I never met Mr. Brown. I wish I did, especially seeing that I reside only a short distance from where he called home. Putting his inhuman knowledge of bicycles aside, I understand he was an odd guy with some strange views. A lot of people from Marblehead, MA (where he grew up) are pretty eccentric, to say the least. At the end of each given day, we're all amazingly different people, each with his/her own seemingly oddball views. Speaking for only myself, I'm a total weirdo (ask my wife, she'll gladly tell you). On my part, it's not so much "praise" but rather simple respect.
I know you know what I'm saying.