Equal Time for Louis
A 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 down, embarrassed at what a hothead I had been.
Today, Louis posted his response. It seems to me that since I posted my rant as the main article, to be fair I should promote Louis’s response to being the main article. And since he didn’t get to comment on mine before I published it, I won’t comment on his. The only changes I’m making to his reply are adding paragraph breaks, and editing out one of the words I don’t allow in my blog.
Fatty (racer #135,aka Elden Nelson),
I’m not sure if you’ll remember me, racer #845, aka Louis Baker, circus bear, d- 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
PS From Fatty: This, as far as I’m concerned, ends the Fatty/Louis saga, except for one thing. As an olive branch, Louis, I’d like to send you a 2009 Fat Cyclist jersey to ride at Leadville next year. Just email me your address.
Comment by dug | 08.15.2008 | 10:32 am
I’M louis baker, and so’s my wife.
Comment by Wutz | 08.15.2008 | 10:34 am
I won’t go discrediting Louis here, but I’m unsure about the ballerina comment.
Maybe it’s because of the pink jersey…
Comment by KT | 08.15.2008 | 10:36 am
No, I’m Louis Baker!
Umm.. wait… I’m not THAT Louis Baker, but I could change my name….
After all, Fatty, you’re not specifying that you’ll send a jersey to THAT Louis Baker… :)
Well, I can tell who is the bigger man here– no offense, Fatty, I know you’ve been trying to lose that weight…
:)
Comment by rich | 08.15.2008 | 10:39 am
nice job Fatty posting the other side of things….just goes to prove that we all see every situation differently and through our own view and biases.
Personally, I would have been much meaner in my original post than you were since I tend to be a ready..fire..aim kinda guy.
Comment by Captain Sane | 08.15.2008 | 10:44 am
So, Louis, you were wearing an MP3 player at the beginning of the crowded neutral start you ignored?
You’re not helping your case, man.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 08.15.2008 | 10:46 am
Paging Dr. Lammler, Dr. Louis Lammler…
Comment by cheapie | 08.15.2008 | 10:47 am
hmmm…me thinks i would have written something similar. and since the jersey situation went from something to mock to something i’m envious of, i don’t know what to say.
Comment by Maile in Florida | 08.15.2008 | 10:48 am
Ok, even/even.
I just wonder a bit about “the neutral zone rule didn’t cross mind especially as I listened to my mp3 player”. I don’t race, so I’m serious in asking if it is usual in bike races to be listening to an mp3 player in a crowded start zone?
Comment by mark | 08.15.2008 | 10:50 am
Sarcasm is never appropriate.
Comment by chtrich | 08.15.2008 | 10:51 am
“This, as far as I’m concerned, ends the Fatty/Louis saga”……….ends? No, no….pauses perhaps, but not ends. Surely you’ll both be checking times next year to see who had the best race. Game on.
Excellent job allowing Louis his time. I must say that you’re a much better writer though.
Comment by bikemike | 08.15.2008 | 11:01 am
done and done.
Comment by db | 08.15.2008 | 11:06 am
Thanks for alerting us – twice – that you’re not a angry, resentful person in your angry, resentful post.
How pained you must be to respond to a post, point-by-point, in a comment to a later post, instead of your own suggestion: “A simple email or phone call would have been nice.” Why the double-standard?
Comment by Pammap | 08.15.2008 | 11:08 am
Louis failed to mention that anyone calling his kit clown-like has not looked in the mirror before heading out to ride. Let’s face it, people, ALL cycling kits are a little funny looking. “Hello, Pot? This is Kettle. You’re black.”
Nicely done, Fatty. Thanks for the other perspective.
Comment by Hamish A | 08.15.2008 | 11:09 am
Well done Louis (if it is finally, actually you this time) for coming on and stating your side of things. I’m afraid however that your defence (and excuse me for paraphrasing here) “I was too busy listening to my MP3 player to be bothered will the rules” doesn’t really help you.
Regardless, you both finished, you both put in good times and you’ve both had your say. All in all I think it’s safe to say that this incident didn’t ruin the event for either of you. Although it could easily have done.
Fatty, well done / pat on the back for posting the response to a more prominent position. Louis, I’m sure if your friends, family, colleagues & wife know you to be the guy you say you are then this incident and Fattys post will have changed their view of you not one bit.
Let’s look forward to another great race next year and perhaps a little healthy (non-contact) competition between the two main characters. Ummm… that’d be Fatty & Louis… not the ‘other’ two.
Oh, and Louis, good job on scoring that signed Jersey from Armstrong & Wiens!
Comment by Hamish A | 08.15.2008 | 11:12 am
Dammit. Really need a preview function on here Fatty! (please, for me?)
That should be ‘with’ the rules, not ‘will’. Obviously.
WIN SUSAN!!!!
Comment by Rick S. | 08.15.2008 | 11:14 am
I’ve ridden with Elden a lot. He has mad skills on a bike. In fact, we pratcice our derby skills in the parking lot before a ride. You can’t ride with the core group and not have derby skills.
I hope Louis will wear the FC jersey with pride. It’s a very nice gesture.
Comment by Flyin' Ute | 08.15.2008 | 11:21 am
Great Post Louis and Fatty,
After spending 8 months (if not year round) preparing for this race I find any bit of analysis and race reports very entertaining. I have already read Dugs, bobs, Rick Sunderlage’s (not even a real person, although he beat me by a minute) and several other posts of the race. Loved them all.
What a fun event to be part of.
I know both the participants in this story, although, not super well. Both had funny comments that I liked that made me laugh. Hopefully there is no serious harm done either way and we all can look forward to seeing your times next year.
So I guess the race is ON????? This will be great!!
I am already looking forward to Leadville 2009.
Comment by SYJ | 08.15.2008 | 11:24 am
Instead of a jersey, you should have offered him a (lightly used) tub of Assos Chamois Cream, with a card instructing him to spalm with impunity in preparation for next year’s race.
