It is with great sadness that we report the passing, in the early hours of Friday 14th November, of John Raymond ‘Ray’ Sayer of Bellerby, North Yorkshire, aged 90 years.

Ray Sayer should not need any introduction to those of an era when British factories ruled all forms of motorcycle sport. Ray was an accomplished trials rider, who rode the factory Triumphs in national, Scottish and International Six Days Trials. He also rode a two-stroke AJS in the 1969 SSDT, a 125cc Dalesman Puch in the 1970 Scott Trial and rode a Gaunt Suzuki in 1968 for Suzuki GB.

Ray’s best placement in the Scottish Six Days was third in 1963 on the factory Triumph Cub.

By profession he ran the family coach business of Sayer’s Coaches, he was the son of the local farmer.

A very reserved, quiet man who had incredible knowledge of the sport and gave all the other top riders a run for their money every time he threw his leg over a competition motorcycle. Ray was a highly respected rider by his peers and his local townsfolk. It is safe to say that Ray Sayer was a gentleman.

After his competitive days were over, Ray would attend the annual Scott Trial in his local area and also the Reeth Three Day. He was also a Jaguar car enthusiast.

Our sincere condolences go out to his widow, Carol and the extended Sayer family at this time.

Ray Sayer’s funeral arrangements: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 1pm at Bellerby Church, Church Street, Bellerby, Leyburn DL8 5QL, then from 2pm at Tennants Garden Rooms, The Auction House, Harmby Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5SG.

Trials Guru tribute to Ray Sayer HERE