the reasons I like being friends with Tom...

1. We are compatible mtn biking partners. it's a rare find to have a friend that rides approximately the same pace (tho Tom is slightly faster than me) and likes to do the same types of rides. We are usually in sync with our ride plans
2. Tom always makes sure to pitch in for gas. ;)
3. Never a dull moment (even if i *want* a dull moment) Tom likes to challenge and debate - most of the time it's usually pretty interesting unless i'm bonking or he's proven me wrong.
   
4. He's a good person - loyal, honest (sometime brutally honest), smart and always willing to help. Recently during a ride when someone had a serious accident he took charge and made sure that person got help. (she ended up being helicoptered out)
   
5. He has introduced me to people outside of the biking world. my personality tends to lean toward obsession when i'm interested in something(biking) - so having my view widen by the likes of some of the locals that are into startups, VC, leading edge web companies and getting women into IT - is good for me

all in all our friendship strikes a good balance.