A PAINTER and decorator is gearing up to take part in a national motorbike series – even though he was nearly killed in a bike accident 20 years ago. Sean Dyer, 40, from Ramsey, was knocked from his motorbike just outside Upwood at the age of 19, sustaini

A PAINTER and decorator is gearing up to take part in a national motorbike series - even though he was nearly killed in a bike accident 20 years ago.

Sean Dyer, 40, from Ramsey, was knocked from his motorbike just outside Upwood at the age of 19, sustaining multiple leg fractures and hospitalising himself for three weeks.

After the accident, Dyer gave up riding for 14 years but clambered back onto a bike in 2001 and took up racing three years later. He said: "Cars just aren't as exciting as bikes."

Now, Dyer is preparing for his third Powerbike series, racing at speeds in excess of 170mph, even though he badly broke his left arm in another crash two years ago.

The Ramsey man rides a green Kawasaki ZX10R for his Fatboy Racing team in conjunction with the NG Road Racing club.

Dyer, who has a 17-year-old son - Sam - and is engaged to be married, said: "My fiancée and son do worry about me but they accept that racing is what I love doing and that is who I am.

"My family persuaded me to give up the bike after I had my big crash in 1987 but the bug was always there and I always thought I'd return to motorbikes."

Dyer will miss one race meet this season because it clashes with his honeymoon. He is due to marry to 22-year-old former 'Brolly Dolly' Vickie Garraway in May.

The kickboxing enthusiast admitted: "I don't think Vickie would be too impressed if I cut our trip to Antigua short to come back and race at Darley Moor in Chesterfield.

"She doesn't want me to race for the first part of the season as it is because she is scared of having to push me down the aisle in a wheelchair.

"There is an incredible thrill about riding at 160mph with someone's tyre just six inches away from yours, it is an amazing sensation."

The Powerbike series will be featured on national television for the forthcoming season - courtesy of Sky television's Natural Born Racers programme.

Dyer, added: "Every penny I have goes into the racing, I even sold the bike I ride on the road to pay for the championship.

"It is generally quite easy for youngsters to attract sponsorship because of their potential but just because someone is older doesn't necessarily mean they are slower, particularly in motorbikes.

"I've had a couple of second-placed finishes so my ambition for next season is definitely to take a first place."

Fatboy Racing has received support from UFO Motorcycles in Huntingdon, A&J Motorcylces in Ramsey, and Dizzys hair salons but is appealing for further local sponsorship.

The team also helps to raise the profile of Ramsey charity the Sherrie Durrant fund - set up in memory of a Ramsey teenager who died of a heart problem.

Dyer said: "Racing is an expensive business and any help that can be offered by businesses, particularly local firms, would be much appreciated. We can offer a race day experience for any sponsors or their employees.