Awful, awful tragedy. Arguably the best-trained for that kind of situation, and it still caught them by surprise. My thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families, and of course the community. What a horrific loss all the way around.

On a personal note, the ride up through Yarnell and the back way to Prescott is a favorite of VOTS motorcyclists, or at least it was when I lived there. Long morning ride, have lunch in Prescott, head home on the interstate. The worst thing about that ride was the cops, though, and certainly a route to avoid if it's winter.

I won't ever again think of Yarnell the same way.