RIP Swetty

**Beaver** · 10-21-2008, 11:04 AM

Dave Swetland was a friend of mine. With the exception of the last 2-3 years he was a great guy. He was always fun to be around, quick with a sharp witty remark. He could make you feel like "the man" one minute then cut you back to size the next. He had a love of life and adventure, he loved the mountains, skiing, climbing, hiking, biking and just being in them.

The last couple years of his life were a shitstorm. He got fucked up on drugs, left his wife & two daughters and generally lived on the dark side. I didn't see much of him over the last couple years but I heard lots of stories that made me shake my head and wonder how someone so awesome could become so fucked up so fast, yet held out hope that he would turn himself around.

I remember riding with him just after I bought a bike from him years ago. We were ripping down the trail with him dogging my ass when suddenly he blew by me 5 feet off the ground, landed in the shnarb cranked a turn back on to the trail and rode away like it was nothing. The guy was magic on a bike, I learned a lot chasing him down the mountain. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and played/hung out with him over the years.

On Sunday I went for a ride. I rode faster and smoother than I have ever ridden. I laughed my ass off after ripping through gnarly shit that often left me sketched out. Steeps seemed flat, stuff that normally pushed the limit of my ability was easy. It was easily the best ride of my life. I thought of Dave constantly as I rode.

If you get a chance to watch Loco Motion or any of the first 3 Kranked movies keep an eye out for Dave ripping it a new one.

RIP Dave, you will be missed.