Mind blowing that your first pro race was the Giro. No specific training, no experience in the European pro peloton......grand tour.....effing amazing Bobke
I grew up riding the hills above Palo Alto. I am a pure climber, and no one could touch me, not there were more than half a dozen riders back in those days. But people would urge me to go pro. In 1972 I decided to do the Palo Alto criterium, and all I remember is seeing the back of the pack race off and fly around the first corner. I just rode my bike home. I think I realized that despite my climbing ability I was out of my league. Speaking of history, I was there to see Tom Ritchey's very first frame. But that's another story.
Did you ride the US Junior Worlds Trials in the San Jose area the next year (or at least what was the trials for what was to become the Junior Worlds later on)? It was pretty hilly, and being an east coaster I made the (STUPID!) fatal mistake of showing up with a crit type, straight block freewheel. ☹☹
Bobke can clarify the details. As a Cat-4 amateur Bob Roll beat all of the Cat-1/2 riders up Mount Hamilton (4,200 feet). The race promoter denied paying Bob the KOM prize saying it was only for Cat-1/2.
I started riding as an adult in 1969, so I followed the American teams the best I could. Hearing all those names brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, I’m a big fan.
Great video. Being a speed skating fan. Eric Heiden, collaborating with Team 7-Eleven, is how I fell in love with cycling. Pro cycling back then had a certain panache, and is remembered with nostalgia. I’m still riding because of it.
I've always wondered if it was Eric's influence (from supplying his and Team USA's speed skating skinsuits) which caused 7-ELEVEN to choose Descente as their clothing 'kit' manufacturer/supplier??
Watched the entire video with a grin. Always enjoy your stories. Also enjoyed the hummingbird. If you had two hours to sit down and tell us stories from the Giro, random stories about your shoes, breakfast, bike prep, the hotel bathroom, etc, I think we would all listen. It's the small things, details, feelings, descriptions, that make your videos/books/public appearances so valuable and entertaining.
I started following the sport in 1983/84 as a 14 year-old. I remember 7-Eleven dominating the covers of Winning Magazine, which along with Velonews was the only way to track pro cycling. Great recap of your inroads into the sport with many facts unknown to most of us. I loved watching the sport in the 80s. In terms of modern cycling, to me this was the Golden Age - Lemond, Hinault, Fignon, Hampsten, Roche, 7-Eleven...etc.
That was great to hear about the 7-ElevenTeam back in the day. I'd love to hear more about the team's exploits, for example at 'The Tour' when Alex Stieda became the first North American to win a stage in the TDF. There's a lot of great cycling history that has been written by this team.
Bobbo! Got into cycling heavily in the early 80's in SoCal and actually knew of you during that epic era. Morley Field was my home track. Keep the memories flowing...I don't feel so old when there's someone to share them with.
This was such an enjoyable episode and you presented it as only the Bobke could. Was glued to the screen. Thank you Bob for this amazing story and being so generous with what is obviously still a passion within you. And to “debut” as a Pro in the Giro. Legendary doesn’t even come close to describing such a feat. Salute!
Thanks so much for sharing your early experiences. I'm 59 so I can appreciate the difference in the world then compared to now. It's so great that we can watch all the Pro Tours now thru the wonders of the Internet. Back then we had to really scratch to catch up with your exploits. The term "hit the ground running" so often over used but clearly is perfect for the Giro debut.
Mike Neel won the Columbus Day race around Lake Merrit back in the day, 1972? He and Kim Bruseth broke away and finished 1-2. Mike Neel later finished 10th in the World Pro Championship won by Eddy Merckx in a group sprint.
I started racing in the "hot bed" of cycling, Florida, in the early 80s. What was cool back then was so many great national class racers came down here in the winter to do their preseason training and early season races before heading back to other areas of the country for the rest of the race season. I can remember being a cat 4, in just my 2nd year of racing, and showing up at a house in Zellwood FL (owned by Fayette Hall) where many racers boarded, and ending up doing a long training ride around Lake Apopka with a group of just 3 or 4 other riders, including then reigning US amateur road champ Dale Stetina! I was in awe! I ended up getting dropped and riding by myself because the efforts got so intense, especially on some of the hills, but it was still fantastic! And Dale was such a nice guy too. Did not seem at all to have a swelled head because of who he was. Another time, perhaps a year or two later, on a bigger group ride where we were doing a double paceline, I found myself riding next to none other than Canadian great Steve Bauer! Ahhhh, memories! 🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️ I was in bike racing for over 25 years and did ok, but nowhere near the level of these guys.
