Bob Roll: “I enjoy (cycling) as much as ever”

On Saturday, Oct. 26, join us  for a special evening at Hale’s Palladium with retired pro cyclist Bob Roll.  Known world-wide as “Bobke”, Bob Roll is one of America’s most well-known retired professional cyclists who rode for the celebrated 7-Eleven and Motorola teams in the 1980s. Since his retirement, he has been a regular commentator on international cycling events for several different U.S networks. He brings a wealth of fun insights and colorful commentary on the world of professional cycling.

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A special fundraiser for the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, the event will include a 90-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session before event-goers will get a chance to meet and greet one of the biggest names in U.S. cycling.

What exactly you will talk about is up to you and the questions asked, but we talked to Bob last week to give you a short teaser:

Cascade: So Bob, what will you be talking about at the event?

Bob: A sort of “State of the Union of Cycling” probably. There’s a lot to talk about and people nowadays are pretty savvy about cycling. And that’s a good thing.

Cascade: What do you think of the new UCI leadership?
(Last month, Brian Cookson was elected as the new president of the UCI, after a contentious contest with incumbent Pat McQuaid.)

Bob: The new leadership at UCI is essential to go forward with the sport.  I don’t think Pat McQuaid did a bad job necessarily, but if he had been reelected I think he would have done things a bit differently.  For cycling to have gone through so much turmoil, inevitably people wanted a change in leadership. I hope it’s an improvement in terms of more people enjoying our sport –the most beautiful sport in the world. To be perfectly honest, it’s a good to see change. It was inevitable and essential.

Cascade: What did you think of the Tour this year?

Bob: The Tour this year was great --a testimony that the Tour is a spectacle that can withstand the test of time. The challenges and acrimony the racers face are pretty astronomical. The fact that people are still willing to do it is a good sign.

Cascade: Who will be the next great American cyclist in this post-Lance era?

Bob: TJ van Garderen, Andrew Talansky, Taylor Phinney, Joe Dombrowski - there is a pretty delightful galaxy of stars to cheer for.

I’m convinced that an American will grab the yellow jersey before long.

Cascade: Do you still ride?

Bob: I try to ride when I’m rested. It depends on my traveling. I enjoy it as much as ever.

Event details:

Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Hales Palladium
4301 Leary Way NW
Some tickets are still available at brownpapertickets.com