Living life to the full: Miles Tripp who was killed in a crash on SundayTHE girlfriend of a motorcyclist who was killed in a racing accident has spoken of how the couple were an inseparable team.

Miles Tripp, 36, of Haydon Wick died at the race in west Wales on Sunday, when his bike collided with four others.

He and his girlfriend Liz Manning had been inseparable since meeting through friends 15 years ago and were hoping to marry.

But now any dreams Liz had of a white wedding have been shattered.

Liz, 34, who works for energy firm npower in Swindon, was at the circuit where Miles was racing for the Gloucestershire-based NG Road Racing Club, when he was killed.

She said: "I knew there had been an accident but I didn't see what happened. It didn't occur to me that it was serious. Accidents happen all the type and usually people just end up with bruises or a broken leg.

"Miles had been involved in accidents before and it was never anything serious. When I heard what had happened I just felt numb and I'm still in shock.

"He achieved his best results ever in the qualifying race and it meant he was one of the first three riders in the next race. He was just so chuffed and bouncing all over the place. It was his dream to be one of the first three riders and he couldn't believe he'd done so well."

The couple shared a passion for motorcycles and were rarely apart, sharing a home in Helmsdale, Haydon Wick.

"We did everything together and we only really argued when we were tired," she said.

"We always said we'd marry one day we just never set a date.

"He was just the most honest, genuine and wonderful man you could meet and he had such a great sense of humour.

"He loved racing. He knew the risks and he was doing what he loved."

Miles, who had served five years with the RAF worked in risk management for a local company.

He and Liz created a website together about motorcycles www.sportsbikeworld.co.uk

Close friend of the couple, David Stephens, 43, a photographer of Haydon Wick, said: "One thing I would say about Miles is that he led a very full life. He did a lot in his life and achieved a lot in a short time.

"He was an incredibly honest bloke and a great friend.

"Him and Liz were such a good close couple and they were so comfortable with each other.

"Miles had a brilliant sense of humour you could wind him up and he could wind you up."

His funeral is to be held at the Emmanuel United Reform Church in Haydon Wick on March 30 at 1.15pm. This will be followed by his burial at Kingsdown Cemetery. Donations should be sent to Nino Pezzini, 10 Otley Close, Heron Grange, Worcester WR4 OBJ.

Tributes pour in

THE NG Road Racing Club's website has set up a special message board so fellow bikers can express their condolences to Miles's family. It has already received 5,000 hits since Monday. Some remembered Miles from race events and others reflected on a character to help anybody.

One said: "I can't believe it. Miles, you were the most enthusiastic guy I've ever met, and always ready to give your advice, a genuine bloke."

Diana Milne