I remember riding the 1972 'Cross Florida Tour' as a 16 year old junior. It was a two day stage race, Stage 1; started in West Palm Beach and went straight across the state to Fort Meyers, right into those brutal westerly and southwesterly headwinds/crosswinds. I had a real quick education on echelon pacelines on that day, never having had to do that before in my then 2 year old racing career. 😉 Stage 2 was start in Fort Meyers and race back to West Palm Beach with that beautiful (mostly) tailwind at your back! It was actually outside of the rules for being too much 2 day in a row total stage distance for a UCI AMATEUR stage race back then!
Thanks for telling that story, Bobke! Big fan. Met you for 3 seconds at the AMGEN Stage 3 start in King City. Best of luck, always, and wish you were doing ALL of the commentary for all the big bike races. TV coverage is so uninteresting without you.
Hey Bobke, I grew up in the same area as you and it turns out that we have a mutual acquaintance: Homer Bresino. Homer was a good friend of m y older brothers in high school and I mentioned the Tour and your commentary in passing after we had reconnected and Homer said Bob Roll? I know that guy! He said you two ran track at DVC back in the day prior to your racing career. P.s. As a Bay Area resident and cyclist I am sure you remember The Missing Link? All my best to you and your famly Bobke. Pete Hollister, CA.
... i started in 81” in C Springs... met all of you guys at least once or twice... went on more than my fair share of boulder training rides... raced europe with some of the younger US riders... i consider myself the most famous third world cyclist the public will never know... only name i will drop is the late great freddy heydens... take care bobke...
I saw bob at the Redlands road race in cali he was off the back fixing his shoe and I was like is this a pro?i was what am I busting my A to race when a guy who got to the pinnacle is taking a race I thought was epic was taking it as a training race😊classic bob.o yay remember the 1990 tour when you and Steve Bauer threw fireworks at us when Wookiee was talking to us😊good times😊
You're the man. you were part of my childhood, my dad is a coach and an educator so summers in july were spent hanging out watching the tour early in the mornings. You, Phil, and Paul played a huge role in my love for cycling so thanks. keep up the good work
Awesome story, great pics. It was difficult keeping up with the publications being 3 months behind then some newsstands would be sold out. Winning magazine was one my favorites could always spot the covers from afar with that yellow border. Sure miss those early years. Cheers!
Try doing that back when Velo News was still printed on newspaper, or even BEFORE that rag, when there was NOTHING AT ALL here in the states to keep track of Euro/International cycling!!!
Bob Roll, what can I say. Been following you since just after the mutton-chops went away. Loved your crazy Tour Day France commercials thru at least 3 different networks. I love the way you comment on the sport of ours. You're the 'any-man" cyclist, no Prima Donna, no Diva, just a balls to the wall cyclist always smiling. You're proof that Mr.Murphy does come out and zap you, even Pro-Cyclists. Keep making us laugh and keep upp the in depth commentary. Love your books.
Thank You Sir, i really love you taking the time to tell us the things that you know, be it the history of your life, or how to make blueberry oatmeal. I appreciate your style ! Thank You !
Just discovered and subbed to your channel Mr. Roll. Coincidentally a few weeks ago I was thinking about Greg LeMond and looked up and watched a video of the 1986 Tour. About 30 minutes in or so who do I see as they interview the 7-11 squad??? I let out a "Whoa holy cow it's Bob Roll!" to no one in particular. Fantastic job in that Tour!!!
Great clip Bob, been a fan since the Motorola days. One of my favorite videos I still have is the little Doc about team Motorola as it road through the big three classics, Fleche, LBL, and Paris Roubaix. Featured bikes with new STI Brake/Shifters and a Young Lance Armstrong who still had hay in his hair. Thanks for these videos, I love how it keeps me up to date on not only European racing but Americans as well, with a great sense of humor. Rock on Bobke!
