R.I.P Eric Zimmermann 10/16/16 (Cash Dereszynski)

[TexasDave]

R.I.P Eric Zimmermann 10/16/16 (Cash Dereszynski)

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

[FJmonkey]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, I also just got the news....
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.

[racerrad8]

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

Randy - RPM

[TexasDave]

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

[Country Joe]

That's terrible news. Godspeed, Eric.

[big r]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Cash, but he had some great posts. R.I.P sir. Big R

[X-Ray]

Damn, always terrible to hear of this happening. RIP Cash.

[movenon]

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

[FeralRdr]

Terrible news indeed.  RIP Cash.

[fj johnnie]

 My thoughts are with his family. Ride safe all.

[Pat Conlon]

[copper]

I enjoyed his build, especially the headlight/fairing. Tragic my thoughts are with his family

[moparman70]

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

[Capn Ron]

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.