MOTORCYCLIST Marc Simon Burke died after his bike hit gouge marks in the road and went out of control.

An inquest heard that the 22-year-old was riding his 250CC bike from Egerton towards Darwen when he hit some marks in the road causing his machine to wobble and veer onto the grass verge.

As he travelled through the grass he hit a hidden boulder and was thrown over the handlebars and into a field. Then he landed head first on a boulder, suffering massive head injuries and a broken neck.

The inquest heard that Marc, of Adrian Street, Halliwell, Bolton, and a group of friends had gone for a ride on their motorbikes after work on September 25. After travelling through Bromley Cross they passed through Edgworth and turned left onto Broadhead Road.

Paul Fletcher, of Thorndyke Avenue, Bolton, was travelling behind Marc who accelerated as they left the 30mph zone. He pulled out to overtake a car and as he did so noticed the bike start to wobble. His friend seemed to regain control before his rear wheel again began to move and he veered onto the grass verge.

As Marc's bike slowed on the grass Mr Fletcher passed him and did not see him thrown over the handlebars. Graham Wareing, of Church Road, Smithills, Bolton, who was also riding his bike behind Marc, said he had always considered his friend to be a very safe rider. David Graham, of Manor House Cottages, Blacksnape, Darwen, was the driver of the car overtaken by Marc and one of the other bikes. He said he thought they were travelling within the speed limit.

Police accident investigator, sergeant James Boothby said he estimated the speed of Marc's bike to have been about 50mph when he hit the gouge marks in the road. He said the condition of the road was a contributory factor but, although he had submitted a report, there had been no improvement to the road.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Michael Singleton said he would be reporting the matter to the highways authority, suggesting that steps be taken to improve the road surface.

"This seems to be a combination of events that have come together in the most tragic way," said Mr Singleton.

"This man was driving in a perfectly normal and proper manner when he lost control because of the road surface."