The First 30 Seconds

08.11.2008 | 2:30 pm

I’m back from Leadville now, and tonight I’m going to try to write a report about what I consider to be the best race experience of my entire life.

Really, I enjoyed it that much.

But for right now, I’d like to talk about the first thirty seconds of the race.

The Rule
The Leadville Trail 100 race organizers have stated, over and over, in no uncertain terms, that the paved downhill at the beginning of the race is a neutral start. It’s a crowded, narrow road, and no passing is allowed. Get your pass on once we’re on the dirt.

And, thanks to my strong finish time in 2007, I got to start in the cordoned-off section at the front. I set myself by Rick McDonald, one of very few people who has started and completed every single one of the Leadville 100s.

The Crash
The gun went off at 6:30am, and I — along with everyone else — started pedaling. Things were tight, but not scary.

And then this happened:

Nice move there, Louis.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet racer #845, aka Louis Baker. Louis — feeling the neutral start did not apply to him, but lacking the skill to ignore rules safely – elbowed me as he surged by, then hooked my handlebars and sent me to the pavement.

I went down on my knees, catching my upper body with my right hand. Luckily for me, my right shoulder did not dislocate.

My bottles scattered on the road, and other cyclists dodged me, my bike, and my bottles.

Note: As most of you know, I’m ordinarily not an angry person. In fact, I’m one of the least-angry people you’ll ever meet. But the rest of this post is going to be kinda angry. Why? Oh, I dunno. Maybe because some bonehead had, within the first half-minute of the race, gone and done exactly what the race organizers had spent the last ten minutes telling us over and over not to do. And he had, with this move, very nearly ended my 12-year Leadville streak, and the only race I’m doing this year, what with my wife being sick at home and all. Anyway, if you don’t like the thought of an Angry Fatty, you’ve probably already read too much of this post and you may want to just come back tomorrow, when I promise I’ll be incredibly upbeat.

I gathered everything up, angrier than I can ever remember being, but not knowing who had done this (and I never would have if this picture hadn’t been taken). I wasn’t hurt, and my bike was fine.

Louis continued on, unconcerned, unapologetic. In, what I’d like to note, is an atrocity of cycling garb.

You may be saying to yourself, “But maybe Fatty was drifting back. Maybe this Louis fella in the super dorky knickers wasn’t surging forward at all.” Except in the center of the picture you’ll see Rick McDonald, the guy I started with (Rick finished with an 8:26, a very fast time). He and I were playing by the rules.

As for Louis, well, let’s take a look at how much that extra 1.000008 seconds he bought by making that illegal pass helped him.

Just a second…still checking the standings. I’m looking very carefully through all the sub-9-hour finishing times, where clearly Louis belonged.

Hm. Not there. Odd.

OK, let’s take a look at the sub-10-hour finishes.

How peculiar. He’s not there, either.

Oh, there Louis is. He finished in 10:38.

Which is, I feel compelled to note, after I finished.

More to the point, It’s more than half an hour after I finished.

Louis, some advice: next time you race, you may want to go start further back in the field.

And stay there.

134 Comments

  1. Comment by dug | 08.11.2008 | 2:40 pm

    the thing is, they say no passing there for a reason. well, for many reasons, but first and foremost, there is NO ADVANTAGE to be gained. the race is ONE HUNDRED miles long. and mr 10:30 in the circus bear outfit is going for the hole shot. maybe to ask lance for his autograph. not THAT’S an encounter i wish we had on film.

    what a tool.

  2. Comment by Ian | 08.11.2008 | 2:41 pm

    Sometimes I wonder if random things like this only happen to you because you’ll tell the best story of the incident. Honestly, for how many people line up at that race, how does an internet celebrity such as yourself find himself in that situation? Glad to hear you had a great race and even happier you didn’t get hurt in the first thirty seconds. Best to you.

  3. Comment by cellphoneguy | 08.11.2008 | 2:42 pm

    Way to go Fatty! Nice time on the finish with a bad shoulder and on a single speed no less. Your time also makes it easy to call out Mr. Douche Baker’s crappy move at the start of the race.
    All in all, sounds like you had a good race, with a nice crash recovery to finish ahead of Douche Baker.

  4. Comment by TrEmLo | 08.11.2008 | 2:43 pm

    He’s going to learn very quickly that bad karma sucks – as does a bad fashion sense.

  5. Comment by bikemike | 08.11.2008 | 2:49 pm

    there’s ALWAYS some bonehead in a century that thinks he’s faster and has to show everyone. they never are and only cause problems. glad you weren’t a dnf because of the idiot. glad you had a great ride. glad i didn’t have to do it.
    oh yeah, we’re looking for you, louis baker. yellow knickers, puhleeese.

  6. Comment by hades | 08.11.2008 | 2:52 pm

    Hmmm, as a result of your blog, several people will now have his number. I wonder how kindly he will be received at future racing events once he is recognized and whether the same bar-hook courtesy will be extended to him at those events. I’m just sayin’.

    The other fun part is that he’ll Google his name sometime and find your post as well as our responses – and perhaps belatedly apologize and restore a small part of his honor… or not.

    I’m glad you were not injured; way to go with the great finish despite everything!

    WIN Susan!

  7. Pingback by Why did Louis Baker try to ruin Fatty’s Leadville 100? : Bloviations | 08.11.2008 | 2:53 pm

    [...] tells the story. Ladies and gentlemen, meet racer #845, aka Louis Baker. Louis — feeling the neutral start did [...]

  8. Comment by Slingshot | 08.11.2008 | 2:58 pm

    Congrats on your great finish.
    Do you have a hate mail address for Mr. Louis Baker?
    The Dill Weed must of burned out and blown up after the hot hole shot manure er im mean maneuver.

    WIN Susan

  9. Comment by KanyonKris | 08.11.2008 | 2:58 pm

    I’m glad you and your bike weren’t hurt in the incident.

    And I agree with the previous commenters – couldn’t have said it better.

  10. Comment by aussie kev | 08.11.2008 | 2:59 pm

    i feel you should send him some of your old cycling clothes to show theres no hard feelings!!!!

  11. Comment by Bluenoser | 08.11.2008 | 3:03 pm

    I’m looking in the results but don’t see a Loser Baker anywhere… oh Louis Baker.

    Never mind, I see he was held by the fashion police for a bit. Could explain his time, he being so fast and all.

    Great race and comeback Fatty.

    -B

  12. Comment by Pedro | 08.11.2008 | 3:07 pm

    Somehow I don’t think he has the skills to wear a clown costume in a race. I mean if Lance wants to race while dressed like Elvis, I think he’s earned the right. But this idiot? My eyes are burning from seeing that photo.

    Happy to hear that the fall didn’t do any damage. Can you remember exactly when you passed this clown? I mean, you might not remember because you thought you were hallucinating due to the elevation, and that no one would be dressed like a color-blind superhero.

    Props to the photographer for capturing the idiot in action. Maybe Baker The 10:30 Bozo will be banned from next year’s race for breaking the rules.

    WIN!

  13. Comment by sfcgijill | 08.11.2008 | 3:08 pm

    yep, bad things happen when you do bad things, Looey.

