Just returned home from a quick blitzkreig through Vegas for the bike show. And Dale, before you reprimand me for being O.T., just hear me out!
I got to spend FIVE minutes with the great EDDY MERCKX!!!!! Shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and talked about a mutual friend, then I showed him the replica wool MOLTENI World Champ jersey we made that was identical to the one he wore. He loved it. He gave me his business card. I was awestruck AGAIN! Seeing Eddy made the entire trip worthwhile.
Second best thing was seeing Greg LeMond at the DeFeet sock booth and receiving a big hug from him when he saw me! I showed him the replica DELLA SANTA jersey we did, and he held it up and struck his famous pose with both arms raised and him looking over his shoulder as he won his first senior 1-2 race as a junior. Classic shot.
This, my friends is what keeps me in cycling! Not the rusty bike parts, nor the never-ending search for the Holy Grail (an early 70's 61cm Italian Masi GC in Merckx Faema color scheme). Watching hours of video of Eddy battling it out on the great passes of Europe, then standing beside the very same man, and shaking his hand.
Wish you all could have been there.
Jan Johnson
Palo Alto, CA