RIP Paul Dobbs

[Kiwi Graham]

I've been given the tragic news that Paul died at Ballagarey during the supersport race.

Bellow from the IOM web site;

NEW Zealand rider Paul Dobbs was killed during today’s Supersport Race 2 after a high speed crash at Ballagarey.


Dobbs, 39, first competed in the TT in 1999 and his best finish was 6th in the 2000 Lightweight Race.


He was riding a 600cc Suzuki in today’s race, having finished 22nd in the first Supersport Race on Monday with a race speed of 117mph.


A statement from the Auto-Cycle Union paid tribute to “a talented rider” and passed on their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the rider.


Paul Dobbs was married with two children."

My deepest condolences go to Bridget and the children. RIP friend.

[lukemillar]

Shit, that is terrible news. My thoughts are with his family

[Shaun]

Deep sorro to read about this Dobsy. You are a well liked guy, and the fans will miss you big time brother.

Thoughts are with Bridget and your children.

Some one please advise me where Bridget and the children live please, I was not aware he was a family man.

[sinfull]

Sad loss to New Zealand racing !

True heart felt condolences to his family, nothing will make this right !

[Wingnut]

Very sad indeed - thoughts are there with his wife and children.

[Danger Dave]

RIP Dobsy - it was a pleasure to race against you, condolences to all friends & family

[sharky]

Fuck! Not good. He was a top dude... R.I.P.

[Bounce001]

RIP to a top bloke. Thoughts are with family and Friends.

[gil]

RIP Paul.
Anyone who has met/talked to Paul, knows his passion for this sport, and his love for the Island.
Having worked for Paul on several TT's, I know he left us doing what he loved doing the most.

My thoughts go out to Bridget, the girls, his mum, and the entire team

He will always remain a very good friend.

Gil.

[Duke girl]

Paul you will be sadly missed by so many of us. You were a very Talented and Exciting Rider to watch and a Top Guy to know.
Condolence and heart warm thoughts goes out to Bridgette and to his 2 children and to all of you out there who knew Paul or Raced against him wherever that may have been.
Paul, may you RIP and your memory live on forever.

[bistard]

A very sad loss
Barry

[Devil]

Sad to hear. Was great to watch at the street races.

[Bykmad]

Very sad to hear of this. A great guy with a passion for the Motorcycling and especially the TT. Dobsy, you will be missed!

[scrivy]

A true kiwi motorcycling legend.

R.I.P. Dobsy

[rastus]

A great loss to the racing community. Miss that cheeky grin. R.I.P Dobsy. Condolences to Bridgit and the girls.

[Conquiztador]

New Zealand motorcyclist Paul Dobbs has been killed while competing at the dangerous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) event.
Dobbs, 39, died over night when he was involved in a "racing incident" during the Supersport 2 race at the TT races in a racing incident at Ballagarey.
Hobbs was considered an experienced TT competitor with a best finish of sixth in the 400cc lightweight TT race in 2000.
He first competed in the Isle of Man TT Races in 1999.
"Paul was a really popular rider in the paddock and was a great competitor. He was a very talented rider who made many friends in the racing community. He will be sorely missed," Jim Parker, chairman of the organisers, the Auto Cycle Union, said in a statement.
Dobbs, from Onewhero, was married with two children.
More than 200 racers have died on the road course on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, since the first TT race was first staged over a century ago

My sincere condolences to family and friends.

[imdying]

Well, that's what makes the hard core hardcore... good on him for being one of them.

[Grubber]

Bugger! Paul was a good bastard. He just finished top tuning my Triumph and it sings like a bird now. Very clever mechanic.
RIP Dobsy!

[Foxzee]

RIP Paul...

Love and thoughts to family and friends

[racer6]

The news certainly came as a shock to us all and is a loss to everyone who knew him. He loved his racing and was always determined and highly competitive. He will be missed... best wishes and thoughts to his family at this difficult time.

RIP Paul

[Shaun]

http://www.iomtt.com/Home/Forum/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=210658


He was very popular there also

[Dutchee]

Hadn't heard about it, but gutted. god, now really regretting not going to say goodbye to him before he left, but it didn't work out for us.
Condolences to Bridget, the girls, his mum and the rest of the clan.
He will be missed.

