A Little Now. More When I Am Not Completely Beat
It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend, and I am beat. But I want to put up a couple photos and give the bare-bones highlights.
First, I saw the Madone, signed by Team RadioShack. It’s a thing of beauty. Here are a couple photos:
Next, I got a big surprise — Trek and Johan decided that they wanted me to have a Madone as well. Not to borrow. To keep.
Yeah.
Check out my big goofy grin.
Prior to the ride, I gave giant checks to Lance — for the money we raised for LiveStrong — and to Johan — for the money we raised for World Bicycle Relief.
The ride was — intense. I had a ball riding with the pros, until they sent each other a mental signal to one another to drop me.
Check me out. Riding with Lance.
I’m pretty sure he’s checking out my quads.
And then, after the ride, Johan announced the big surprise he mentioned in his video to us.
That’s right, the big surprise wasn’t the Madone.
The big surprise is…they’re going to fly my family and me out to see a stage of the Tour of California, and I’m going to get to ride in the team car.
Here’s Johan and Lance telling me about this, shortly before my jaw hit the floor.
I have lots and lots of story to tell and even some video to show. I’m going to start working on that tonight.
Assuming I don’t sleep through the afternoon, night, and into tomorrow morning.
Cuz, as I believe I have mentioned, I am beat.
Comment by Russell | 12.13.2009 | 5:44 pm
Congratulations on a great weekend Fatty! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
Comment by Hoggy | 12.13.2009 | 5:45 pm
great news on the new bike (like you need another one)and the tour of California as well. very well deserved Fatty and i cant wait for the rest of the news and photos.
cheers
Comment by Merri J. | 12.13.2009 | 5:46 pm
Fatty-
You are the man! No one deserves the Madone and Tour of Cali trip more than you and your family! Thanks for sharing your dream come true with us! Can’t wait for the additional pics, video, and details… :-)
-Merri
Comment by Julie | 12.13.2009 | 5:54 pm
Well done Fatty!!
Comment by andy | 12.13.2009 | 5:55 pm
Super happy for you man, it couldn’t have happened to a better guy!
Comment by Julie | 12.13.2009 | 5:59 pm
Yay! And even more Yay! You’ve created something incredibly special with Team Fatty and I’m delighted to be a part of it. Lance and Johan look just as happy as you in that last picture…they must be delighted to be part of your team as well!
Fight like Susan!
Comment by Denny | 12.13.2009 | 6:02 pm
All I can say is, Schweeet!! Look forward to the rest of the story.
Congrats, and great job,
Denny
Comment by Pat from Pine | 12.13.2009 | 6:03 pm
Man, you got the karma river going. Keep it up.
We all are behind you.
Comment by Sue Dayton | 12.13.2009 | 6:03 pm
I just want to thank you. It’s been the best Christmas ever to have been a part of this wild ride! I’m so glad they gave you a Madone & the chance to ride in the team car for the Tour of California. You deserve them both – don’t give them away!
Comment by Jamieson | 12.13.2009 | 6:04 pm
That is too damn cool for words!
Followed JB and LA’s tweets today, has to have been quite the experience that you had today.
Get your thoughts down on the computer and make sure you can get the ideas out when they are still fresh.
Comment by NW | 12.13.2009 | 6:05 pm
This is so exciting! I cannot wait to read the rest! And a Madone, for keeps? Sweet! :) You deserve it. Oh, I loved the check photos too…That’s beyond great how much money was raised for fighting cancer.
Comment by Mike | 12.13.2009 | 6:05 pm
Well done. Looking forward to video.
Comment by Charlie | 12.13.2009 | 6:08 pm
Yowza!
Comment by Heidi | 12.13.2009 | 6:09 pm
I’m with Julie–yay, yay and YAY again!
Comment by Noodle | 12.13.2009 | 6:12 pm
Just flat-out awesomesauce.
Comment by Dan | 12.13.2009 | 6:14 pm
Fatty, you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your amazing weekend with us and congratulations!
Comment by Donald | 12.13.2009 | 6:15 pm
Great effort for two great causes. Congrats! We’ll look for you on the Madone and in the team car for ToC!
Comment by martinsillo | 12.13.2009 | 6:18 pm
Congrats Fatty!
JB, Lance and Trek,,, you all rocks! Great presents! just awesome!
And congrats to Team Fatty for make this possible!
looking forward more info!