    Congrats on the best revenge ever, Fatty. And you didn’t even have to pee in his water bottles or anything!

  14. Comment by Bob | 08.11.2008 | 3:09 pm

    Fatty –

    Give him a break man, it’s hard to ride a bike in a clown costume.

  15. Comment by Al Maviva | 08.11.2008 | 3:12 pm

    Easy on Mr. Baker, peeps. He’s now known worldwide as a knucklehead. No nasty emails needed. Infamy is enough. By 6:00 PM today, his buddies will be emailing him giving him loads of crap, and forever he’ll be known as the Guy Who Took Out the Fat Cyclist in the Neutral Zone. (This is kind of like one of the local teams which committed the triple whammy offense of sending two guys off the front, blocking, and causing a crash in the feed zone some weeks back. Instant karma is gonna get ‘em. That, or some dude with a bad attitude and a long memory.

    Meanwhile…

    You stay classy, Louis!

  16. Comment by Al Maviva | 08.11.2008 | 3:13 pm

    BTW, ‘case you missed my point, let he who has not pulled a moron maneuver in a race throw the first bidon…

  17. Comment by RLove | 08.11.2008 | 3:17 pm

    As stated before, congrats are in order for gathering yourself up and getting to it. Good job indeed. I can hear Louise now…I had a good start…passed a lot of people…was in 10th place but slowly faded.

    WIN

  18. Comment by Maile in Florida | 08.11.2008 | 3:20 pm

    …okay, I won’t throw a bidon but as someone who has dislocated the same shoulder four times, I cringed when Our Hero caught himself with the hand on his bad side, and I completely understand why he would have a couple extra layers of ticked-offedness afterwards…OUCH!!!!

  19. Comment by Matt | 08.11.2008 | 3:21 pm

    He’s probably really pissed off that he’s only just crossed the start line despite setting off in 1998 – or at least that’s where his riding kit and bike belong.

  20. Comment by KT | 08.11.2008 | 3:22 pm

    What a…. what… I mean, geez! What a jerk!

    Doesn’t he KNOW who he took down? I mean…. man… you do NOT even try to take out Fatty. He’s got friends the world over, vengeful friends, friends who are handy with tools.

    Like, to start with, scissors, to reduce that travesty of an outfit to strips and ribbons. Ick. Did he get dressed in a darkened room by a color blind baboon?

    Oh wait. Maybe he’s color blind and thought he was putting together a snazzy ensemble.

    Maybe Susan can run his front wheel over with her scooter. :)

    Ok, so I was just joking on most of the above. My first reaction was, “gasp!” and then “what a jerk!”.

    But maybe Susan COULD run over his wheels with her scooter— hard to illegaly pass if your wheels are taco’d… :)

  21. Comment by 331miles | 08.11.2008 | 3:23 pm

    I agree with Al. Louis CK (Crash King, that is) probably deeply regrets what happened, just hasn’t had a chance to tell Fatty yet. Let’s give him a chance to respond; i.e. don’t destroy his internet life with flame mails and destruction.

  22. Comment by phaty | 08.11.2008 | 3:24 pm

    Boy I almost feel sorry for that sucker … !

    :)

  23. Comment by Jamieson | 08.11.2008 | 3:25 pm

    I hope he’s not the Louis Baker of the Las Vegas Fire Department. There’s a bit of a facial resemblance IMO.

  24. Comment by VH1 | 08.11.2008 | 3:26 pm

    The crazy thing is Mr. Baker was not alone in his attempt at glory. I was passed by at least a dozen of these boneheads only to have them lock up their disk brakes a foot in front of my wheel.

  25. Comment by ann | 08.11.2008 | 3:27 pm

    I like Angry Fatty. Civil, yet snarky. I like.

  26. Comment by thejerry | 08.11.2008 | 3:27 pm

    Maybe next year you can hire some domestiques to do your dirty work and “neutralize” him during the neutral start.

  27. Comment by Amy | 08.11.2008 | 3:28 pm

    He looks a little like Ted Danson. And he’s smiling. Strange.

  28. Comment by jmg | 08.11.2008 | 3:28 pm

    VeloNews says he’s from Las Vegas.

    If so, this is his phone number. [deleted]

    He trolled Leadville, whaddaya say we troll him?

    Reply from Fatty: Absolutely not.

  29. Comment by colin | 08.11.2008 | 3:33 pm

    VeloNews says he’s from Las Vegas.

    If so, this is his phone number. [deleted]

    He trolled Leadville, whaddaya say we troll him?

    Uh, harassing people on the phone because they crashed your favorite blogger in a race is actually a far worse move than crashing someone in a neutral starter.

    Reply from Fatty: I’m not going to debate that, but agree that we should not start calling folks.

  30. Comment by jmg | 08.11.2008 | 3:33 pm

    Civillian Employee of the Year, maybe?

    http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/firenews_012003.pdf

  31. Comment by jmg | 08.11.2008 | 3:35 pm

    Uh, harassing people on the phone because they crashed your favorite blogger in a race is actually a far bigger dick move than crashing someone in a neutral starter.

    Says you.

  32. Comment by je | 08.11.2008 | 3:36 pm

    Did he have those cute little streamers hanging out of his handlebars? Maybe a little bell to ring as he approached you from behind?

  33. Comment by leroy | 08.11.2008 | 3:36 pm

    Oh now c’mon, having to wear those knickers is punishment enough.

    No, just kidding. Not nearly enough.

    Being called out on a widely read (and award winning) bike blog is a good start. He is going to have to live this one down for a while.

    Give him a day or two to apologize and make a donation in your honor to Live Strong. (Louie if you are reading, take the hint.)

    I agree with Al. All of us have done something boneheaded at least once. Unlike Louie, we’ve been lucky not to hurt anyone other than ourselves.

    But if he doesn’t apologize and plead a combination of adrenaline and altitude sickness, he should be sentenced to wear those knickers indefinitley and ridiculed periodically.

    Thank God you were okay.

  34. Comment by Bluenoser | 08.11.2008 | 3:38 pm

    I thought those were flames coming off his legs.

    -B

  35. Comment by Bob | 08.11.2008 | 3:44 pm

    Look, Fatty, a bunch of us were going after you, and Louis got to you first.

  36. Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 08.11.2008 | 3:44 pm

    Just curious Fatty, how did you get the picture?

    Very glad you were ok and that you beat him by over 30 minutes! I guess that means you passed him at some point. Probably very good that you didn’t know who it was when you did so!

  37. Comment by leroy | 08.11.2008 | 3:45 pm

    And yes, harassing someone on the phone because they did something stupid is more than just stupid.

    It’s dumb, most likely illegal, and incredibly easy to prosecute if the recipient doesn’t share your sense of humor.

    And that’s assuming that the guy who posted the phone number isn’t a troll having his own little bit of fun by posting someone else’s phone number.

  38. Comment by Bill Martin | 08.11.2008 | 3:51 pm

    Whoa … We are focusing on a loser when in fact our blogger posted a personnel best. Good job Fatty!

    um, OK! On Louis Baker, I have to put in my analysis. You see the only results he has on the USA Cycling website is his heroic 2nd place finish in the 2005 Desert Sol Cup. He posted a impressive time that was a scantly 9 minutes or so out of first place in a equally impressive 3 man field of Sports.

