all written there was a lot of respect.

R.I.P

[clunk]

Here's an update on the Evening Herald website today.

TRIBUTES AFTER SHOCK DEATH OF BIKER
12:00 - 06 January 2006
Friends speak of loss of a 'rare diamond'

Motorcyclists have paid tribute to a South East Cornwall man who died on a notorious stretch of road known by bikers as the 'Torpoint Twisties'.

Frank Shaw, aged 45 and from Crafthole, has been described by friends and fellow bikers as 'a rare diamond' who was always first to volunteer his help and IT expertise.

As a member of the Plymouth Advanced Motorcyclists Club, the South West Bikers Forum and the FJ Owners Club, who would also take part in charity ride-outs, he was well-known and well-loved in the motorcycle world.

Living in Crafthole with his partner Jane, he would travel along the A374 between Torpoint and Trerulefoot roundabout on an almost daily basis to get to the University of Plymouth, where he was a mature student, or to work at PC World where he started just before Christmas.

But it was on that familiar stretch, famous in biking folklore, that he met his death on Wednesday at 11.15am. The motorbike was in collision with a lorry between Sheviock and Polbathic.

Mr Shaw's partner Jane was last night too devastated to comment on her loss but close friends and fellow motorbike enthusiasts have spoken of their shock at losing such a 'generous and warm' man.

Chairman of Plymouth Advanced Motorcyclists Ian Bennett, who was helping Frank prepare for his advanced drivers' test, said: "He was absolutely fantastic. He was the most helpful man you could ever meet. He was a definite doer. He wasn't one to sit back. He was a particularly good rider. He would have sailed through the advanced drivers test."

Computing Officer Tim Horntopp, 41 and from Tavistock, said: "He was a really lovely bloke. He was highly generous, always had time for everyone and was very helpful - a rare diamond."

[ZXR400Lee]

Such a shame to hear.. esp. when someone I've met. I've just heard it on BBC Radio Cornwall in the car.

Thoughts to family an friends.

Lee

[devilride]

have just read the awful news. as clunk said, i met frank on my first ever rideout and he was so very helpful and kind to me. the second half of the day was made much more comfortable for me thanks to his advice, and to this day, every time i take a silly line on a corner i remember what he said to me. he was a lovely man and an excellent rider, my heart goes out to his partner and family.

[sprocket]

OMFG!!! I've only just seen this ....

Frank will be seriously missed he was such a nice chap ... I wont see his FJ at uni anymore

If I can make the rideout then i'll be there

So long good buddy

[MARCUS]

Just heard the sad news about Frank.

I’d also like to add offer my sympathies and thoughts to Frank’s partner and family.

A nice guy, good rider, helpful and friendly we will all miss that smiling face.

R.I. P.

[Mervin]

Sad so sad, seems another good bloke gone to ride free forever
Merv

[roper]

Sad to here the news about Frank,i never personally met him but he was obviously held in very high regards by people.RIP Frank and thoughts go out to his Family and freinds at this sad time.

Unfortunatly i wont be able to make the ride this sunday but will try to get to the later one.

[Jak]

just heard the awful news

Frank was a lovely guy - one of the original bunch and one of the first friends I made in Devon when I moved down here a couple of years ago. He was a true gentleman, kind and considerate - always ready to have a natter. I'll never forget the pink mugs, when I saw that picture I cried my eyes out - he will be missed by us all. I don't know how I'll tell my daughter, he always took the time to talk to her and laugh with her.

RIP Frank - love and sympathy to Jane and his family.
xxx

[GeorgiasGrandad]

RIP Frank - wonder what bikes they have up there? God bless.

[ticketyboo2002]

OMG I have just read this shocking news. Frank was the second person I spoke to when I first visited Paignton Green last summer after being introduced to jay & Sue. He seemed a thoroughly nice bloke and my thoughts go out to his partner and family at this very sad time.
Gone, but not forgotten.

[jamieclayton9]

rip
there is nothing worse

[Jak]

I think this was the original pink mug ... down at WestBay in November 2004

Still can't believe it

[sonic]

I never met Frank but by the love he has received over the past 5 pages that was my loss.

He must have been a top bloke and my sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to those he leaves behind.

If I can be there I will - RIP Frank.

Ross.

[A_T]

Yes that is the original pink mug Jak, and that one wasn't even planned , Miler just handed it to him without knowing this was to be the start of it all, he made a fuss because he got a pink mug and no-one else did , that it just went on from there... we called it ..... secret mission / "pink mug"