How I Became a Pro Cyclist

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This is the story of how I urned pro and How I Became a Pro Cyclist

[rcdogmanduh]

2021 you look at your phone and follow a cycle race, 1980 you bought a magazine and read the results of a 2 months earlier!

[quinndawsonosgood]

Mind blowing that your first pro race was the Giro. No specific training, no experience in the European pro amazing Bobke

[davidbrock]

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.

[Gkuljian]

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.

[bikemed]

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.

[alanschlug]

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.

[skp]

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.

[__GaryHarris]

I remember following you during those 7-11 years.

[paulkaump]

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.

[TimothyAllison]

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.

[trevorsyversen]

I grew up in Canada. Watched Steve Bauer battle it out with Grewal in '84 LA and I was hooked.

[arfelmcfarfel]

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.

[urby]

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.

[a.garcia]

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!

[harleyss]

... 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...

[recumbentogiro]

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. You proved you were prepared by your contribution.

[mondoc]

I can listen to Bob tell a story all day.

[ecycledd]

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!

[mancello]

I remember that 7-Eleven team well which just means I'm old. Nobody tells a good cycling story like Bobke!

[hedleykerr]

You forgot to mention Alexi Grewal 1984 Olympic Gold med. in the CO crew!