    So you see Fatty, this up and comer was probably feeling the pressure to perform and live up to his last performance 3 years ago. I mean the next step after 2nd is 1st … right?

    Oh s—-, now I’ve done it too!

  39. Comment by MAJ Mike | 08.11.2008 | 4:00 pm

    As we say in the Army, “Shot, out.”

    For those of us in the studio audience, it is highly unlikely that fatty will deign to give us such great stories in the future if we sally forth in a “Fight Club” manner to take revenge on the subjects of his stories. I agree with Al that the embarrassment that likely will result of this is sufficient, given the lack of real harm that ensued.

    Of course, it was only chance that allowed the shoulder to stay “located,” so this move was as bad in my opinion as if the shoulder had dislocated and the race ended for our protagonist.

  40. Comment by MTB W | 08.11.2008 | 4:17 pm

    I was watching from the start line and noticed that right after the start (maybe 20-30 seconds) about a block or so from the start, I saw the group come to a halt on the left hand side of the road (looking down from the start). I figured a spectator got in the way, jamming up the racers as they slowed down. Hmmm, maybe it was you and Mr. Baker. Good pic – like the crash is in slowmo.

    So, did the mayo provide any cushion? Anyway, glad you were OK and able to keep going after this debacle!

  41. Comment by cannella | 08.11.2008 | 4:20 pm

    the dude needs this in his wardrobe ensemble:

    http://www.bikemania.biz/PhotoDetails.asp?ShowDESC=N&ProductCode=ROA_Poseur

  42. Comment by Duane | 08.11.2008 | 4:40 pm

    Maybe Louis had no brakes? You know like in the movies when somebody cuts the line? Just a thought.

    What is up with the yellow knickers?

    Nice job Fatty

  43. Comment by UltraRob | 08.11.2008 | 4:54 pm

    I’m so glad Louis didn’t end the race for you. I started on the far side of main street. It was different seeing the race from the back instead of the front.

    Even though I’m 35 lbs over my race weight and starting training 6 weeks ago, I did crawl to a finish. It’ll be a good reminder in the future why I should never get so fat and out of shape.

  44. Comment by Gavin | 08.11.2008 | 4:56 pm

    Wow. That is a serious BURN. I think the worst thing about the photo is the unfortunately smug look on the fashonista’s face.

    Frankly, it’s a good feeling sometimes to call something as it is in a moment of anger. The annoying part is when one’s conscience kicks in and starts to apologise for the evil doer. Don’t give in Fatty, no removal of blog post. This pariah deserves his temporary humiliation !

  45. Comment by Rick S. | 08.11.2008 | 5:04 pm

    At least the mayo packets didn’t explode. That would have been tragic.

  46. Comment by Clydesteve | 08.11.2008 | 5:15 pm

    Take it easy, folks – Louis was just envious of Fatty’s mayo gel paks.

    And I don’t blame him. Man would I kick myself if I ever forgot mayo on an epic ride.

    But I would not kick you, Fatty!

  47. Comment by Jason Mitchell | 08.11.2008 | 5:19 pm

    Nice work on Leadville! In spite of the challenges you’ve faced, you put in a solid ride! Sounds like your lot in life… tomorrow you will be happy fatty!

  48. Comment by kenny | 08.11.2008 | 5:34 pm

    Is Louis riding a Y bike?

  49. Comment by kenny | 08.11.2008 | 6:07 pm

    If we look at his number “845″, it tells us that he is a newbee to this race, which means he was not in the top 100 finishers of last year. So, we can assume that he placed himself in the sub 9 section and decided to sprint past the top 100 riders of last year in the first thirty seconds of the race. What a BONE HEAD!!

  50. Comment by bikemike | 08.11.2008 | 6:13 pm

    boy, Elden, if you were a sherriff in the old west, i think you’d have your posse and a lynching. kinda creepy, huh?

  51. Comment by Philly Jen | 08.11.2008 | 6:16 pm

    Wow… Clamdiggers. Capris. (Or is that ‘manpris’? I would check my pocket dictionary, but I left it in my European carry-all.) Birth control.

    Just think how much more exciting Shadow Scythe’s next game will be when explosively ugly BOTTOMS are added to the mix!

    In the words of the inimitable songwriter, Jonathan Coulton,

    Say a little prayer for Mr. Fancy Pants
    The whole world knows
    They’re only clothes
    And deep inside
    He’s sad

    Meanwhile, an extra “Huzzah!” for Fatty.

    WIN Susan

  52. Comment by graisseux | 08.11.2008 | 6:35 pm

    I’m just glad you were able to reattach your head. Either that or I feel sorry for the guy whose face is pinned between you and Louis.

  53. Comment by Not a cyclist..... | 08.11.2008 | 6:39 pm

    The dude is wearing is obviously from a small foreign country and does not speak enough English to understand the directions regarding the neutral zone. From what I recall from a course I took in college entitled “cultural geography”, I believe the offender is wearing the official colors of an east European country called Jerkistan.

  54. Comment by Jaime O. | 08.11.2008 | 7:06 pm

    Dear Angry Fatty, I’m Angry Jaime today, so I totally enjoy Angry Fatty today. I have nothing nice to say about anyone, including Mr. Jiminy Christmas who knocked you down. Although, the picture of you biting it is a bit amusing after a day like this. Seriously, doesn’t that guy look like he was a bike rider in a Christmas globe and by Disney magic he ended up in your race in the real world? I’d abuse him more, but this is supposed to be a marginally family friend blog, DZNUTS notwithstanding.

  55. Comment by bikesgonewild | 08.11.2008 | 7:16 pm

    …looks like those “mayo bags” saved yer life…whew…

    …i’ll bet there are no more than 4 or 5 degrees of separation between you & ‘douche’ baker, so hopefully the word w/ filter back to his pea brain, through a friend of a friend & he’ll show some initiative (ie: have the heuvos) to do as leroy suggested …

    …so, man up, ‘845′- ‘douche’ baker…make a donation to the livestrong foundation in fatty’s name or just pony up a check directly to susan & fatty…

  56. Comment by HobbleCreek Possee | 08.11.2008 | 7:28 pm

    You almost ruined his chance to get his face in the paper riding along side lance in the race. And maybe not the only racer with this intention. Great job Fatty!

    WIN SUSAN!!!!!

  57. Comment by Daddystyle | 08.11.2008 | 7:29 pm

    Yeah but does he get style popints for his outfit and that cool RED bike.
    Congrats big fella.

  58. Comment by Rokrider | 08.11.2008 | 7:31 pm

    Have you ever noticed that you never see Dr. Michael Lämmler and Louis Baker together in the same room? Just a coincidence? I think not. He’s still gunning for you Fatty. Watch your back!

  59. Comment by Dudley | 08.11.2008 | 7:31 pm

    Every mass start event these days seems to be riddled with pileups in the first few miles. Last year’s Tour de Tucson was an ambulance parade. There were so many crashes that they were bringing out firetrucks to attend to the injured. At least you weren’t going very fast!

