Fair Weather Bikers

My good friend and neighbour Mark Dossett was tragically killed on the 5th April 2009 when a one armed motorcyclist pulled out of a junction directly into Marks path. There was no way Mark could avoid the collision and both riders died instantly.

I first met Mark in 1999 when I moved into my house. Mark had just bought himself a new R1 and for the first 6 months I knew him only as Mr R1. Once we did get talking though we instantly hit it off as we shared a lot of the same views and passions.

Mark was always there when I needed him - from sorting out things on the bike to simply being there to talk about things. He was also a lot of fun to be around.

Over the years, as well as having some fantastic motorcycle rides, we also had a lot of fun; racing remote control cars, riding skateboards (badly in my case), going mountain biking, to name but a few of the things we got upto. If I wanted to do something, Mark would always be there to join in the fun.

Weather permitting we had a ride on our bikes at least once or twice a weekend, and always had a coffee and a natter every Saturday afternoon. Janis and Jane often compared us to two old ladies sitting around putting the world to rights with our coffee afternoons.

Motorcycling was the main drive in Mark's life. He loved riding his bike, and considered himself very fortunate to be in a position where he could afford to have the latest and greatest bike available. On the day he died, he was riding his brand new GSXR1000 - and was absolutely loving it. It was a perfect day for motorcycling, and we had had an excellent ride. I know for a fact that when Mark left us he was a very happy man.

Mark didn't die for his bike, he lived for it. I will miss Mark a great deal. Ride on mate.