R.I.P Eric Zimmermann 10/16/16 (Cash Dereszynski (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=profile;u=4428))
This was just posted on the FJ09 forum. Does anyone know if this guy was a member here?
Yesterday (10/16/16) I rode right past the body of a fellow rider on California Hwy 74 just outside of Palm Desert. We'd had coffee a couple of times recently in Idyllwild; we weren't really friends, had just seen each other enough on our bikes to say hi and share a conversation or two. The road had been reopened after his crash and his body was plainly visible covered by a white sheet only a few feet off the road, in the dirt, while a CHP officer took photos and notes. I recognized the bike by the side of the road as his old Yamaha FJ1200 which he had proudly converted to a "street fighter" as he called it. It was so weird as all the emergency vehicles had left the scene and there was just one CHP, apparently waiting for the coroner, the bike and the body just laying there. Hwy 74 is famously twisty and dangerous, frequented by old Harley riders and young Ninja-riding squids alike. Eric was 65 and had been riding for many years. It appeared as though he had simply lost the front end on a curve; a curve he'd no doubt negotiated hundreds of times. I'm telling you this not because he had an FJ-09, he didn't, but because we all occasionally need to be reminded how quickly it can all end. You don't need to set a new "personal best" every time you tackle your favorite road. Just ride safely!
Read more: http://fj-09.org/posts/recent#ixzz4NNPTP200 (http://fj-09.org/posts/recent#ixzz4NNPTP200)
Cash (Erick) is no longer with us, his wife called me (Found me in his phone) and said he died at the scene where he crashed on HWY 74 about 5 miles from home. She knows he vids his rides and hopes his camera will provide some evidence to the cause of his crash and death. She said there was another rider down according to law enforcement but that is not, at the moment, related to his crash. His wife Michelle is open to any and all videos and pictures you may have of him. Send me a PM and I will provide her contact number if you want it.
Yes, I also just got the news....
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/traffic/2016/10/16/highway-fatality-palm-desert/92212230/ (http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/traffic/2016/10/16/highway-fatality-palm-desert/92212230/)
RIP Eric (cash) I sure had fun riding with you up to Willits for the 2016 WCR.
You and I have been thru that Hwy 74 corner numerous times, you could run that corner with one hand and your eyes closed.
I don't know what happened.
We will miss you.
Bad news indeed. I spoke with Eric this past week while he was working on the tail light for his bike.
God speed and R.I.P. Eric
Cash Dereszynski (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=profile;u=4428)
Randy - RPM
In his last post Eric mentions he is unhappy with the BT45 on the front which is almost worn out and cupping badly. I hope this did not contribute to his accident. It is unfortunate to lose a fellow who so enjoyed riding. RIP Eric
Dave
That's terrible news. Godspeed, Eric.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Cash, but he had some great posts. R.I.P sir. Big R
Damn, always terrible to hear of this happening. RIP Cash.
Truly sad to hear about this. May he RIP and thoughts go out to his family. I never met him but there is a shared commonality. Please, everyone ride to live another day.
George
Terrible news indeed. RIP Cash.
My thoughts are with his family. Ride safe all.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/9/4428_04_07_15_7_54_22.jpeg)
I enjoyed his build, especially the headlight/fairing. Tragic my thoughts are with his family
this is very sad news indeed -- I met Cash this past rally and immediately felt he was going to be a close part of the group. So terrible to get this news of his passing. RIP Cash -
sc2
NO...no NO!!! Not Cash... He showed up at the WCR in Willits this year and shared a cabin with Skymaster and me. Instant connection with him...always a smile on his face and a kind word. Wow. I was just talking about him last week in that I'd hang out and ride with that guy anytime. What a great soul and a good human. I'm at a loss for better words, but we've lost one of the good ones. You are missed already my friend. Ride on.
I live on the other side of the planet and never spoke with Cash on the forum, but none the less, it feels like one of the family has gone and it's very sad.
Noel
Very sad to hear; really enjoyed meeting Cash at Willits. He was a big MotoGP fan. He was very proud of his street fighter conversion.
Jeff
Damn! This just sucks to hear.
NEver met him, but from what people have said about him, he was a good guy.
Sad..............
Godspeed. There but for the Grace of God... I had a minor "moment" on the last Renegade run that reeled me back in a bit. It only takes a tiny lapse... Be careful guys.
It is troubling to read some of the news reports that indicate there might have been a second motorcyclist involved in the collision. Hopefully more information will come forward so we can all learn from this tragedy.
Randy - RPM
This is sad news to hear. I had never met Cash, but was looking forward to meeting him at next years WCR. Maybe his GoPro will shine some light on what happened.
R.I.P. Eric!!
Fred
I just spoke with Michelle Erick's wife and learned that Eric died from a heart attack. He had no history with heart problems. Michelle and her sister are still making arrangements for a service/gathering in the near future. It will be in SoCal and most likely in Palm Desert where he lived. If any are planning to attend please post up (or PM) so I can take a headcount for Michelle.
Anyone wishing to donate or send cards then stand by for the next update. If you will be attending the service then feel free to deliver it person.
As soon as a day/time/place is selected I will post another update.
Godspeed Cash. Prayers and best wishes sent for the family.
