Man, this is crazy.  I haven't paid any attention to any news lately.  I figured I didn't know who it was.  I just read about Erik on this forum.  I guess I'm glad I finally found out, but I'm in shock at the moment.  We weren't "super" tight buds, but I've known him for about 6 years and ridden with him many times at Alpental.   
  
May you find peace Erik, and all others who knew him.  Alpental was him home.  I don't think I knew anyone who loved that place as much as he did. 
  
~Erik Schertzl