Team Fatty 2011: Join Us
I’d like to make one thing perfectly clear: I am not good at making plans. I don’t like making plans. I prefer to have an idea and then instantly adopt one of the following courses of action regarding that idea:
- Execute the idea right then
- Forget I ever even had the idea
However, a bunch of Team Fatty members — every single one of which is more organized than I — have been asking, “What are we going to do in 2011?”
It’s a fair question, and one I’ve been giving a lot of thought. For example, in between when I finished the previous sentence and started this one, I thought about it for about ten minutes.
Which, for me, is a lot.
So here’s what I’ve been thinking.
My 2011 Team Fatty LiveStrong Plan
Team Fatty: Fighting Like Susan is practically synonymous with kicking butt in the LiveStrong Challenges, and this will continue to be the case in 2011. But this year, I want to hone things a little bit so that I feel a little bit less overwhelmed by having so many teams.
Mainly, instead of having going full-bore on every single LiveStrong Challenge, I want to focus on one event. And this year, we’re going to do the newly-created LiveStrong Challenge in Davis, California, July 10-11.
That’s the event The Runner and I are going to. That’s the event that Philly Jen is going to. That’s the event that ClydeSteve is going to. That’s the event that MattC is going to. Heck, I’m hoping that’ll even be the event that MikeRoadie is going to.
In other words, we plan to make a giant Team Fatty blowout party out of Davis, to the extent that we’re expecting LiveStrong will have no choice but to rename the event LiveStrong Davis / Team Fatty.
Join Up
To join Team Fatty, go to http://davis2011.livestrong.org/teamfatty and click the “Join Our Team” link, then fill out the form.
Note that you only need to pay a fee if you plan to show up and ride your bike at the event. If you want to join Team Fatty and help us raise money in the fight against cancer — but don’t expect to be able to come to Davis on July — you can sign up for the “Virtual Challenge” for no fee at all.
Also note that the registration fee to do any of the rides is only $35 right now but will go up to $50 after the beginning of the new year, so you should sign up now.
No Zero Dollar Members, Please
This year, I’d like to ask everyone, as you sign up, to make a donation to your own LiveStrong Challenge page. Whatever amount you can afford: $25, $50, $100. Seriously, whatever. In 2010, there were a lot of us who signed up with good intentions, and then never got past the starting gate. This year, give yourself some momentum by making a donation yourself.
And then you won’t feel so embarrassed asking others to make a donation, because you’ll be able to say, “Hey, I’ve already donated. I’m not asking you to do anything I’m not doing myself.”
Or you can feel free to rephrase that sentiment so it sounds less smug. Your call.
But What About If You’ve Already Joined the Davis LiveStrong Challenge?
If you simply couldn’t wait for me to get my act together and you’ve already signed up for the Davis LiveStrong Challenge, send an email to Team LiveStrong asking them to change your individual registration to a registration with Team Fatty: Fighting Like Susan. Be sure to give them the name you registered under. They’ll help you out.
But What About Other Challenges?
There won’t be a Seattle LiveStrong Challenge in 2011, so we won’t be going there. I will, however — at some point — be setting up a Team Fatty Philly and Team Fatty Austin, for the folks who want to attend those events because they’re closer.
But even if you’re going to go to one of those events, I’d like you to — for now — sign up for the Davis event and raise money for it. This is the event we’re going to really emphasize this year.
And this is the challenge all the big contests are going to be focused on.
So, once again, please join up.
If You’d Like to Buy Me a Christmas Present
By the way, I have created my very own personal LiveStrong Challenge page. I’m quite pleased with it. If you’d like, as a kind of “thanks for writing” Christmas present to me, to help me get started as I take up my 2011 fight against cancer, I’d really appreciate it. Click here to donate.
That’s Not All. Not Even Close.
This year, I want to start expanding Team Fatty’s efforts beyond just doing LiveStrong Challenges. Right now, there are two things that I really want to do.
- 100 Miles of Nowhere. We’re definitely going to do the 100 Miles of Nowhere again this year. I think May is a good month to do it, since this event has changed from being a solitary thing you do on rollers in your own house to being a full-on contest to see who can do the most ridiculous short-course century imaginable. This year, though, I’d like to see more and more groups doing this event, and I plan to give you tools to make that easy to do. Stay tuned for details (which is my way of saying I haven’t actually got any details ready).