Comment by Beth | 12.13.2009 | 6:24 pm
How fun for you and your family…congrats on a great effort, result and subsequent good karma….
Comment by Doug Gage | 12.13.2009 | 6:25 pm
very very cool!
Comment by Mom of Fatty | 12.13.2009 | 6:29 pm
What cool men you hang out with. Just one question pertaining to them bringing your family to Calif: Do they have any idea how many sibs and nieces and nephews and parents etc. you have?
Comment by Bruce Bebow | 12.13.2009 | 6:31 pm
That Madone is a beauty. Well, done.
Comment by Spiff | 12.13.2009 | 6:34 pm
Awesome, Fatty! Sounds like you had a great weekend!
Comment by Spiff | 12.13.2009 | 6:37 pm
Oh, PS…
I noticed in the picture of you with Lance and Johan, you’re the only one with a plate. Did L and J forego the second (or third) dessert?
Comment by Pat from Pine | 12.13.2009 | 6:39 pm
Hey Elden, when you make the madone into a single speed what gear are going to use?
Comment by Marilyn | 12.13.2009 | 6:41 pm
Great pictures and excited to hear about the rest of the weekend. Just one question though?? Is someone else wearing a fatty jersey? Looks like one off to the side towards the back of the picture of you riding with the team.
Comment by Clydesteve | 12.13.2009 | 6:47 pm
Conga-rats, man. Looks like they treated you right. Hope there was no purple snipe for anyone on the ride.
All the Team Astana jerseys crack me up.
Comment by Jen Gatz | 12.13.2009 | 6:50 pm
Awesome, an experience of a lifetime, congrats Fatty!
Comment by VeloLoser | 12.13.2009 | 6:54 pm
Giant Checks! I LOVE GIANT CHECKS!
Comment by Vtcyclist | 12.13.2009 | 6:57 pm
Right on. Hope you had too much fun. And a new bike to boot….one can never have too many bicycles, eh?
Comment by ZiaBoulder | 12.13.2009 | 6:58 pm
Awesome job. As mentioned above, may the karma continue to light your way. It’s time for Versus to get your story and build up the tie-in for Cali.
Comment by Rose | 12.13.2009 | 7:01 pm
Huge smile on my face after reading your post! Can’t wait for more, more, more. And congrats to you – all of it is well-deserved.
Comment by Erik | 12.13.2009 | 7:04 pm
The last pic, the smiles on Johan’s and Lance’s face are priceless. I wish we could see Fatty’s face. I would love to have an autographed glossy of that pic signed by all 3.
Does anyone notice the similarities between the pic of LA and FC from today and the ride for the roses ride with those 2? Same positions, same grins and head positions.
Well done Elden, Team RadioShack and World Bicycle Relief.
Comment by KK | 12.13.2009 | 7:06 pm
Well done! If you bring your Madone east in August, I bet Team Fatty Philly will sign it for you.
Comment by frostee | 12.13.2009 | 7:14 pm
Epic win for World Bicycle Relief, Livestrong and Team Fatty.
I was very pleased to have been part of this.
Comment by Binky | 12.13.2009 | 7:25 pm
Huzzah! Allez allez Team Fatty!
Comment by Tommy F | 12.13.2009 | 7:27 pm
Looking forward to your review of the Madone.
Comment by sarah | 12.13.2009 | 7:30 pm
hooray, awesome! so glad to hear you’ve been having fun.
Comment by Jeremy | 12.13.2009 | 7:32 pm
It couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. Congratulations, Fatty and I am proud to have been a small part of the experience by contributing to two great causes. Every photo shows that you were in a constant state of “smile” throughout the entire event. I proudly wear my FC jersey in support of your do-good efforts and in memory of your wife, Susan (and all others affected by cancer).
Comment by Jennifer | 12.13.2009 | 7:32 pm
SO Awesome!! You walk the walk-you deserve it!
Comment by Sara | 12.13.2009 | 7:33 pm
So cool! Thanks for letting all of us feel like we had a part in it.
Looking forward to the update. But maybe you should sleep a little first…
:)
Comment by kentucky joe | 12.13.2009 | 7:39 pm
So awesome! Looking forward to the video and continuing to live vicariously through your cycling odyssey. Unbelievable that your tongue in cheek “cover letter” had led to this. Rest up but then get busy editing that video suitable for the indoor trainer motivation!
