Passing this along to some of the DMF folks who have been to Keigwins trackdays over the last several years.  If you attended one of the trackdays or schools, you would have met Eric Arnold, one of my fellow instructors.  He made many of us smile and I know he made at least one of us cry -- you know who you are .  He was a well-respected and well-loved man.  For those who hadn't heard, Eric was injured in a racing accident earlier this year.  He is no longer with us. 

There's a thread on Barf where folks can post up and learn more.  Folks can post up memories and thoughts over there -- just wanted to make sure folks were aware.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313720

I'm crying more now.  Rest in Peace at last Eric.

I was reading through that earlier, and just read the last blog entry a few days ago. RIP

Wow...incredibly sad. Sorry to hear about it, tigre. Be strong.

I just posted this on SBR, thought I would share it here too (I'm not on BARF).

Here is part of the report I had posted on TOB after that track school with Eric:

QuoteFor some reason I felt much more nervous this morning than anytime the day before, and I couldn't figure out why at the time. Looking back on it, I might have been over-analyzing everything, and had too many things to think about all at once. Anyway, one of the instructors noticed I was riding worse than on day 1, and tried to encourage me. Unfortunately we had some hand signal miscommunications which frustrated me. After pulling off and discussing it, he wanted me to work both on really getting on the throttle and on keeping tighter lines (he rode outside me to 'corral' me in). I did try both, got up over 85 mph in 2nd gear, but going faster made me feel like I had less time to mentally prepare for corners and so I kind of scared myself and freaked out a bit. The instructor felt bad about it, we took a break and sat a bit puzzling over why it is I feel more comfortable on the street (with all the traffic and unknowns), or doing fast downhills on my bicycle (with much less gear and smaller contact patch), than I do riding on the track.

That was Eric. I know he felt really bad about "making me cry" although it wasn't really him, it was me. That was probably a first for him, a crying student.

I still remember it well, first him telling me that my bike was "bored" and then how supportive he was.

Sorry guys.

Sad to hear this,   RIP Eric.

R.I.P

My friend was talking about him today who just started racing.

I did not know him but it sounded like he was a stand up guy who touched so many people in a positive way.

RIP Eric.  He touched many, many lives.   [moto]

My heart goes out to his family, his friends, his fellow racers, and to the Keigwins crew, especially tigre and datv.   

R.I.P. Eric. Peace be with those left behind.


I found this posted on the BARF page. I thought it was touching.

"Originally for Christopher Reeve, whom Eric references in his last post. Given Eric's amazing impact on so many lives, I find it fitting."

From Eddy Gonzalez in the BARF thread:

Quote from: Hwy1&17;5380332Host: 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 Ericââ,¬â,,¢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

Terrible news.  R.I.P.