[Bren_chch]

damn! :(

:(

[madbikeboy]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10651125

Got to work this morning and we were advised that Paul Dobbs died at the IOM TT last night NZ time.

Paul was a good bugger to work with and a hell of a rider. Thoughts and best wishes to his wife Bridgette and Kids.

MBB

[zx7rlloyd]

Hi all, I have just found this site after hearing about the very sad news of Paul Dobbs death. I felt it only right that I pay my respects to his family and to the man himself. RIP mate.

I have just returned home(Manchester UK) from the IOM TT a few hours ago and heard the sad news. These guys deserve all the respect in the world for doing what they loved doing despite the dangers. I was a good pal of Dave Jeffries, who also died riding in the TT. I know for a fact he would have died with a smile on his face.

Condolences from the UK.

[Nutter34]

RIP Paul. May the track in the sky be all you wished for...

Condolences to the family.

[Shaun]

Hi all, I have just found this site after hearing about the very sad news of Paul Dobbs death. I felt it only right that I pay my respects to his family and to the man himself. RIP mate.

I have just returned home(Manchester UK) from the IOM TT a few hours ago and heard the sad news. These guys deserve all the respect in the world for doing what they loved doing despite the dangers. I was a good pal of Dave Jeffries, who also died riding in the TT. I know for a fact he would have died with a smile on his face.

Condolences from the UK.


Good on ya for dropping in

[scott411]

RIP Paul, a guy that truely loved racing a bike,

[PeteJ]

Yes, we were discussing some things only a couple of days before he shot through back to England.

Shaun, thanks for starting the "donations" thread.

[Shaun]

Yes, we were discussing some things only a couple of days before he shot through back to England.

Shaun, thanks for starting the "donations" thread.

What goes around comes around mate

This site helped my Family big time, now it is my turn to give back

[rc_36_rider]

RIP Paul... The memory remains...

[Tunahunter]

This is in todays Dom - sad news

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/3800661/Kiwi-killed-in-Isle-of-Man-TT-race

[Yossarian]

Watched the racing all day from the Quarter Bridge in the best weather ever. I saw all the lads go around and the race finished up. I don't know when it happened on the course but it was announced at the end of the race after I was supping my last pint to walk back into town.....stopped me dead in my tracks.....

All the best to those left behind.

[rustyrobot]

Oh shit. That is horrible news. I was just reading his website yesterday and looking forward to hearing how he had run. My condolences to his friends and family.

[Mort]

Very sad to hear this. The TT is the ultimate challenge in many ways but can extract such a high price. I am sure he died doing what he loved most at the place he most wanted to do it. My thoughts are with his family, his kids and friends.

[willytheekid]

R.I.P
Ride In Paradise dobsy (carve it up!! just like you did when you were with us)
Our thoughts and love go out to the family & his many Friends......such a tragic loss to NZ racing and the bike community.

-Willy Charlotte & Phat Girl

[R-Soul]

Off NZ Herald today:

Another New Zealand motorcyclist has been killed in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) event after Paul Dobbs died during a Supersport race overnight (NZ time).

Dobbs, from Onewhero in Waikato's Franklin district, leaves behind a wife and two children.

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) said Dobbs, 39, was involved in a racing incident on the Ballagarey section of the 61km track.

ACU chairman Jim Parker said on the TT website that Dobbs was a popular rider and a great competitor.

"He was a very talented rider who made many friends in the racing community. He will be sorely missed."

Dobbs finished 22nd in Monday's first Supersport race, and competed at the TT for the first time in 1999. His best finish was sixth in the 400cc lightweight race in 2000.

New Zealand rider Robert Holden died aged 38 in 1996 in a practice session at the Isle of Man, after winning the singles title the previous year.

Another New Zealander, three-times TT winner Shaun Harris was critically injured in the 2007 race, but recovered although he has since retired from racing.

More than 200 racers have died on the road course on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, since the first TT race was first staged over a century ago.

[Slyer]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/124680-RIP-Paul-Dobbs

[et al]

R.I.P
Paul was a much respected and hard working rider who will be sadly missed. I especially remember seeing Paul ride back to back races at Wanganui, finishing a race on the 999 then getting straight onto the 749R on the dummy grid. Awesome. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends.