And Louis, your tale of an ugly outfit stemming from two invaluable signatures would be far more compelling if the signed and hastily replaced article of clothing was your shorts, and not your jersey.
SYJ
Comment by MAJ Mike | 08.15.2008 | 11:25 am
I haven’t seen such a petulant, childish “defense” of an action in quite some time. I’m pretty sure the last time I read or heard such a thing, it came from a pimply-faced 15 year old boy.
The “I didn’t think of” the neutral zone rule while listening to my mp3 player defense is ridiculous. Any hope of a reasonable person believing Louis has any class should be erased by this nonsensical reply. Had he simply replied “I got caught up in the excitement of the moment in a race that was new to me and made a mistake. I apologize,” then perhaps he could appear to be a “grown up.” Instead, he tries to jab at the speed and cycling skills of the guy he knocked over by his poor behavior. He may be three years older than Fatty, but he has the maturity of a three year old.
Comment by tim | 08.15.2008 | 11:33 am
let’s leave Louis alone now please. As Fatty has said, it’s finished. Some of the reactions over the last few days have been a little ‘Lynch Mob”. And that’s not a good thing.
WIN SUSAN.
Comment by JB | 08.15.2008 | 11:33 am
Been there. I use my blog as a means of letting things off my chest. One time, I let loose on a few guys from the local mountain bike club about their inability to show up for club meetings when things didn’t go their way and got an earful. I bashed the whole group of guys and only a few of them really deserved it.
I took my lumps, as you did, and have since printed a disclaimer on my site. The gist of it is that I use my blog to keep from dishing out on my family and on my customers. If I write about it on there, you don’t have to hear about it in person.
Keep up the blogging, happy anniversary, and well wishes to your wife.
Comment by Jeff | 08.15.2008 | 11:35 am
Louis,
You have a good excuse for the jersey, but that doesn’t explain those yellow knickers…
Comment by Jay Peitzer | 08.15.2008 | 11:37 am
Louis,
I sort of stuck up for you…..but you let me down. The crash was your fault. The neutral zone is just that. MP3 player or not you don’t barge through and pass people there period. Live and learn big fella. You owe Eldon a big apology. He’s already apologized to you for over reacting. I can tell you that in future if you continue to ride like a bozo you will eventually get your clock cleaned by somebody. Take it easy in the neutral zone and ditch the MP3 player until you’re alone.
Comment by GBrown | 08.15.2008 | 11:42 am
It has to be said that the timing of that photo catching Louis in all of his self-unaware glory at the very moment of his infractions is pretty amazing. Louis’s schizophrenic post–at once apologetic and preachy and then disengenuous and vitriolic–matches his race-day outfit to a T!
But time to move on.
Comment by dc | 08.15.2008 | 11:46 am
…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…
Be sure to bust out the single speed next time if you really want to level the playing field.
Comment by Wes | 08.15.2008 | 11:55 am
LOL… Fatty is hardly a leader or a role model. I mean, just cause he flies over his handle bars, does that mean I’m going to fly over my handler bars? No, I tell ya!!! My shoulders are still intact, for the moment, thank you very much.
This is Fatty’s blog. He can cry if he wants to.
Nuff said…
(Glad its over)
Comment by colin | 08.15.2008 | 11:56 am
This whole saga has been awesome to read. I’d like to thank Fatty, Louis, and Fatty’s Internet Defense Squad (FIDS?) for being quality distraction from my job this week,
Comment by Michael | 08.15.2008 | 12:20 pm
I’m a bit confused. I have not been to Leadville, so I maybe wrong, but I thought that Fatty was in a starting area up front for the top 100 returning riders. If this was Louis’ first trip to Leadville why was he up front?
Oh, and I completely agree with Maj Mike. The response was very childish.
Comment by John | 08.15.2008 | 12:20 pm
I was willing to read his side of the story, up until he mentioned the MP3 player…
-John
Comment by Clydesteve | 08.15.2008 | 12:25 pm
I still say Dr. Michael Lammler has been channeling Louis.
Comment by BottleOfPills | 08.15.2008 | 12:36 pm
Ok that explains the jersey… but what about the pants?
I’m still at a loss for the pants where did Louis find the pants?
Comment by kentucky joe | 08.15.2008 | 12:39 pm
fair and balanced, and now back to our regularly scheduled blog. I believe we are awaiting your “analysis” of Olympic cycling…..
Comment by Rob | 08.15.2008 | 12:42 pm
Gotta give it to Louis for posting his side of the story. Of course not as as much as you’ve gotta give it to Elden for giving equal time, giving an apology and the VERY generous jersey offer. Elden, you are a better man than I.
And regarding Louis’ clothing story….there’s just NO good excuse for those knickers. A “matching” jersey would have been an equal sight. Louis…care to post pictures of said jersey with said signatures?
Comment by Accident Prone | 08.15.2008 | 12:44 pm
Well done for allowing Louis his time on the soap box. I can’t imagine you feel good about this whole incident, but the way you have made amends for your initial post is to be respected. And I think Louis’ post just further solidifies what a stand up guy you are Fatty, even when angry.
Comment by kentucky joe | 08.15.2008 | 12:50 pm
Sorry to “double comment” but a couple of last thoughts on this topic:
1) What would the “Take Out Fatty” jersey look like and would it come in a long-sleeved model for fall?
2) Is this now a precedent where if we find ourselves in a race with FC, we simply need to “take him down” to get a new FC jersey?
Comment by Amie | 08.15.2008 | 12:51 pm
Hilarious is all I have to say. The whole thing, and Louis reply just tops it off for me!
Fatty – did you *know* that you weld so much POWER over your community?! Its a blog! I mean its a really good one, but it’s still a blog.
