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The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres: The Autobiography

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Si King and Dave Myers, AKA the Hairy Bikers have traveled an interesting road. Born in the north of England, both Si and Dave had their childhood challenges. For Si, being bullied as the fat kid in class was part of his daily school routine. For Dave, his life changed when he became a childhood carer for his mother. But through the challenges of their early years came a love of really good food.

And it was food that brought Si and Dave together. Their eyes met over a curry and a pint on the set of a Catherine Cooksoon drama, and they knew they would be firm and fast friends for life. From deserts to desserts, potholes to pot roasts, the nation's favorite cooking duo reveals what's made their friendship such a special and lasting one. They've eaten their way around the world a good few times, but have never lost sight of what matters: great friends, great family and great food. In this heartwarming memoir of friendship and hilarious misadventure, Si and Dave take you on the ride of their lives!

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2015

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171 people want to read

About the author

Hairy Bikers

182 books37 followers
Big hearted, down-to-earth cooks with a love of good food, they have been cooking together for more than twenty years. They have created haute cuisine dishes with Michelin-starred chefs and travelled the world in the pursuit of great food. They've also explored the length and breadth of the British Isles to discover brand new recipes and create their own fresh takes on cooking classics. The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK's most popular cookery writing duo.

Si and Dave are life-long foodies and passionate cooks; they met through work on the set of a drama (appropriately enough on a Catherine Cookson adaptation) and they take every opportunity they can to pack their panniers and head off in search of authentic culinary and cultural experiences in all corners of the world.

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5 stars
406 (61%)
4 stars
191 (28%)
3 stars
52 (7%)
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5 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Gardner.
Author 20 books74 followers
October 1, 2018
I’m a big fan of the Hairy Bikers. I’ve seen most if their shows. I own most of their cookbooks. If I’m stuck for an idea about what to cook for dinner, they’re my first choice for inspiration. I’m not a big reader of autobiographies, but as soon as I saw they’d written one, I wanted to read it.

In many ways, it serves what we’ve come to expect from Si and Dave. Like their TV shows and cookbooks, it’s an accessible look into their lives told with their distinctive, irresistible charm and lots of heart. Amongst this though, is a very intimate, frank look at the men behind the brand, their struggles, successes and the toll fame has taken on their health and relationships.

What struck me most about the book though was the strength of their bond of friendship, which we tend to think of as being manufactured or artificially exaggerated with celebrity duos. In their case, not at all. I don’t think Si or Dave would object to me describing them as ‘platonic soulmates.’ As Dave notes on one of his wedding photos, “Lil realised that in one way she married both of us.”

They give us an honest view about how the people (and often themselves as individuals) become ‘third wheels’ next to their massive commitment to work, each other and the industry that is ‘Hairy Bikers.’ As I reached the closing pages, I have to say, it felt very bittersweet.

After reading this book, I don’t think I’ll ever watch a Hairy Bikers show in quite the same way. It’s one thing to share your recipes with the world, quite another to bare your soul(s). Si, Dave, thanks.
Profile Image for Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) .
1,063 reviews127 followers
April 3, 2016
Published 5th November 2015
Authors: Dave Myers and Si King

I couldn't put this book down. I love watching the Hairy Bikers on t.v and have been fortunate to see them live on one of their tours.

It was fascinating to read about their early lives and the family traumas that both Dave and Si had encountered. It was interesting to find out how their paths had crossed in relation to their work. Reading the book I could envisage both Dave and Si reading their respective chapters out loud. It was an amusing read and an entertaining one and I will probably read this book again as it was excellent. For anyone who loves the Hairy Bikers you need this book and for anyone curious, give it a go.

Profile Image for Sian Thomas.
322 reviews20 followers
October 9, 2017
As an autobiography, I don’t really feel I can do the “plot” break down!

If you don’t know the Hairy Bikers, who are you and where have you been?! Okay, let’s be honest – a little less than 8 years ago, I don’t think I knew who they were either. But then Ben introduced me to cookery and the world of TV chefs, and I was instantly hooked on them. The Hairy Bikers, or Si King and Dave Myers, are two very down to earth northern cooks, who explore the UK (and the world) on their bikes, cooking their way around.

They were probably the first TV cooks (they don’t really call themselves chefs) that I really connected with because they’re so…normal! And I hesitate to say that word because they’re definitely two odd chaps in the best way possible. Their TV programmes and recipes are infused with humour and friendship, and their stories are just the same.

I knew a little bit about their lives already as Ben is about as knowledgeable on TV and celebrity chefs and cooks as a person can be (he can name at least 30 of them off the top of his head!) and we have just about every cookbook under the sun (I’m serious – last count was over 150, I’m betting we’re up to almost 200 now). But what we didn’t have was an autobiography.

