I also got a phone call from Linda yesterday - needless to say I was in shock.
I met Derek in 2003 or 4 I think - the summer that Benztech (for those of you old timers who remember) was on his round the country ride. There were many from here who offered Ben a stopping point on his journey, including me. Derek came up from Tucson and rode to the Grand Canyon with us. That adventure was my first taste of what great people are on the BA.com board. And I met Linda on a ride down in Tucson sometime after that. Then of course at the SWTF.
The accident is still being investigated I guess. The paper said that Derek failed to yield to an oncoming car while making a left turn. However, the friend he was on his way to meet - to talk about working on the Speedmaster bigbore install no less - apparently went to the scene shortly after and said Derek wouldn't have been turning at that point, and may have been trying to avoid another car and then was struck. Unfortunately no one was with him to witness what happened.
My first instinctive thought was - THIS SUCKS - why my friend?
We all know the risks of riding, and I know that Derek enjoyed his motorcycles despite that.
Linda told me there were up here last weekend for the "Too Broke for Sturgis" rally at Morman Lake - it was an unplanned extra jaunt on their trip to Nevada and Utah since they had the time. I am really glad they had that time and ride together. I'm just sorry I didn't get to see them then.
He will be greatly missed and I hope he is in a better place. Rest in peace my friend.
Becky
