but a big thanks to all my specialized teammates... aaron (moral support), josh, scottie, geoff, and last but certainly not least, bret. you guys are awesome! i'm proud to have lined up with you... from the start of the year two of the main goals for our morgan stanley/24 hr fitness/specialized team was the state criterium and hotter n' hell. geoff did a great job building a team that focused each of the riders talents for one common goal. not to toot our horn too much but each time all the chips where on the table we we're able to walk away smiling. it wasn't because we were that much better than everybody else, or that we had strength in numbers, but its the simple fact that we all worked together for one common goal - to win. it takes true teammates (most of the time good friends as well) to put their neck on the line time and time again sacrificing their own chance at glory for the glory of another. this year has been a special year for me.. perhaps my last. teaming up with bret again has been great.. he was the first guy to give me a chance and has been the greatest teammate that i've ever had. thanks for everything bret. once again.. i was back in the same kit as josh kerkhof as well. for those who don't know kerkhof.. he's probably the most talented and unselfish (and funny) kid i've ever ridden with. it's been great traveling with him again... i'll miss it. thanks for all the laughs joshua.. i teamed up with scottie v. last year on tenzing.. he was a little green back then but has made huge leaps in his racing ability.. he's another SUPER talented kid that could go big if he wanted to. he's another one who's not scared to ride on the front, he's done it time and time again for us, but will also always be there eager to help in the end. thanks scottie. i know it's been a tough year for geoff but he's done a great job putting everything together. i know it was a huge undertaking but my hat is off to him - thanks geoff! you were always there when i needed you both on and off the bike. and sorry about the ear : ) and to our crippled teammate smathers... smathers and i have been racing together since the end of 03 and have travelled MANY miles across country together. he's always had my back no matter the situation.. my fault or otherwise. he's another one who was never scared to work and could still be almost anybody in the sprint in the end. he's had some bad luck the season and i want to wish him luck in no matter what he does on or off the bike. he's right along side with bret for being my best teammate ever... thanks bud. this isn't a farewell... just a thanks. -out surFy