I bought this for Ben as a Christmas present, but he doesn’t read. I know – he doesn’t read, like ever. He once read a book on holiday and he reads articles online, but that’s it. But he wanted to know the Hairy Bikers’ story, so it fell on me.

Yes, I read every word of this book aloud to him.

It isn’t something I normally do – I read in my head and I read fast. I wouldn’t quite say I’m a speed reader (as I claimed to be when I was younger, telling classmates I read Harry Potter in half an hour – sorry, friends, that wasn’t true!), but I do read quickly. So this was definitely a huge change of pace for me, but it meant I took in every single word. And I think that was the best way possible I could have read this book. I could honestly hear Si and Dave, whose lives are told in alternating chapter through their own words, narrating every sentence.

Ben and I fully laughed aloud at this book, and I cried. I think Ben almost did, but he won’t admit that! The Hairy Bikers are two amazing men – they’ve lived through a lot, have seen a lot and have experienced a lot. They have a lot to share.

Obviously this book won’t resonate with you if you don’t really know them, but if you’re a Hairy Bikers’ fan already, I urge you to read this book. It’s an insight into their lives and is wonderfully entertaining.
Profile Image for Natasha Brown.
12 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2015
A wonderful story, their early lives were tinged by tragedy but it didn't stop their sense of humor. I laughed and i cried. It charts their early lives in Barrow and County Durham and goes on to explain their pre-hairy biker careers and how they met before talking about their series' and their home lives. I would read this again and again!
Profile Image for Mandy.
500 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2017
Brilliant fun book. I cannot believe what these guys went through as children and the health issues they have overcome.

Pop sugar challenge- written by two authors
Profile Image for Gareth Otton.
Author 5 books131 followers
March 7, 2016
Well worth a read for anyone who is a fan of this duo. If you are anything like me you will be surprised by the hardships these two have faced over the years. How they have kept such jovial and fun-loving personalities is both beyond me and an inspiration.

Overall though, what really comes through is a tale of friendship between two really good friends. Si and Dave's friendship off TV is every bit as strong if not stronger than you might expect and it was wonderful to read about.

It's a relatively short book considering it's a biography of two people, but don't let that put you off. This is a detailed and fascinating look into the lives of the Hairy Bikers.
92 reviews
August 27, 2016
This is a wonderful and honest story of the lives of Si King and Dave Myers, the creators of the British TV show, the Hairy Bikers. It enlightens us on the interesting and often, difficult life they both had prior to becoming famous. Their determination and intelligence shine through. Told with great wit and humour, this book is a delight to read. It is a very touching memoir of friendship, loyalty, family, travel and of course, food. I enjoyed this book so much that I could read it again.
Profile Image for Linda Wallis.
432 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2016
Oh I love the Hairy Bikers!
As you're reading this, you can hear them.
I have alternately chuckled at their antics and felt sad at the bad times in both their lives.
They've worked bloody hard to be where they are & deserve all they have now!
Here's to many more years of madness & great cooking!
Profile Image for Mark Farley.
Author 53 books25 followers
March 13, 2016
I mean, what's not to like about The Hairy Bikers? Their programmes are incredibly watchable, their personalities are both warm and infectious and to hear about how they both met and the history of their friendship is a joy and exceptionally readable.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,900 reviews63 followers
December 29, 2019
This was a good solid autobiography, cleverly put together. Individual autobiographies for this famous duo would have seemed all wrong, but their stories zip together beautifully.

I most enjoyed the accounts of their childhoods. Both boys were clearly blessed with the absolutely certainty that they were well loved in their early years. Both were born to older parents and with their only privilege that love, which shored them up against the difficulties they were soon to face. Dave Myers' account of being a carer for both parents is an important one I think which deserves wide readership. There was serious gruntwork involved due to physical impairments but it was thinking about the psychological impact on him of his mother's day in day out rage at her circumstances (some drug induced, some disease induced, some just plain understandable) that I found especially heartrending. Si King too writes about the psychological manifestations of his father's old injuries and their power to distort relationships, followed by what he now recognises as his mother's depression.

The different food histories were interesting too - all the spices in the King household as a result of his father's work travels.

I was interested in the work lifestyle - both men freelance in the entertainment industry. There were the usual celebrity lists of things worked on but it didn't get too bogged down.

There are some lovely photos included, but I felt the selection was rather odd - too many of Dave's on Strictly Come Dancing, none of Si's partner (perhaps she said no) It might also have been nice to have some of the places they grew up and choose to live now.