Comment by Jefe | 12.13.2009 | 7:41 pm
Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by bikecopVT | 12.13.2009 | 7:56 pm
Way to go.
Fight Like Susan!
LiveStrong!
Comment by Doug/Northern NY | 12.13.2009 | 7:59 pm
Can’t wait to here how far you got, before they dropped you :)
Comment by VA Biker | 12.13.2009 | 8:07 pm
I’m smiling looking at you smiling and clearly having a good time. Karma river indeed. FLS.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.13.2009 | 8:10 pm
OH. EMM. EFF. GEE. I am soooooo happy for you dude. WE (and you specifically) ARE SO FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!
What size is the signed Madone? I hope they picked it for a tall person!!!!!!
FLS!!!!!!
Comment by Joel P. | 12.13.2009 | 8:14 pm
Looks like you had the time of your life. Can’t wait to hear more. I’m surprised you didn’t wear your manpri’s on the ride though.
Joel P.
Comment by Jenni | 12.13.2009 | 8:15 pm
Well, this seems as good a time as any. I’m arbitrarily picking this time to tell you….
I’m your sister.
When does the limo pick me up for California, bro?
Fatty,
I am so ridiculously happy for you. You deserve it. As me to donate again so you can do something else, and I will. Because you rock and you’re good.
Did they, uh, have any more Madones laying around over there?
Comment by Scott in Owatonna, MN | 12.13.2009 | 8:19 pm
Way to go Fatty! I am so happy for you to have had this wonderful experience, and that you and your family get to travel to the Tour of California — amazing. You have lost so much as a result cancer, more than I ever hope to know, and your fight against it continues to get more and more intense. I am so happy and proud to be a part of this. Congratulations.
Comment by 6 | 12.13.2009 | 8:23 pm
So cool man. So fun. What goes around, comes around.
Comment by eugie | 12.13.2009 | 8:35 pm
That’s just awesome.
Comment by Paul | 12.13.2009 | 8:37 pm
Is it me or is Lance wearing a “201″ hat with the Radio Shack logo on it?
I want one of those!!!
Comment by Fat Cathy | 12.13.2009 | 8:41 pm
Woot! What fun! And yes, I do believe Lance is checking out your quads…
Comment by Andy | 12.13.2009 | 8:43 pm
Hi Fatty
you totaly deserve this. 10 times over and I am totally jealous
Andy
Comment by Lisa | 12.13.2009 | 9:03 pm
The pics from Twitter made the wait for a Reader’s Digest version of your weekend bearable.
The ride of your life – so earned, so deserved, so awesome.
We salute you.
Comment by Brandy | 12.13.2009 | 9:17 pm
Awesome Fatty. I am glad you had a great time. Come to Nor Cal for the TOC. The Santa Rosa stage is amazing.
Brandy
Comment by John | 12.13.2009 | 9:23 pm
Fatty –
a great weekend that you have so earned. I was at Moab this year and saw the times you put up – I am sure you did yourself proud on the ride.
The bike is perfect also – the Shack paint job is a little much for me. Ride on!
Comment by lt | 12.13.2009 | 9:37 pm
Is that a Fatcyclist decal on the head tube ? Really custom job they did for you, wow!
Comment by BamaJim | 12.13.2009 | 9:40 pm
Looks like you made a good impression at your interview. I doubt the average team member gets such a good reception. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Nic Grillo | 12.13.2009 | 10:01 pm
Way to go Fatty! Living the dream! Congratulations on raising so much for such great causes. Glad to have been a part, thanks for the opportunity!
Comment by PhilaUte | 12.13.2009 | 10:14 pm
I just hope Johan and Lance have the requisite oversized IDs required to cash the oversized checks. I hear banks are sticklers for that.
Great work with the fund raising. The rewards are well-deserved.
Comment by Pinkbike | 12.13.2009 | 10:22 pm
FANTASTIC, Fatty. You look like you are over the moon! And great job getting all of us motivated to give and give some more to two important causes.
And we want you to come to So Cal – forget Nor Cal. Don’t you want sunshine?? (Oh wait, it poured two years ago). Anyway the mountain top finish from Pasadena to Big Bear will be awesome. You gotta see the boys riding around the Rose Bowl, and take the kids to the Huntington Library (where I work!)
