THE FAMILY of a York motorcyclist killed in a crash on a country road today remembered a man whose life was a "whirlwind."

Peter Orange, 23, of Rosedale Avenue, Acomb, lived a life packed with sport and excitement.

"He lived his life in a whirlwind, did my son," said his mother, Joan.

"He had to do everything, he needed to experience everything and he worked really hard to get everything he wanted."

Mr Orange died on Saturday as he rode a friend's motorbike on the Malton to Buttercrambe road.

He had been on his way to check on his own bike, being repaired in a Malton garage, when he was in a collision with a car.

"He got the bike in February last year and he lived and breathed for it," said his father John.

"He kept saying last week that it was beautiful weather and that he couldn't get out on it, and he wanted to see how the repairs were getting on.

"He loved speed and excitement, but he was a very safe rider. I've been out on the bike with him, and we've never had any fears at all. He would not have taken any unnecessary risks."

Mr Orange had been a pupil at Oaklands School before starting an apprenticeship as a maintenance fitter at Moores furniture manufacturers, in Wetherby.

He also worked as a doorman at Brubakers and at McMillans, in York.

But his main interest was sport.

A keen rugby player since his early teens, he had played for teams including New Earswick All Blacks, York Wasps Rugby League Academy and, most recently, for Heworth Rugby Club.

"He loved sport and was very fit," said his mother.

"He did triathlons and duathlons, and last year did the Great North Run with his fiance. They were preparing to do it again this year.

"Some days he used to cycle to work, which must be about 15 miles."

Mr Orange had been engaged to Claire Thompson, 19, from Easingwold since Christmas 1999. A date for the wedding had not yet been set.

He also had a sister, Jane, brother-in-law Chris Loftus, two-year-old nephew, Cameron, and niece Ruby, who is five months old.

"The kids adored him, particularly Cameron," said Joan.

"The whole family is devastated, and there are a lot of people who knew him who will be as well. He was very popular."

Although funeral details are yet to be finalised, the ceremony is expected to be at York Crematorium early next week.

Updated: 15:27 Tuesday, July 10, 2001