- Dustin Brady’s Promise. You all know Dustin Brady as the guy with Shimano who has helped Team Fatty raise hundreds of thousands of dollars by arranging for me to have incredible dream bikes available for my fundraising contests. You also know him as the guy who lost his fiance (and published a very moving tribute to her here) to breast cancer in 2010, in much the same way I lost Susan in 2009. Well, Dustin made a promise to Michelle, and I think Team Fatty is in an excellent position to help him keep that promise to her. I’ll explain more soon.
And there’s more I’m going to want to do. Much more, really. If I had the energy and didn’t have to work for a living, honestly this is what I’d do full-time.
I’m excited for 2011, and extremely excited to be a part of Team Fatty for another year. I don’t think anyone else could even argue the point: I have the best readership in the entire world.
Thank you for all you’ve done, all you’re doing, and all we’re going to continue to do.
Comment by Nic Grillo | 12.22.2010 | 9:35 am
Looking forward to a great year with Team Fatty. See you in Davis!
Comment by Zach | 12.22.2010 | 10:01 am
Hmm how about bringing the pink jersey back.
No even better pink argyle…. well for the men. Womens pink jerseys are so common, though they do support my man boobs nicely.
Comment by Brandy | 12.22.2010 | 10:09 am
Woo Hoo, I live in Davis. My whole race team is signing up for Team Fatty!! Yay
Comment by Paul Guyot | 12.22.2010 | 10:15 am
In 2011 I’m going somewhere I’ve never been…
I’m going to Davis, CA July 10th and 11th!
Looking forward to locking onto all the Fatties’ wheels.
Comment by Paul Guyot | 12.22.2010 | 10:16 am
And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of pink argyle.
Comment by Robin O | 12.22.2010 | 10:26 am
I’m in for the virtual century! LOL! If anyone wants to help me reach my fundraising goal feel free to click here: http://davis2011.livestrong.org/misrobin2
Fight like Susan!
Comment by stuckinmypedals | 12.22.2010 | 10:27 am
Oh, I love me some pink argyle! So glad you’re coming to California this year and bringing all the other team captains.
Comment by roan | 12.22.2010 | 10:28 am
Davis, CA July 10th & 11th can do, see you there. I even have a bike stashed there already, just need to get the pedals back from my son. Headed over to sign up now.
Thanks for being there, I mean here, I mean for being Fatty. Have a great Christmas with your beautiful (you included) family.
Comment by Shelley | 12.22.2010 | 10:52 am
Just signed up for Team Fatty! Can’t wait to finally meet Fatty in person (hopefully still minus my 10 lbs.)
P.S. Fatty, this is perfect timing–I’m just setting up my overambitious, practically unachievable training plan for the year…
Comment by yann | 12.22.2010 | 10:52 am
Done! see you there with my new Sycip/Shimano/Team Fatty bike I won from you for the San Jose fundraising challenge.
Comment by NoTrail | 12.22.2010 | 10:55 am
Already making the trip to Davis in July. Actually, I’m planning to ride there from the Seattle area. Can’t wait!
Comment by RANTWICK | 12.22.2010 | 10:59 am
I’m not really in a position (or location) to join any Team Fatty events, but boy is it ever nice to read about those of you who are. Keep it up, and I’ll keep donating to this or that Team Fatty thing as I am able.
Fatty, has anybody (including Livestrong) ever offered you a job as a fundraiser? You certainly have the knack of passing on your optimism and inspiring others, and you do it in such a fun way. Keep on keepin’ on, man.
I approached LiveStrong last year about coming on board full-time, but it didn’t go anywhere. It’s probably for the best; I think I do better working outside the system. – FC
Comment by Jenni | 12.22.2010 | 11:08 am
I’m going to Davis!
Comment by John B | 12.22.2010 | 11:09 am
I totally agree with “no zero dollar members”. Please, the least a member could do is just sign up now for the discounted $35 entry. Then “pretend” the fee is $50, then use the $15 as your first donation! $15 dollars is nothing…so, do it!