[Bikemad]

From the Isle of Man news website

A COMPETITOR has died following a crash in today's Isle of Man TT Supersport 2 race.
Paul Dobbs, 39, was from Onewhero, New Zealand, and had competed in the TT for a number of years, first racing in 1999 and with a best finish of 6th in the 400cc Lightweight TT in 2000.

The accident happened at Ballagarey, Glen Vine.

He was married with two children.

My deepest condolences to Family and friends

[BJT666]

I was saddened to wake this morning to the news of Paul's passing following an accident at the Isle of Man.

Paul raced in New Zealand on a MNZ licence but had chosen to apply for a release and was competing at the Isle of Mann on an ACU licence.

Paul was a very popular rider and will be greatly missed, our sympathies go out to his family and friends at this time.

B J (Jim) Tuckerman.

[SPman]

Sad to hear. Was just thinking yesterday, how it was great to hear no racers had been killed this year, and then, this.
Condolences to his Family and friends.

[Tony.OK]

RIP dude,

Thoughts are with your family and friends............

[Love my Bonnie]

I just got home & read the sad news in the Herald.
It is really hard to believe, he is such a cool dude.

My thoughts go out to his wife and kids

[shafty]

RIP Kiwi...............

[Tink]

Waking to a phone call to learn this horrific news, I will miss him... also my mechanic, and great to take photos of... RIP Dobsy, my deepest sympathies to the family... first time I have cried & will admit it.

[Movistar]

A great loss indeed.

You will be sadly missed by all.

[Pitchick]

Dear Bridget and the girls, and to all of Pauls' friends and family, our deepest sympathy, our thoughts are with you at this awful time. Rest in Peace Paul, your loss is such a tragedy.

[beyond]

Absolutely horrendous news.
Sincere sympathies to family and friends and to Neville Wooderson.

I saw destroyed in 30 seconds the other night and watched a racer hit one of the walls at 280kmh. He is back racing after 18 months of healing.
They said on that program that 265 have lost there lives on that circuit so you can imagine how many more were maimed and injured.

I know the race is an institution but you have to wonder why it continues with such high loss of life?? 300kmh through country lanes, stone walls, ancient curbing, villages..............

I know they died doing what they loved but I've now seen a few families of those that have lost riders (wives, children, parents) attend their funerals and it's small consolation to them. It's a massive loss, it's gut wrenching and those that are left behind will never be the same :(



RIP Paul .................................................. ....................................

[DJSin]

RIP Paul and my condolences to his family

[crazyhorse]

Such a loss. My thoughts are with Pauls family RIP

[Sue VFR]

RIP Paul : (

[jellywrestler]

As usual there's going to be those that jump up and down about the TT and Paul Dobbs is another one on the list of those who haven't came home.
Take it as you like but fact is Dobsy has finished more ISLE OF MAN T.T. races than any other Kiwi in the 100 years since the first Kiwi rode there. 37 races in all plus one DNF officially, figure last nights DNF won't go down in the stats though.
Time to take our hat off to the man
RIP paul
Spyda

[scott411]

that is a pretty cool stat, thanks for sharing,

[hayd3n]

rip +
another great racer to remember

[Cr1MiNaL]

RIP Paul : (

RIP Dobsy, you were a good bloke... and a bloody good rider to watch. Loved you at Paeroa too. This is not going to be easy on your family, I hope they will be strong for you. The IOm TT is such a treacherous circuit. Big kahunas for giving it a go, I know I never will because of the dangers involved. Good on you mate. Fuck I feel really sad hearing this, put an end to my Friday night. Was so keenly watching your updates on your website too. I wud log in every other day. don't know what to say ...

[one fast tl1ooo]

this is sad to here . RIP

[hayd3n]

video

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[blackdog]

very sad, i heard on the radio in the truck this morning

RIP doing what you love

[NSR143]

Yep a sad loss, a guy who who always had a smile on. We will miss him greatly, always helping out and offering advice, happy to race whatever, whenever. Thoughts to his family.

[trailblazer]

RIP dude. heard the news at work this mourning and while i moan about all the rugby news i didnt want to hear news like this.
Thoughts to friends and family

[SMOKEU]

RIP dude...........

[benfan]

Sincere condolences to Bridget and family from Peter, Jemma, and all the Itchy Trout Racing team.

RIP Paul.