    The decent thing to do would be to help you out. The CTS guys just behind you could have done that: maybe they did. But at least they didn’t run over you!

    Glad you’re venting your spleen now. Can’t wait to hear about the other 10 hours and 4.5 minutes.

  60. Comment by Charlie | 08.11.2008 | 7:37 pm

    Those of us in the back hadn’t even started rolling yet when that happened. Sorry to hear it was you, but glad to hear the damage was to your temper and not to anything physical. We all know accidents happen, but stupid actions are not the same thing!

    If I had done that to someone, I would have been overflowing in apologies… he’s probably a guy who drives a Hummer and buzzes roadies on mountain roads.

    I’m officially extremely depressed that a guy wearing those duds beat me though!

  61. Comment by Big Boned | 08.11.2008 | 7:42 pm

    Fatty,
    I started doing endurance races to avoid the “Jackdonkeys” that tend to frequent NORBA/USCF races. I used to explain in thusly:
    “I never saw anyone run over someones grandmother to get 32nd vs. 33rd in an endurace race. I have seen that in a USCF race”. Looks like Louis Baker is trying to change that…
    Sorry that happened and glad you were able to continue your streak.
    BB

  62. Comment by Arlyn | 08.11.2008 | 7:44 pm

    Ouch, I thought mountain bikers were tougher than this.

  63. Comment by Ron | 08.11.2008 | 7:47 pm

    why didn’t he just take Lance down? does he know who he’s messing with? I doubt it. have no fear if he wears the clown duds again he might as well wear a bullseye.

    WIN Susan!

  64. Comment by kentucky joe | 08.11.2008 | 7:52 pm

    yowsa, between the “outfit” and the “teeth clinching” grin, I’d say this louis chews on the adrenal glands of wild jackrabbits before every race so naturally, his hearing was gone long before he got to the starting line so he was destined to take someone to the deck. Good thing it was FC with his superpowers, he was able to bounce back and finish strong. If this was you favorite race of your life, this has gotta be one helluva story.

  65. Comment by Rachel | 08.11.2008 | 8:18 pm

    Wouldn’t it be wild if the fall actually knocked Fatty’s shoulder BACK into place, thus winning him his 10 hr finish? Then we’d all be grateful to Louis.

  66. Comment by stewOZ & miss | 08.11.2008 | 8:26 pm

    Hey, we’ve all stuffed up and done something we regret. You know, I reckon if he had his time again, he’d probably re-think that whole ‘I am startin strong’ routine.

    No doubt, an apology at the right time would’ve been the right thing to do.

    C’mon Louis, make amends with an email apology and a donation to Livestrong.

    Cheers,
    StewOZ & Miss

  67. Comment by Rick | 08.11.2008 | 8:30 pm

    Some of you commenters sound really scary, stalker crazy. I’m uncomfortable reading some of these.

  68. Comment by Stephen | 08.11.2008 | 8:48 pm

    You got that right, Rick, but hey, the dude picked the wrong guy to mess with. No excuses for violating the neutral zone, no exceptions.

    Nice results, FC, I can only aspire to be there one day.

    Note to self: Do not P.O. Fatty, the exponential ire of the faithful will make you feel like Salmon Rushdie did in the 90’s.

    Win Susan!

  69. Comment by Stephen | 08.11.2008 | 8:50 pm

    oops, that’s Salman Rushdie, not to be confused with some trout wanna-be.

    Note to self: Proof posts before, not after hitting send.

  70. Comment by Don | 08.11.2008 | 8:57 pm

    You haven’t read my post from last Friday yet, have you? THAT was anger, and might I add (because I say when I am wrong) displaced anger at that! This is not anger, Fatty. Slightly peeved, a scant upset, maybe, but hardly angry.
    Congrats on the 10:6!

  71. Comment by cheapie | 08.11.2008 | 9:25 pm

    hey don! ready to ride next week?

    anyhoo…i agree w/the posters above who advise against piling on too much. yeah, i’d be pissed if i was fatty. but every year that i line up for the iceman race in michigan, my adrenal glands pump out way too much juice and even though my brain is shouting “slow down fool! it’s a looong race!”, i start jockeying for position within the first 50 feet.

  72. Comment by Fat Cathy | 08.11.2008 | 9:36 pm

    You guys are being too hard on poor Louis. He obviously got sucked into the gravitational pull of that small pink planet to his right…oh wait. That is Fatty. Whoops. ;-)

    Congrats on such a strong finish, Fatty. When you weigh in (no pun intended) all the things going against you at the moment, your ride this year is far more impressive than last years.

    Win Susan!

  73. Comment by Miles Archer | 08.11.2008 | 9:38 pm

    I thought you mountain bike guys were too cool for that kind of thing.

  74. Comment by mamajenny | 08.11.2008 | 9:57 pm

    That sucks. Some people are so rude.

    What I really want to know, though, is did the fall do anything to harm your mayonaise pkgs. on your helmet????

  75. Comment by T-roy | 08.11.2008 | 10:05 pm

    Man, I feel your pain. I had another d___ bag trying to be cute who purposefully tripped me at my wife’s baby shower. Yes, at a baby shower. Probably related to Mr. Baker ’cause toolness runs in families. Anywho, broke my shoulder in 2 places. Surgery followed 2 weeks later, I’m now 6 weeks post op at the start of extended rehab and my bikes are gathering dust. Real cute.

    We’ll actually be moving your direction next sumer. NW corner of CO. Not quite Utah, but close. Maybe we can get together on a ride sometime.

    Congrats on the finish. WIN, WIN, WIN Susan!

  76. Comment by Lucky Cyclist | 08.11.2008 | 10:13 pm

    I haven’t seen this much venom since I said don’t throw rocks off cliffs!!!
    (Can I say d—– now too?!?!)

  77. Comment by Harp | 08.11.2008 | 10:19 pm

    There is always a jack a– in the crowd it’s jsut to bad you ended up next to him. Strong finish.

  78. Comment by fatty | 08.11.2008 | 10:43 pm

    lucky – yes, you can say whatever you want. but not here.

    everyone – remember my “my kids read this” rule. which is: don’t use language i wouldn’t want my kids to hear or use. or i have to go and start editing comments, which you don’t want me to do, because i make all kinds of spelling errors and may insert a bunch of exclamation points into your comment, making you look unbearably excited.

  79. Comment by Javert | 08.12.2008 | 12:02 am

    Good for you, Fatty! Louis probably had no idea when he awoke to race Leadville that, within a week, he would be the topic of an indignant entry on your increasingly popular website. There is simply no room for boneheaded moves in the neutral zone, and by publishing this amateur cyclist’s full name and picture in an understandably churlish post describing his transgression, you’ve definitely made an example of him. Better, from the comments of some of your readers, it seems that he might even be the subject of a bit of chiding (mostly harmless, I’m sure) at work and, perhaps, even at home. But inasmuch as he screwed-up in the neutral zone, he should expect nothing less from some of your readers. Of course, given that it’s your post, neither should you.

    So, Louis, let this be a lesson to you: don’t mess with a guy who has a website, sponsors, advertisers, a growing and devoted readership, and a poison pen. Nothing less than your anonymity is at stake.