I know it’s time to let this one go (til next year anyways) but DUDE it was the KNICKERS that had us all laughing- not the jersey! But the explanation does make it all that much funnier!
Comment by The D | 08.15.2008 | 12:55 pm
If you must know, I missed reading Louis’s rebuttal because things were tight, and I was busy downloading illegal MP3’s and porn. Excuuuuuuse me.
Comment by Garrett | 08.15.2008 | 1:20 pm
“In fact, I’m one of the most positive upbeat individuals you’ll ever come across.” That’s a bunch of bull.
Hey Fatty, I’ll come push you over anytime if you’ll give me a free jersey for it!
Comment by leroy | 08.15.2008 | 1:22 pm
Louis — Okay, the “ballerina with poor balance” line wasn’t half bad and the explanation for the jersey was engaging, but the rest of the post – meh.
It took guts to engage FC on his blog. He could have edited your e-mail or presented it in a way to make you look silly.
But an MP3 player in a crowded neutral zone on Race Day? C’mon. It makes one wonder if you were distracted and can’t really know who leaned into whom.
I hope this is now done.
I hope you wear the Pink FC jersey next Leadville (and before then).
Sending you a jersey is a classy gesture on FC’s part.
So when you send FC your address for the jersey, show some class, attach a confirmation for a donation you made to Live Strong.
You must have a competitive streak in you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be racing Leadville or trying to one-up FC on his blog. You don’t want to concede the “who has class derby,” right?
I look forward to FC posting that you made a donation to Live Strong (amount is irrelevant).
Comment by Marrock | 08.15.2008 | 1:26 pm
“I didn’t see the cyclist” is still a confession, not an excuse.
Doesn’t matter if it’s another cyclist saying it or a car driver.
Comment by judi | 08.15.2008 | 1:28 pm
Ok, so there are 2 sides to the story. Good on you Fatty for posting both sides. Nice gesture sending him a jersey too, I hope he wears it with pride. I sure do.
Comment by Steve | 08.15.2008 | 1:40 pm
So, my opinion means jack here, but I reckon you’re both really nice guys who got upset because something bad happened during an event that means a lot to each of you. Good to hear Louis’ side – shows there really ARE two sides to every saga. Thanks for posting it, Fatty.
Just glad nobody ended up too worse for the wear in the race!
Comment by Lizzylou | 08.15.2008 | 1:52 pm
A little bit off topic… but I have to kinda say, I like the yellow and red knickers. I don’t know that I would have choosen knickers for the race, but if I had yellow and red knickers, I’d wear them to ride to work (with a coordinated unsigned jersey of course).
Comment by jacket_rider | 08.15.2008 | 2:19 pm
Hi Fatty,
I think its good of you to show there are two sides to every story as well as letting bygones be bygones.
Comment by Tarvin | 08.15.2008 | 2:25 pm
Louis,
I don’t think you helped your cause much, here.
Maybe the next FatCyclist jersey (after the black one coming out next) should feature a falling Clydesdale?
On second thought, nah. Let this entire episode fade into history and let’s remember better things, huh?
Comment by Philly Jen | 08.15.2008 | 2:27 pm
If Fatty can be so gracious, the least I can do is try to follow his example.
Louis, sorry if I was being excessively snarky. Fatty and Susan are near and dear to us, even if we’re scattered all over the globe, and sometimes we err on the side of being fiercely, perhaps overly, protective of them.
I’m glad you had a great first ride at Leadville. If you are, as people have said, one of Vegas’ Bravest, I have no doubt you’ll keep pushing the envelope of your own performance while also engaging with the rest of the riding community like the safety professional that you are. (And yes, if I’m ever about to go up in flames on the Strip, you bet your ash I’ll be grateful when you save me from turning into a french fry.)
Best to your crew, at work and at home, and good luck with your future training. Next year in Leadville!
P.S. to Mrs. Louis — I hope you can think of it as a compliment that so many people are trying to persuade your husband to, um, drop his pants. Because that would make you more powerful than all of us, put together! Take care, and thanks for being understanding.
Comment by Nina in Ohio | 08.15.2008 | 2:47 pm
Louis – I’m not a bike racer, but as a reasonably intelligent woman of almost 50 years, I am compelled to point out two things – regardless of whom bumped into whom:
#1 – You obviously don’t believe the rules (or listening to the rules) applies to you – “Things were tight, and the neutral zone rule didn’t cross mind especially as I listened to my mp3 player getting ready”
#2 – You are completely delusional if you think your response took the “high road” and was not sarcastic, resentful, etc. “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”
Comment by graisseux | 08.15.2008 | 2:55 pm
Hug it out fellas. Hug it out.
Comment by Jaime O. | 08.15.2008 | 3:03 pm
Men, hear me here. There is positively no reason to ever buy a christmas tree looking jersey, I don’t care if father christmas or the baby jesus himself signed it. I still loathe LOUIS and I don’t have to stop. Fatty, you can be as nice as you want to. I don’t have to. Ballerina my butt. Fatty, My best to Susan. Please let’s never discuss the evil louis again. Ever.