Tom and I are really happy for you, Fatty. We also believe that Lancy’s checking out those quads, too.
Oh, and the Madone totally rocks.
Comment by Sophia | 12.13.2009 | 10:25 pm
Thanks, Fatty.
Everything about this story makes me so happy. I’m looking forward to the rest.
Comment by @PeckishCyclist | 12.13.2009 | 10:33 pm
Congrats again, Fatty! Can’t wait to have you here in (Northern) California!
Comment by Lynn | 12.13.2009 | 10:34 pm
Thanks for letting us be a part of it all. It’s been one hell of a year for you & it’s such a joy to see you get everything you perhaps didn’t even know you deserved. Cheers to all!
Extra thanks to Johan & Lance for giving picture updates during the day.
Comment by Steve Costanzo | 12.13.2009 | 10:42 pm
Elden,
I look at that photo of you, Lance, and Johan, and the only thing that I can say is that I am humbled to be associated with you. Wonderful things can and do indeed come from the simple act of sharing the most difficult of times with others. And by openly sharing your family’s joys, sorrows, and struggles with people you did not know, Susan’s life has been able to have purpose beyond anything she could have imagined. Through your efforts many thousands of people here in this country and around the world, most of whom will never have known Susan or even of her, will have had their lives enriched because she walked this Earth with us.
God bless you and your family, Elden. And congratulations! Like each of us who considers himself or herself to be even a small part of Team Fatty, I look forward to hearing more about your experience with Team Radio Shack and what additional surprises may come from it in the future.
Cheers!
Dead-Last-In-Austin Costanzo
Comment by KanyonKris | 12.13.2009 | 10:51 pm
So freakin’ awesome sweet!
(That’s Utah slang)
Comment by Directeur Sportif, Astana | 12.13.2009 | 10:53 pm
I see the Astana colors on some of the Team Radio Shack members. I can’t be certain, but was that Contador way in the back? We’ve been looking all over Italy for him. He seems to have disappeared…
Comment by Laura H. | 12.13.2009 | 10:55 pm
Awesome, awesome, awesome… :)
Comment by Kamala | 12.13.2009 | 11:00 pm
I can’t believe I’m being sucked into being excited about skinny people cycling. This is completely awesome.
Comment by Redheadedstepchild | 12.13.2009 | 11:04 pm
Somebody said this earlier. A joke cover letter raised more than 100,000 dollars. In how many hours? Less than an 100?
that’s amazing.
Comment by ChefJT | 12.13.2009 | 11:09 pm
You so deserve all the great things that you are receiving. Not many people could take the tragedy that has been life for you and your family over the last couple of years and turn it into a positive force celebrating life. I’m sure you’d give it all away to have another moment with your wife, but I sincerely believe Susan’s passing will be the event that inspires someone to eventually find a cure. You absolutely do her memory proud when you make things like this happen.
Comment by Yukon19 | 12.13.2009 | 11:33 pm
Very Cool! Gald to see the Jaws of Life were not needed!
Comment by Jouni | 12.13.2009 | 11:39 pm
Wicked. Awesome. Cool.
FLS…
JR
Comment by Rob M. | 12.13.2009 | 11:39 pm
Positively Awesome.
The big checks were a great idea and I notice they are signed by The Fat Cyclist and Team Fatty. Thanks for including us. Very Classy.
The Madone is a beautiful gift. I like Johan’s style.
Paul @8:37pm – That cap has the year 2010 with the second zero being the Radio Shack logo. Yes, that means the fatty “201″, whether intended or accidental, is joined as a partner with Team Radio Shack. As it should be.
Comment by Sean | 12.14.2009 | 12:32 am
Yes, Yes, Yes.
I, and I’m sure many others, have been reading for the last 5 minutes with a massive smile on my face.
The kind of cartoon character eating a slice of melon smile.
A dentist advert smile.
GO FATTY
Comment by buckythedonkey | 12.14.2009 | 1:48 am
Allez Fatty! Just what you need – another bike!
Comment by Anne | 12.14.2009 | 1:49 am
Awesome!!
Comment by eandjmum | 12.14.2009 | 2:26 am
Awesome… you have done yourself (and us) proud… You deserve the bike and the trip… you are the man!!!
