BUCKHURST HILL: Motorcyclist dies on weekend away (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

BUCKHURST HILL: Motorcyclist dies on weekend away

3:30pm Saturday 31st July 2010

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A MAN from Buckhurst Hill has died after a road accident near Exeter.

The 50-year-old, who is yet to be officially named but is believed to be called James Holland, is reported to have been travelling to Cornwall for a Harley Davidson camping weekend when the incident happened.

The tragedy happened yesterday (July 30) morning at about 11.20am and Paramedics and the Devon Air Ambulance were called to the scene.

Police were also called to the B3212 at Longdown, near Exeter, after reports of a serious collision involving a car and motorbike.

The driver of the car, a Honda Civic estate, is not thought to have been hurt.

Scores of tributes have been left to Mr Holland on an online forum.

Members of the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain set up a tribute page to Mr Holland hours after the accident.

Kev Scrivener, who is registered as club president on the forum, wrote: "They do say it's always the nice guys that go too soon, and that summed Jamie up perfectly.

"A genuine, likeable, quiet and modest man who loved his Harleys with a passion, his tragic death is a great loss to all of us in the Club but especially the Vintage Section and his long-standing friends in East London.

"RIP my friend, till we meet again."

Tony Draper, of the Devon branch of the club, left a message of condolence.

He told the Guardian Mr Holland would most probably have been going to one of the club's rallies, called Perry's Rally.

He said: "I have seen him around and knew the face as I had seen him at rallies over the years, but I didn't know him personally.

"We have thousands of members, it's impossible to know everybody.

"Perry's Rally is basically a back to basics rally, there is no entertainment just camping with bike enthusiasts."

Mr Draper said although he didn't know Mr Holland "it still comes from the heart when you put a message (on the club's forum) because it could have been me."

After the accident the road was closed for several hours and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

The victim's family have been informed.

If you knew the victim, leave a comment below to pay tribute to him, or call Guardian reporter Ryan McCarthy on 07795 308149.

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