[Iggy]

Heard news on radio yesterday morning and my heart sank, a very respected racer and certainly impressed me with his passion and love for the sport. RIP PAUL you will be missed, my condolences to Pauls wife and kids.

[ashracer]

Yes the TT is a place you either love or hate. Some greats like Barry Sheene & Steve Webster went there once, crashed & never went back. But to the guys who go back every year who love the event there is nothing like it any where else. I have been 10 times as mechanic or just a spectator. The "High" on peoples faces after a race is unbeleivable & something i have never seen anywhere else. RIP Paul Dobbs. 37 race finishes is a Kiwi record i dont think will be broken for a long time, If ever.

[jellywrestler]

TT rider Paul Owen, from Llangollen, Wales, has won the inaugural PokerStars ‘Spirit of the TT’ Award.

The ‘Spirit of TT’ award is given to recognise a selfless contribution by an individual to the event’s success. The criteria for the award are based on key qualities such as innovation, leadership, teamwork, respect and integrity. The award is open to anyone who contributes to the event, such as riders, marshals and volunteers.

The award is judged by representatives from the ACU, Isle of Man Government, TT sponsor PokerStars, Isle of Man Newspapers and Manx Radio.

Paul was following close friend New Zealander Paul Dobbs on the track during the Supersport 2 Race. Following Paul Dobbs’ accident at Ballagarey, Paul Owen dismounted and assisted the marshals in controlling the incident. He took a flag and told the marshal waving it to go and attend to the rider and he would wave the flag.

In doing this, Paul gave up his own race ambitions and also withdrew from the TT Zero Electric bike race.

Isle of Man Tourism political member Geoff Corkish said:

“Paul’s actions typified the sense of community spirit that we value at the TT and on the Isle of Man and he is a very deserving winner of this inaugural award.”

[flyingcrocodile46]

RIP. A legend and inspiration to motorcycle racers world wide. A true icon, a great loss for NZ motorsport.

A video interview with Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-2akyvJDZU

A video link to the race. Very slow loading but seems like a very prompt and fitting tribute to someone who put so much into the sport and to whom had so much respect from his peers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLA8xzCEohk


<object height="745" width="960">


<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLA8xzCEohk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="745" width="960"></object>

[NSR143]

I text Paul last year to see if he wanted to ride the 2 hour Bucket race in Auckland, he didn't ask what we would be riding, he didn't ask if I was any good... (he had not seen me ride since 1993) he just said 'yes'. Just happy to be riding... that was Dobsy.

[jasonu]

Very sorry to hear this terrible news.
When Chris Pickett and myself started racing 125's in the F3 class in the mid '90s we spent a lot of time in the pits and on the track with Paul. He was punting some sort of 400 with a KX500 motor. He could really get it moving when it held together, it used to break motor mounts. I let him try my 125 at Baypark for a lap or two and the buggar went 1.5sec faster than me. We did the bucket 2 hr together around the same time, Murry Thompson said he had never seen a bucket lean over so far! A few years passed and by chance I met him in Sydney where I helped him and another Paul in the Castrol 6hr at Oran park. They rode a late 90's zxr900. It was the oldest bike in the class but still good enough for 2nd in class. The last time I spoke with him was at the Pukekohe Classics a couple of years ago. He never changed, always a nice guy with nice things to say.
Chris and I will have a beer for you.
RIP mate.
Jason Ulyatt

[Rob Taylor]

I was woken to a phone call from our team mechanic,pomy Dave,at about 6.30am,,,Nick "O" had been trying to get hold of me ,about Pauls passing. I could not function properly for most of the day.I must also admit a tear or 2 was shed and a few "LOUD FUCKS" were uttered...I had the fortune of managing Pauls racing on the KTL Ducatis 999 & 749R. In the pits he was always happy to help other racers & he never ever got stressed.Often brought his kids to a meet ,looked after them & raced. After a race he couldnt wait to share his race with us & often wondered off to laugh with other competiters... I will miss his racing stories & meeting all his friends....A time i will never forget....A great loss to NewZealand Motorcycling...R.I.P Paul Dobbs,My friend.....

[Cleve]

Very sad news. A great loss to NZ motorcycling. Deepest sympathies to his family.

[Kiwi Graham]

Family Statement

While we are all devastated by Dobsy’s death during the 2nd Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT on Thursday 10 June 2010, I feel that we are lucky in so many ways.

