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EA235 Yes, he's gone

Dan,

Thanks for the kind words - we all get through it eventually. Sometimes it just takes longer.

I went through this with Alan Rice not so long ago, when he was taken from us exiting the track at Sears Point. He had bought a 675, made a duplicate of my 675 race bike, and returned to AFM to race. We spent a year working together, exchanging information, discussing individual riding style nuances and theorizing over improvements. Alan was an amazing man and I learned so much more about him at his celebration service. I spent a lot of time helping the family over a couple of months, and time with Chris VanAndel who knew Alan far better than I. That was my catharsis.

This is a different matter altogether.

Harboring guilt is flat out wrong. That's clear, logical, common sense. Emotions simply smack that logic 6' under until you force yourself back into the present moment of your daily life.

Thanks to everyone for the PM's. Sincerely.

Seeing a sea of purple will be hilarious and set the tone for celebration. Thanks for that Eddy - brilliant :)

I will look forward to seeing so many friends on Saturday.
 
So often we lose so many friends that it's encouraging not to befriend new people for the fear of the loss, but then someone reminds us that it ia a worthwhile risk.

:rose
 
:rip Eric

I enjoyed your blog and shared your strength with others that were faced with similar issues. Your quote "what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal" IS immortalized by you and your spirit, as testified to by all the great things that have occurred the last few months, and all the people that you brought together. I hope you have a fast bike and are leading the race where you are now.
 
Some of my most profound on-track improvement came under Eric's tutelage during one of many K@TT schools. While we were not "friends" in the traditional sense, I always valued his instruction and looked forward to his warm, comforting and confidence-inspiring personality. He was a true enthusiast in every sense of the word.

You'll be missed, Eric:rose

:cry
 
Didn't know Eric personally, but had to respond. From what I read about him, he was indeed someone who was focused and introspective. It's therefore not so hard to understand why Eric did what he did. At the same time, it is unexpected. God bless Eric and especially those who were directly affected by him. Because of him and people like him, the world is a better, yet still mysterious place. Eric is indeed someone to look up to.
 
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The bummer is Eric was given a GIFT of life again and even though the box was not the package he had hoped for... It was a gift none the less.
 
Hwy1&17 said:
Please join us in celebrating the life of our dear friend Eric Arnold
Click to expand...
Eddy, can you please post up to let us know the protcol regarding what would be viewed as appropriate when attending this event?

It's always a bit of an unknown when attending an event of this kind, for someone that's life was so deeply rooted around motorcycle riding and racing, and where most in attendance come from those connections.

Unknown as to whether attending while riding a bike, and in riding gear is appropriate (sort of in celebration of the spirit of what Eric loved) ..... or whether more formal dress and arrival would be appropriate to those closest to Eric?

If you could share an insight on this, that would be very helpful for many of us.

Thanks in advance for the info ...... and thanks to you and Cheryl (and his other close friends) for being there for Eric all the way through. Some serious stand-up folks in our local motorcycle community! :thumbup
 
I will be there Eddy, and thanks for the posts. I've done a lot of crying over the past few days, even though I didn't know Eric closely - this story has hit me like a hammer. His blog posts were brilliant, and his accident could have happened to any of us. I'm starting to tear up again now. RIP.


Hwy1&17 said:
Host: Arnold Family & Friends
Location: Centerbeam Headquarters
30 Rio Robles Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 US
View Map
When: Saturday, October 24, 2:35PM Add to my Outlook Calendar
Please join us in celebrating the life of our dear friend Eric Arnold

Celebration
Service 2:35-3:30p.m.
Reception 3:30-5:30p.m.
We are expecting a large gathering,
so please arrive in plenty of time for a prompt start at 2:35.

Optional Attire
Eric would get a kick out of a sea of purple at his celebration.
As Eric would say, "Purple clothing optional."

Sharing of Memories
You are invited to speak at Eric's celebration. If you would like to say a few words, please come prepared.

If you would like to contribute to Eric's Memory Book, bring a card or note with a memory that was meaningful to you about Eric; something you learned because of Eric; or how you will honor his memory by changing something in yourself or in the world.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to...
American Federation of Motocyclists
Benevolent Fund
PO Box 4248
Modesto, CA 95352

Send cards to Eric's Mother
Helga Arnold
13864 La Jolla Plaza
Garden Grove, CA 92844
Click to expand...
 
Gary J said:
Eddy, can you please post up to let us know the protcol regarding what would be viewed as appropriate when attending this event?

It's always a bit of an unknown when attending an event of this kind, for someone that's life was so deeply rooted around motorcycle riding and racing, and where most in attendance come from those connections.

Unknown as to whether attending while riding a bike, and in riding gear is appropriate (sort of in celebration of the spirit of what Eric loved) ..... or whether more formal dress and arrival would be appropriate to those closest to Eric?

If you could share an insight on this, that would be very helpful for many of us.

Thanks in advance for the info ...... and thanks to you and Cheryl (and his other close friends) for being there for Eric all the way through. Some serious stand-up folks in our local motorcycle community! :thumbup
Click to expand...

how about this everyone...

come one, come all, and wear purple if you got it...

no rules

just come, come on bikes, come in cars, fly, walk, run, jog, skate, wheel on over :thumbup
 
Hey found these pictures of Eric when I was watching him school Jason Britton. Jason was hanging off his bike on the kick stand and we were laughing at him ask Eric if it looked ok. Eric pretty much saved Jason from falling over. You will be missed Eric..RIP
 

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I reached out to Helmut to get the artwork from the back of Eric's leathers. It was a cutout that Eric brought in and Helmut's staff used it as a template to create Eric's signature leathers. I never noticed the little details, like the red stiching in the wings.

In the words of Helmut:

"The dragon will continue to fly and it looks like then he was flying already."
 

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My heartfelt condolences to Eric's family, loved ones and racing buddies. I chatted with Eric from time to time at the track, but didn't know him well. Sad news.

:rose

-Tom
 
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