Cool Bob! Another great story from you I hadn't heard - First Pro Race - The Giro OOOOOOF. You should do a video about the time you were on a training ride in New Mexico and got frostbite in the dead of night. Loved that one from your book.
Bob love the history lesson of the American journey. Enjoyed how you included the other riders and their background. BTW, lighting! You were killing me with the facial shadows. Lol! Thanks again. Great piece.
Wow. Amazing! Long-time subscriber. Love these videos. Nice that you found someone to run the camera. When is NBCSN going to let you plug your channel?
Wow, it is truly amazing that you not only competed but that you finished your first race as a pro in the Giro. Just curious if you can say what your training or race schedule was like before you got that call to race the Giro? Had you race in Europe before even a race over 200Km in the states?
Enjoyed your presentation. I've been riding bikes since 1960s then motorcycles & raced mx & flat track 75-82. Never got into bike racing, rode for pleasure but loved it riding in Socal. Sorry i don't know of you however I'm enjoying watching a few of your videos. I'm looking to buy a Bianchi. Ive owned good bikes but never great bikes. Thank's for your videos 🚲👍
Hey Bobke! I grew up in the bay area (Palo Alto, worked at Palo Alto Bicycle Shop) and raced in the Northern California District as well. Did you every race against Keith Vierra, Calvin Trampleasure, Marc Brandt, Dave Mac, Sterling McBride, and guys from that era? Also, I would love it if you would do a video about how to come back from a really bad crash. Thanks, J
Hey, you were my waiter back in 1985 when Berkeley hosted the Northern California/Nevada annual meeting. You could have had a career in the service industry.
I like how they only had 1 bike for the 7/11 team photo. Very promising. I was in the SoCal district, but I quickly discovered that I was gravity challenged and that there were no races that were exclusively downhill.
Bob! Thank you for always insightful and informative commentary!!! Enjoying your episodes tremendously!!! Just heard The Cycling Podcast episode with an interview including for young American pro riders. It was great to hear their take on A. Hampsten's '86 Giro victory, but somewhat disappointing to see that they don't quite know the history of the sport all that well. And having recently read Geoff Drake's book Team 7-Eleven made me think that it must be a must read for all young riders!!!! Perhaps you can suggest some other reading material/resources to consider!!!??? Hope you're well and safe in Durango amidst the fires in SJ forest. So sorry to hear about this terrible situation. My cheers and well wishes to all the Durangoans!!!
Here we have perhaps the only subject of a UA-cam video in the history of the pursuit to be photobombed by a hummingbird... That guy out there was egging it up for the camera in a way I've never seen a hummingbird behave: Chilling on a leaf for a minute or two before soaring into the air and dramatically dipping in for some nectar... I was so distracted by the mellowest hummingbird I'd ever seen that I had to scroll back the video a couple of minutes to catch up with this brilliant, nuanced, and highly educational story which fits in some of the pieces to cycling lore.
GREG LEMOND IS FROM WASHOE VALLEY NV. NEXT TO CARSON CITY NV. OFF HYW. 395. GREG ALSO PRODUCED A ROAD BIKE CALLED THE WASHOE NAMED AFTER THE WASHOE INDIANS WHO LIVED IN WASHOE VALLEY & THE SURROUNDING AREA OF RENO NV. & CARSON CITY NV. IT WAS HEARING ABOUT GREG LEMONED IN WINNIG MAGAZINE WHEN I WAS 13YRS OLD & HANGING OUT AROUND THE CHAIN GANGE BIKE SHOP IN REDDING CA.THAT SPARKED MY INTEREST INTO CYCLING & LEARNING ALL ABOUT THE SPORT.AS A YOUNG KID MY GOAL WAS TO BECOME THE FIRST AMERICAN INDAIN PRO BIKE RACER, BUT THE REALITY IS I ONLY MADE IT TO CAT2. BUT I STILL HAVE ALL MY OLD WINNING MAGAZINES FROM 84 TO 90 TO REMISES OF DAYS GONE BY WHEN STEEL WAS REAL.I WILL NEVER FORGET THE I MET MIKE ENGLEMEN IN RED BLUFF CA, WITH A FRIEND RIDDING OUT ON HWY 36 EAST IN RED BLFF CA. HE WAS ON THE SHWINN WHITES TEAM THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND I WAS AT THE 86 CORRS CLASSIC CRIT, IN OLD SACRAMENTO CA. AND GETTING ALOT OF 7-ELVEN SWAG.THOES WERE THE GOOD OLD YEARS FOR ME LIVING THE DREAM. GREAT VIDEO BOKKE. (US NAVY DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN GULF WAR/SOMALIA OPERATION RESTORE HOPE/IRAQ WAR) & FORMER MEMBER OF RIDE TO RECOVERY RENO NV.