Comment by bcd | 08.15.2008 | 3:10 pm
Louis,
firstly, paragraphs are your friend! they will also make it look like you are not vomiting your emotions into text, which will lead to a more ‘reasonable’ appearance for your post. thankfully Fatty helped you out with this.
secondly, i am guessing you missed the post titled “Upon Further Reflection”? i realize that your riding skills are not be questioned, but if i might posit, your reading skills are sorely lacking.
in addition, it appears you lack some other life skills, particularly listening. if i read you correctly, you missed the pre-race announcements b/c you were preparing for the Mother Of All Rides (MoAR)™ by listening to your iPod. good thing! those instructions were not important and you proved via your actions that any effects of not listening would be minimal.
plus, as you later stated, this is a new MoAR™ for you. being new, you certainly wouldn’t need to bone up on the rules, regulations, and keen insights that the event organizer would give out. nah – you sir know it all in advance! (i have a gaggle of 16-18 year old employees who think the same thing…hmmm, coincidence? i think not.)
also, while i am new around here, i just wanted to take a stab at your rejoinder: i think this is Fatty’s blog. while some blogs have purposes more erudite, i get the feeling Fat Cyclist is more of an ‘online diary’ type blog. that is to say, readers want to hear Fatty’s thoughts and opinions, to vicariously travel his road and understand his triumphs…and his failings. in his own blog, he owes no one and i think he does a great job of achieving enlightenment in his posts. again for clarification, go find the post titled “Upon Further Reflection”. read it twice. go forth and prosper.
lastly, not sure what is up with your wife, co-workers, friends, and boss having to read Fatty’s take on the accident; i Googled you and there is only one hit in the first two pages of results – and that one isn’t even a direct link to Fat Cyclist. someone must have really been looking hard to keep up with your persona.
but hey – congrats on finishing the MoAR™ in a great time! if no one else mentions it, the physical feat is impressive.
here’s hoping personality-wise you make the same strides.
Comment by Catri | 08.15.2008 | 3:13 pm
Apple 4GB iPod nano: $149.99
Cheesy cycling jersey because you weren’t smart enough to pack an extra: $89.00
Following the Fatty-Louis “saga” and realizing that someone (aka Louis) has more high-school clique drama in their life than I do: priceless
I’ll put $5 on you, Fatty- I think you can take him…
Comment by redemske | 08.15.2008 | 3:30 pm
Wait, he didn’t respond in anger? Let me read it again …
Comment by FLatsMan | 08.15.2008 | 3:35 pm
Louis, did lance sign your shorts too. If not then the shorts WERE YOUR choice.
I wear black like my wifey.
Comment by Drew | 08.15.2008 | 3:46 pm
Congrats Fatty on being a much better person than many of your admirers. Many people on this blog, who didn’t witness the event, ah hell it just isn’t worth it. The tools will never understand, they are perfect, and never get caught up in a moment, never make a mistake. At least you are man enough to understand it.
Grow up people, get a life. Nothing bad happened here. There is nothing to see. Move along…
Comment by Big Shorty | 08.15.2008 | 4:00 pm
This is better than political mudslinging!! All that is missing is a disclaimer at the end of both stating, “I’m Louis Baker/Fatty and I approved this post”.
All things being said it was cool to give Louis his time, the main thing is that no one got hurt and both of you finsihed the day!
BigShorty out!
P.S. WIN SUSAN!!!!
BigShorty out!
Comment by HobbleCreek Possee | 08.15.2008 | 4:02 pm
did i miss something, apology/hi road?
Comment by R. King | 08.15.2008 | 4:16 pm
Can’t we all just get along?
Comment by Lifesgreat | 08.15.2008 | 4:34 pm
What happened to all the people who commented on Fatty’s 20th anniversary entry? I miss them.
Comment by Bob | 08.15.2008 | 4:36 pm
This Mr. Baker guy was listening to some tunes and suddenly out of nowhere this crazy other guy comes slamming into him and ….
I think the problem might have been right there in the “was listening to my MP3 player”. I’ve never ridden Leadville nor do I intend to, but I did watch that video from the link out of curiosity. There were a lot of people there on that road. It would seem to me MP3 players shouldn’t be on at that point because they can pose a bit of a distraction. Personally out of concern that I’d fall and get hurt, or cause someone else to fall and get hurt I would have waited. If this guy’s actually a firefighter, you would think that a firefighter above all would know this.
Everyone does dumb stuff, and every once in awhile you get called on what you did. Being indignant is reserved for people that have done nothing wrong and the mp3 player going in a large group – well it speaks for itsself.
Comment by J | 08.15.2008 | 4:46 pm
Geez- When everything is “annonymous” people say the cruelest things. I cannot believe all of the horrible things that have been said about Louis Baker. Fatty, if what you said wasn’t entirely cruel, the responses made by your faithful followers have been. You started something that you shouldn’t have.
Comment by mgrinrr | 08.15.2008 | 4:47 pm
I still don’t get the mayonnaise-on-the-helmet thing.
Comment by Jake | 08.15.2008 | 5:03 pm
I think I am going to vomit. There. I feel better. Wait. No. Is this thing EVER going to be over?
Whining (Fatty) and disingenous rebuttal-ish apoligies, phony excuses, bleh, bleh, bleh (Louis). What grade are we in again? I suppose we could keep the two of you in at recess until you can stop this.
I am going to vomit again.
Comment by Meaghan | 08.15.2008 | 5:16 pm
I tired to find an apology in that, and I couldn’t find one. But I’m sure it’s there somewhere if Louis claims…
And Oh, Louis? I’d like to point out that if you look in the photo, it appears that you are in fact NOT listening to an mp3 player… unless it’s invisible. That would be pretty cool.
*Sigh*, Oh well, all’s done.
Comment by Primal | 08.15.2008 | 5:28 pm
Gentlemen, shake hands and move on for the good of cycling, no one person is to blame. Maybe this isn’t the correct forum for an online of “who did what”. It’s a race and things happen on race days!
Comment by Jay | 08.15.2008 | 5:30 pm
Even if you think Fatty’s initial post was wrong-headed, vindictive, or just whining (and I disagree with each of those adjectives) you gotta admit his “upon further reflection” post, combined with this one and the offer of the jersey (even though it’s not signed by Lance or, presumably, Dr. Dr. Michael Lämmler), more than make up for it.
Elden, you’re a class act. Win Susan!
Comment by tea-rider | 08.15.2008 | 5:48 pm
Here’s what I take away from all this hullabaloo…
Fatty vents his frustrations on Monday… retracts and apologizes on Tuesday.
Louis waits until Friday to post “his side”. If this is how long it takes for you to cool down buddy, I think you might need to take another week!
