Bikers see off beloved member 'Speash' - with video and pictures
Bikers came to Shropshire in their hundreds to see off one of their beloved club members, riding across the county in his memory.
Members of the National Chopper Club from as far away as Germany assembled at their Shropshire clubhouse near Tern Hill before riding to the funeral of popular engineer Steve 'Speash' Preece, from Market Drayton.
Steve died last month at the age of 61 after a heart attack, and it didn't take long for his clubmates in branches across the UK and Europe to organise a procession through Shropshire to see him off.
On Friday, more than 100 motorbikes braved the wind and rain to escort Steve, from the clubhouse where he spent so many hours working on bikes, to Telford Crematorium.
Those who left their bikes under cover travelled by car instead.
Ian Marshall, a long-time friend and clubmate of Steve's, helped organise the ride-out.
The two met 14 years ago when Ian was part of a different club, and eventually when they both found themselves in the Shropshire branch of the National Choppers Club they became firm friends.
Ian, who lives in Shifnal, said: "I'm really impressed. The lads still got on their bikes and travelled from as far as Scotland today in this weather.
"It's been pretty impressive. It will be emotional, it will be quite a party tonight – the way he would have wanted it."
A lasting tribute to Steve will be set up in the clubhouse in the form of a glass case for his pride and joy; a custom bike he created himself.
Memorabilia
"He built it from scratch," said Ian. "He brought in the frame, the petrol tank, he brought pretty much everything.
"He was a pretty good engineer."
The bike will be encased along with Steve's club patch and memorabilia from his long association with the chopper club.
Steve originally hailed from Stoke-on-Trent but came to Shropshire 15 years ago to settle in Market Drayton.
Later this year the clubhouse near Tern Hill will host a celebration of custom bikes.
The Shires Show will return from June 7 to 9 with live music, hot food and free camping.