We are getting older,,,,the magnificent 7-11 team,,,,, (any words on Raul Alcalá?... )but above all my heroes,,,, you are my second after A guy named the canibal....
Bob I'm an old fan of yours, we even shared a training ride in Los Altos, Ca back in the 80's. When you used to write for Velo News, I'm pretty sure you used to correct readers by saying the correct pronunciation was Booke, the way the Belgium's pronounced your name. Am I right? Just curious.
Hi Bobki, I worked with Gavin Chilcott at BMC in the US, we are from the same town in California. Is it true that you replaced him on 7/11? Btw, I talked to you at Denny’s in 1985 in Reno... you were fueling up after the crit.. where Steve Bauer tried the inside line on the last corner.. I think Davis won... got the elephant ride! I’ve loved your stories through the years! Getting lost on a long ride out of Durango and climbing the tree to find your way home! 😂
The bike you showcased was marked with the Huffy decal and the bike you showed later in the video was marked Murray. Why was it different? What were the bikes built with true temper steel tubes that fell apart? Thanks! Love watching your videos and commentary!
Bobke - why are solid tires not used in Races like Paris - Roubaix as defense against the cobbles? The pre-existing performance gaps between solids vs pneumatics has gotten quite a bit smaller in recent years.
2021 you look at your phone and follow a cycle race , 1980 you bought a magazine and read the results of a race..... 2 months earlier!
Mind blowing that your first pro race was the Giro. No specific training, no experience in the European pro peloton......grand tour.....effing amazing Bobke
I grew up riding the hills above Palo Alto. I am a pure climber, and no one could touch me, not there were more than half a dozen riders back in those days. But people would urge me to go pro. In 1972 I decided to do the Palo Alto criterium, and all I remember is seeing the back of the pack race off and fly around the first corner. I just rode my bike home. I think I realized that despite my climbing ability I was out of my league. Speaking of history, I was there to see Tom Ritchey's very first frame. But that's another story.
Did you ride the US Junior Worlds Trials in the San Jose area the next year (or at least what was the trials for what was to become the Junior Worlds later on)?
It was pretty hilly, and being an east coaster I made the (STUPID!) fatal mistake of showing up with a crit type, straight block freewheel. ☹☹
Bobke can clarify the details. As a Cat-4 amateur Bob Roll beat all of the Cat-1/2 riders up Mount Hamilton (4,200 feet). The race promoter denied paying Bob the KOM prize saying it was only for Cat-1/2.
I started riding as an adult in 1969, so I followed the American teams the best I could. Hearing all those names brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, I’m a big fan.
Great video. Being a speed skating fan. Eric Heiden, collaborating with Team 7-Eleven, is how I fell in love with cycling. Pro cycling back then had a certain panache, and is remembered with nostalgia. I’m still riding because of it.
I've always wondered if it was Eric's influence (from supplying his and Team USA's speed skating skinsuits) which caused 7-ELEVEN to choose Descente as their clothing 'kit' manufacturer/supplier??
Watched the entire video with a grin. Always enjoy your stories. Also enjoyed the hummingbird. If you had two hours to sit down and tell us stories from the Giro, random stories about your shoes, breakfast, bike prep, the hotel bathroom, etc, I think we would all listen. It's the small things, details, feelings, descriptions, that make your videos/books/public appearances so valuable and entertaining.
