Very sad to hear of his passing, and appreciate the comments from similarly "afflicted" members here. I too recall reading his work, and enjoying everything he wrote. Gonna have to get Monkey Butt out again and re-read. 

I recall an article/opinion/editorial he wrote that was set 'far in the future' that had a young man with a 'future' dirt bike that he was only ever allowed to run in an "approved" park. The "park" was actually essentially a mechanical bull setup that he lashed his bike to. He could, I believe, set the 'bull' for his 'skill level' and then "ride". On his way home one time he spotted an excavation site, and decided to attempt actually riding his bike there. He discovered that the 'bull' was in no way the equivalent of actually riding. Eventually the "authorities" discovered him and the outcome for him was not pleasant.

Basically, Rick foresaw a lot of what and how our preferred sport has become. Very prescient.

RIP