Friends, we lost a legend to the SoCal mountain bike scene this past week. Those whom were lucky enough to ride with him knew how blessed we were to be in his presence. Those whom did not ride with him, but were lucky enough to read one of his countless ride reports were blessed to read them. Many of us met him through this forum (myself included), so I felt it was only fitting he has a remembrance thread. Even though there isn't much traffic here these days, lets pull together even if it is for a short time to pay tribute to Dean. If anyone has something they want to share about Dean, please post it here. We miss ya man. Here is what I had written on FaceBook: I’ll never forget the first time I met you in El Moro on Moro Ridge. A few of us were on one of the early STR group rides around 2004 or 2005. It was along that small portion of single track which leads up to the Missing Link starting point. You cracked some sort of joke to each of us as we introduced ourselves with our STR user names. From then on we were so lucky to call you “friend”. Your never ending knowledge of our local trails and more importantly, our not-so-local trails you passed on to us was priceless. I can go on and on however my all-time favorite ride with you was our Steppie Flannel Ride in the San Gabes, you popped my San Gabes cherry! It was such an epic day and one that I will never forget! This pic I’m attaching (taken by Noel, whom I’m sure you are now reunited with) was from that day. It shows you leading all of us on to an epic adventure for the day. Ride In Paradise, Dean. Dean leading us into the San Gabes on the Steppie Flannel Ride (pic: Hanzo/Noel)
This world lost the most interesting man, and heaven received the most kind, gracious man. Will miss him...
Yes, one of the nicest guys anyone will ever meet. He will be missed. i had the pleasure of doing a few trips with him, always great storyteller.
I was fortunate enough to join Dean on his last ride. I can honestly say it was one of the greatest rides of my life. To see him so joyful out on his bike again was incredible. RIP my friend. You are missed.