Please share more cycling history!
I started following the sport in 1983/84 as a 14 year-old. I remember 7-Eleven dominating the covers of Winning Magazine, which along with Velonews was the only way to track pro cycling. Great recap of your inroads into the sport with many facts unknown to most of us. I loved watching the sport in the 80s. In terms of modern cycling, to me this was the Golden Age - Lemond, Hinault, Fignon, Hampsten, Roche, 7-Eleven...etc.
That was great to hear about the 7-ElevenTeam back in the day. I'd love to hear more about the team's exploits, for example at 'The Tour' when Alex Stieda became the first North American to win a stage in the TDF. There's a lot of great cycling history that has been written by this team.
Bobbo! Got into cycling heavily in the early 80's in SoCal and actually knew of you during that epic era. Morley Field was my home track. Keep the memories flowing...I don't feel so old when there's someone to share them with.
I remember following you during those 7-11 years.
I grew up in Canada. Watched Steve Bauer battle it out with Grewal in '84 LA and I was hooked.
I am 57 years old and have just gotten into road cycling 3 months ago. I love your videos, you take out all the BS. Thank you.
I remember reading about you guys in cycling magazines during the 80’s. You 7/11 guys, and of course Greg, were heroes! Rock on, Bob!
I honestly can't comprehend dislikes on Bob Roll.
I can listen to Bob tell a story all day.
You forgot to mention Alexi Grewal 1984 Olympic Gold med. in the CO crew!
This was such an enjoyable episode and you presented it as only the Bobke could. Was glued to the screen. Thank you Bob for this amazing story and being so generous with what is obviously still a passion within you. And to “debut” as a Pro in the Giro. Legendary doesn’t even come close to describing such a feat. Salute!
Thanks so much for sharing your early experiences. I'm 59 so I can appreciate the difference in the world then compared to now. It's so great that we can watch all the Pro Tours now thru the wonders of the Internet. Back then we had to really scratch to catch up with your exploits. The term "hit the ground running" so often over used but clearly is perfect for the Giro debut.
More like they "threw him into the (1000 foot) DEEP end"!! 😉
Mike Neel won the Columbus Day race around Lake Merrit back in the day, 1972? He and Kim Bruseth broke away and finished 1-2. Mike Neel later finished 10th in the World Pro Championship won by Eddy Merckx in a group sprint.
I started racing in the "hot bed" of cycling, Florida, in the early 80s. What was cool back then was so many great national class racers came down here in the winter to do their preseason training and early season races before heading back to other areas of the country for the rest of the race season. I can remember being a cat 4, in just my 2nd year of racing, and showing up at a house in Zellwood FL (owned by Fayette Hall) where many racers boarded, and ending up doing a long training ride around Lake Apopka with a group of just 3 or 4 other riders, including then reigning US amateur road champ Dale Stetina! I was in awe! I ended up getting dropped and riding by myself because the efforts got so intense, especially on some of the hills, but it was still fantastic! And Dale was such a nice guy too. Did not seem at all to have a swelled head because of who he was. Another time, perhaps a year or two later, on a bigger group ride where we were doing a double paceline, I found myself riding next to none other than Canadian great Steve Bauer! Ahhhh, memories! 🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️ I was in bike racing for over 25 years and did ok, but nowhere near the level of these guys.
I remember riding the 1972 'Cross Florida Tour' as a 16 year old junior.
It was a two day stage race, Stage 1; started in West Palm Beach and went straight across the state to Fort Meyers, right into those brutal westerly and southwesterly headwinds/crosswinds.
I had a real quick education on echelon pacelines on that day, never having had to do that before in my then 2 year old racing career. 😉
Stage 2 was start in Fort Meyers and race back to West Palm Beach with that beautiful (mostly) tailwind at your back!
It was actually outside of the rules for being too much 2 day in a row total stage distance for a UCI AMATEUR stage race back then!
Thanks for telling that story, Bobke! Big fan. Met you for 3 seconds at the AMGEN Stage 3 start in King City. Best of luck, always, and wish you were doing ALL of the commentary for all the big bike races. TV coverage is so uninteresting without you.