Comment by Bjorn 4Lycra | 08.15.2008 | 5:51 pm
Well that’s it then all done and finished and moving on. Nice gesture regards the FC top FC – look forward to the shaking hands pic at next years Leadville.
Comment by Duane | 08.15.2008 | 6:22 pm
just read the louie response.
Already said @ 10:44 but worth repeating:
Louie was waring an MP3 player – during a crowded start. Regardless of the Fatty’s balance issues.. Louie screwed up. Turn of the Duran Duran and listen to the rules.
The jersey: That was the only Medium jersey in stock? Really?
Comment by Boz | 08.15.2008 | 7:06 pm
Louis – the Federation will not tolerate violations of the neutral zone. You Klingons have pushed the limits too far this time.
Set phasers on stun and prepare to board.
gob
Comment by Bob | 08.15.2008 | 7:13 pm
Elden is my friend, but as someone who’s both knocked over Elden and been knocked over by Elden, I need to show support for poor Louis.
MP3 Player – It doesn’t matter that he was listening to music. The lack of hearing had nothing to do with the crash.
Passing in a No-Passing Zone – Pfffl. The real rule is don’t pass aggressively in the no-passing zone. People pass each other all the time in the no-passing zone out of need. It’s part of the natural ebb and flow. I don’t know if Captain Upbeat Positive Individual was being too aggressive, but he can’t be faulted simply for sliding ahead of another rider, especially someone going downhill on a singlespeed.
Knocking Someone Else Down – The climbs on Leadville are difficult enough to deal with, but there are two places that can ruin your race — the start and the Powerline descent. (Oh, and the North Face descent, as Dug and the guy with the broken femur from 2007 can attest.) Anyway, people get knocked over all the time at the start. I’ve seen start crashes 3 of the 4 years I’ve ridden. Pro racers make mistakes, nice guys make mistakes. It happens. I spaced out and knocked Elden silly once on a Kokopelli trip. A few days later, we were able to laugh about it. But I haven’t forgiven Elden for that kidney punch.
That said, I enjoyed Elden’s rant and I enjoyed Louis’ response. Well done, both!
Comment by Lucky Cyclist(the d----eb-g) | 08.15.2008 | 7:18 pm
All I really want to know is what word got edited out.
Mr. Baker, I speak from experience, you cannot win on this site.
PS: Fatty wears his headphones on the road. I submit this is equally egregious and dangerous.(No I don’t know if that is how you spell egregious)
Comment by formertdfan | 08.15.2008 | 7:33 pm
this thing just ate my post
Louis – I don’t really see how the letter is an apology — it seems very negative and contains a lot of criticism. I just wish you would take a minute to try to realize how much pressure fatty has been under, then you might understand why the race meant so much to fatty this year, and why he reacted the way he did. If you understood, then maybe you would be able to issue a real apology, just as fatty apologized to you. I hope this post does not come across as too harsh, but I think you are a good person who just doesn’t comprehend the situation fully.
Comment by Drew | 08.15.2008 | 7:58 pm
Why should Louis be expected to come in here and be all apologetic after that first post, more so the comments that followed it? He came into an extremely hostile environment,hostile well beyond resaonable considering the circumstances.
People pass each other in neutral zones all the time. People also either listen to mp3’s or look at and talk to other riders during rides. Accidents happen. Deal with it, move on.
I wonder what an impartial observer would have seen.
Comment by Tomato | 08.15.2008 | 9:05 pm
I still don’t understand why Louis was in with the top 100 RETURNING riders, as a newbie? Does that mean he had to do a whole lotta passin’ other folks to get up to Fatty? (I don’t race. In fact, there is a big ol’ un-aerodynamic wicker basket on the front of one of my bikes. I don’t understand these race details.)
Comment by Jim | 08.15.2008 | 9:11 pm
Holy hell. You’d think the guy started a war or something. Unclench people. Unclench.
Comment by leadville wannabe | 08.15.2008 | 9:11 pm
Louis, Louis, Louis,
I gather that you don’t understand the sentiment that surrounds fatty. Get it. I gather that there are others who surge to the front in a neutral start, maybe because their technical “DE vices” were all fired up. I Get It. But when you have decided to come to the ball on your best behavior, show your on your best behavior, i.e. a quick apology on monday night at about 11 p.m., sincerely, signed with your real name (not CYCLIST) would have had us all thinking it was an unfortunate mishap, not just between you and fatty, but also with the other fifty cyclists from your original zone slamming their breaks on behind you trying to keep from coming into contact with you or 50 other friends.
I tapped a cyclist with my car once. I immediately, profusely apologized. He went his way chuckling.You should just full blow out a huge I’M SORRY! WIN SUSAN! With a donation to her cause, you could proudly wear the jersey and ride leadville again next year with pride. Life is all about choices and you don’t want to mess up a intense, fun, tradiional race with this scandal. Other photos could come forth with further incrimination; Maybe Fatty shouldn’t have posted your race number, but people had you figured out already. What you could have done to make this immediately better with a quick sincere aplogy, in your name would have solved all this by monday night.
I am a parent of three children; their squabbles are fairly tenacious, although you pretty much usually know who is right….The solution could have been sooooo easy..
WIN SUSAN
Enough said
Comment by CB | 08.15.2008 | 10:01 pm
I have to agree with Bob. The five LT100 starts I have done have been barely crash free. One year a guy dropped his glasses and immediately stopped which caused a fairly large pile-up.
I feel for Fatty but also know that a crash in that first few miles is probably inevitable for me at some point…there are many in the top 250 that are sketchy at best, it is extremely crowded, and as always there are a few that don’t acknowledge the don’t pass rule (see http://www.druckcyclist.com and jeffkerkove.net recent reports on LT100). I stack it up to luck that I haven’t been knocked down yet, I guess that if you do 12 in a row someone is going to finally take you down.
