Clad in leather from top to toe, the bikers rode into Ballymoney to pay their respects to the King of the Road. In what was always going to be a high-decibel tribute, several thousand motorcyclists from home and abroad gathered in the quiet rural setting where Joey Dunlop was laid to rest yesterday.
It was a poignant sight. Biker boys and girls stood along the Garryduff Road for more than a mile wiping away tears and embracing each other. One biker from Holland, who like others had gathered at the local Presbyterian church since early morning, summed up the depth of feeling that Dunlop's death has provoked among enthusiasts of the sport. "He was like a god," he said.
The motorcycle champion's widow, Linda, had offered an open invitation to her husband's fans to come and pay their respects. Neighbours, friends and bikers from all over the world answered the call, unable to stay away from the funeral of a man they idolised for both his sporting and charitable endeavours.
There were some there from Estonia, where Joey Dunlop had been killed during a race last Sunday. Fans from Australia, New Zealand, Romania and the Isle of Man also made the trip. Many bore the number three, Dunlop's racing number, their owners carrying yellow helmets like their hero.
The Lost Riders' Motor Cycle Club of Ireland (so-called because they tend to get lost on such excursions) were exhausted from their trek from Dublin.
Club member Gearoid Hoare from Wexford said Dunlop was "the greatest road-racer who ever lived".
Jim Kenna from Co Meath said three generations of his family were fans of Joey Dunlop. "I brought my 17-year-old son to see him this year and I'm glad he got the chance to see him race before he died," he said.