Dobsy died doing what he most loved, in a place he loved and felt at home and surrounded by people he loved and admired.

He died instantly and felt no pain. He had no knowledge of his end but was fully focussed on the bike and the race.

After making a hard decision and missing the TT last year, I am thankful that I was here at this tragic time.

We have been wholeheartedly supported by the whole racing community in both a professional and personal way.

We held nothing back in pursuing Dobsy’s racing and so I need regret nothing. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by the TT and the Isle of Man.

I would like to thank Bruce Anstey who had Dobsy in his thoughts even in his moment of glory after the Senior TT.

I would especially like to thank Paul Owen. Paul was perhaps Dobsy’s greatest rival and friend at the TT. They were very evenly matched and Dobsy measured his performance against Paul’s. They invariably got together soon after a practice or race to share their experiences. Paul’s selfless and big hearted action on Thursday moves me beyond words. Without hesitation, he did everything in his power to try to help Dobsy. Paul truly embodies the spirit of the TT and I wish the award could be named after him for posterity.

This is a difficult time for Dobsy’s mother, Dawn. I hope that she can overcome and put aside her hurting. She helped to make Dobsy what he was and she should be very proud.

Dobsy’s daughters, Eadlin and Hillberry, are two very special people. They have lived an honest and unsheltered life and I know they both understand exactly what this means. They will miss their Dad terribly and there will be some hard times over the coming weeks, months and years. But I also know that they have been shaped by having Dobsy in their lives and they are all the stronger, smarter and braver for that.

He really spoilt my week but he has brought infinite joy, adventure and fun to our lives. He has energised and inspired. He will live forever in our esteem, our thoughts and our hearts.

Bridget

[OnCam]

Found a quick photo online of Dobsy at 2010 TT at Ballaugh Bridge
1045hrs - Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 4 laps

RIP Dude

[NedKellley]

Rest in peace Dobsy, condolences to Bridget, Eadlin, Hillberry and all who knew and loved Dobsy....

[Toast]

Heard about this Friday morning at Manfeild. Even though it is the Isle of Mann and such incidents are always possible, it really hit home for me, cosidering I was talking to him and getting advice from him at a meeting just 2 months ago.

RIP Paul, and deepest condolences to your family

[Martin-IOM]

What an awful way to have to do a first post

RIP fella, was a pleasure watching you again. You had many friends on the Isle of Man. Hope you go full throttle on the big track up above. Big respect to Paul Owen too - gave up everything to try and help.

Sincere condolences to all his family, friends and team back there in NZ

Martin (Isle of Man)

[Shaun]

What an awful way to have to do a first post

RIP fella, was a pleasure watching you again. You had many friends on the Isle of Man. Hope you go full throttle on the big track up above. Big respect to Paul Owen too - gave up everything to try and help.

Sincere condolences to all his family, friends and team back there in NZ

Martin (Isle of Man)

And thankyou, and all the other Marshalls for your work Martin

[Rob Taylor]

What an awful way to have to do a first post

RIP fella, was a pleasure watching you again. You had many friends on the Isle of Man. Hope you go full throttle on the big track up above. Big respect to Paul Owen too - gave up everything to try and help.

Sincere condolences to all his family, friends and team back there in NZ

Martin (Isle of Man)
Hi Martin,Thankyou for your post. Cheers Rob

[scracha]

RIP Dobbsy

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[Kiwi Graham]

Thanks for this Scracha awesome set of pics. I've heard the broadcast before but putting it to these pictures is brilliant mate.

[Corse1]

Shit, this has ruined my day. RIP Dobsy. NZ Racing will miss a great and respected talent. Condolences to the family.

[Dreama]

Tragic beyond words. I never got to know Dobsy very well and certaintly never got to see him when we competed in the same races, he was way ahead. But in the brief conversations we had it was clear to me he was a genuinely good bugger and I have great respect and admiration for his racing achievements.
RIP Dobsy, you will be sadly missed.

[prettybillie]

RIP my friend, my mentor, my coach and my hero!

CRS Panel and Paint in Newmarket have agreed to restore Dobsy's 999 back to it's prestine red colour for us at no charge. These guys pass on their sincere condolances to everyone also and hope by doing this it helps us all a little bit.