Comment by Joel | 12.22.2010 | 11:09 am
On the team, on the calendar, now it’s time to get on the bike. See you in July.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.22.2010 | 11:10 am
Jeeze. I really want to fly to davis and participate, but… man… that’s an expensive trip. Especially this year…
Serious question: Would it be wrong of me to take donations for my flight out there too?
I’m gonna have to contemplate Davis… if I end up not being able to make it, you can probably count on me as “PhillyCarlos” ;) Jen’s are big shoes to fill, but I’ll really really really try to fill them.
That is a big trip, and I don’t think anyone would fault you for not wanting to make such a long flight. I personally don’t think it’s at all wrong to ask for help for getting out there, but I could DEFINITELY use your help heading up the FC presence at the Philly event if that’s your preference. Meanwhile, I’d say you should sign up for Davis as a virtual member and do your fundraising for this event. If it turns out you can make the trip, it’s easy to change it to a rider’s registration. Sign up for Philly later. -FC
Comment by karen s | 12.22.2010 | 11:48 am
Soon after my second breast cancer diagnosis in 2009 I found your blog…and it’s one of the things I look forward to reading each morning. Thanks, too, for honoring Susan and all cancer impacted families by your efforts. There will be a discussion at our dinner TONIGHT about attending the Davis event. I hope we can pull it off. In the meantime, many thanks for making so many opportunities for me to fight the cancer-fight. (And the inspiration to lose those 10 lbs!)
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 12.22.2010 | 11:49 am
Awesome plan!!!
Comment by Skippy | 12.22.2010 | 11:57 am
Can we have the 100 miles of nowhere on the same day as one of the Giro d’italia time trial events ? The other days are going somewhere !
As all know by now i will be there for “Physically Challenged” some of whom come from the Big C , Others from “Wounded Warrior Project/soldiers ride” and of course others are Cyclists unlucky enough to be the victims of road rage or automobile stupidity.
Best to all for the Festive season and Safe cycling in the new year and those in the uk take a look at “thecyclingsilk.blogspot” as he tries to help us all
Comment by jonw9 | 12.22.2010 | 11:58 am
Kind of bummed. This was going to be the year I fly out for a challenge, and it was going to be Seattle. Now it is the same weekend as the bonus points race in my local series, so I will miss it.
Then 100 mile to nowhere I was going to do in the coldest days of February, which I may do a preemptive ride instead of waiting.
Also, I too am hoping for the return of a pink men’s jersey. Argyle, polka dots, stripes, paisley, it doesn’t matter.
Comment by jonw9 | 12.22.2010 | 12:03 pm
P.S. What were the Team Fatty Totals for 2010?
Comment by Philly Jen | 12.22.2010 | 12:05 pm
@ Carlos: Dude, are you sayin’ my feets be big? Or that they just have that sort of, uh, air about ‘em?
Cali is where it’s at, folks! Don’t you want to be with all the Fatties as we descend (ahem, en masse) on the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame?
We’ll definitely be getting together in Philly, but the place where we want to leave our mark as fundraisers is in Davis.
I’m in! How ’bout you?
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 12.22.2010 | 12:08 pm
Yeah Fatty! Look forward to seeing so many of us together in July. note: Bicycling Hall of Fame is in Davis. For or those worried about their 10lbs coming back, have no fear, Davis in July is guaranteed to make you lose that and more in 1 DAY. http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/95616 on a plus side it doesn’t rain.
I’ll have our TEAM FATTY tent ready by then and I’ll stop pie NATIONS for pie.
http://www.nationsrestaurants.com/menu/great_pies.html
Love the idea of Pink Argyle!
Comment by Leigh Anne | 12.22.2010 | 12:22 pm
So I am UCD Alumni…..sounds like a great excuse for a reunion, come on ski team members you know you all have jumped on a bike by now! See you there
Comment by CJ | 12.22.2010 | 12:32 pm
Joined the virtual team. Got the ball rolling with a small donation. Excited that Davis is only 45 minutes away. Bummed that I likely can’t do the ride on the 10th, but maybe some prior day Team Fatty events will be planned. That would be awesome! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Team Fatty!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.22.2010 | 12:44 pm
Ok! I’m all joined up for Davis. Link now directs there! Donate if you’d like!
http://davis2011.livestrong.org/carlos
Anyone who wants to room together… I’m down.
