A BEWDLEY dad who died in Spain after his motorbike hit a protective barrier could have fallen asleep, an inquest heard.

Experienced biker Gary Peplow, of Coniston Way, died in a road traffic collision whilst on a tour with friends in Spain - just 30 miles away from the group’s destination.

They were travelling from Porto in Portugal to Segovia in Spain - a journey of more than 300 miles- just before 6pm on August 23 last year.

An inquest at Worcestershire Coroners Court in Stourport on Thursday, April 5 found the 50-year-old suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and blood loss from multiple injuries.

Toxicology reports found no alcohol or drugs in his system and he had no medical conditions which could have played a part in the smash.

Assistant Coroner Andrew Cox suggested Mr Peplow could have been asleep and agreed video footage showing Mr Peplow swerving to the right shortly before the crash could indicate he was not conscious.

His father Graham Peplow told the inquest the bike suffered very little damage and was virtually ridable.

Fellow riders Kyle Martin and Christopher Patrick both said they believed Mr Peplow could have fallen asleep due to the long distance.

Footage from a camera on Mr Peplow’s bike had not been sent back to the UK from Spain despite a request from the coroner.

Speaking at the inquest, tour organiser and friend of Mr Peplow, Philip Morgan said: "He was in great form. Really enjoying himself.

"It was a lovely day and evening. It was dry and the traffic was moderate to light."

The court heard the group of six split into three groups, they had travelled for about 9.5 hours, heading off at 8.30am and stopping twice for breaks during the journey.

Assistant coroner Andrew Cox recorded verdict of death due to a road traffic collision.

He said: "The deceased was involved in an unwitnessed single vehicle road traffic collision on the AP-51 Madrid to Ávila motorway in Spain.

"His motorbike left the carriageway and hit the protective metal bar.

"He may have fallen asleep -I shall leave it at that."

Speaking after the inquest Mr Morgan said he was not surprised at the outcome.

"It won’t bring him back," he added.

Fiancée Isobel Clarke and friend Mr Morgan paid tribute to Mr Peplow, describing him as a character who did not say thank you or goodbye and never entered a room quietly.

Mr Peplow’s younger brother also died in a motorbike crash 10-years-ago.