[Kiwi Graham]

Dobsy Racing


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funeral Notice

The funeral of Paul Dobbs, who died racing at the TT on Thursday 10 June, will be held at the grandstand in Douglas at 2pm Monday 21 June. His wife, Bridget, daughters, Eadlin and Hillberry, mother, Dawn and sister, Shaylene will welcome anyone who wishes to join them in celebration of Dobsy’s life. Please dress as Dobsy would recognise you – team shirts and marshal jackets very welcome.

Dobsy will start his final lap around 2.30pm and bikes particularly will be welcome to join him. There will be no formal order, overtaking is fine but legal speed limits will be observed.

Anyone who wishes to attend Lonan church for Dobsy’s interment may follow the hearse while others wait at the grandstand to be re-joined by the funeral party for refreshments.

Instead of flowers, please donate generously to The TT Riders’ Association (francesthorp@manx.net), Rob Vine Fund (http://www.mms.org.im/robvinefund) or ACU Benevolent Fund (01788 566400).


For those of us left in New Zealand a memorial service here will be organised at a leter date.

[Wheeliemonsta]

R.I.P brother - you will be missed...

Heart felt condolances to the family...

:rockon:

[Martin-IOM]

As everyone back in NZ will be aware it was Paul's funeral this afternoon (IOM time). Having only met Paul a couple of times i went along to pay my respects. In brilliant sunshine i got to the pitlane and was moved by the amount of people doing the same as me. Scores of bikes parked up and a huge congregation assembled to listen to the service. Deeply moving words by family and fellow racers and many words of comfort spoken. A mass of bike fans, racers past and present, and marshalls all listening as one. At approx 2.30 the hearse left pitlane for Dobsy's final lap of the TT course, followed by a long succession of bikes, all there to acknowledge the day and the man. Full marks to the IOM Constabulary who were on duty at every set of traffic lights to allow the procession to proceed in one continuous flow. It was evident from the many many people lining the course that Dobsy was a very well liked and respected guy. From the start of the lap it was noticable how many orange marshalls tabards were to be seen. I felt immensely proud to be wearing mine. Most, i assume were at their own marshalling point. As we approached Ballagarey, (the scene of Pauls accident) a mass of marshalls lined the road, all displaying race flags and all stood in tribute to the man. By the time we had passed i had tears running down my cheeks, such was the emotion. For a few moments everything was calm. No thoughts of anything else in the world but the sight and sound of men, women and bikes, all as one. The rest of the lap seems a blur now, it went so quickly. The climb up the mountain was moving - seeing a long procession of bikes winding its way to the peak of the mountain and, for those familiar with the Isle of Man, coming around the verandah to see a long stream of bikes heading up to Hailwoods rise. Marshalls and mourners alike dotted at many many corners up on the mountain, all there for the same thing. As the procession arrived back at the Grandstand the hearse had allready left for the Church. A large group still remained, hopefully all feeling the same way as i did. I felt content as i headed back home. A wonderful 'final lap' for Paul, in brilliant sunshine, and witnessed by so many. Thoughts with the family and friends. PS - Shaun, i said a few quiet words on your behalf too. looking forward to hopefully having you here again next year. Your room is always ready buddy.
Martin

[onearmedbandit]

Wow, a really moving post. I didn't know Paul, sounds like that was my loss. Thanks Martin-IOM.

[Kiwi Graham]

Yes I heard he had a great send off, I'll be raising a beer to him tonight, RIP Paul

[Wheeliemonsta]

Thank you Martin for the update... As said above a very moving post

Heres Cheers to ya Dobsy :apint:

:rockon:

[prettybillie]

That's an amzing post Martin - thank you.

As I read it I've got tears streaming down my face.

RIP my awesome friend!

[emaN]

Thank you for giving us some kinda of a picture of how it went Martin. What an emotional time this is.
Fantastic to hear about how many marshalls were there for him - you guys do a great job. Thanks!

[Martin-IOM]

Thanks for the comments everyone - a couple of links below for anyone interested.

http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=45902

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/isleofman/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8753000/8753815.stm

http://www.iomtt.com/Home/Forum/ShowPost.aspx?PageIndex=1&PostID=214624

thank you - Martin

[Kiwi Graham]

Thanks Martin for keeping us in the loop, its helped us feel part of it and not quite so far away.
KG