Comment by CRSonic | 12.22.2010 | 12:49 pm
Looks like I’ll be in for the virtual team this year :) Was super psyched to do LiveStrong Seattle for the very first time then they cancelled it… I am devastated…
Comment by Paul Guyot | 12.22.2010 | 1:11 pm
Anyone have advice on shipping a bike? I have never done it before.
Thanks.
Comment by MattC | 12.22.2010 | 1:12 pm
I’m IN! Sweet deal Fatty…thanks for getting the page setup before the holidays! I’m pretty jazzed…we’re gonna have a BIG team this year! Davis isn’t gonna know what hit-em! Bring it ON!
Comment by Paul Guyot | 12.22.2010 | 1:12 pm
Attention PHILLY JEN!
Email me, please. Have Livestrong Philly questions.
Comment by MattC | 12.22.2010 | 1:17 pm
@ Paul…I have shipped mine Fedex Ground a few times,…it’s a pretty good deal…I recall it being around $50 each way (with insurance for like $4000)…and that was for a full susp. Mt bike in a hardcase…prob weighed in around 55 to 60lbs (included shoes, pump, clothes, etc all jammed into the case). If you don’t have a hardcase, see if one of your local bike shops will save you a box…OR, you can find various bike shipping boxes online…some stronger than others. One thing that is VITAL: don’t forget to install a rear triangle dropout spreader…(a device that keeps your rear wheel dropouts from being squished together, thus ruining your frame). Unless your box lets you ship the bike w/ the rear wheel installed that is. Good luck, see you in Davis!
Comment by MattC | 12.22.2010 | 1:23 pm
Oh…and in all my excitement I even forgot to mention how stoked I am that you and the Runner are coming out for this one! And ClydeSteve, and PhillyJen…Mike?? Can you make it buddy? No pressure or anything, but we’re all counting on ya! This is gonna be GREAT!!!
Comment by Mike Roadie | 12.22.2010 | 1:31 pm
OK, OK, OK, OK……already!
I signed up for Davis, created my web link and made my Team Fatty donation……OK????
I can’t wait! Let’s go Team Fatty!
Comment by Mike Roadie | 12.22.2010 | 1:34 pm
@Paul
I have done the FedEx thing through a consolidator called shipbikes.com
You can buy the “ticket” for the bike online, drop it off at whatever FedEx or Kinko’s you want, and then send it back to your home address from anywhere you want.
I used them for RAGBRAI in 2009 and Tour de Cure Napa in 2010 and it worked out great. About 1 week travel time to/from Florida.
Mike
Comment by Mike/Kamala | 12.22.2010 | 1:41 pm
No Seattle event this year is a ripe PITA. I’m supposed to cut down on travel and I’ve already got a week out on the books for Ironman Canada in August, long weekend for IM70.3 Boise in June, and probably a long weekend for IM training camp in late July.
Wow, this is really quite the first-world/high choice problem I’m having.
12 hour drive to Davis? Maybe I can find some PNW folks to split the driving and make this a fairly short trip. Anyone?
Comment by Jennebelle | 12.22.2010 | 1:45 pm
I know this has nothing to do with todays post but is the final weigh-in tomorrow morning or afternoon? Or is it just whenever you want tomorrow?
Comment by deepbrook | 12.22.2010 | 1:45 pm
@Paul Guyot, I recommend renting. Generally cheaper than shipping your bike, particularly if you don’t have a container. Gives you a chance to demo something different than your normal ride. If you go the rental route, be sure to rent early. I waited too long for Austin this year, ended up checking at least ten places, all were sold out.
Fatty, please consider making Philly and Austin donations part of the Davis contest!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 12.22.2010 | 1:49 pm
@paul
I used a system from Air Caddy http://www.aircaddy.com/ for RAGBRAI in 2009.