Comment by Bicycle Bill | 12.14.2009 | 2:46 am
Susan is looking down with a huge smile of approval, too…but you already knew that.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 12.14.2009 | 2:48 am
I am green with envy (and really happy you could go on the trip)
Comment by Earl | 12.14.2009 | 3:25 am
Brilliant stuff Fatty, and really liked the fact that you are basically the only one without leg or knee warmers on – showed those pros real quads and calves man! Excellent post and was thinking about you yesterday wondering how your day was going!
Looking forward to the follow up!
Hey BTW, you haven’t answered my Le Mans 24hr Email, search back through your inbox, whilst the offer is not as good as Johan’s, it still stands, and I’d love to have you as part of the team over here in France next year:-)
Cheers, Earl
Comment by mark | 12.14.2009 | 3:38 am
congradulations on your great achievement Fatty , love the site keep the stories coming and our charity work seems to be going from strenght to strenght, a inspiration for me to get my Fat Ass moving more and contributing some time to some very worth while causes next year, best of luck
Comment by Yukirin Boy | 12.14.2009 | 3:53 am
Fantastic! and congratulations.
You deserve it all and more.
Comment by Claire | 12.14.2009 | 3:53 am
Yay Fatty! Great to hear you had such a good time, and about both the bike and Tour of California trip – both richly deserved!
Comment by petehall | 12.14.2009 | 4:30 am
I think everyone out in Fattyland is pretty damn happy that you had a chance to do this. To be honest one of my motivating factors to donate was just so you could have this experience. And evidently it is going to be the gift that keeps on giving. Loooking forward to hearing about your weekend and looking forward to hearing about your future experience in the team car at TDC. WELL DONE.
Comment by Shiny Flu | 12.14.2009 | 4:45 am
Even I’m checking out what’s between your quads, Very Nice… I meant your new bike duh!
Congrats, best Xmas gift ever.
Comment by dicky | 12.14.2009 | 5:34 am
Awesome has been redefined.
Good on you sir.
Comment by Al | 12.14.2009 | 5:36 am
You know, Elden, this is just the best thing ever seeing you at Tucson. Was thinking about you all day, hoping you were having fun.
I am wearing my new jersey with even more pride than usual and cannot stop telling people about last week’s excellent adventure in fundraising.
BTW, I wear my Fat Cyclist jersey with pride in Edinburgh, Scotland. Anyone else in the UK? Europe?
Comment by Orbea Girl | 12.14.2009 | 5:53 am
Sounds like you had a deservedly great time. Thought the family trip to the Tour de California was a lovely touch.
Comment by Allan | 12.14.2009 | 5:55 am
Awesome Fatty. Sounds like a great time.
Comment by Erik | 12.14.2009 | 6:03 am
Just as LIVESTRONG has grown beyond Lance, Fat Cyclist has grown beyond Elden.
If Team Fatty wasn’t a force to be reckoned with prior to this week, we are now.
Comment by Garren Fisher | 12.14.2009 | 6:03 am
Good for you. Well done!
Comment by Mestre | 12.14.2009 | 7:02 am
Nice one, Fatty, and thanks for making me laugh along the way.
Comment by CK | 12.14.2009 | 7:11 am
Well Done Fatty and Congratulations!!
Comment by Denis Jouglard | 12.14.2009 | 7:14 am
I am so happy for you and you deserve it so much after what you went through.Enjoy Cali and if one day you want to come training in the alps,let me know you are welcome.
Comment by bikemike | 12.14.2009 | 7:22 am
Nice.
Comment by VT_Rob | 12.14.2009 | 7:35 am
Very well deserved. Glad you had a great time. Congrats!
Comment by justrun | 12.14.2009 | 7:35 am
How exciting! And way to get everyone else excited about it, too. Not that it’s hard to get excited about any of that. Well done to you and everyone who contributed!
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 12.14.2009 | 7:44 am
Lance, Johan and Team RadioShack rock!
Awesome ride photo (I would have swooned and fallen over riding with those guys) and so cool that your family is coming to California for the Tour. Your kids are going to have a ball.
Enjoy the bike Fatty – it suits you – goofy smile and all!
Comment by Scott | 12.14.2009 | 8:06 am
You know what the opposite of buyer’s remorse is? Giving $50 to see the picture of a smiling Fatty riding with Team RadioShack and sitting at dinner with Lance and Johan. Got to be the best $50 I’ve spend in a long, long time.
Fight Like Susan!