I did notice the arrival of a home economist to their professional team and wondered how Si's home economics graduate partner felt about that... there's no mention. Plenty to make the reader feel hungry in the mention of all they have cooked and eaten (with some winces)

It did sort of fizzle out a bit as it comes up to date (as often happens with autobiographies) - the financial constraints of Si's childhood perhaps weighed heavily on his prioritisation of work over his personal relationship (taking time off sounds to have come too late) but the end of the book seemed to be saying he felt it was acceptable collateral damage.

I did laugh out loud several times. I've not seen or read a huge proportion of their work but they come across as interesting and likeable chaps and I feel there is much to enjoy and learn from reading it even if you have never heard of The Hairy Bikers.
97 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
Fantastic autobiography, the boys really bring you in with their story telling. You can tell this isn't ghost written and the boys have really put their heart and soul into writing this book.

Soo many great and laugh out loud stories and some real tear jerker moments too; I had no idea both of them had such tough lives early on.

The only real thing that stops this being a 5 star book for me is that I actually wanted it to be around 50% longer, they must have had loads and loads more stories to tell, so I feel like there's so much more for the boys to give us. I also felt that Si really glosses over his marriage falling apart and later divorce, would have been interesting for him to give his thoughts and feeling on the matter, the book could have benefitted from coming out 2 years later as he's clearly repressing a lot whilst writing the book, and whilst Dave talks about his divorce a bit he too glosses over a lot of it.

Still though, it’s one of the best autobiographies I’ve read and even if you aren’t a fan of the lads you will still enjoy this book and by the end of it you too will want to join them for a pint over a lush curry. Si and Dave are a real inspiration for a get out there and do it joie de vivre and if you haven't watch any of their tv shows, you definitely should.
Profile Image for Sophia.
247 reviews
July 18, 2021
A very good autobiography indeed. I have watched the odd episode of the duo's travel cookery shows and their curry recipe book is used at least monthly in my house; but apart from listening to their radio show on Planet Rock and being dimly aware that Dave Myers used to be a make-up artist, I didn't know very much about them.
When I saw this in my local library I decided to give it a try and am very glad I did. It's a pretty remarkable story of how two men from working class backgrounds in the north of England managed to break into the television/film industry, met each other at work and realised they had had a very similar upbringing and quite a lot in common. I found the story of their early years and eventual move into being in front of the cameras a lot more interesting than the writing about the most recent decade of their careers making TV shows, but I suppose that's to be expected really as you don't learn anything ground-breakingly new. A very nice touch was how each chapter was named after dishes that brought to mind that moment in time. Pleased I picked this up!
4 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2018
I have watched the Hairy Bikers since they first came onto our television. I love watching them as they do provide some clues as to what their upbringing was like as alot of their cooking has a personal feel to it. The book starts with what both of them remember when they were children and also involves looking back at what they enjoyed eating at that time. Both have had their own problems to overcome when growing up as Daves mother was very ill, and Si lost his father when quite young. Due to this they both helped alot in the kitchen and both were cooking whilst still at school. As Im of a similar age, I felt i could relate to their situations and it helped me to remember the food I ate when a child.
It was interesting to read about their careers prior to 'Hairy Bikers' and how they initially met. They have both been very open and honest about their progression to where they are now and so it makes a really good read for anyone else who loves to watch them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
360 reviews
September 4, 2017
Really good autobiography of the two loveable Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers & Si King. It's surprising what you don't already know about them. Their lives are written by alternate chapters that merge together. A really good read. So far, it's the best autobiography I've read. I didn't want to put it down & as I was reading it I could hear their voices. Goes to show anyone can overcome hardships & still have a good sense of humour. They never take themselves seriously & are still down to earth & never forget where they came from.
Profile Image for Catherine Rickard.
295 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2021
I love The Hairy Bikers, their shows and books are brilliant. Their autobiography is a touching, emotional insight into the men behind the screen. This blew me away! I listened to this with Audible and it.was.narrated.by both Si and Dave which was fantastic. It was.no.surprise at.all to find myself laughing, the wit and humour we see on screen comes so naturally but was not expecting the emotional rollercoaster that was this book. I have even more respect now for this amazing pair than I did before. This is a thoroughly entertaining, enlightening and enjoyable read and I highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Emily Littler.
84 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2017
Just before I start the actual review, I must say it may come across as slightly biased, as I love the Hairy Bikers duo, so it would have been difficult for me not to enjoy this book. The version I have is in fact the Audible audio version, as I love listening to Si and Dave talking, and it also really brought this autobiography to life. That also means I had no idea how short the book looks, but it didn't feel short to me, it made my morning commute to work in the car thoroughly enjoyable.

I had no idea that both our beloved Bikers had such tragic early lives, and it really moved me listening to them both describing how it had changed them. Despite everything they went through, they still managed to add their charm and sense of humour into the book, and it comes through wonderfully.

