Mike Janelle, pictured here with his wife Maribel. She is six months pregnant with their first child.










Tonight I raise a glass of vodka above my desk and salute my friend, Mike Janelle.

"Cheers, Janelle, for living a solid, full life, to your last day."

Mike passed away, this morning, of a heart attack at his home in Avon, Colorado. I haven't seen him in a while, but I have lots of memories of Mike. I met him in 1994, in Colorado. I'd see him at least once a week, racing all over the country. I liked racing with him most in Colorado, though.

Mike was a friend of DeFeet's, too, and it was Chris Sheehan from DeFeet who sent me news of Mike's passing. Within minutes, Chris Doyle from Vail called me. Doyle, Sheehan, Janelle and I spent plenty of days gasping for air together in the mountains around Vail. I loved those times, and Janelle was part of it.

When I got out of surgery at the Steadman/Hawkins clinic in Vail, it was Janelle's then girlfriend who was my nurse. Unfortunately, she had to administer my catheter tube. To dull the pain of threading something into that place where thing's should only come out of, we joked about Mike. I could have crushed a bullet between my teeth, but I still managed a chuckle thanks to Janelle.

If you were having a rough day, Mike made great company. One day as we climbed the highest peak in Steamboat Springs, CO, together, I realized that my own career would soon be coming to an end. I told him my fears about having to close it out, and we laughed about that all the way to the summit. I had no idea that Mike's career was just beginning. Since then, I've often been amazed at his staying power. He loved being on his bike. He was a rider. No two ways about it.

Most of all, I remember him smiling. I swear, this is amazing, but I don't think he ever looked at me without smiling, first. I can't think of one 'no smile' look from Janelle. Even under duress. If he didn't smile it would only be because he didn't know I was lookin' at him.

So, carry on, Mike. You set a great example for a lot of people. I will always remember you.

We are all reminded that, yes, we try to be healthy, but nothing is forever. Tell your real friends that they are your friends whenever you get the chance. Acknowledge them.

Friends and family plan to hold a memorial service for Janelle on Monday at 5:00 p.m., November 26 at Beaver Creek's Vilar Center, and plan to establish a memorial fund for his family. Contact Jay Henry at jaydhenry@hotmail.com for additional information.