Remove front wheel, drop/rotate handlebars down, remove seat, and lock front fork into mounting plate. Seriously sweet, and remaining room for gear. Plenty of room for tall frames, mine is a 63.
Comment by T Foster | 12.22.2010 | 2:20 pm
I’ve got some challenges to overcome, but nothing compared to the need to continue the fight. I’m planning for Davis and I’ll cross each bridge as I come to them.
Allez
P.S. Distance can seem overwhelming but remember our Fatty Philly teammate Ryan S. who made it from Hawaii.
Comment by Anne | 12.22.2010 | 3:24 pm
Davis, CA sounds interesting.
Comment by Justin L | 12.22.2010 | 3:32 pm
I am in. I was not going to ride the Livestrong challenge this year, I was going to backpack yosemite, but now that you hyped me all up. I am in, i started my fundraising today.
Comment by Squirrelhead | 12.22.2010 | 3:46 pm
What distance is everyone planning to ride? Is it possible to adjust your distance if needed at a later date? I have created an aggressive plan for next year and I really want to start doing events like this. I am really excited to do a Team Fatty event!
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 12.22.2010 | 4:32 pm
I’ve signed up and made a donation. Davis is a little far for me to go (anywhere in the US is a long way from Australia, just ask Oprah!).
I’ll definitely be in for the 100 miles to nowhere, I’ve already been checking out likely courses near my home.
Comment by deepbrook | 12.22.2010 | 4:38 pm
@Squirrelhead, you can change your distance at any time, even during the ride.
Comment by zach | 12.22.2010 | 5:35 pm
Pink Argyle!!!! And my fight for ye old boobies this year is the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago but my spirit will be with Fatty.
Comment by ecco | 12.22.2010 | 6:59 pm
Davis isn’t going to happen for me, but I’ll join the virtual challenge tomorrow with $10.00 for each pound that I’m short on the ten pound contest this month. Pizza for dinner tonight should be worth at least an additional $10.00
Anyone have training tips for Hundred Miles of Nowhere? That’s my totally unrealistic & overly optimistic training goal for the spring.
Comment by Mike/Kamala | 12.22.2010 | 7:14 pm
Damn it Fatty, why is it that I can’t say “No” to you?! Every time I try, it’s like a silent horror movie scream. My lips move, but no sound. So…
ROAD TRIP!! Seattle-Davis-Seattle with a ride and a party mixed in, 72 hours max. I’m all signed up, I ain’t a zero on the fundraising, and January 1, I’ll renew the financial assault on my every single human being I know.
Comment by Miles Archer | 12.22.2010 | 7:29 pm
Any details on what the challenge is in Davis. I assume it’s a bike ride, but where, and how far? If it’s an ironman or a marathon, I’ll cheer you guys on, but no way i’m doing it.
Regardless, i’ll be there since it’s a pretty easy drive.
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 12.22.2010 | 8:38 pm
I’m in for the 100 Miles of Nowhere, even though I said I wouldn’t do it again. Thinking about Davis….need to check at work to see if I can get time off.
So I’m in Seattle, anyone else planning on 100 Miles of Nowhere??? Company would be great.
Comment by SierraSlim | 12.23.2010 | 12:54 am
Hi, Fat Cyclist!
I JUST learned about your web site this month. I read every single one of your Top Posts last night, and laughed so hard I nearly gave myself a goiter.
I’m so new to biking, and so new to this site, that I’m not even sure what’s going on or what Team Fatty is (though if it’s for fat cyclists, sign me up!). About me: I started cycling in August at the urging of the surgeon with whom I was planning gastric bypass surgery because I weighed nearly 300 lbs!! I was 59, and it was the first time I’ve been on a bike since I was 9 — or maybe even out of my recliner in that time! Within 3 minutes I was hooked like I haven’t been hooked on anything in years. My first ride was about a mile and a half, and I thought I would die, lol. I’m up to 10 miles a day, and progressing slowly in speed and endurance. I’ve lost 48 pounds, plan to lose the rest without the surgery, my blood pressure is lower than it has been in years, and I’m THRILLED with it all.
I’m also a breast cancer survivor, and was touched immeasurably by your blogs about Susan.
