Gail Richards - The Catlass

On this glorious Bank Holiday weekend we received the terrible news that Gail was involved in a fatal road traffic accident nr Horton-in-Ribbledale.

She was riding alone in her beloved Yorkshire Dales enjoying a beautiful day out and thinking about the TT racing she would not be able to enjoy in person this year.

Gail was one of the early members of the site. She arranged her own informal ride-outs around the Yorkshire Dales and Moors. Everyone was welcome and often these were followed afterwards by a BBQ at Gail's house. She was a big character with a warm heart who welcomed everyone she met and consequently made a big impression on all who met her and we were lucky to spend time in her company. She was passionate about her motorcycling and her cats. A loving mother to her daughter Amber and a good friend to many of us on this site.

She was daft and crazy, dizzy and single-minded, a mother-hen and fiercely independent. There are many stories about Gail, and things that happened on the ride-outs we shared with her, that many of us will remember with great fondness even if they were really annoying at the time! But that was Gail. She was a wonderful human being. And, for those who shared time with her, made us richer and funnier and happier than we could have hoped. We'll miss you Gail. Thanks for all the great times.

Here are some pictures of Gail in happier times. If anyone wishes to add more pictures to this thread, or share a story about Gail, please do.


More pictures can be found here

Nice words Chris & condolences to all of you who were close to her, I knew her only through Facebook via this forum but it was always entertaining to read her exploits, nobody can say Gail didn't live life to the full,
Reading tributes on her fb page it's obvious she was a huge personality. RIP Gail

Chris,, thankyou for putting into tangible words what i have been thinking and struggling to get out !!, my last messages to gail were about the fact she had lost her voice and wasnt able to do friday nights radiofm show ,,,,

Fantastic write up Chris, what a loss to the world of motorbikes, and what a loss to her poor child.

My heart goes out to all those that are touched by this tragic accident.

It's a pity she never knew how well she was thought of.


Ellie

I remember kipping on Gail's floor after at least one Northern Cats rideout; spending the night being blundered into every so often by her blind cat...

The trauma of the road to Applecross...another particularly memorable trip. But lots of good memories...

A few pics follow - not by me: too good for that - I think that they're ones stolen from Kev or Ross at some point, and hope they don't mind.

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Splendid words, she was clearly well loved and brought a lot of joy to many on here. Very sad loss.

Thanks for the write up Chris, and the photos (i remember some of those places were they were taken)..

And also to Pete (funderkat) for his photos.

Davie...

What a lovely tribute, very touching x

very sincere and moving tribute chris. saw Gail at last years TT. we had a good day on the bikes and as always a good drink and laugh at the night, she was on top form. she was interviewing racers for biker fm and in great spirits.
Gail was always the life and soul of the ride-outs and weekends away on the bikes. she was an excellent rider and great company. I once called her " one of the lads" which she loved and took as the compliment I meant it to be.
very, very, sad loss.
steve..............

Very well written Chris. I think you have captured all our memories of Gail spot on. We are in Northern Italy in our digs listening to Biker FM via the Internet for Gails tribute show.

Well written and nice touch.. Well done as well boys in the Alps for listening and getting the message through..

Very nice wording Chris. Sorry I'm rather late in posting, didn't get onto the site whilst away and I've been 'building' myself up to face the threads on Gail. Reading through, I am numb again.

Like to add a few pics I took of Gail at ToL 2007

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dscn0385.jpg by stevephi, on Flickr
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dscn0378.jpg by stevephi, on Flickr

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im005230.jpg by stevephi, on Flickr

So sad when I heard of this. I've not been active on the site for some time now, and I wasn't a close friend but I remember Gail really well and shared some good times with her along with many from this site. Who could forget her? She will be sorely missed by anyone who knew her.

Under the circumstances , its still nice to hear from you !!
you have been missed on the rideouts fella !!
Hope your ok ??

Pete

mechy69 wrote:Under the circumstances , its still nice to hear from you !!
you have been missed on the rideouts fella !!
Hope your ok ??

Pete

Thanks Pete - I've signed up for TOL so hope to see you there.

excellent ,, will be great to see you

I've been out of action for a while and haven't been on here for many months, I've been on quite a few rides with Gail.

It's just terrible news, a very sad loss.

Hi

I have a pic of Gail which I took for her with Bruce Anstey at the 2012 TT.

Would you like me to dig this out and send it through for your gallery?

That would be nice ... a link to how to post pics [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]if you haven't noticed the howto sticky post.
Thanks

The anniversary of Gail's passing is this Sunday.

Some may have heard or read of the dedication (sent in by some of us whilst in Italy) on her tribute show.

a year ago this sunday we all miss ya lass
xxxxx pete & fred

I'll be raising a glass this Sunday.

Sorely missed x x

With fond and loving memories . . .

We miss you
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Tel & Bea