Fatal bike crash a tragic accident
A split-second error cost a Wigan motorcycle enthusiast his life, an inquest heard.
Paul Shaw was said to be an experienced and safe biker but a "momentary error" while riding on a race circuit had catastrophic results.
The dad-of-two from Simpkin Street, Abram was riding the Anglesey Circuit at Ty Croes as a Christmas present paid for by his parents.
The inquest at Llangefni heard that the crash happened after he lost back wheel traction and came off his powerful Suzuki machine.
North Wales deputy coroner Nicola Jones recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Early suggestions that he had suffered a heart attack prior to crashing were dismissed.
The hearing was told that the 41-year-old had been pulling out of a "corkscrew" bend at the circuit on the track day in March.
Mrs Jones said Mr Shaw's speed was a little too fast and his braking may have been "slightly harsh" before he came off the bike.
He was struck by another motorcycle before marshals could stop riders at the event.
She said: "I'm satisfied the track was run safely that day. It really is a momentary error which has led to fatal consequences."
Mr Shaw, who had a life-long passion for bikes, had along with his younger brother David been given the day at the Rhosneigr track as a present from parents Barry and Yvonne Shaw and the others were watching from the stands when the accident happened.
David was also a few bikes back and came across the scene, but neither he nor Mr and Mrs Shaw were allowed by marshals to go anywhere near the stricken motorcyclist which caused them great upset at the time.
But after the hearing his widow Cathy Shaw declared herself satisfied with the verdict.
She said: "It was an accident, plain and simple. The track was not at fault and neither was the second rider whose bike hit Paul.
"There was some talk at the time of him having a heart attack either before or after the collision but neither turned out to be the case. He was a healthy man."
More than 400 mourners packed into Abram Parish Church to bid a fond farewell to a man described as "larger than life."
His coffin was taken to the church on a motorbike's sidecar with many fellow bikers providing an escort.
Shelves in the family home were full with cards and floral tributes.
Mr Shaw was born and raised in Lowton where he went to the local high school.
Most of his professional life was spent as a driver and for the past 10 years had been employed by Widnes-based Veolia Environmental Services.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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