I like the Hairy Bikers
I never much liked the Two Fat Ladies with their dirty fingernails and, at least in the case of Clarissa Dixon-Wright, the unsavoury views on foxhunting, but the Hairy Bikers - clearly forged on the same anvil by enterprising BBC producers - are a breath of fresh air. They are, as it says on the tin, hairy and they ride motorbikes. Simon King is the larger, bear-like, blond-bearded one from Newcastle (apparently a first assistant director and locations manager for film and television, recently working on the Harry Potter films), something akin to a Northeastern cross between Jerry off of ER and Chuck Aspegren, the real-life Pennsylvania steelworker cast in The Deer Hunter. David Myers is from Barrow-in-Furness, balding and slightly less beardy who, ironically, was a steelworker who joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics. They appear to be mates, but I'll be prepared to find out that they they'd never met before the pilot. They certainly have a matey chemistry as they ride around the world in search of local delicacies that they can rustle up in some tin cans over a candle on a plank of wood. Like all the best TV cooks, they love their grub. This week's episode in Turkey saw our boys knock up a Sultan's delight with stuff like char-grilled aubergines, Kasseri cheese, grated courgette, Yorkshire puddings spiced with cumin and allspice (Dave loves allspice), and a big old pot of lamb.
I can add nothing more profound to my appraisal, other than to say: it's nice when two new genuine enthusiasts come along. It's what the BBC does best.
posted by Andrew Collins @ 2:17 PM
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4 Comments:
Heh. Our 10 year old (Heather) adores this programme. She will sit and comment on everything in only the way a blonde 10-year old can.
She doesn't like the beards and told me so. Under no circumstances is daddy to grow a beard.
I am a little concerned at her interest in the leathers and bikes though.
If a long haird young man turns up at our door holding a motorcycle helmet I'll say "NO !" (no I won't.. .that's too Harry Enfield).
... I'll remember that that's precisely what I did when I first started dating my wife...
... then I'll get the shotgun...
I think this programme is brilliant too! I too also live in Barrow-in-Furness where Dave Myers lives. I met him the other week when he they were both signing their books in the local book store.
Just to clear up the background Andrew - they met about 17 years ago, discovered a shared enthusiasm for bikes and food, became best mates, and then spent most of their holidays doing for fun what they now do for the telly. I'd worked with them both individually, and when they told me about their trips, I thought I'd have a go at getting them on the box. But thanks for the nice comments - genuine enthusiasts is exactly right! (John the Producer)
John the producer, how nice to hear from you! Another fine edition tonight in Mexico. As inspiring as ever. I wonder if you wouldn't mind dropping me an email at the CONTACT ME address above . . .
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