News RSS Feed


Send us your News

Colchester, Thorpe: Tributes flood in for ‘passionate’ biker

9:22am Tuesday 15th April 2008

comment Comments (22)   Have your say »


Tributes were paid today to a devoted father and passionate biker who died doing what he loved most.

Motorcycle instructor Wayne Carpenter, nicknamed Zombie, died when his orange Kawasaki was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry in Walton Road, Thorpe-le-Soken.

Friends said today Mr Carpenter - who had lost a leg in a previous motorbike crash - was an extraordinary man who had a zest for life.

Richard Brooke, business partner and close friend, who was with Mr Carpenter when he died, said: "He touched so many people's lives.

"He believed in living every minute and was tremendously loyal to his friends.

"It is not just the loss of another biker, it is the loss of a remarkable person that has left a void as big as his personality was."

Mr Carpenter, 40, lived in Rebow Street, Colchester, with long-term partner Kirsten Mooring, who he planned to marry in Italy.

In his 30s he became a father to Luke, now eight. Mr Brooke said: "Luke idolised his dad but perhaps not as much as his dad idolised him.

"They were exceptionally close and talked five times a day."

Mr Carpenter's passion for bikes began at 12. He became a regular at bike festivals and meets, even setting up his own biking website, UK Bike Forum, and motorcycle club, the Phantom Bike Crew.

He qualified as an instructor after losing his left leg in a bike crash in Bristol ten years ago.

He was back riding within a year and worked for a Colchester firm and then for himself, before setting up UK Bike Training Limited, known as Orange Bike training, with Mr Brooke in the Hythe.

Mr Brooke said: "His passion for bikes was unbelievable.

"He rode every single day. He could ride anything, anywhere, any time but his attitude was always to be safe and responsible."

He was returning to Colchester from Clacton when the crash took place last Thursday at 12.30pm.

Since his death, hundreds of mourners have visited the scene to lay flowers and cards.

A funeral and memorial service is expected to take place next week in Colchester, followed by a bikers' ride-out.

  • More in today's Gazette
Print article » Email to a friend »

Related links


Your Say YourGazette

toni, colchester says...
10:44am Tue 15 Apr 08

rip wayne.

you taught me to ride my bike the best instructor i ever had.

you will be missed greatly.

my thoughts are with the family

Report this post »

a resident, says...
11:31am Tue 15 Apr 08

Wow im in shock for once.
Didnt expect that at all. Shame to lose such a nice guy. He really was a pleasure to of met.
R.I.P. Wayne.

Report this post »

JULIE BENTLEY, Halstead says...
1:36pm Tue 15 Apr 08

WE ARE ALL DEVASTATED AT THE DEATH OF OUR COLLEAGUE,WAYNE WAS A LARGER THAN LIFE TRUE GENT WHO WILL BE SADLY MISSED, I KNEW WAYNE PRETTY WELL HAVING LODGED WITH HIM AND KNOW THAT HE WOULD WANT EVERYONE TO CARRY ON BIKING . WE WILL BE RAISING A GLASS TO THE BIG MAN WHEN WE SAY GOODBYE TO HIM, RIP WAYNEY

Report this post »

Ace, Bristol says...
2:42pm Tue 15 Apr 08

Unbelievable, you just never know what is in the great plan of life. RIP Zomb!e, you were an inspiration, and great for interesting hour long phone calls, a big fella with a big heart and you will be greatly missed.

Thoughts and condolences to you kirsten and Luke.

Report this post »

TinyBikerChick, Colchester says...
6:54pm Tue 15 Apr 08

Ride free mate!

Wayne was the first one to give me a hug when I failed my first bike test, and the first to congratulate me when I passed the next one! Will miss you!