    I’m happy for your great time, Fatty. And I’m glad your fall didn’t result in any casualties.

  80. Comment by Dan (aka Richard) | 08.12.2008 | 12:05 am

    Don’t worry. As he passed me on the dirt, I noted his interesting choice of clothing, and pushed him over as I passed him on Columbine :)

  81. Comment by Dudley | 08.12.2008 | 12:36 am

    Hey Fatty,

    Who were those angelic CTS guys just behind you?

  82. Comment by Cyclist | 08.12.2008 | 12:49 am

    Fatty,

    I apologize for not stopping and seeing if you were okay. It all happened so fast. I remember brushing shoulders and then trying to maintain my balance. Next, I heard a crash. I did not stop or look back for fear of causing a pileup. I certainly didn’t mean you any harm. Hind sight is 20/20.

  83. Comment by tim | 08.12.2008 | 2:41 am

    lol cyclist…..too late, the venomous wrath of fatty is already upon thee. Blegging was great but this new form of revenge blogging is even better! Can’t quite think of a name for it yet????? REVVING???

  84. Comment by ekimq | 08.12.2008 | 3:29 am

    Hey Eldon – I see you maneaged to get upfront and center in Superhuman Magazine! At last the rest of the world has recognized what you knew all along :-)

    Second picture here: http://www.superhumanmag.com/content/view/763/92/

    Well done on your finish. Anyone who does this really is superhuman to the rest of us fat cyclists.

  85. Comment by Hamish A | 08.12.2008 | 5:18 am

    Well done Fatty. You made your anger & frustration explicitly clear but also managed to refrain from resorting to cheap insults and bad language. Would that others could follow your example. (including myself).

    Louis Baker. I’m in Vegas next month. Wanna ride? Your actions have no place in a mass start event and you are fortunate that you did not cause injury to Fatty or indeed to the vast number of riders that were behind you.

    No. Overtaking. How hard is that to grasp?

    Al, there are plenty of us racing that don’t do stupid things (aside from occasionally stopping to help another racer with a mechanical, only to realise after you’ve got them on their way that you ARE in competition with them). Regardless, if you can’t follow simple instruction then you’ve got no place riding anywhere near a group this size.

    Once again Fatty, well done on such a brilliant finish and having such a great time in the race. Leadville looks fantastic fun, who knows – I might even be there to ride cover for you next year.

    Looking forward to the real race report.

    WIN SUSAN!!!!

  86. Comment by Jeff | 08.12.2008 | 5:58 am

    He was probably just in hurry because he had a circus train to catch after the race…

    Cyclist, you may want to wear more mundane clothing and keep your head down for a while.

  87. Comment by Cyclocross sloth | 08.12.2008 | 5:59 am

    Having spent last summer with a three-piece collarbone thanks to similar toolery in a road race here in the UK I’ve every sympathy.
    The thing is, our man Fatty, fired by fury, had a great ride – chapeau!
    He’s also shown commendable restraint, though we’d all forgive him if he went large on the guy with the mayo and a track pump.
    The tool who took him out has been outed as a tool and will suffer forever, or at least until we forget and move on.

  88. Comment by Uphill Battle | 08.12.2008 | 5:59 am

    Has an apology arrived from Louis Baker yet? With Fatty’s fame, it would seem that word of the ire of Team Fatty would have reached Louis by now. Hmmph.

  89. Comment by FliesOnly | 08.12.2008 | 6:22 am

    Funny, how even when you warn us that you’re going to be “angry”, you’re still pretty nice about it. If you want to see angry, follow me around for any 18 holes of golf.

  90. Comment by Dave | 08.12.2008 | 6:39 am

    Way to go, Fatty!! In spite of your (completely legitimate) rage, you exacted the best revenge possible… lived well and strong.

    My best to both you and Susan.

  91. Comment by Bjorn 4 Lycra | 08.12.2008 | 6:57 am

    FC I was expecting a whole pile of vitriol after your warning at the beginning of the blog. You really have the most polite lost temper I have ever read. I think you may also have another superpower that of attracting photographers. What are the odds that someone would get a snap of the action. Unless of course the snapper was actually taking a pic of Louis for his fashion sense and you happened to stumble into the picture. Glad that all ended well.
    Congratulations Cyclist (Louis) for apologising that took some gonads on your part.
    Can’t wait for the real story of the remaining 10 hours and a bit.

  92. Comment by Pammap | 08.12.2008 | 7:06 am

    Ok, Fatty. This post is proof that you are a truly decent person. I kept waiting for you to get “angry” and then the post was finished.

    As a USAC official I can tell you for certain that most racers do NOT listen to the instructions at the start. No surprise that Mr. Clown Outfit thought the rule didn’t apply to him, he probably never heard a word of it.

  93. Comment by John | 08.12.2008 | 7:38 am

    As a very short lived fan of the fat C, I liked to say you’re being an ass. Learn to stay on your bike.
    Sounds to me like you bumped shoulders, freaked out, and fell. It was your fault. Get over it.

  94. Comment by Soul_Rider | 08.12.2008 | 7:40 am

    Hey – I agree that this guy was way out of line and acted like a moron to pass at a crowded no pass zone, but pubically naming him on the web and taking in all this one sided anger from your reasers is a little much. You finished (and a good time, way to go) and were not hurt, nothing permanent. I say lighten up Francis, you sound like a whiny baby.

  95. Comment by Wine Dog | 08.12.2008 | 7:42 am

    Fatty, you’re a true gentleman. I’m glad your shoulder held. I could not have been that restrained in the face of that sort of transgression. You proved it on the course, so good on ya!
    Dude’s krazy klown suit is unforgivable.

    Win Susan.

  96. Comment by TK | 08.12.2008 | 8:05 am

    Louis Baker, consider yourself BRANDED! Your name shall live in infamy and will become part of the lore and lexicon that is forever linked to Leadville.
    To wit: All you clowns who insist on passing/racing in neutral start areas or feed zones should be called out as pulling their Louis Baker!

    Peace & Grace Susan.

  97. Comment by Snarky | 08.12.2008 | 8:06 am

    Soul_Rider, I hope that Fatty re-typed your comment for comic effect. I don’t know what pubic naming is, exactly, but it sounds kinda gross…
    Anyway, I don’t think that calling out who this guy is and bringing attention to an egregious lack of cycling discipline is at all out of line. What is Fatty going to do- keep it a secret? Even by posting the pic, I could have found out who it was from the race number.
    But let’s all be gentlemen and gentlewomen and keep those reactions proportionate to the crime. And give him an opportunity to apologize (HINT: DONATE $$$, Mr. Klown Suit) and get back in good graces.
    And yes, I do think that is the most foul collection of lycra I have ever seen. It looks like Doodles the Clown vomited.

  98. Comment by Boz | 08.12.2008 | 8:08 am

    Baker is now the Bartman of cycling. Only I feel sorry for Bartman.

