Just got on for the first time... in forever and read this story.
Very interesting. I actually rode a bike a couple of times from the Mojave River Forks Dam to the springs and back. The last time the nice Forest Service Lady I encountered back near the car reminded be that no vehicular traffic is allowed on the PCT; motorized or human powered. Glad she didn't give me a citation.
However, I'm curious about the information that they "found a bike near the body"... In all the crashes I've ever had or witnessed both in person and on video... it seems the rider lands quite some distance from the bike. In fact, in most cases, the bike stays on or near the trail, while the poor unfortunate soul tumbles on and on; much to their chagrin.