Report this post »

HeatherThompson, Great Bentley says...
12:00am Wed 16 Apr 08

For Waynes family.
Having recently finding myself in the same situation I would like to offer you my sincere condolences and my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Report this post »

Hilary, Colchester says...
5:11am Wed 16 Apr 08

Really shocked when heard the news, Wayne and I had been enthusing over the Z750 and he told me how much I would enjoy riding it. Wayne you will be missed you were always ready with a joke and a laugh. Condolences to Kirstin and Luke

Report this post »

scotty bullard, says...
10:33pm Wed 16 Apr 08

couldnt beleive what happened buddy really gonna miss ya no words can say thinking of your family ,,rip mate

Report this post »

Demonbaker, Wilts says...
3:45pm Thu 17 Apr 08

My condolences to Kirsten and Luke. I only met Wayne once but feel like i have lost a good mate. R.I.P Zombie

Report this post »

Rob Poulter, Colchester says...
5:42pm Thu 17 Apr 08

Wayne.
You were a great work colleague & friend.
I only regret not spending more time talking to you the other Saturday.
Oh well, keep biking.
You are in Liz & my thoughts.

Report this post »

banner, colchester says...
10:53pm Thu 17 Apr 08

what a shock, the whole bike worlds in shock. u touched so many people, more than u prob realised.i hope ur family know how much u ment to us all

Report this post »

Trev Maynard, Ipswich says...
4:26am Fri 18 Apr 08

What a shock another Life snuffed out. I only met you a few times when you taught my daughter how to ride. You put her at ease,a great trainer.She was gutted to hear the news.
Rest in Peace Wayne

Trev - Freebird

Report this post »

Richard Brooke, Colchester says...
7:18am Fri 18 Apr 08

I miss you mate

Report this post »

GJH, Dedham says...
8:23am Fri 18 Apr 08

RIP Zombie will miss you.

Report this post »

ray bateman, colchester says...
6:54pm Fri 18 Apr 08

u were a great guy, i got on with u well and i am thankful for all your help in getting me through my test. will never forget the time on the back of your bike 100% top rider trusted u fully.

Report this post »

Kevan Porter, Brantham says...
7:52pm Fri 18 Apr 08

R.I.P. Wayne you will be sorely missed you were a great bloke and a great trainer i still can not belive you got me through my test

Report this post »

bikerdave, colchester says...
11:39pm Fri 18 Apr 08

if anyone reading this page doesnt know wayne was admin for http://www.ukbikefor
um.co.uk/ there are about 20 pages of comments and people who missed him rip Zomb!e

Report this post »

Victorine, colchester says...
9:53am Sat 19 Apr 08

I was lucky to have known wayne, his couragenous was remarkable.. we learn from people in our lives and he was one of them. Sorely missed..my heart goes out to family and son

Report this post »

Stuart Endean, Wivenhoe says...
8:23pm Wed 23 Apr 08

Wayne was an awesome man i only knew him for two fun packed days learning to ride a scooter but he was the calmest nicest wisest man you could meet i felt like i had known him years he will be missed very much, no doubt looking down and laughing at my bike skills! top respect to you wayne and my thoughts are with your loved ones.

Report this post »

greg, wivenhoe says...
9:24pm Fri 25 Apr 08

Wayne was a top fella, just a real nice bloke.My sincere condolences to all that knew him.Ride careful everyone
quote

Report this post »

donna, colchester says...
2:34am Sun 27 Apr 08

thanks for all of ur tributes to my bro wayne im hes lil sis donna .n i know that this meant alot to him big up to wayne rip n kick the kerb!xx n god bless n much love to kirsten hes krasha!

Report this post »

Roseanna, Colchester says...
12:26pm Sat 3 May 08

RIP Wayne.

You taught me to ride my first motorbike, and then re-taught me the next round time, you made sure i drove safely. You are greatly missed!!! xxx
Lots Of Love xxx

Report this post »

Comments are closed on this article.

Bike trainer - Wayne Carpenter died after an accident on his bike. Submitted picture Buy this photo icon Buy this photo » Bike trainer - Wayne Carpenter died after an accident on his bike. Submitted picture

In this section

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Sponsored Links



Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »