Turbo Bob - last stages of cancer/hospice

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Bob was an E-bike enthusiast, RC plane expert and overall great guy!
he used to cover local bike rides, shop visits and write up some reviews.
I just learned that he is in the last stages of hospice because of cancer.

His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TurboBobsBicycleBlog

It is a sublime feeling to realize our impermanence here, to realize that everyone we see around us right now, will be gone in 70 or 80 years.
Being reminded of our mortality, we realize how unique each human being is.

Bob will be remembered for all that he did to the E-bike community.

 

[onlineaddy]

Oh, no! I never met Bob, although he is local to me. He seems like a fine fellow from the videos/posts he's shared with us over the years.

F*ck cancer.

 

[J.R.]

I watched everything Bob put on YouTube 5 years ago about ebikes bike accessories and social rides. He always had fun. I purchased my Abus 6500 due to his review. He will leave a big void.

Edit: had to go and fetch this.

A Gentle-Man

 

[Leon Washington]

I respectfully submit that our beloved Turbo Bob has merged onto the ultimate Ebike path in paradise. In paradise all bike paths are Ebike only and the only thing that is against the law is using the word "cheater."

As many know, Turbo Bob was world renown. His blogs were so informative and he had a passion for teaching the intricacies of Ebikes and how they worked. He did it in such a way that all could understand.

Oddly enough Turbo Bob and I grew up in the same city. I didn't realize this until I saw pictures posted on his facebook page. I often wonder if we may have passed each other while at a local park.

It was interesting that we both grew up in the same small town, and then both moved to San Diego. It was San Diego where I formally met him. Again, Bob was internationally famous, but in San Diego, he was a bit of a super hero.

Every year in October, Turbo Bob would talk San Diego Gas & Electric into hosting an Ebike workshop. . . for free. All attendees would get a free gourmet dinner, complete with amazing deserts. We would then learn about Ebikes: how they worked, what the future held, and how to make an informed purchase. Then Bob would have guest lecturers: Rhonda Martin, who made headlines when she lost mass amounts of weight by simply ridding her Electric Bike. We met Bixby and her owner, Mike who were ridding cross country to spread awareness of animal shelters. Every Ebike vendor attended and a track was set up in the parking lot so attendees could try any bike they wished. There was also a raffle, which included a top-of-the-line Ebike. Somehow Bob did all the negotiations and arrangements so no interested, curiosity seeker paid a penny to learn, eat and enjoy. Even the raffle was free. I sure do miss those.

Turbo Bob also corralled enough Ebike riders to set a World Record: In Orange County we all got together and joined at the Pedego headquarters to ride 18 miles. It was the longest Ebike train in history. And Turbo Bob led us all. In retrospect, it may have been metaphorical: I'm sure he's picked out the perfect Ebike for each of us. And when I see him again, I can't wait to ride and catch up on some stories.

We Love You Turbo Bob. . . you truly were one of the Founding Fathers of our sport. Ride on!!