I've known Steve Griffiths for a long time. We met in college and were on the rowing team together. We've been roommates, teammates, competitors and friends. At least I thought we were friends. I spent a week up in Truckee with Steve and his family recently riding bikes, and boating, and lounging about. It was a pretty good time. Then one day I met up with Steve, one of his teammates (Roy who it turned out was pretty cool as well), and a couple of Reno Wheelmen for a ride. It should be stated at this point that I thought I was a good friend to Steve. Hell, I was the best man at his wedding. It also needs to be stated that I've been told that in order to be on the Sierra Nevada/Bikes Plus team, you need to live in either the Folsom area--location of the bike store sponsor, or live in the Chico area--location of title sponsor. I was told this by Steve who it turns out is the president of said team. I don't live in either so it was a natural barrier. Anyway, about half way through the ride, Roy who serves as the vice president and underling to Steve, starts openly recruiting both of these guys. Right in front of me. I quickly looked at Steve and he just chuckled. When I mentioned that neither of these guys lived in Folsom or Chico and that in fact Truckee is equidistant from Folsom as Alamo is, he chuckled some more. Not that I would ride for these beer bellies anyway, but it's nice to be loved. So I rode and seethed while Roy continued on his quest. But the stake through the heart came at the end of the ride. Roy, again not totally convinced that he had recruited these two talents said, "it would be great to have you guys on the team. We only recruit those guys that we like." Ouch. Thank (insert the deity of your choice here) that I was wearing sunglasses because that last comment went straight to the core. Haven't seen my therapist yet, but it may take a few sessions to restore my ego. I need a hug.

Johnny GoFast