30 Facts About Hairy Bikers

The Beginnings of the Hairy Bikers

David Myers and Si King, better known as the Hairy Bikers, have an intriguing origin story that set the stage for their culinary adventures.

1. Formation and Background: They met in 1995 while working on a TV dramatization of a Catherine Cookson novel in Newcastle. Myers was in the make-up and prosthetics department, while King was a second assistant director.
2. Initial Partnership: Their friendship blossomed quickly, but their professional partnership evolved gradually. They spent their downtime planning a pilot TV show, which eventually led to their first commissioned series.
3. Title Origin: The name “Hairy Bikers” came from an email subject line. They liked it and decided to keep it, making it their brand.

Their First Steps into Television

The Hairy Bikers’ journey into television was marked by unique ideas and a love for both food and motorcycling.

4. First TV Show: Their initial show, Motorcycles, Food and the Search for Nirvana, never made it to production. However, their next show, The Hairy Bikers, was commissioned by BBC2 and became a hit.
5. Format Evolution: Their show combined travel and cooking, showcasing their love for both. This unique blend contributed significantly to their success.
6. Early Success: Their first show featured them riding through Portugal. The format was so popular that they have been on screen constantly since, with recent shows including The Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure.

Cookbooks and Health Journey

The Hairy Bikers are not just TV personalities; they are also successful authors and health advocates.

7. Cookbooks and Diet Books: They have written over 27 cookbooks, including eight diet books. Their first diet book, How to Love Food and Lose Weight, became a bestseller and even outsold 50 Shades of Grey in the summer of 2012.
8. Health Journey: Both Myers and King were morbidly obese, prompting them to embark on a diet journey. They documented this in their books and TV shows.
9. Weight Loss: They lost a significant amount of weight, with Myers losing three stones and King losing three stones in three months. This transformation improved their health and spawned a lucrative weight loss offshoot to their cooking and travel shows.

Television Series and Specials

Their television career spans numerous series and specials, each with its unique charm.

10. TV Shows and Series: They have hosted over 30 television series and specials for BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 5, and Good Food. Notable series include The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain, The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure, Hairy Bikers: Route 66, and The Hairy Bikers Go North.
11. Injuries and Accidents: In October 2009, Si King was injured in an accident while riding his bike in Gosforth, Tyneside. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital for treatment to bruising on his right leg and ribs.
12. BBC Christmas Show: Filming of a BBC Christmas show featuring the Hairy Bikers was halted after King’s accident. The show, Hairy Bikers’ Twelve Days of Christmas, was eventually shown on BBC2 on 16 December 2009.

Memorable Series and Performances

The Hairy Bikers have created many memorable series and performances that have left a lasting impact.

13. Mums Know Best Series: In early January 2010, a new six-part series titled The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best commenced broadcast on BBC2. This series featured three ‘Star Mums’ whose recipes were tested and shared with the public.
14. Cook Off Series: On 25 October 2010, a new 40-episode series titled The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off was launched on BBC2. The program included a cook-off between two families and celebrity guests.
15. Big Night Out Show: From January to May 2010, the Hairy Bikers performed their “Big Night Out” show in theatres throughout the UK. Directed by Bob Mortimer, the show was a fun mixture of cooking and chat with a little song and dance thrown in.
16. Genius TV Series: In October 2010, the Hairy Bikers were guests on the BBC TV series Genius hosted by comedian Dave Gorman.
17. Mum Knows Best Series 2: In June 2011, the Bikers appeared in the second series of Mum Knows Best. This series featured three ‘Star Mums’ whose recipes were tested and shared with the public, including an episode featuring the world-famous ‘pie village’ of Denby Dale.

Campaigns and Adventures

The Hairy Bikers have also been involved in various campaigns and adventures that showcase their versatility.

18. Meals on Wheels Campaign: In October 2011, a new series titled Meals on Wheels aired on BBC2. The series fronted a campaign to save local ‘meals on wheels’ services around the UK.
19. Mississippi Adventure Series: From November to December 2011, the Bikers appeared in a 30-part BBC series called The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure. This series explored the length of the iconic Mississippi River in America in pursuit of soul food and Southern music.
20. Hairy Dieters Series: In August 2012, the Hairy Bikers released Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight, which showed how they radically changed their lifestyles while staying true to their love of great food. They embarked on a campaign to lose two-and-a-half stone in three months and comfortably passed their target weights.
21. Countdown Appearance: In August 2012, Myers appeared on Channel 4’s Countdown in dictionary corner, and again in January 2013.
22. Asian Adventure Series: The six-part series The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure premiered on BBC2 on 13 February 2014. The Bikers visited Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Kobe, and South Korea.

Personal Challenges and Triumphs

The Hairy Bikers have faced personal challenges but have always triumphed, showcasing their resilience.

23. Strictly Come Dancing: Myers took part in the eleventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Karen Hauer. He was the sixth celebrity to be eliminated from the contest on 10 November 2013.
24. Chicken & Egg Series: In September 2016, the pair premiered The Hairy Bikers – Chicken & Egg on BBC 2. The show featured the pair biking across Europe, America, and the Middle East in search of the best chicken and egg recipes.
25. Mediterranean Adventure Series: In 2018, the Hairy Bikers appeared in Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure on BBC2. This was followed by Hairy Bikers: Route 66 in 2019, where they visited restaurants and producers situated along the iconic American road.

Passion for Biking

Their passion for biking is evident in their shows and personal lives.

26. Personal Biking Experiences: Dave Myers is an avid biker and has been riding since his childhood. He has owned various bikes, including a KTM and an MV Agusta F4. Myers has also expressed a desire to own a Vincent Black Shadow, a piece of motorcycling history.
27. Biking Gear: The Hairy Bikers always take a range of biking gear with them, including full-face and open-face helmets. They wear full-face helmets for motorway runs or in bad weather and open-face helmets for camera shots.
28. Biking Safety: Despite their extensive experience, the duo is sensible about biking safety. They wear protective gear and adjust their attire according to the weather and location. For example, in hot countries like Asia, they wear helmets and gloves but prefer jeans over full safety kit.

Health Challenges and Legacy

The Hairy Bikers have faced health challenges but continue to inspire with their legacy.

29. Health Challenges: Si King suffered a brain aneurism in early 2014 and underwent emergency surgery. His health scare was a significant turning point for both him and Myers, emphasizing the importance of their diet journey and overall health.
30. Legacy and Future: The Hairy Bikers’ legacy is deeply rooted in their friendship and shared experiences. Despite the passing of David Myers, Si King remains committed to honoring his memory and continuing their culinary and motorcycling adventures. Their bond and authenticity have endeared them to audiences worldwide, ensuring that their legacy will continue to inspire and entertain.

The Hairy Bikers’ Lasting Impact

The Hairy Bikers, David Myers and Si King, have left an indelible mark on the culinary world. From their humble beginnings in Newcastle to becoming household names, their journey is nothing short of inspiring. Their unique blend of cooking and motorcycling has captivated audiences, making them beloved figures on British television. Their commitment to health, showcased through their weight loss journey, adds another layer to their appeal. Despite facing personal challenges, like Si King’s brain aneurism and David Myers’ passing, their legacy continues to thrive. Their numerous TV shows, cookbooks, and diet books have influenced countless food enthusiasts. The Hairy Bikers’ story is a testament to friendship, passion, and resilience, ensuring their place in culinary history. Their adventures and recipes will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.