Comment by Flyin' Ute | 08.15.2008 | 10:04 pm
Just some fun facts for those who seem to care about this and might I add that it’s all good fun from my standpoint. Let’s keep it that way.
Fatty and Louis actually met the night before the race at the Italian restaraunt and I watched them shake hands. Both nice guys and happy to be at the race. Who knew this silliness was in store?
Also, Louis woke up early to lay his bike down at the starting line. He started the race about 10 feet behind fatty. I was there and I saw them both. I was about 8 feet in front of fatty. When the gates came down before the start they were pretty close.
The start of the race is alwas sketchy to me and I am glad to get to the dirt. I have nearly crashed several times in that mess. As crazy as it is I still love it. This is a fun race and I really like reading this blog. Let’s just keep it fun.
Classy move to give a jersey to Louis. Good work Fatty.
Comment by Marrock | 08.15.2008 | 11:17 pm
If I knock you down can I have a FC t-shirt?
Comment by bikesgonewild | 08.15.2008 | 11:23 pm
…wow, louis…i thought maybe i should apologize for nicknaming you “douche baker” (kinda racy, huh ???) but when you intentionally try to knock fatty over this time w/ remarks about ‘training wheels’ (damnmmm, that’s an ouch), well then, not so much, dude…it stands…
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
…to eldon fat cyclist: “sir…i was not at the leadville 100, however, i feel if i’d had the opportunity to bump you over “like a ballerina w/ bad balance’, well sir, i certainly would have done that…so if you feel the need to turn the other cheek, as it were, my address is:
ANYGUY
123 MAIN ST.
ANYTOWN,
ANY-STATE 54321
USA
…thanks for responding to the vitriol i’m sure i would have expressed w/ my bicycle…
Comment by co | 08.15.2008 | 11:30 pm
re: Jay | 08.15.2008 | 5:30 pm
How about a jersey signed by both FC and Lämmler? That would be the greatest! Especially if it was the jersey with the secret message about spalming. (I forgot the year…)
Comment by Carl | 08.16.2008 | 12:34 am
I liked the whole saga and I respect both of you for the way you handled yourselves. Fatty was frustrated and vented on his blog (which I thought was both acceptable and great reading). Louis defended himself and I would have done the same. In the end you were both a little rutheless but respectable. Fatty did get the final word as he should, since it’s his blog. Plus he called a truce and gave Louis a jersey. I think that means he wins.
Fatty, I hope you and Susan are doing well and congratulations on another Leadville finish.
And nice job on the singlespeed! I voted for the full suspension, so way to prove me wrong.
Comment by jill | 08.16.2008 | 12:48 am
Louis, in the end, you were in the wrong. You were called out on it, in a very mild and lightly humorous way, I might add. Lighten up; it’s called journalism.
Loved your race report, Elden. It makes me actually kind of want to do this crazy crowded race I never had a desire to do. Maybe one of these years we can make a deal. I will enter Leadville (and hope I can get in) and you can come up to Alaska and ride the Soggy Bottom 100. A hundie, all singletrack, grizzly bears and the possibility of snowstorms. You’ll love it. I promise.
Comment by ann | 08.16.2008 | 1:00 am
I come for the writing mostly, and there has been a lot of good writing this week! Louis does not get a very good grade – though really great try! Phrases like “bolt on some training wheels” and “king of cycling web blogs’ might be marked as ‘cliched’ or ‘unnecessary’ or ’seriously?’, especially the totally wrong use of “web blog” I’m not a cyclist, but I’m thinkin’ that most of these folks don’t get in a lather about simply breathing the same air as Lance – they get in a lather about bike specs, any kind of cool equipment modifications and super-duper jelly beans. On the clothing thing – never defend a clothing choice. Once you put it on, make yourself public and get photographed, anything you say will just totally make it worse. Again, the whole Lance autograph issue – weak. But, writing is not for everyone. At the end of the day, the week, the blog – in this space – its all about Fatty and Susan. Fatty, king of the cycling web log (aka blog) universe – wins.
Comment by Gavin | 08.16.2008 | 4:11 am
I think your initial post has been validated by this response Fatty. I think Louis was lucky to be honest. Imagine it was BikeSnob he’d knocked over !!!
Comment by Maile in Florida | 08.16.2008 | 8:49 am
I admit to having a lot of empathy for Louis, not over the original incident, but over being publicly called out. When I worked in baseball TV production, I got named on-air as just having made a stupid mistake by a famous on-air announcer who will go unnamed except his initials were Skip Caray. I certainly made the mistake, but I really, really hated being held up to ridicule by name on broadcast TV. It took me years to forgive Skip. So, not sayin’ Louis is right, just saying I think I understand how he felt. Big difference is, Skip never apologized (he probably forgot the words five seconds after he said them), but Fatty did.
Comment by sm | 08.16.2008 | 11:14 am
Louis did post in his reply that “But the rest of this post is going to be sarcastic.” In my opinion everything before that was what Louis actually remembered happening and everything after that in Louis’ post was an attempt to be comical, not Louis’ actual feelings. I bet that Louis is probably a good guy that just made a mistake, and unfortunately for him got caught in that mistake.
Comment by Las Vegas Firefighter | 08.16.2008 | 11:19 am
Just so you know firefighters arn’t perfect.
With that said, louis works for the fire department in another capacity, he is not a Fire Fighter.
Comment by DNAtsol | 08.16.2008 | 11:35 am
RE: Louis’ apparel choices
Has anyone thought about what we look like to non cyclists? Frankly we look like goofs – well I think I do- all Lycra bound, crazy designs on the jerseys,etc. just to go biking?
Comments on Louis’ short selection
Cycling short selection? Really? Is this something we cycling fans really want to criticize? Remind me again what Dug wore and rode?
I personally, have no problems wearing mismatched gear. I think it’s kind of fun. My perspective is: I’m going biking, I need a jersey (check), some shorts (check), gloves (check). My decision making process involves – what’s clean today? OK I’ll wear that :).