The trial by fire.
Another Colorado legend... Bob Cook.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. You proved you were prepared by your contribution.
Bob great video/story. I knew some of how you got to be a pro, but was not aware of the impact of the Mike Neel angle. Keep up the great work!
Hey Bobke, I grew up in the same area as you and it turns out that we have a mutual acquaintance: Homer Bresino. Homer was a good friend of m y older brothers in high school and I mentioned the Tour and your commentary in passing after we had reconnected and Homer said Bob Roll? I know that guy! He said you two ran track at DVC back in the day prior to your racing career.
P.s. As a Bay Area resident and cyclist I am sure you remember The Missing Link?
All my best to you and your famly Bobke.
Pete
Hollister, CA.
... i started in 81” in C Springs... met all of you guys at least once or twice... went on more than my fair share of boulder training rides... raced europe with some of the younger US riders... i consider myself the most famous third world cyclist the public will never know... only name i will drop is the late great freddy heydens... take care bobke...
Was so cool following you and your teammates careers. Inspired me to give racing a go.. gratitude Bobke
Bob thanks for the walk down memory lane!!!!
I remember that 7-Eleven team well which just means I'm old. Nobody tells a good cycling story like Bobke!
I saw bob at the Redlands road race in cali he was off the back fixing his shoe and I was like is this a pro?i was what am I busting my A to race when a guy who got to the pinnacle is taking a race I thought was epic was taking it as a training race😊classic bob.o yay remember the 1990 tour when you and Steve Bauer threw fireworks at us when Wookiee was talking to us😊good times😊
You're the man. you were part of my childhood, my dad is a coach and an educator so summers in july were spent hanging out watching the tour early in the mornings. You, Phil, and Paul played a huge role in my love for cycling so thanks. keep up the good work
Awesome story, great pics. It was difficult keeping up with the publications being 3 months behind then some newsstands would be sold out. Winning magazine was one my favorites could always spot the covers from afar with that yellow border. Sure miss those early years.
Cheers!
Try doing that back when Velo News was still printed on newspaper, or even BEFORE that rag, when there was NOTHING AT ALL here in the states to keep track of Euro/International cycling!!!
I love the hummingbird outside your window just hanging out. Good story Bob, I wish it was that simple today.
Bob Roll, what can I say. Been following you since just after the mutton-chops went away. Loved your crazy Tour Day France commercials thru at least 3 different networks. I love the way you comment on the sport of ours. You're the 'any-man" cyclist, no Prima Donna, no Diva, just a balls to the wall cyclist always smiling. You're proof that Mr.Murphy does come out and zap you, even Pro-Cyclists. Keep making us laugh and keep upp the in depth commentary. Love your books.
Love this video.
I think one of your best.
It’s a great story.
Many Thanks
Awesome Bobke! Have to make sure Eustice sees this one...
Loving it Bobke how different things were back then!..lol
Thank You Sir, i really love you taking the time to tell us the things that you know, be it the history of your life, or how to make blueberry oatmeal. I appreciate your style ! Thank You !
Love it, Bob! Simpler times.
Just discovered and subbed to your channel Mr. Roll. Coincidentally a few weeks ago I was thinking about Greg LeMond and looked up and watched a video of the 1986 Tour. About 30 minutes in or so who do I see as they interview the 7-11 squad??? I let out a "Whoa holy cow it's Bob Roll!" to no one in particular. Fantastic job in that Tour!!!
Yes... another book is in order Bobke I think..another best seller
Great to hear you recall your history in the sport. Keep it going!....
Awesome vids man. Love the retro pics too. I’m getting a Ride Clean shirt. Cool design. Keep sharing!
Great video Bob. Hope they get that Durango fire under control soon.
Bob is my idol! Riveting story Bob, I am in awe of your accomplishments!
Great clip Bob, been a fan since the Motorola days. One of my favorite videos I still have is the little Doc about team Motorola as it road through the big three classics, Fleche, LBL, and Paris Roubaix. Featured bikes with new STI Brake/Shifters and a Young Lance Armstrong who still had hay in his hair. Thanks for these videos, I love how it keeps me up to date on not only European racing but Americans as well, with a great sense of humor. Rock on Bobke!
