So there are a few people, who without, I would be lost.  I wrote about Jeff and what he means to me in terms of cycling.  I could write pages about what Julie has done for me and all the support she has provided.  It is due time Sam gets my written appreciation.  I have known Sam for only about a year, but it did not take very long for him to become one of my closest friends.  Ultimately we drove to Gnome-Fest v3 together for a weekend of drunken, mountain bike camping fun.  Consequently this was also the weekend I made friends with Dan, and he will get his own space later.  Since that weekend, it would be safe to say I have been in contact with Sam at least three times a week.  He has time and time again helped me out in a pickle, trying to find this part or buy that piece.  He has more bike stuff in his basement than anyone else I have ever met.  We also share a very similar attitude toward cycling.  I am a little more serious and he is a little more relaxed, but we both put our heart and souls into what we are doing.  We are both easily excitable, wanting to build a dirt jump bike or try to learn some trials skills.  I usually back out, Sam dives right in.  He is always a source for words of wisdom and advice (next time he says don't buy the carbon frame, listen to him.) Between the two of us, I am pretty sure we are supporting the bike industry, going through more bike parts than I would like to think of.  He is one of the head mechanics at Rapid Transit, here in Chicago.  More importantly though, he is my mechanic.  Over the past year, he has taught me the ins and outs of building a mountain bike.  I am able to service all my own bikes, but when it comes time to get them race ready, Sam sets everything where it should be.  There have been many late nights and frustrating moments, but he has always been there.  Today, he met me at the shop early to get my bike ready for the race tomorrow.  How many people are afforded that opportunity? Not many.  How many people know someone amazing enough to offer it?  Even less.  I can not buy the shop and Sam enough beer, or breakfasts, or say thank you enough times to express how much I appreciate his help.  I would not be where I am at right now without his help.  Thank you Sam!  Oh and he has built more recumbent and folding bikes than I would ever like to imagine.