  99. Comment by Soul_Rider | 08.12.2008 | 8:25 am

    Ha ! Got me on the typo error. Sorry about that. Other than that I read where people now have this guy’s whereabouts, name, phone, address, employment, etc.. and some want to harrass him. The guy caused a little one man pile up at a bike race and now his name is plastered all over the web with 90+ people gunning for him. Never did I say what he did was OK, but jeez maybe thats why they call mountain bike racing a dangerous event. You can crash anywhere for lots of reasons. I’m sorry our host here got crashed out in what was an important event I am sure, but come on.

  100. Comment by Joe | 08.12.2008 | 8:31 am

    Wow so much hate. That’s too bad. Yes, from the sounds of it he was in the wrong, yes emotions run high especially at the start. But in my book, it’s all part of racing. No need to publically execute the guy. – joe

  101. Comment by snarky | 08.12.2008 | 8:47 am

    Soul_Rider, you’re basically right on this. I have no problem with posting his name, but folks, come on, be reasonable… One act does not define a man, and what may define his character more is a simple apology.
    BUT..I guess I have a visceral reaction to this incident – although I don’t race anymore (and when I did, I was a roadie), I’m just so tired of this type of rider. You even see them on club rides. You know who you are. You’re a mediocre racer at best, but darn if you’re not going to show the world in the first 30 seconds of an off-road race (or first lap of a crit) that you can get to the front! And cause lots of crashes! After all, as we all know, races are usually won or lost in the first minute, so that time is really golden. I think Lance said this, didn’t he? Or maybe that other guy, Craig LeMond? Wasn’t that his name? And, OH, by the way, this bike cost $12,000!
    Like I said, I’m tired of this type of rider.

  102. Comment by James | 08.12.2008 | 9:02 am

    I mainly check this website because I want Susan to WIN! I do enjoy Fatty’s witty rants. However, everyone beating this guy up and we haven’t heard his side of the story seems a bit unfair. What if he is a wonderful guy? What if he made a mistake and didn’t mean to take you out? It sounds like a lot of people are commenting and profiling this guy and they don’t even know him. Due to the success of this website you have a lot of power Fatty. Use it for good and to be an ambassador for mountain biking.

  103. Comment by steve sax | 08.12.2008 | 9:20 am

    Fatty -

    Congrats on your ride. Awesome result!

    And congrats on the new mob, too. Where the
    crash with Baker was a foolish instant in a
    bike race, the wannabe mob you have inspired
    seems to be a calculating, deliberate bunch.

    Which is much worse than making an arrogant,
    impulsive move in a bike race, like Baker did.

    Mob people, grow up. I am more worried about
    meeting you on the bike than Baker.

  104. Comment by Eufemiano Fuentes | 08.12.2008 | 9:23 am

    ^I agree that some of the comments are over the top.

    That being said, there is no ‘his side of the story’ in this situation.

    You don’t try and pass in these types of starts. Period. No story. No excuses.

    Glad you were allright FC. I see you got those mayo packets I sent. I couldn’t get them through customs otherwise

  105. Comment by Hamish A | 08.12.2008 | 9:24 am

    All I did was ask him if he wanted to ride. I’d love to hear his side of things and I happen to be going to Vegas next month.

    As a firefighter (which I think was the job somebody said he held) I would assume that he is, in everyday life a decent enough guy, giving of himself to help others and willing to take risks to protect strangers. Can’t knock a man who’s willing to do that.

    However, ignoring rules that are in place for the safety of everyone involved in the race is just plain stupid. Have you nay-sayers ever been involved in a multiple bike pileup? Because it hurts! His actions could have resulted in serious injuries to a large number of people. The fact he took out FC makes it ‘personal’ to us but regardless, overtaking where you’re expressly forbidden to do so for the safety of all involved is inexcusable.

    FCs response was entirely justified and to paraphrase Al slightly – let he who has never been angered by the stupidity of another cast the first mayo sachet.

  106. Comment by Roadent | 08.12.2008 | 10:03 am

    Yeah, just like the guy that ran into me at the start of a bike leg of a duathlon last year, went down and proceeded to yell expletives at me because I, apparently, was occupying the exact piece of road that he, with his head down, was trying to occupy… Make him suffer, Fatty…

  107. Comment by Jimbo | 08.12.2008 | 10:06 am

    Congrats on kicking SS ass!!!!!

    Does Leadville have comparative negligence? Would you settle for 10% blame for riding a SS on a 25mph rollout?

    Hey..I’m just saying.

    Bozo The Clown gets 90% or perhaps even more for that outfit. Yikes. Definately not a cool move.

    The Angry Fatty is kinda fun…..

    JB

  108. Comment by Jill | 08.12.2008 | 11:18 am

    Ooo! InterWeb flame. The best revenge.

    Congratulations again on riding a great race and for molding an even better story out of it. Can’t wait to hear the rest.

  109. Comment by Joni | 08.12.2008 | 11:47 am

    To Fatty’s Kids: (in the event that they get this far)

    The moral of this story is that there are people out in this imperfect world in which we live that make mistakes. Some are small and even go virtually un noticed by the bulk of society. Some only affect them or sometimes their family. However, sometimes they are big mistakes and can potentially hurt someone or cause more problems than ever imagined.

    This man did something that was not within the rules of the bike race or the rule of “proper conduct” in a race or even society. It is just like the kid that cuts in front of you in the lunch line…. pushes you out of the way to get into the ticket line @ the football game first or spreads rumors about you or your friends that are not true.

    See….it is unfortunately a world that is not fair…but we are blessed to be here to try to be a good example and make the best of each and every situation we are put in.

    We dont always choose to be in these unfortunate situations….but here is what I say….you can not control what happens to you…but you can control what happens in you….and what you do with it is a result of your character.

    This guy could be a real jerk who does not care about anyone but himself and wouldnt apologize if he had the chance.

    However, he could also be a good guy who didnt hear the instructions well because he has a hearing impairment. Maybe when there is a lot of noise around him, sounds or words are drown out. That happens to my son….it happens to me.

    Maybe this guy is new to racing and doesn’t know where to start, granted he should have made sure he did know….but what if he was trying to start by a friend who told him to hang close for a multitude of reasons. Maybe he mis understood someones instruction. How many times have you been told one thing by someone that you thought was in authority….just to find out that it was the wrong information?

    What if he decided to do this race to make a lifestyle change of health because his dad just died of a heart attack……or this was his one last race because he had gotten some bad news from the doctor and he finds he may not have a lot more chances to live his life and experience things he had always wanted to try.

    See, there are many situations that people are in that we are unaware of. The bottom line is this…..some people are just plain and simple….not good people. But please remember that there are many circumstances in peoples lives that cause them to make the choices or mistakes that they would not ordinarily make or choose if given “a choice”.

    It is fine to be frustrated or even angry and it is fine to support friends….or your dad….in being irritated that this guy made a huge error in judgment and caused what could have been a bad situation for your dad. The blessing is…..your dad is okay and he was able to finish this race which seemed to be important to him for many reasons.

    We all have reasons.

    My advice to you would be this…..make sure the judgment you pass on someone else is no different that the judgment you would accept for a mistake or error in judgment that you will be bound to make in your life.

    And I agree with your dad…..there are so many words in this great language we have……dont swear….it is not very effective when trying to communicate.

    Give your mom a hug and bless you all as you continue to WIN!