I loved the story and I loved the humming bird in the background.
Bobke needs to write a book 📚 I'd buy it, you are a great story teller man! Keep the great content coming please!
Off topic,that chair looks amazingly comfortable Bobke!!!!
We have Sugarloaf Mountain in Florida. You should check it out. Love the history you bring to our sport.
Great memories! Where the pictures in VERONA, Italy in the Piazza Bra with The Arena in the background?
Cool Bob! Another great story from you I hadn't heard - First Pro Race - The Giro OOOOOOF. You should do a video about the time you were on a training ride in New Mexico and got frostbite in the dead of night. Loved that one from your book.
Bob love the history lesson of the American journey. Enjoyed how you included the other riders and their background. BTW, lighting! You were killing me with the facial shadows. Lol! Thanks again. Great piece.
Thank you Bob.
Kudos on your seating choice!! Impeccable taste.
Wow. Amazing! Long-time subscriber. Love these videos. Nice that you found someone to run the camera. When is NBCSN going to let you plug your channel?
Wow, it is truly amazing that you not only competed but that you finished your first race as a pro in the Giro.
Just curious if you can say what your training or race schedule was like before you got that call to race the Giro? Had you race in Europe before even a race over 200Km in the states?
Enjoyed your presentation. I've been riding bikes since 1960s then motorcycles & raced mx & flat track 75-82. Never got into bike racing, rode for pleasure but loved it riding in Socal. Sorry i don't know of you however I'm enjoying watching a few of your videos. I'm looking to buy a Bianchi. Ive owned good bikes but never great bikes. Thank's for your videos 🚲👍
Back in the “Story Chair”. I love it
Hey Bobke! I grew up in the bay area (Palo Alto, worked at Palo Alto Bicycle Shop) and raced in the Northern California District as well. Did you every race against Keith Vierra, Calvin Trampleasure, Marc Brandt, Dave Mac, Sterling McBride, and guys from that era? Also, I would love it if you would do a video about how to come back from a really bad crash. Thanks, J
Hey, you were my waiter back in 1985 when Berkeley hosted the Northern California/Nevada annual meeting. You could have had a career in the service industry.
Bobkie, congratulations on your successful Cycling career and I like your cool Channel!
Great history inside. Thanks
You’re looking real fit, Bob. I’ll bet you’d fly up Mount Diablo if you came home to the East Bay.
I like how they only had 1 bike for the 7/11 team photo. Very promising. I was in the SoCal district, but I quickly discovered that I was gravity challenged and that there were no races that were exclusively downhill.
Great story Bob! I'd like to hear more too! I used to read your articles in VeloNews years ago.
Hey buddy
Super interesting. Thank you Bob.
Bob! Thank you for always insightful and informative commentary!!! Enjoying your episodes tremendously!!!
Just heard The Cycling Podcast episode with an interview including for young American pro riders. It was great to hear their take on A. Hampsten's '86 Giro victory, but somewhat disappointing to see that they don't quite know the history of the sport all that well. And having recently read Geoff Drake's book Team 7-Eleven made me think that it must be a must read for all young riders!!!!
Perhaps you can suggest some other reading material/resources to consider!!!???
Hope you're well and safe in Durango amidst the fires in SJ forest. So sorry to hear about this terrible situation. My cheers and well wishes to all the Durangoans!!!
Great video! I had to watch it again. I love the picture of the whole team. I wish Bobke TV continued success!
chapeau bobke!
Here we have perhaps the only subject of a UA-cam video in the history of the pursuit to be photobombed by a hummingbird... That guy out there was egging it up for the camera in a way I've never seen a hummingbird behave: Chilling on a leaf for a minute or two before soaring into the air and dramatically dipping in for some nectar... I was so distracted by the mellowest hummingbird I'd ever seen that I had to scroll back the video a couple of minutes to catch up with this brilliant, nuanced, and highly educational story which fits in some of the pieces to cycling lore.