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 19, 2016, 12:31:59 PM
I just spoke with Michelle Erick's wife and learned that Eric died from a heart attack. He had no history with heart problems.
Well, in a lot of ways that is a relief. There was no other persons involved, mechanical issues or rider error. I hate the fact Eric passed, but he passed while doing what he loved; riding his motorcycle.
Ride safe and be careful.
R.I.P Eric
Randy - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 19, 2016, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 19, 2016, 12:31:59 PM
I just spoke with Michelle Erick's wife and learned that Eric died from a heart attack. He had no history with heart problems.
Well, in a lot of ways that is a relief. The was no other persons involved, mechanical issues or rider error. I hate the fact Eric passed, but he passed while doing what he loved; riding his motorcycle.
Ride safe and be careful.
R.I.P Eric
Randy - RPM
Ditto this ^^^
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 19, 2016, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 19, 2016, 12:31:59 PM
I just spoke with Michelle Erick's wife and learned that Eric died from a heart attack. He had no history with heart problems.
I hate the fact Eric passed, but he passed while doing what he loved; riding his motorcycle.
Ok, that makes sense. Cash knew that road so well and he was a careful rider.
I went up to the spot (between mile marker 91.50-91.51) and the corner was clean and smooth.
Thank you Mark. Count me in for his memorial, definately. I'll arrange for some flowers sent to Michelle on behalf of our group.
Can you guys help me in getting some pictures together of Cash? I know the 2016 WCR was his first rally. He sure had fun. Pat
Wow, that's pretty high up on the list of best ways to go, I suppose. Glad no one else was hurt, and God Bless his family.
A note from Eric's daughter, Marcella:
Hi everyone -- Randy gave me access to my dad's account.
My dad died doing what he loved, and I am taking solace in that.
As Mark mentioned, it was not a bike failure or rider error that made him crash but a terribly ill timed heart attack.
My dad was a lifelong motorcyclist and the best, coolest guy ever.
We are having two services this weekend:
SATURDAY, OCT 22 - LOS ANGELES
2PM Casual Chant - Koyasan Buddhist Temple
342 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
*His wife won't be present, just me
SUNDAY, OCT 23 - PALM DESERT
10AM Memorial - Sunnylands (Botanical Garden)
37977 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
*Bring a blanket if you want to sit on the grass. Eat breakfast before but note that there is a cafe on site. Send me a message if you would like to say a few words to the group.
I'd love to meet any of my dad's friends so please let me know if you can come!
Also - I made a 'zine' about him that I'd be happy to send anyone interested.
Marcella Zimmermann
marcella.zimmermann@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/marcella.zimmermann (http://www.facebook.com/marcella.zimmermann)
310-405-4887
No second rider. Misinformation published by loser local news.
- Marcella, Eric's daughter
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 18, 2016, 05:55:27 PM
It is troubling to read some of the news reports that indicate there might have been a second motorcyclist involved in the collision. Hopefully more information will come forward so we can all learn from this tragedy.
Randy - RPM
Count me in for both services...
I will be at the Palm Desert Service. Mark, and others, if you need a place to spend the night, my house is open.
I'm riding my FJ to the service. :good2:
I spoke with Marcella, bring no flowers....only motorcycles! She sounds delightful....
I also planned to ride my bike to the Sunday service.
Marcella,
My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Dad. I met your Dad for the first time at the WCR this past May. Your Dad had an infectious smile, magnetic personality and passionate about his motorcycles and life in general. after our first conversation with him I left thinking outloud " I really like this guy" and that feeling was shared by all he met at the rally.
I am truly saddened by this news. even as it seems rider error and,or mechanical issue was not the cause of this tragic loss of life I urge all my FJ Brothers, do the walk around, check tire pressures, fluid levels before you ride and ATGATT.
Scott
RIP Eric
Sorry I missed this post, and my thoughts go out to his family and all those that called him, "friend".
If we could only be able to pick our time, this would not be a "terrible" way to go.
RIP.
Leon
RIP Cash.
Had fun with this guy at the 2016 WCR. We rode the 20 to take breakfast at Fort Bragg Denny's. Cash was an easy going fella and a spirited rider. He was justifiably proud of his snowmobile faired street fighter. He'll be missed.
Thoughts to his family.
Andy
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/10/697_30_10_16_12_33_32.jpeg)
I just miss 'im... :sorry:
We spent most of Friday, at WCR ridding with Cash. He will definitely be missed.
Kurt & Kiki
I never met him nor made a WCR, but Randy T (rktmanfj) did just before the Ouray Central rally 2016. I imagine they met and got along.
My condolences to the family both his personal and the group. 2 passing within days.
A good way to go, yes definitely doing what one loved.
Eric, keep Randy company for us until we all meet again.
Dave
Cash, you motherfucker. You still owe me a pack of smokes. We had a good time hanging out in the KOA teepee, drinking and talking about life in the fast lane.
You taught me how to ride a goat trail in style.
I am happy to have known you, but devasted by your passing.
I hope your family is comforted by knowing that you are loved by your fellow riders.
Bransford
The more I see Cash's bike, the more I like the front end.
Reminds me of that annoying robot in the Transformers movies.
He did well.
Steve