The funeral of the Waikato motorcycle racer who was killed in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) last week has been held on the island -- in the pit lane of the racetrack.
New Zealand racer Paul Dobbs, 39, of Onewhero, died in the Supersport race on June 10. He is survived by his wife Bridget and two daughters, Eadlin and Hillberry.
His wife told the BBC "Dobbsy" was "in his element" at this year's TT.
"I am forever grateful for the 11 days we had together at the TT this year. Without our daily responsibilities it was like a final honeymoon," she said.
"Dobbsy was in his element. He was bike fit. The bikes were going well. The team was like a finely tuned machine.
"He'd broken his own lap and race records. I'd never seen Dobbsy happier.
"He was the kindest, biggest hearted, most energetic fun man I know.
"He was so much more than my husband. He was my best mate."
Family, friends and motorcycle enthusiasts attended the funeral service, near the course grandstand, and afterwards accompanied the coffin on a lap of the TT course on open roads, an Isle of Man news website reported.
Those attending were asked to dress how the New Zealander would have recognised them so there were a lot of team shirts, leathers and marshal jackets on display.
Following her husband's death, Mrs Dobbs said she had no regrets as "our lives have been immeasurably enriched by the TT and the Isle of Man".