Comment by Paul H | 12.14.2009 | 8:08 am
Pure and simple, you jumped the shark!
In that last picture, did you take both Lance’s and Johan’s water glasses? Were you that thirsty? and coffee too.
What an awesome picture, you, Lance, & Johan.
Comment by Rob | 12.14.2009 | 8:20 am
Soak it in, ’cause you deserve ever ounce of it. Great work and thanks for doing what you do.
Comment by McDicDoc | 12.14.2009 | 8:35 am
Could not be happier for you, Fatty! As a quiet follower, I had to comment on this one. You’re an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to read the rest and watch your ride as you continue to make history.
Comment by Heather S | 12.14.2009 | 8:47 am
Can’t wait for more. By the way, the winner of the Madone might want to be careful of those signatures, if they’re planning to ride the bike; those permanent black Sharpie markings will fade away to nothing in a few days under UV light. Even fluorescents will emit enough UV to erase them after a few months. Might want to look into having some sort of clear coat put on that.
Comment by Dan O | 12.14.2009 | 8:48 am
Well done!
Comment by Philly Jen | 12.14.2009 | 8:56 am
I see London, I see France,
…I see a helmetcam with no lens cap on it!!!
Yays.
P.S. As a member of the skirt-sporting side of Team Fatty, I also want to know when T6 will be selling matching bras for the 2010 team jerseys. ‘Cuz judging from your snaps, they will prove to be, uh, paramount for any and all photo ops.
Comment by Randoboy | 12.14.2009 | 8:58 am
Of course they were looking at your quads. You’re the only one not wearing knee warmers, knickers, or tights. Vanity thy name are sore knees.
You will, of course, be live-blogging from the team car?
Comment by MattC | 12.14.2009 | 9:00 am
Gosh Fatty…ANOTHER bike?? (I assume it’s a full-on team version…what are they running, SRAM-Red now?) AWESOME weekend…so very glad I could play a small part in getting you there. Like the rest of your army, I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of the dirty details!
Comment by costalrider | 12.14.2009 | 9:22 am
Way to go Eldon! I’m proud to be a part of your your on-line family, and so happy for your great weekend.
Comment by Mark W | 12.14.2009 | 9:22 am
awsesome! Happy for you. Enjoy.
Comment by FliesOnly | 12.14.2009 | 9:26 am
OM FREAKEN G!!
Dude, that is so cool it’s beyond cool. Congrats, and I look forward to the ToC…just to see you in the car. Do you think you’ll be able to ride along quietly, or will you be cracking jokes the whole time (my vote is for the latter)?
Comment by Mary from NC | 12.14.2009 | 9:59 am
Thank you for living our dream for us and being so kind and giving to share your experience. Thanks too to Team Radioshack for giving you the opportunity. Can’t wait to hear all about it! Loved the twitter updates from Johan over the weekend
Comment by Kathy McElhaney | 12.14.2009 | 10:00 am
So happy for you. I share the sentiments of many others – smiling with and for you. You will love the TOC, especially since they’ve moved it to May. Come early and stay late to enjoy some cycling of your own in our beautiful (albeit often crazy) state!
Comment by sandy | 12.14.2009 | 10:00 am
I am so happy for you that I’m grinning ear to ear. And it makes me feel good to have had a very small part in seeing you ride with Lance and Team Radioshack.
Comment by Frank | 12.14.2009 | 10:02 am
Good job fatty! Enjoy!
Comment by Frank | 12.14.2009 | 10:02 am
Good job fatty! Enjoy!
Comment by Alex N | 12.14.2009 | 10:22 am
Am I the only one who finds it funny that Trek stumped up a Madone for Fatty before the rest of Team Shack got theirs? I guess that means you’re on the team!
Great to see you having such a great time. You deserve it and Team Fatty kicks butt.
Comment by Barbara | 12.14.2009 | 10:25 am
Glad you had a great time, Elden! Lance tweeted multiple times (with pics) about you, too. All this good karma is raining down on you because you have created it and you deserve it.
Comment by Dan in Sac | 12.14.2009 | 10:28 am
Awesome, there is definitley room for the Madone in the stable.
Hope your trip to the Tour de California comes through Sacramento. If so, see you here representing FC!
Comment by water | 12.14.2009 | 10:38 am
were are you riding? with all that water in the background?
