A FITTING two-wheeled tribute has been planned following the death of a very popular Wrexham man who dedicated his life to motorcycling.

Len Lewis, who died last week at the age of 89, has been described as "very humble" and a "great role model" and in the late 1950's fulfilled an ambition to race around the Isle of Man's World famous TT course.

Mr Lewis, who was originally from Coedpoeth, moved to nearby Minera after marrying his wife Joan in 1956 and in more recent years had been living in Llangollen.

His nephew, Jason Lewis, who is a well known and respected motorcyclist himself, having been the organiser of the popular Ride Cymru charity motorcycle event for several years, spoke of the inspiration gleaned from a shared love of the two-wheeled machines.

Jason Lewis said: "Obviously Len has inspired me to have a love of motorcycles. Whilst I have not followed a path of motorcycle racing, I have directed my enthusiasm at fund raising motorcycle events.

"Len followed these events very closely and was our official starter for the last few years. Len was very well known in the area for his ‘dedication’ to motorcycling over many years."

In 1957, at the age of just 27, Steelworker Len, achieved a life-long ambition to ride in the Manx Grand Prix races on the Isle of Man, and as a newcomer, managed to ride fast enough to qualify for the Senior's races taking place the next day.

Jason added: "He did this all without any sponsors and returned to again race in the Senior Race in 1958.

"Whilst sourcing information for family tree research many years ago, I actually found the ‘Leader Newspaper’ feature from 1957 about him going to race at the Isle of Man."

As way of a tribute to Len, a final ride will take place on the day of his funeral (September 24), with riders invited to take part in a route that will escort Len from his home in Llangollen, over the Horseshoe Pass, all the way to Coedpoeth, where his funeral service will take place at Saint Tudfils Church.

Jason, said he was very upset he won't be able to take part in the 50 minute ride out himself, after he suffered serious injuries in a crash back in August, but hoped as many people as possible would turn up to give his uncle the most fitting of send-offs.

Jason added: "Having organised the escort, I'm gutted I won't be able to ride in it myself. The route will go over the Horseshoe Pass and then follow the loop from Bwlchgwyn to Rhydtalog to Llandegla and back to Bwlchgwyn - which was Lens practice route prior to competing in the Isle of Man in the 1950’s.

"I thought the world of Len as did many others. He was a very popular man and well liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

"He was a very humble man, with patience and time for people and had a loving and caring nature.

"He achieved his ambitions and has been a great role model. He will be sorely missed."

A Facebook page has been set up with information about the final bike ride and Mr Lewis' funeral will take place at Saint Tudfils Church, Coedpoeth at 1pm on Tuesday September 24.