Smithers MINNEAPOLIS

The first big race I ever announced at was the Boulder to Breck race, and it’ll always be the most amazing experience. Chris Wherry won the same week his really cool dad passed away, the entire crowd was crying when he came across the line. I’ve spent every Thanksgiving since at his mom’s house. The Wherrys are very special people to me.

You always come across very enthusiastic when you are discussing racing. It’s obvious that you are a true fan of the sport. Do you find it difficult to explain your passion for cycling to those who don’t follow or understand bike racing? I sure do…

You know, I do too. I guess at a race I do a sort of Cycling 101, and I like that. people seem to get it, once you break it down. It is my job, but I do love it. The riders seem to appreciate the respect and enthusiasm, makes what they do seem valid in some ways, I think.

You pretty much work the entire racing season now days. Does the season get too long for you or do you look forward to each event?

I wish the season was longer. I have a huge passion for cycling, but that’s all I do. I need work in December and January, but I don’t really mind the time off. I love disc golf, so I can play my home course every day.

You got some TV time this year during the Tour of California. When is Phil going to retire so you can call the Tour with Paul and Bob?

I hear that a lot. Phil is a legend, and must make a ton of dough. I doubt he retires any time soon, and it’s probably good he doesn’t. A more people are Liggett fans than Towle fans, I’m afraid.

I asked Erik Saunders what he would tell an aspiring racer who wanted to try and make it into the big leagues of pro bike racing and Erik said “forget it.” What would you tell an aspiring race announcer who wanted to try and make it into the big league of pro race announcing?

Erik is a very cool guy. I’d say he’s probably right, about announcing too. it’s super competitive, and guys will do what you do for free, which is tough.

What’s your plan for 2007? Do you know which races you will be at? Would you consider coming to Minnesota and guest announcing an evening at the National Sports Center velodrome? Like say the 2007 Minnesota Keirin State Championship? That would be epic.

Sure, I’ll come. I have my year dialed, starting with the AToC. It’s going to be a great year, the season has a good rhythm to it.

What would you tell someone who is starting to get all jaded and bitter about professional cycling due to all the drugs?

It’s all sports, not just cycling. At least we’re trying to do the right thing. Floyd is not guilty, I feel strongly about that.

Are you single? Don’t get me wrong, I’m married. I was just wondering how your significant other feels about you spending so much time on the road. If you don’t have a significant other how are you going to find one spending so much time on the road? Or maybe that’s the point, eh? Girl in every port? Say no more? I don’t really know where I am going with this…

Well, I don’t have a significant other. I have been dating the same woman I met at the Tour de Georgia for a few years, but not sure where that is going. I’m pretty much happy being single, for exactly the reason you mention, I travel so much, anybody in my life would be let down. I do have an awesome 15 year old dog named Arliss. She loves it when I’m home, unconditionally. That’s nice.

Any parting thoughts you want to share with the Twin Cities cycling community (or at least those 2 or 3 who ready my blog)?

Yeah, you guys rock. I always enjoy my time up there, and it’s super cool Dave LaPorte puts on the Nature Valley/Great River Energy GP. It’s a kick ass race.

Thanks for the time Dave, we look forward to your next visit to the Twin Cities.

Thank you.

So now when Dave Towle comes to town for the Nature Valley Grand Prix you can all act like his best friend because I hooked you up with all the background info.