Comment by Steph | 12.14.2009 | 10:49 am
YEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWW! Good for you. You deserve it all! Thanks, Fatty for all you do and allowing us to tag along.
Comment by Arpad | 12.14.2009 | 11:24 am
What surreal life you lead.
Comment by Kevin in Atlanta | 12.14.2009 | 11:25 am
I’m SO jealous, but if anybody deserves what they’re giving you it’s YOU! Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I look forward to more posts about your weekend.
Comment by wishiwasmerckx | 12.14.2009 | 11:25 am
I see that glass of Sangria in front of you on the training table. Perhaps not the best choice?
Comment by Al Miller | 12.14.2009 | 11:29 am
You Rock Elden! Congrats ~ couldn’t happen to a nicer, more worthy human being!!!!
Comment by steph | 12.14.2009 | 11:34 am
Hey Fatty! Congrats! You deserve all this and more. Looking forward to seeing you in CA – I’ll be at every stage (I use my vacation time every year to volunteer for the entire tour). Congrats again and thank you for letting all of us on Team Fatty be a part of something so amazing!
Comment by Curt | 12.14.2009 | 11:38 am
Awesome Fatty! Just Awesome!!!!!
Comment by Judy | 12.14.2009 | 11:42 am
Twice now the starting line for the TdC has been outside my work building… very convenient…
Take elevator downstairs, ooo Lance Armstrong!, back up to fill out forms. (Actually, honestly, they all look the same at that speed. A bunch of dudes with chicken legs zipping by in spandex. Supposedly, one of them was Lance)
Hope to see you there!
Comment by fatkatonabike | 12.14.2009 | 11:44 am
I have absolutely nothing original to say….so here it is: Awesome!!!! I can’t wait to read more about the experience!
Comment by Road Divit | 12.14.2009 | 11:56 am
Dude – you are a fund raising magnet – That and your left nipple could have put an eye out. Check the picture with you and Johan. Excited to say the least.
Comment by tim | 12.14.2009 | 11:59 am
just brilliant, great stuff elden :)
Comment by Haven (KT) | 12.14.2009 | 12:19 pm
Wait a sec– in that group ride shot, I see Fatty’s stunt double in the background, extreme right.
A HA!!!
Seriously, though– awesome. Really awesome.
Comment by joe blow | 12.14.2009 | 12:24 pm
Did they drop you slowly until you cracked, or did they 1) stick a pump in wheel like “Breaking Away” or 2) did they just increase their speed so much that, from your perspective they just disappeared in a blink of an eye?
Comment by Jodi | 12.14.2009 | 12:32 pm
“The big surprise is…they’re going to fly my family and me out to see a stage of the Tour of California, and I’m going to get to ride in the team car.”
YAY!! When should I be ready? I’m totally going to buy something special to wear…something that brings out my eyes…
Comment by MojoRider | 12.14.2009 | 12:39 pm
Truly fantastic. Thank you for letting us all be part of somethign bigger than ourselves. And kudos to Johan for forcing you to accept something for yourself for a change!
Comment by KanyonKris | 12.14.2009 | 12:43 pm
Here’s how Elden was dropped:
Right about this point in the ride, Elden thought to himself:
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m really riding with a pro team! Am I dreaming?”
Then Elden said to Lance:
“Hey, will you pinch me?”
And the pack sprinted away.
Comment by Kent | 12.14.2009 | 12:58 pm
Oh man, good show Fatty. You and your kids deserve some good breaks like this. I’m sure we all look forward to more about this past weekend and the upcoming ToC
Comment by GJ Jackie | 12.14.2009 | 1:16 pm
Another bit of press: http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/2482/FatCyclist-joins-Team-Radio-Shack.aspx
Comment by redheadedstepchild | 12.14.2009 | 1:24 pm
Hey Fatty, I noticed that you haven’t gotten to around to emailing me to inform me that I won all three of your raffles.
I know that you are tired, I accept that, but Fatty, I’m tired too. I’m tired of not telling people that I won awesome stuff.
The Pasadena – Big Bear stage will be a gruesome fest of suffering. I highly recommend it.
Comment by Erik | 12.14.2009 | 1:40 pm
I just noticed I’ve not yet heard from Fatty on whether I won anything in this fabulous contraffle.
