Here's a photo I shot of cycling personality Bob Roll when he last appeared at the Seattle International Bicycle Expo in 2005.
Not exactly the clean-cut Versus TV commentator that appears on cable, but his humor and stories were just as good, if not better, in person.
Bobke is returning to Seattle to speak at the Cascade Bicycle Club's Friday evening, March 13, special presentation that precedes the bike expo on March 14 and 15. He won't be appearing during the expo like he did four years ago, however.
Previous visit
Back then, the question everyone wanted to know was whether Lance Armstrong could win a 7th straight Tour de France. His correct assumption:
“I think he will win. If he's ready and willing to do it, he'll kill everybody in the Tour. When he's ready, we've seen what kind of damage he can do.”
Asked about his reaction at the time to Armstrong's announcement that he would remain in cycling for the Tour before retiring in 2005:
“Hallelujah! I've extended my life in cycling for at least another four or five months. Compared to my teammates, that's outstanding.”
Upcoming visit
Of course, we all know that Roll was able to maintain his career in broadcasting, along with his co-anchors Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, even without Armstrong in the peloton.
But Armstrong is coming out of retirement this year, and I'm sure Roll is already considering whether Armstrong can win an 8th Tour de France.
Versus will be covering Armstrong before the Tour de France, however, as the Versus network starts cycling coverage in 2009 with the Tour Down Under beginning Jan. 18 in Australia. That's Armstrong's official return to cycling.
Tickets
Roll's appearance is not part of the regular Seattle Bike Expo and separate tickets — at $20 apiece — are necessary for the Friday evening performance. Follow this link to Brown Paper Tickets where the tickets are on sale.
The Bike Expo and Friday night presentation are back at Magnuson Park again this year. The Friday night performance is at the Magnuson Park Theater. Enter the park at 74th Street entrance, turn right at first stop sign and park in large lot. The theater is just north of this lot, up the hill, next to the basketball courts.
Just to offer a word of warning: Order your tickets early. This town is more bicycle-crazy than ever. Cascade's RAW and RSVP rides sold out in less than a week; this may be just as popular. Last time, the Friday night show sold out three weeks in advance.
Also, this is a show, not a dinner. No food will be available. There will a bar, however, and no one under 21 is allowed to attend.
Roll is a former member of the 7-Eleven cycling team that introduced many Americans to Euro style racing. He'll be available for autographs after the show.
Find more details about the Seattle International Bicycle Expo.
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