Vegas Bob has been getting pissed at races. He doesn't explode at the start, and it sucks to watch Brant blow out at the gun with the top few guys and leave him stuck behind the slower riders. Finally taking a page from the winning handbook, VB decided to launch the start at the Santa Barbara Bike Fest. After the starting gun, VB and Brant took off...both in the top 6 or 7 riders. Bob had done the right thing and been out with the leaders. Suffering unmercifully, but able NOW to see the leaders (which is more encouraging than NOT seeing from the back of a slower rider), VB began to move past each rider one at a time.

Brant would pop on lap three, allowing VB and another rider to squeeze by him. this was good for VB, since he rarely sees Brant after a start. Before he knew it, he was up towards the front, believing that the Helen's-Subaru-Fisher rider in front of him was in 5th. An epic battle ensued. VB would gain ground on the tightly wound switchback climbs and descents...and the Helen's rider would drop him on the fireroad climbs. Turns out the 29er he was on ISN'T great at everything, contrary to current media hype. The ground gained by VB on his 26" Carbide in the switchbacks was so noticeable, he almost crashed into him at every turn. Finally rattling the Helen's rider after half-wheeling him on the descents for two laps, he finally plowed into a bush, allowing VB to pass. On the last lap, with the three turns to go, VB though he had 4th locked up...until his legs began to cramp.

Looking down at his bottles, he realized he had been drinking his water bottle, and NOT his AMINO VITAL bottle. trying to drink and ride a switchback downhill at the same time, he DOWNED the remaining three-quarters of his mix and amazingly enough...that magical powder made the cramps dissolve into thin air. hammering home the finish line sprint for fear of getting passed back, VB flew to the finish line.

What he didn't know was that he had actually WON! The second place guy he had passed on the DH was in first when he passed him! Bob didn't even find out he had won until about thirty minutes later when Brant had asked who won, and someone pointed to Bob. Great work VB!

ALSO be sure to check out the TOMAC website's news link on the bottom of the home page for back to back pix of Backbone team riders! Today, Vegas Bob is featured for winning his race on Sunday aboard the life-changing and podium seeking TOMAC CARBIDE.