A keen and experienced motorcyclist died from traumatic head injuries after an accident on holiday in Europe, an inquest heard on Thursday.
Eric James Knight, 41, of Langley Road, Abbots Langley, was on a biking tour with his brother-in-law and sister when he veered off course and hit a crash barrier.
Although he was wearing a helmet and was travelling 20kmph below the 130kmph speed limit, Mr Knight died at the scene on the A77 motorway towards Nevers in France.
Police, toxicology and pathology reports read aloud by Herts’ assistant coroner Alison Grief revealed no mechanical, environmental or medical causes for Mr Knight’s inability to correct his course as he approached a slight bend.
The husband and father, a plumber and practising Christian, completed charity motorcycle rides in the past and had volunteered at a Romanian orphanage for eight months.
Ms Grief told his family and friends present: “These are difficult circumstances of a young man and father who has been lost in such a tragic way.”