Wee, I’m riding my bike!
Comment by Ronster | 08.16.2008 | 12:52 pm
Louis, Louis, Louis… a post with SO many contradictions and bad logic.
1) You tell us – twice – that you’re not a angry, resentful person in your angry, resentful post
2) There’s the “wearing an mp3 player while not thinking about the neutral zone” – and you’re not at fault?
3) You say “a simple email or phone call would have been nice” – **I** don’t have your email address or phone number, what makes you think Fatty does? A MOST ridiculous statement.
4) If you’ll look back through the comments that day, things REALLY started to get out of hand (somebody suggested calling a number they think might have been yours, but Fatty put a halt to it)… Fatty did NOT undertake a “revenge” post, but instead a “man that was a stupid thing to do” post. And, based on your POOR logic in your post, along with the self-incriminating “ignored neutral zone while wearing mp3 player) statement… I’m guessing that’s the norm for you?
Dude… Fatty has been WAY easier on you than most would be. Take a lesson from this, and pay attention to the RULES next time?
Comment by bikemike | 08.16.2008 | 1:31 pm
does anyone think michael phelps is a freak of nature?
does he use dznuts when he puts that “suit” on?
does he have a social life or is he like the guy in The Big Blue, you know, just swims with dolphins and stuff? inquiring minds want to know. c’mon people, lets move on, we’ve got a busload of trainwreck stuff at the olympics.
Comment by scott | 08.16.2008 | 3:53 pm
Fatty,
I think you should reconsider your free jersey offer. The premise you’ve basically established is that if someone runs into you and knocks you down, they get a free jersey. I’m just saying, if that’s the case, people are going to be gunning for you from here on out.
;)
Comment by Wild Dingo | 08.16.2008 | 4:03 pm
Everyone has commented (rightly so) on the mp3 player thing. As a cyclist and a RACING cyclist who’s about to race “one of the most difficult races”, the last thing anyone should do is block one of their senses. You need all your senses to race safely, especially your ears. I don’t know about anyone else or even the “pros” but I like my ears open to hear of any changes, which often happens at races, such as changes in course or rules. heck i like ‘em open to hear the gossip like “don’t get behind that slow climber on a single track climb…”
Next, any cyclist may tell you that many times when getting “leaned into,” “one” of the safest things you can do for yourself, the rider leaning into you and the riders behind you, is lean back INTO that rider leaning into you. You both stay up right this way. i can’t say how many times I’ve done this in a race when a new, unskilled racer cornering suddenly loses balance and leans into me. i simply lean back and we both stay up as we move forward out of the corner into a straight away and slowly away from each other. (I’ve had a few riders thank me for it.) Maybe someone whose a physics nut can explain it, but all i know is it works for me every time a rider comes into me. Louis, if you’re new to racing, you may not know that trick. Now you do.
But the MP3 thing…well, that’s an unaccpetable childish excuse. (Would you let your child use a pen instead of a #2 pencil during an SAT because they had their MP3 player on when the test papers were given out and the “rules” were being told to the students?) Please, we tell our kids they need to listen to the rules and follow them. We need to do the same!
Yes, a blog is no place to publicly air a personal grievance and call out a name. It probably could have been done by not using your name. But I also feel Fatty’s “ggrrr” having had an unskilled rider take me out (in a very serious crash) with a bone head move. And I daydreamed about a revenge blog at the time. Believe me. But after months of consideration, i realized that we race with every skill level of people and if we go into every race with that expectation, we’ll feel much less disappointment when a new or less skilled rider makes a mistake that costs us time or bodily harm. Racing is risk.
Either way, this has been an interesting debate and i’m sure lessons learned for everyone, including me. We all can learn something by having a little humility.
Congratulations to you both, Louis and Fatty, on completing a race i’m too chicken to ever attempt!
Comment by Surly Dave | 08.16.2008 | 7:30 pm
I felt sorry for this guy until I read his post. What a wanker.
Comment by Solo | 08.16.2008 | 10:18 pm
Wow, away from the Fatty Chronicles for a week and all heck breaks loose. Great race/fun ride and as always the recounting of it for your readers. Most of us here began wheelsucking your blog for its humor and then its real life. I read the initial gig as humor and all of the “lets hunt him down and lynch him” calls like it was straight out of Blazing Saddles rather then Hang’em High. Anybody that leeched in late and got their feelers hurt, oh well, shame you have issues (DREW). We all have crap thrown on us now and then and like to vent and try and laugh about it. But when one screws up and it effects a screwee rather then the screwup that sucks.
I’m just surprised he wasn’t on his cellphone texting at the time. Funny thing if the Vegas Firefighter sold him out as not being a fireman. Next he’ll be voted off the island. Hey, I’ll move on when I’m good and ready…
All the best to You, Susan and her shins and the Family
Comment by snarky | 08.17.2008 | 9:29 am
Ummm, wow. Yeah. I don’t even know where to start. I was waiting for the “this is my side of the story – see, it really was just a big misunderstanding” from someone who really seems like-able, but instead it seems like we got an angry rant from someone with a personality disorder.
That being said, I’m glad it’s all over.
Comment by Di | 08.17.2008 | 12:30 pm
I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed in some of the readers of this blog. Some facts:
* poo happens
* everyone screws up
* anyone would be on the defensive if Fatty posted about them like this.
After reading the comments to this post, I am convinced that if many of you were in Louis’ situation, your response to Fatty would have been far less appropriate for this blog and much more harsh. It is quite difficult to maintain composure when you are being attacked in a well-read blog. Seriously, how would you feel if someone posted your picture and full name on their blog and made you look like a bad person?
No, I don’t agree with everything that Louis allegedly said and did, but I do understand where he was coming from when he wrote his reply. Leave him alone.
