Rider died on bike he bought a week earlier

Father-of-four James Gaines, 43, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, after losing control of his 1,000cc Honda Fireblade at 11.30am on Sunday.

The telecoms engineer was negotiating a hill and left-hand turn in Healeyfield Lane, near Consett, County Durham, while out with four other biking friends.

His wife, Carol, 41, said last night: “I just keep expecting him to walk in because he was always such a careful rider.

“I used to go out with him, so I know how careful he was. I don’t think any of us can believe it. We cannot quite take in what has happened.”

Last week, Mr Gaines sold a 650cc Suzuki Bandit and upgraded to a more powerful machine. He was photographed sitting on it only days before he died.

Mr Gaines’ eldest son, Andy, 22, who worked with his father, said: “He absolutely loved his bikes and would sell one then buy another. But the most important thing in life was his family.

“As long as we were taken care of, he was happy.”

Mr Gaines, originally from Consett, and Carol were a couple for 24 years and married for 14 years, with four children.

Mr Gaines’ death is the second major tragedy to affect the family, who live in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.

In September 2007, his 16- year-old son, Graeme, died after a three-and-a-half year battle with leukemia.

Mr Gaines Jr said: “Dad never quite got over the death of Graeme.

“Hopefully, he is up there now with my brother and they are looking after each other.”

Mr Gaines had two other sons – 12-year-old Liam and James, who is three next week.

Mrs Gaines said “He was the softest, kindest man you could ever meet.

“He would do anything for anyone and would always put others before himself.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened 600 metres east of the junction with Goldhill Lane.

A friend who had been following Mr Gaines also lost control, but was not seriously injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0345-60- 60-365.