To hear how they become friends made me smile, especially how they've supported each other over the years, through plenty of hardships, but also an equal amount of successes.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fan of the Hairy Bikers. It was an absolute joy to hear, and I'll probably re-listen to it again one day!
178 reviews
January 12, 2022
Whilst liking the 'Bikers' in the different Cookery shows I wasn't sure what to expect of this autobiography. I was pleasantly surprised and reading it was like listening to them on the show. The alternative chapters whilst effectively in time order was different and gave difference spin on the narrative of their respective lines. It was nice to see how close they became and have continued to date. A good read
Profile Image for Kirstin.
781 reviews
November 20, 2022
If you're a fan of the Hairy Bikers like me, this is a great read. I learned a lot about their childhoods which was far from easy , their early careers in television as a make up artist and production manager and of course, them meeting and becoming the best of friends.
I do of course like their cooking and living in the North East myself, I understand their Northern sense of humour. It's a cracking good read about two best friends !
38 reviews
March 25, 2024
I came to this book due to the recent and tragic death of Dave Myers. The two friends tell their life story with back to back chapters that start from childhood and into their working lives. It expand into dual telling after they meet. Both have had remarkable lives, filled with tragedy and challenges. What shines though the words is (exactly per their TV shies) there absolute love for life, the people in it and each over. My one word summary would be “Uplifting”!
Profile Image for Karen Hands.
47 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
I listened to the audio book of this, which I think really added to the experience as it is read by Si and Dave. This memoir is entertaining, educational, and absolutely hilarious. If you're a fan of of their TV series' then you'll enjoy this book! It was especially poignant reading this after the recent death of Dave Myers, especially the section where Si recounts his experiences of having a brain aneurysm and Dave being worried about losing him 😭
Profile Image for Caron Lindsay.
16 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024
Had to read this one quickly as I couldn’t renew it from the library. It was very easy to read and taught me a lot about the pair that I didn’t know. I wondered how I would feel reading this so soon after Dave’s death but the humour and candour made it a book you just can’t put down. You get a great insight into the mechanics of tv production and there are moments of joy, sadness and madcap hilarity. Quite the assault on the senses.
Profile Image for Aley Schiessl-Moore.
70 reviews
June 1, 2025
A bittersweet read given that Dave is gone, but a lovely, funny, and positive one nevertheless. I found myself really identifying with the struggles of young Si and young Dave, fascinated by their career trajectories, and inspired by their enthusiasm and positivity. And honestly, these two are a fantastic representative of male friendship and love. Wonderful memoir and one of my favorite „celebrity“ memoirs I’ve read.
Profile Image for Karen .
138 reviews40 followers
May 11, 2017
This was really good, and gave a wonderful insight into the relationship between Dave & Si. And the most refreshing thing? They didn't gloss over the "nasty" bits of their home lives. I will admit to howling with laughter at several sections, and equally being reduced to tears by other sections.

At at the end of it? They come across as genuinely nice guys, who enjoy cooking and bikes - and are not afraid to make a fool of themselves occasionally.
Profile Image for Tanya.
39 reviews22 followers
September 3, 2017
Even though I have been watching their shows for years, never in a million years would I have thought that they had such different lives! I have so much more respect for them now and they are a strong reminder that if you work hard it truly pays off, but it is also important to spend time with the people you love because you never know what is round the corner.
Profile Image for mrs marion a templeton.
5 reviews
February 4, 2019
Enlightening

As a hairy biker fan I found this an easy read that gave me an interesting insight into the boys, their lives and how their friendship developed. It amused me, made me laugh and at one point has me nearly in tears with things I never knew about their past lives. If you like the hairy bikers and don't want a book that's too heavy, then this is a must read.
102 reviews
August 15, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed their cookery programmes and this book has added so much to them as I now understand why they are so alike in so many ways and yet different. I will watch their programmes in a very positive but different way in the future. I am so thankful that they wrote it and and that I have been fortunate enough to read it.
96 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2022
A beautiful, thought provoking read. Not ashamed to admit I cried at points. Two really gripping stories of two friends who combined to become a beloved TV double act. This has genuine heart and is a magnificent read. You come away thinking that both of them deserve every bit of success they have had in life
Profile Image for Vince.
9 reviews
October 3, 2022
This is my second time reading through the Hairy Bikers autobiography and found it just as enthralling and entertaining as the first time. The lives these 2 unassuming home cooks have led to get them to where they are today is phenomenal. I highly recommend this to anybody who is a fan of Si and Dave.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
20 reviews
April 16, 2023
Glad these lads wrote more about travel, food, and the trials of existence than motor-bikes. It was fun to journey through their memories of food and extreme success.
To be honest, I've not heard of them -in Canada- til book recommendation. This book was a good laugh (despite a few dark moments) and incredible journey.
Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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