Classic! "My first professional race was the Tour of Italy in 1985 which I do not recommend (Laughter)." "Debuting in a Grand Tour (Laughter)..."
GREG LEMOND IS FROM WASHOE VALLEY NV. NEXT TO CARSON CITY NV. OFF HYW. 395. GREG ALSO PRODUCED A ROAD BIKE CALLED THE WASHOE NAMED AFTER THE WASHOE INDIANS WHO LIVED IN WASHOE VALLEY & THE SURROUNDING AREA OF RENO NV. & CARSON CITY NV. IT WAS HEARING ABOUT GREG LEMONED IN WINNIG MAGAZINE WHEN I WAS 13YRS OLD & HANGING OUT AROUND THE CHAIN GANGE BIKE SHOP IN REDDING CA.THAT SPARKED MY INTEREST INTO CYCLING & LEARNING ALL ABOUT THE SPORT.AS A YOUNG KID MY GOAL WAS TO BECOME THE FIRST AMERICAN INDAIN PRO BIKE RACER, BUT THE REALITY IS I ONLY MADE IT TO CAT2. BUT I STILL HAVE ALL MY OLD WINNING MAGAZINES FROM 84 TO 90 TO REMISES OF DAYS GONE BY WHEN STEEL WAS REAL.I WILL NEVER FORGET THE I MET MIKE ENGLEMEN IN RED BLUFF CA, WITH A FRIEND RIDDING OUT ON HWY 36 EAST IN RED BLFF CA. HE WAS ON THE SHWINN WHITES TEAM THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND I WAS AT THE 86 CORRS CLASSIC CRIT, IN OLD SACRAMENTO CA. AND GETTING ALOT OF 7-ELVEN SWAG.THOES WERE THE GOOD OLD YEARS FOR ME LIVING THE DREAM. GREAT VIDEO BOKKE. (US NAVY DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN GULF WAR/SOMALIA OPERATION RESTORE HOPE/IRAQ WAR) & FORMER MEMBER OF RIDE TO RECOVERY RENO NV.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Where have you been with more videos
If you haven't already, could you share your experience in MTB racing?
The "pan y aqua" shirts are a must have.👍
We are getting older,,,,the magnificent 7-11 team,,,,, (any words on Raul Alcalá?... )but above all my heroes,,,, you are my second after A guy named the canibal....
Loving the videos Bob
Bob I'm an old fan of yours, we even shared a training ride in Los Altos, Ca back in the 80's. When you used to write for Velo News, I'm pretty sure you used to correct readers by saying the correct pronunciation was Booke, the way the Belgium's pronounced your name. Am I right? Just curious.
This is great! Thanks for sharing.
Racing in 80’s in the US was a blast
Hi Bobki,
I worked with Gavin Chilcott at BMC in the US, we are from the same town in California. Is it true that you replaced him on 7/11? Btw, I talked to you at Denny’s in 1985 in Reno... you were fueling up after the crit.. where Steve Bauer tried the inside line on the last corner.. I think Davis won... got the elephant ride! I’ve loved your stories through the years! Getting lost on a long ride out of Durango and climbing the tree to find your way home! 😂
Love the stories love the info.
Thanks Bobke, this was terrific. More please!?
Good stuff! Can't believe you don't have more viewers! Keep it up 😎
The bike you showcased was marked with the Huffy decal and the bike you showed later in the video was marked Murray. Why was it different? What were the bikes built with true temper steel tubes that fell apart? Thanks! Love watching your videos and commentary!
Awesome story Bobke, thanks for sharing!
Your stories are amazing, thank you
Thanks for watching
Ha bravo eri a Verona buon natale 🎅 dalle dolomiti Veneto ciao grande ciclista
Lovely! I sent this link to Mike.
Awesome journey Bobke
Bob, could you please share it an anecdotes with Raul Alcala!
Thank you!
Bobke - why are solid tires not used in Races like Paris - Roubaix as defense against the cobbles? The pre-existing performance gaps between solids vs pneumatics has gotten quite a bit smaller in recent years.
Thanks for sharing this!
cool stuff as always, thanks for the history lesson.
Nice Eames Chair.
Go Bobkie! 🚴♀️