  110. Comment by Grump | 08.12.2008 | 11:59 am

    In the world of road cycling, #845 would be called a wanker……(or worse)

  111. Pingback by eriepressible™ » Everywhere I Look…Bicycles! | 08.12.2008 | 12:09 pm

    [...] First, yesterday Thomas Brock wrote about The Fat Cyclist and what happened when he encountered schmuck extraordinaire, Louis Baker, in the Leadville 100, a 100 m…. [...]

  112. Comment by James | 08.12.2008 | 12:57 pm

    Well, I have read most of the comments and I can certainly empathize with both sides. Certainly it is “toolery” to pass in the neutral zone, and it’s pretty unlikely that this guy doesn’t know this. Its not like leadville is your basic beginner class mtb race. That said, they do tell you to keep going forward when there is a pile up lest you become part of it. At least that is what I was told when racing criteriums on the road where there are frequent conflagrations. Still – if the guy is a firefighter, one has to give him some benefit of the doubt. I mean those guys give mouth-to-mouth to od-ing crackheads for a civil service wage. Not exactly a selfish, opulent lifestyle. Hard not to take a shot at the knickers though. Sup with that?

    Looking forward to the complete race report. Best to Susan. WIN.

  113. Comment by VT Mavryk | 08.12.2008 | 12:57 pm

    Fatty,

    I’ve been following you for awhile now and commenting now and then, and I just gotta say I’m bummed. Snarkiness and sarcasm in picking on Rock Racing is totally different than outward venom toward another rider. Homeboy dropped the ball, but everybody is okay. It sucks to feel slighted, but if you were able to find out who this guy was, it seems to me you would be better off shooting him an e-mail or something to let him know how you feel, rather than airing out this business for all the interwebs to see. I hit a dog that was not on a leash while the owner sat idly by last week. She was actually attempting to bite a rider in front of me. I was thrown off my bike, and might be overdue for an x-ray at this point. While I think the owner of this dog might owe me a new jersey, seat (the bike flipped in a manner that my selle italia seat was ripped), and some cash for x-rays, I can’t get that mad. Don’t get me wrong, when I move my elbow or knee the wrong way and feel some pain, I get pretty frustrated, but getting really angry just doesn’t seem right. You’ve always seemed to have a great outlook on life, and the community here has always been pretty cool. I hate to see it go to a bad place. Do unto others, brother.

    WIN Susan

    P.S. – When ‘09 Jerseys arrive for my mom (leukemia patient) and me in November, I’m still gonna rock them with pride. Remember how many people respect you enough to have your name on their back.

  114. Comment by regina | 08.12.2008 | 12:58 pm

    oh Angry Fatty is fine, I think many of us now are angry fattys, did you push him over when you passed him, of course I know you did not. the big dork, some people they have not been brought up properly.
    Yeah you had a great time and really all we care about is that. Yeah Fatty!
    WIN SUSAN!!!

  115. Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Upon Further Reflection | 08.12.2008 | 1:02 pm

    [...] « The First 30 Seconds [...]

  116. Comment by Jarral | 08.12.2008 | 1:58 pm

    I agree that people were not lined up correctly and there were other near crashes. I think I just missed you as you picked up your bottles. It was also frustrating trying to get past people on the first climb…as most of them finished way behind me (and 9 hrs as they were lined up). I feel your anger but I’m sure you’ve let it all out by now.

  117. Comment by Amy | 08.12.2008 | 2:18 pm

    I have a friend who had the exact same thing happen to him at 24 Hours of Old Pueblo this year. Sadly, he didn’t fare so well, and crashed out in the first five minutes, shattering his collar bone (plate and ten screws) and fracturing his elbow.

    Would be weird if it was the same guy!

  118. Comment by Walter | 08.12.2008 | 7:02 pm

    Karma (real meaning, not pop-culture version) anyone? Our actions create causes, the effects of which ripen as our future experiences. These actions are the “substantial causes” for our future experiences, and “circumstantial conditions” allow those causes to ripen. This is analogous to a tomato plant. The substantial cause of the tomato plant is a tomato seed, and the circumstantial conditions are fertile soil, moisture, and sunlight that allow the seed to sprout. So the real cause of your crash was your own past action where you harmed someone else in a similar fashion. The other rider was just a circumstantial condition allowing this cause to produce its effect. And retaliation? Just creating more negative causes that will ripen as future suffering!

  119. Comment by AttornyRides | 08.13.2008 | 7:38 am

    Dear Mr. Fat Cyclist,

    CAUTION ! It appears your blog about this crash is quickly approaching a Defamation of Character. This can include slander (spoken derogatory statements), libel (written derogatory statements), exposing a person to hatred, ridicule or contempt. It can also include harm to one’s occupation. This may not be in your best interest. When a cyclist is involved in this type of event there is a liability waiver signed by each rider taking full responsibility for the risks, injuries,etc. to themselves. Is the number of hits on your blog/website and advertising revenue from the drama worth it?

  120. Comment by NonAttorneyRides | 08.13.2008 | 9:00 am

    Um, What? He stated a fact, and posted a pic. Hardly defamation of character. A few other folks have posted on this here interweb about the guy, but it’s not like the guy isn’t on camera causing a crash in a neutral roll out, is it?

    Nice threat though…

  121. Comment by Si | 08.13.2008 | 2:21 pm

    #845 looks like he rode through a second hand clothing shop covered in glue…

  122. Comment by Durn | 08.13.2008 | 2:41 pm

    Fatty,
    I’m that dude slim mm from t-bonin’ your rear wheel and I just wanted to let you know that you did a great job in not taking any one else down with you and then getting up to finish. Also, I rode with dudes wearing your stuff on and off all day, all of them very stand up dude.
    keep ridin’

  123. Comment by woot | 08.13.2008 | 8:44 pm

    Dang Fatty–so pissed. you would have thought it was a bike race or something…

  124. Comment by Red Burro team member | 08.14.2008 | 3:25 pm

    Pink Fatty,
    I am truly astonished at the amount of hate and ridicule one person can foster from such a novice mistake on the bike. This little scrape of the knee obviously didn’t take you out of the race nor did it slow you down. You even finished with a respectable time. So why the crying?
    I happen to know Louis. He rides with our group from time to time. Sure, Louis may not be the most experienced rider but I’m positive he’s not one of malintent. He owes you an apology. Yet, no one deserves the display of blogging homicide for committing such a trivial mistake. I believe you now owe Louis an apology for taking this beyond what it really was.
    1000 riders starting at the same time ranging from novice to expert and you act like these anxiety mishaps never occur. I do several big races a year and these careless blunders seem to always occur. Unfortunately, you were the lucky one in this race.
    I’ve never done this race before and now you give me good reason. See you next year Pink Pansy!!

  125. Comment by Ronsonic | 08.14.2008 | 8:15 pm

    When falling, do not extend your arm so that the first part to hit is the heel of your hand. This can leave your elbow locked which will surely leave something, elbow, collarbone, face, etc broken. Without locking the elbow it’s better, but the second thing to hit your shoulder or head. Make a fist and land on the edge of it, hammer style. The second thing to hit will be your forearm and you’ll be forced into something like a shoulder roll. You can still get messed up, but it is far, far safer than just sticking your arm out.

