About Rob

American scientists have discovered a molecular switch neurons. In the future, this discovery might help to create new medicines for the treatment of epilepsy, writes the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo".Sometimes, medications do not work on patients with epilepsy. In recent decades, in such cases, doctors prescribe them to the so-called ketogenicheskuyu diet that eliminates carbohydrates, filling their high fat intake. As a result, the frequency of epileptic seizures is reduced.The fact that carbohydrates - basic food neurons. If it is lacking, they switch to fat metabolism derivatives, such as the power significantly reduces their anxiety. However, the mechanisms that govern this process are not known.Molecular switch - one of the proteins that, in addition to trigger cell death function regulates glucose uptake by various cells. The researchers decided to test whether it also acts on neurons.

The experiments were performed on mice genetically modified so that they either did not have this protein, or it does not regulate the glucose intake. It was found that these animals are resistant to sufficiently epilepsy. The experimental results have been published in the journal "Neuron» (Neuron).Conclusions still preliminary, but if scientists can go further in the understanding of these mechanisms, it will be possible to create drugs that will abandon ketogenicheskoy diet. According to doctors, it has many negative side effects.

Rob moved to Durango in 1989 to attend Fort Lewis College (FLC) and has been riding, running, backcounty skiing, backpacking and whatever else includes the outdoors ever since.  His first mountain bike ride was while a freshman at Fort Lewis College with his good friend Tim Murray in Horse Gulch up the “old” telegraph trail and down the “old suicide” trail with a “racer dude” from California.  The ride consisted of pushing bikes up the hill, and then walking my bike down the hill.  This mountain bike stuff is “really stupid” Rob thought.  Rob’s second mountain bike ride (with the same “racer dude”) was up Hogsback!  Who rides their bike up there?  (Ok, so I saw someone ride down it the other day, but really, give me a break!).  Rob’s first “road ride” was on mountain bikes from FLC all the way up to Edgemont Ranch (some 12-15 miles).  Rob remembers arriving back at the dorms telling his friends that he had just went on the longest ride of his life!  It’s amazing how much Rob continues to love biking today given his first few “riding” experiences.  Along with biking, Rob took up triathlons.  Rob’s first triathlon was the Tri the Rim at Fort Lewis College.  From there Rob went on to participate in numerous triathlons throughout college and even qualified for the National Championships in Las Vegas in 1991.

Rob has participated in a few other races during and after college like the Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon in Grants, New Mexico, Imogene Pass run in Ouray, CO, the Blue Mountain Winter Triathlon in Monticello, UT, the Durango Adventure Xtreme 12 hour, the Durango Maintain Bike 100 (ouch), 24 Hours of Moab and the Kennebec Challenge.  Rob has also enjoyed testing the limits with various activities such as the Death Ride (2000), White Rim (1 day), and numerous “epic” mountain bike day rides with his best pal Ken up in the high county.

Most recently (last 4 years), Rob has taken an interest with road racing.  In 2005 Rob placed 2nd in his age category at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.  In 2006 he placed 5th and 5th in the road race and criterium respectively.  Rob enjoys participating in the Durango spring criterium series along with the Squawker Classic held at Fort Lewis every year.

This year, at 37 years of age, Rob will be participating in his first ever stage race, the Tour of the Gila as a Cat 4 racer.  He hopes this gives him some good racing fitness going into the Iron Horse Classic. Rob’s goal this year is to accumulate enough points for an upgrade to a Cat 3.

Rob is a professional land surveyor and a managing partner of Goff Engineering & Surveying Inc.  He is married to his wonderful wife Stephanie of 6 years and together they are raising 2 “wiener dogs”, Indy and Madchen.