I live in Sacramento, so may want to show up for whatever it is that’s happening in Davis, but don’t know if it’s for ‘real’ cyclists (who can go a bajillion miles at a bajillion miles an hour), if it requires being part of a team, or what. I HAVE signed up for a credit-card beginner’s bike tour in Idaho in June, and am trying to get in shape for that. It is supposed to be on flat terrain on paved bike paths. God is good, lol.
At any rate, I wanted to say hello and how much I am enjoying your site. Your humor and ability to write is a true gift. I would kill you for it, lol.
I will read more of your blogs to figure out what Team Fatty is, etc. Meanwhile, thanks for the chuckles.
Sierra
Comment by deepbrook | 12.23.2010 | 6:27 am
@Sierra, I’m not sure what the Davis Challenge will be like, but I rode the Austin Challenge (my first LiveStrong event) this past October and so have some recent experience. Sure, that ride had a 90 mile loop, but it also had shorter distances down to 10 miles. By July, you’ll no doubt be well above 10, probably easily 25. And the only speed limits are at the high end!
Oh, and Team Fatty is the best team ever. No tryouts, just say you’re on the team and you’re on. I’ve only been reading for about a year and a half, and only actively involved this year, but I can tell you that you won’t find a better, more welcoming group of people anywhere on the planet. And I haven’t even begun to touch on the group’s profound propensity to raise funds and in general do good for others.
Welcome!
Comment by Meghan | 12.23.2010 | 7:38 am
Thanks for another year of great plans!
We are losing my grandfather to Stage IV cancer right now. I didn’t expect to spend my Christmas around a hospice bed, but here we are and I’m devastated. What I can think about, though, is the virtual support network that Team Fatty has built; and to me, that is precious.
Thanks for being there, everyone, even if you didn’t know you were. :)
Comment by Jennebelle | 12.23.2010 | 7:51 am
Ahhh! Where’s the final weigh in? I actually made it and I am soooo excited!
Comment by Jenni | 12.23.2010 | 7:58 am
Carlos, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with soliciting donations to get you to Davis, just be clear and ask people if 10% or something can be used for it. I can’t imagine people would say no.
In any case, I’m on board for the Philly contingent too. Wonder how long it would take to ride there from here…
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » “Lose Ten Pounds By Christmas” Final Weigh-in (Updated As Often As Necessary) | 12.23.2010 | 8:26 am
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Comment by Squirrelhead | 12.23.2010 | 9:21 am
I am all signed up for Davis CA!!! This will be my first LiveStrong event and the first time meeting anyone from Team Fatty! I am extremely excited for both!
http://davis2011.livestrong.org/squirrelhead
Comment by Kim | 12.23.2010 | 12:48 pm
Signed up! Davis is fantastic, I rode through there back in August on my way cross country! I’ll get out there if I can, but until then I’ll stick with the virtual ride.
Comment by Matthew | 12.23.2010 | 4:39 pm
Livestrong’s Kintera page wouldn’t let me, so I’ll do it here. Donation made, thanks for writing… But when is the Fatty Bike Book and associated Book Related Appearance series happening?
Comment by Anonymous | 12.23.2010 | 6:10 pm
In a matter of 30 minutes I went from theres no way I can do that, to I wonder how much a flight would cost, to telling my family they better open up their wallets to donate cause I am flying 3000 miles to ride in the Davis Livestrong event. Hopefully I am going to sign up in the next few days. I am already signed up for Philly so that will be 2 centuries in 2 months… time to start training.
Comment by Jeremy | 12.28.2010 | 10:54 pm
Okay. I’m in. Now the great debate begins – how to get there and where to stay.
Comment by Jeremy | 12.28.2010 | 10:57 pm
Maybe the Coast Starlight train from the good old PNW to Davis is an option, rather than driving.
Comment by Zeeeter | 12.31.2010 | 12:09 pm
Just signed up for this. 100 Miles . Never done anything like this before. A few challenges – 1) no road bike yet (think a 29er stumpjumper will work :D? ), 2) never ridden anywhere near this distance, 3) not told my better half yet! Should be easy right? Hope you guys will help out along the way – I’m going to blog this end to end I think, could be fun!