Charity biker is killed ‘living his dream’ on trek (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Charity biker is killed ‘living his dream’ on trek
10:00am Friday 10th August 2012 in News By Amanda Greaves
Addingham’s Sid Rayner bouldering on Ilkley Moor. Picture by Mark Hockey Photography
A charity fundraiser killed on a long-distance motorcycle trek in central Asia “loved an adventure”, said a long-time friend.
David John Rayner, known to most as Sid, died last month when his bike collided with a cow on a road in remote Kazakhstan.
Mr Rayner, 36, of Low Mill Fold in Addingham, was taking part in a fundraising ride to help Mongolian children when the accident happened.
According to reports from a news agency in Kazakhstan, the incident happened at about 7pm on July 7. Mr Rayner was pronounced dead at the scene.
Forensic examinations and technical investigations are now underway into his death. An inquest was opened and adjourned in the Bradford coroner’s office late last week.
Friend, Mark Hockey, of Ilkley, said Mr Rayner was very conscientious – known for being meticulous about safety in his work and in his hobby of climbing.
Mr Hockey, 36, added: “He loved an adventure.
“He was a very softly spoken guy, and very, very unselfish. In the last few days before he went to do this trip, he was helping a friend to move house.”
Mr Rayner was brought up in Addingham, and known within the local climbing community. He continued to live in the village, but spent much of his time working away on Shetland in his job as a rope access technician.
The friends met more than a decade ago while climbing at the Cow and Calf quarry on Ilkley Moor, and the two become regular climbing partners, tackling tough ice ascents in Scotland as well as visiting popular venues in Yorkshire.
Mr Rayner also enjoyed caving. He and Mr Hockey were also members of Ilkley Constitutional Club, where they played snooker.
Mr Rayner was raising money on his trek for The Children and Young People's Protection and Development (CYPPD), which helps homeless or otherwise vulnerable youngsters in Mongolia.
Throughout his motorcycle trek, headed to Mongolia, Mr Rayner kept in touch with his friends online, who have been urged to make a donation to the CYPPD in his memory.
Another friend said online he was “living his dream” and doing it for a cause he believed in.
