Every now and again you bump into one of life's characters and Helen and I certainly did a few of weeks back at the B.M.F. On Sunday, dodging what can only be described as bad news weather conditions, I spotted a Speed Triple almost the same as mine - the only difference was that this one had a hearse bolted on the side, complete with matching black coffin. A few weeks previous I had seen an article on this wag in one of the Sunday papers and I thought I've just got to go over and have a chat with this guy.
He was a Scotsman and so happy with his lot it was a sheer joy to talk with him and he was only too pleased to show me now easily the coffin glided in and out of the back of the hearse, explaining that the glass roof was so that the bereaved could read the cards on the floral tributes - this guy thinks of everything. On asking if he was busy, he said he never stops, going all over the country specializing in biker funerals.
After leaving the B.M.F. he was off to Lancashire to pick up the deceased, ship over to the Isle Of Man, give the fellow one last blat round the T.T. course and then back to Lancashire - indeed a rather novel way to make a living I think. He said the Speed Triple was the best bike for the job because the hearse complete with stiff (my wording not his!) did weigh quite a bit and he got through brake pads quite regularly.
Also, on his name "The Quicker Vicar" he was not too keen, as this was the headline in the press and not a name of his own choosing, explaining that he was not a vicar but a minister, so therefore should be called the "Faster Pastor". Well after about half an hour talking to this guy we thought we had better move on and give someone else a chance, so if you're ever at a rally or wherever and you this guy, have a chat. He will brighten up your day.
Webmaster's note: like many enterprises today, there is a web site with details of this service and pictures of the vehicle in use. There is even a brief history of the motorcycle hearse concept. The address is http://www.motorcyclefunerals.com.