Fatty, I’m really glad you chose to deal with your original post the way you did. Taking what you did and facing it head on is the right way to obtain closure. I’m happy that you and Louis both got to race and finished with good times. Heck, I couldn’t do the Leadville – not presently.
I hope everyone learns from yours and Louis’ mistakes and we all move forward in a positive way. Perfection is unachievable, but forgiveness and acceptance get us closer to it. :-)
Comment by Anonymous | 08.17.2008 | 2:55 pm
Just read this and he did almost 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 rest of the time. The start of this race but can be tough but 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.
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 who feel the need to listen to mp3s at VERY inappriate times like race start. Wait till past powerline and listen away. I have raced for MANY in years and this is just not needed in our sport of mountain biking.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.17.2008 | 3:07 pm
An MP3 player? In Australia, it’s a traffic offence to ride a bike on a public road with earphones in.
And there’s a good reason for that. Hearing is directly linked to balance… and thinking… if you overpower your brain with white noise you don’t have anything left to process the important stuff, like neutral zone instructions.
Comment by Seth Manapio | 08.17.2008 | 4:15 pm
So…. some guy we don’t know rolls in to explain that the guy we do know can’t ride. Even though we know that Elden rides pretty much every spare moment of his life. Then he teases a guy who calls himself fatty about his weight… after he rags on a pink Jersey that symbolizes Elden’s wife’s fight against cancer.
Wow.
Louis, it is remotely possible that you could have written something that made you look like more of a tool, but I am at a loss when I try to imagine how. I’m sure that you didn’t actually mean to knock Elden down. Here’s how to write this sort of thing in the future:
“I’m sorry. I didn’t pay attention to the neutral start, and I inadvertently caused an accident. I’m glad that you were able to finish the race in such a good time, especially on a single.”
The thing is, if you want to address the peanut gallery, you have to do that separately. First, you have to apologize to the injured party (Elden), then, if you want to engage everyone else, make that a separate issue. So, AFTER the apology, if people keep ragging on your knickers, you might say:
“I haven’t heard so much fashion commentary since High School. When did a subscription to “Vogue” become mandatory for cyclists?”
Or something like that. The key thing is not to blame someone else for a crash that happened because you weren’t following the rules. Because, as it turned out, there weren’t two sides to this story. You and fatty agree: you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be, and if you hadn’t been there, Elden wouldn’t have crashed.
Saying that it wasn’t your fault because you weren’t paying attention to the race rules… doesn’t really help your cred.
Comment by joe | 08.18.2008 | 7:22 am
I’m sorry, I simply couldn’t be bothered with rules or safety, I was too busy jammin to my tunes. I don’t get how ANYONE could be angry about that. All I did by ignoring the rules was knock another cyclist down, I mean, what’s the big deal?
Jeeeez, you’d think it you had the time to train for an event, you’d take the extra time to make sure you understood the rules before shoving your earbuds in. And to top it all off, you’d really think that after learning that
a- what you had done caused another person to wreck, AND
b- what you had done was in fact against the rules of the race
then the only adult reply would be “I’m sorry, I should have paid attention, and I will not be so ignorant in the future”
Joe
Comment by Paul | 08.18.2008 | 7:31 am
From my (not-so-humble) point of view, a clear picture of what happened has emerged, and continues to emerge.
My hat’s off to you Elden, for being the class act that you are.
Win Susan!
Comment by The Woulfes | 08.18.2008 | 9:13 am
haha…next up in Fatty’s online store, Fat Cyclist Training wheels…i love it
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.18.2008 | 10:14 am
I just realised Al Maviva hasn’t bought into this one. Louis, you are one lucky sucker. He’s probably hiding in corner sobbing right now at the pain in his fingers from not typing the response he’s capable of. I personally would love to see Al beat Louis to death with his hardcover redneck thesaurus(tm).
Comment by rr | 08.18.2008 | 1:10 pm
Louis, sometimes simply saying “I am sorry” and nothing more is a good start.
Comment by Gillian | 08.18.2008 | 2:46 pm
Aw, heck with it.
WIN SUSAN!!!
Thanks for being a brave firefighter Louis!
Thanks for being a class act, Fatty!
Once again -
Susan! Win!
Comment by sasquatch | 08.18.2008 | 9:38 pm
At least this round of comments includes a few folks willing to call fatty out for this whiny, narcissistic sucker-punch (complete with picture!).
Most of the regular commenters on this blog are so far up Elden’s butt he couldn’t get a balanced point-of-view if he wanted one. Sheesh.
Comment by Ian | 08.19.2008 | 6:35 am
An analogy and a skit…
Police Officer:(PO) Sir, do you know why I pulled you over?
Louis:(LB) No officer.
PO:You were speeding, and you ran into several cars…
LB: Uhh, no, they actually him me first.
PO: That’s not true… many people witnessed you speeding and bumping several cars… you caused the pudgy car back there to crash.
LB: I wasn’t speeding, you see, I have my head phones on, so rules no longer apply to me. Especially when I’m excited. Besides it’s not my fault if they can’t survive my driving. Perhaps they all need driving lessons…
PO: Why didn’t you stop to see if the other motorist was ok?
LB: It looked like a ’slow speed’ crash. However, my prayers were with him.
PO: I’m going to have to cite you.
LB: What ever for? I’m not an angry, malicious or sadistic person!
PO: Yes, but you are a self absorbed, self important wanker.
LB: Oh, yes, that may be true. I’ve always suspected that about myself, but have been too busy thinking about how wonderful I am to do anything about it. Besides have your heard the new Yanni? It rocks. (MP3 headphones on.)
PO: On second thought, we’ll just let you go on being you. That’s punishment enough. Good day.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Karma Juggling is Very Hard Work | 03.2.2011 | 11:28 am
[...] I usually do not expect to happen is for the post to gather steam and generate either very angry responses or awesome [...]