  126. Comment by Louis | 08.15.2008 | 6:32 am

    Fatty (racer #135,aka Elden Nelson),

    I’m not sure if you’ll remember me, racer #845, aka Louis Baker, circus bear, douche baker, dillweed, knucklehead, color-blind superhero, bonehead, well you get the picture.
    The Crash. The gun went off at 6:30a.m., and I – along with everyone else – started pedaling. Things were tight, and the neutral zone rule didn’t cross mind especially as I listened to my mp3 player getting ready for one of the most difficult mountain bike races around. Then this happened: Ladies and gentlemen, meet Elden Nelson (Fatty) – feeling all the riders around him were following the rules except me, but lacking the skill to stay upright when things go bad, leans into me almost making me crash. Somehow I manage to catch my balance and simply try to keep moving. Unfortunately, Fatty was not so lucky and got caught up with me or something on my bike. Though I kept moving forward and didn’t check back on Fatty for fear of causing a pile up, it appeared to be a slow moving crash and I hoped Fatty was ok. As most of you don’t know, I am not an angry, resentful, sadistic person. In fact, I’m one of the most positive upbeat individuals you’ll ever come across. Hindsight, I should have checked on him. This is what I remember happening in the heat of the moment. But the rest of this post is going to be sarcastic. Why, Oh, I dunno. Maybe because some ballerina with poor balance fell off his bike and blamed me publicly. Despite Fatty’s lack of balance, I cringe at the idea of someone being hurt in these events. Anyway, if you don’t like my side of the story, you may want to read Angry Fatty’s post one more time. Oh, that atrocity of cycling garb. I feel inclined to explain. You see the day before the race I was unlucky enough to get my matching race jersey signed by Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens putting me in somewhat of a jersey dilema. Do I ride with an original signed jersey of these legendary men? So off to the local bike shop where there was a plethora of jerseys (only 1 medium) to choose from. Now I knew going in this looked ridiculous – but I did have a cool signed jersey! You may be saying to yourself, Louis intentionally cut Fatty off and was gunning for him because of his celebrity status knowing he was the king of cycling web blogs and the ripe opportunity to be famous. Yes, that was it, forget about being in a cool race with Lance. Oh, and that picture, it clearly explains what happened. I intend to use it as a brochure in my new line of cycling clothing called “Take Out Fatty”. As for Fatty, well, let’s take a look at how much injury and time he lost in the race. Ok, this is his twelfth year doing this race, that is very cool, not a bad time at 10:06. Let’s see, my time was 10:38 and this is very new race for me and Fatty is three years younger than I am, shoot you got me…this time. Elden, some advice: next time you race, you may want to bolt on some training wheels, I have some if you want to borrow them.

    As I mentioned before, I’m not an angry, resentful, sadistic person. Maybe because when someone feels the need to be judge and jury and abuse their power, I get a little worked up. Like this week, when my wife, friends, co-workers and boss got to read this garbage. Initially I thought about responding in anger, but resolved myself to take the high road and post an apology for the good of the order aka Cyclist. Power comes with a higher level of integrity and to do the right thing. I considered not writing this response but in Fatty’s words “ it’s how I really feel at the moment” This too may not be my most noble moment, but I hope it will make Elden think before he posts…In response to Elden’s cooled down state:

    We all hopefully learn from our mistakes.
    We all have done stupid things and there are two sides to a story.
    A blog is not a place for revenge. A simple email or phone call would have been nice. Elden, you have a responsibility as a leader of your community and web master to control the content of your communication. I’m sure you are a good person and this incident is not really what you are about.
    About that gut, I’ll lose weight if you will…

    Best regards to you and your wife.

    Louis Baker

  127. Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Equal Time for Louis | 08.15.2008 | 10:28 am

    [...] Note from Fatty: Last Monday, I wrote an angry post about how I got crashed at the starting line at Leadville this year. Then, on Tuesday, I backed [...]

  128. Comment by Anonymous | 08.17.2008 | 2:08 pm

    Just read this and he did exactly the same thing to me when he went bye. His bar end or bar actually hooked onto my hand. I almost went down when I tried to pull to the right a little. When I “unhooked”, the sudden jerk almost took out the person to my right. We all stayed up but I watched and stayed away from him the restof the time. The start of this race but can be tough buy idiots who are trying to pass make it worse. On the other side, a guy who was in back passed a bunch of us at the start before the race even started walking his bike up. He looked fast so we didn’t say anything but he passed a lot more right after the start. He was very careful doing so and did not take anyone out. I was shocked to see at the end that he was one of the top riders there. I won’t say his spot since everyone will know who he is but he did move up a lot at the start in a very controlled manner to get him self into position to a top finish. Still can’t figure out why a 10:30 guy would try such aggresive riding when keeping heart rate in check and damage to zero ought to be the key. Hope these emails help him get a clue.

  129. Comment by Anonymous | 08.17.2008 | 2:33 pm

    PS I was RIGHT behind the wipeout and it was NOT fatty losing balance but getting knocked over. Why was I watching so closely? To stay away from this guy who just went by me 5 seconds into the race. No comments on race garb, just on racing. Hopefully this is just a rookie mistake not to be repeated in future races. My goal the first 5 miles is to get through with my bike and body in tack to finish in sub 9 hours. We all have to entire race to go sub 9 or sub 8 so no need to attack when the gun goes off. If someone is not fighting for a sub nine, get out of there at the start or ride mellow at the start. I know the person who started in dead last at the start this year!! You might know him Louis since he finished right next to you in appx 10:30. The start doesn’t matter, the finish does. Have some respect for people who have completed this race mulitple times!! If fatty is riding next to one of our precious 15 year finishers, we ought to be protecting them instead of taking them out and then making stupids comment afterwards trying to justify your actions. Apoligize immensely and leave it at that. Your friends, wife, boss, fellow team riders ought to be embarressed to read about your actions. IF your buddy is ever in charge of races as he says, he ought to be worried about people like you. I have raced for MANY in years and this is just not needed in our sport of mountain biking.

  130. Comment by Tim | 08.18.2008 | 9:05 am

    I just have a hard time believing anyone who dresses so well could be a jerk.

  131. Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » My Final Thoughts on the 2009 Leadville 100 | 08.18.2009 | 11:18 am

    [...] it all makes sense. Louis Baker was at it again! I knew this wreck couldn’t be due to my own [...]

  132. Pingback by My Final Thoughts on the 2009 Leadville 100 | Dyna Fat Loss | 08.18.2009 | 7:03 pm

    [...] it all makes sense. Louis Baker was at it again! I knew this wreck couldn’t be due to my own [...]

  133. Comment by bobble | 08.22.2009 | 1:43 am

    Everyone is missing the obvious problem with Louis’ kit: He’s colorblind!!

    Red and green are the 2 most common colors that men can’t see when they’re colorblind!

  134. Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » 2011 Leadville 100 Race Report: Part 1 | 08.15.2011 | 10:38 am

    [...] a little to stay further forward, my descent on this section was a lot less frightening than it had ever been before. It was less crowded, with many fewer people juking for position and making risky, meaningless [...]

 

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