BIKE: Let's not forget the thief

A wonderful story illustrated our community's support for Kristian Parrett as a result of some low life stealing his new bike. I couldn't help but be reminded of a similar incident that happened to me many years ago in a major metropolis some 1,300 miles south of Kootenai County. Another creature absconded with my racing bike probably thinking he pulled off the great bicycle caper of the week. What this fool didn't realize is that I have always prided myself as being the world's worst victim.

At a meeting with my co-workers the next day a flyer was passed out with a description of the bike with serial number and a reward consisting of the following: A case of beer, of the finder's choice, for the recovery of the bike, and two cases if found with a rider on said conveyance.

Approximately zero dark thirty the next morning I received a call from one of my most talented co-workers stating, "Hey Mike, I'll take two cases of Heinekens please." After I fell out of bed laughing my friend related the tale. It seems that my friend and his partner spotted a bike similar to mine parked next to a liquor store. He crept up on the bicycle and found the correct serial number. Not content to just pick up the item, they hid in the bushes until the aforementioned low life exited the store and got on the bike. They then pounced. I paid my debt with a large smile and many thanks.

So people, let's not forget the thief. I can almost guarantee you that, by now, two or more people know who has Kristian's stolen bike and won't be able to keep their mouths shut. The family needs to publish the serial number and hope the finder doesn't have such expensive taste in beer.

MICHAEL J. MURPHY

Hayden