Comment by MattC | 12.14.2009 | 1:55 pm
Hey! Ya’ll should check out VeloNews…They are reporting that Stanley Tucci hung out w/ Team Radio Shack this weekend!! (just kidding)
Comment by rightbehindyou | 12.14.2009 | 2:05 pm
WAY WAY Cool!!! Well done, you are the MAM
Comment by Doug | 12.14.2009 | 3:37 pm
How was the massage, Mr. Costanza?
Comment by geraldatwork | 12.14.2009 | 4:11 pm
I’m very happy you accepted the Madone and the trip to the Tour of California. This has been a roller coaster year for you and for all you have done you deserve it. Enjoy
Comment by Lisa | 12.14.2009 | 4:21 pm
thanks Fatty. it’s all been said in every which way how awesome you are and how great it’s been to be a small part of Fatty’s Great Adventure.
Here’s a helpful link to Encyclingpedia: Cycling Terminology
I thought it might be helpful so that you can stay on top of developments while you’re in the team car:
http://bit.ly/72eXan
Comment by Al | 12.14.2009 | 5:03 pm
Wow. Just noticed the Clydesdale on the from of the Madone…
Comment by Al | 12.14.2009 | 5:03 pm
Duh. “FRONT of the madone…”
Comment by Saso | 12.14.2009 | 5:20 pm
Awesome. Just awesome.
Comment by Kylie | 12.14.2009 | 6:10 pm
Got a card (and my tax receipt) in the mail today from World Bicycle Relief. A really nice touch. Part o the message in the card says “By the time you receive this note, maybe Team RadioShack will be called “Team FattyShack”.”
Please tell me they’re changing their name Fatty!!!! Can’t wait to read and see all about your day.
Comment by Katie | 12.14.2009 | 6:37 pm
Congrats on a well deserved trip of a lifetime, except it sounds like this trip will be topped by Tour of Cali where you get to share it with your family. It truly couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. It looks like Johan and Lance enjoyed it too!
Comment by BlueTrek | 12.14.2009 | 8:07 pm
Awesome stuff Fatty, enjoy, enjoy enjoy! A job well done for a worthy cause!
Comment by El Gato | 12.14.2009 | 8:52 pm
Hey Fatty,
In Austin for biz. Stopped by Mellow Johnny’s where the Team Shack guys have an office. Your Giant checks where right inside the door of the Shack office.
Well done!
Comment by chris creed | 12.14.2009 | 9:32 pm
Way to go Fatty! I am so glad I found your blog. Truly enjoy it and cant wait to see the videos of your weekend.
Congrats on your surprises!
Now hook a brutha up with a MTB!
BTW proudly sported my new Fatty socks at the Pere MArquette Trail Run in Grafton Illinois Saturday…Clydesdale division of course!!
Comment by MVSC | 12.14.2009 | 9:39 pm
so deserved!
and thanks for taking us all along for the ride.
Comment by LidsB2 | 12.14.2009 | 9:46 pm
Very cool, Fatty. Very cool. The opportunity of a lifetime, and well deserved.
So, since you have that sweet new Trek FattyShack Madone, can I have you Orca? Please??
Comment by Peg | 12.14.2009 | 11:05 pm
Fatty – You truly are an inspiration and I hope you cherish all the wonderful memories that have been created by your hard work! I would love to pick your brain some time to see just how you accomplished such a great feat in such a short amount of time!
Comment by Bruce Bebow | 12.15.2009 | 4:32 am
I think you need to build an addition to the house to store your two-wheeled vehicles…
Comment by JEB | 12.15.2009 | 7:59 am
Peg – I’m no Fatty (the list of his superlatives is so awe-inspiring that my point will be lost if I list them all, but I will mention his massive quads…) and maybe am not qualified to answer, but I saw your question and this is what popped into my head:
He does it by following his heart.
Comment by Scott | 12.15.2009 | 9:02 am
I am very proud of your efforts and proud to be a small part of this work. Thanks for sharing your tales with us.
Comment by sm | 12.15.2009 | 10:04 pm
Congrats to all that donated. It was a great performance. On a side note it looks like that world bicycle check says 2008…
Comment by DP | 12.18.2009 | 11:07 pm
Great story and event. I enjoyed the video’s and your writing style (from the heart). A 10 all the way! I was wondering how I would feel if I had been in your shoes. About the same I bet.. Thanks for sharing. Excellent…
See you at TOC.