Start Getting Ready for the 2011 100 Miles of Nowhere
Hey, remember how I got LASIKs a few months ago? Well guess what? i AM NOW COMPLETELY BLIND.
Ok, that’s not true. But my left eye doesn’t see a lot better now than it did pre-surgery. So today I’m headed under the blade-o’-light again to see if this time things go better.
I’m headed over to Al’s House of BBQ and LASIK in twenty minutes. I’m very, very excited.
Sadly, though, this means I don’t have a ton of time to write right now, and I’m supposed to lay off the computerin’ tomorrow, too.
So I’m just going to quickly go through a (fairly short) laundry list of a few things I’d like you to consider, weigh in on, and otherwise hobnob about for the next couple of days.
Item The First: The 100 Miles of Nowhere
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the Fourth Annual 100 Miles of Nowhere. Well, it’s definitely going to be on, and I’m tentatively planning on June 4 as the “race” day.
Related to that, I’m happy to say that Twin Six will be designing the T-Shirt (again). I wanted to get your thoughts around other aspects of the race.
- Call for Sponsors: Do you work for or know a company that would like to be a part of the most ridiculous event ever created? Considering that you’ll get lots of good coverage in my blog, you’ll be doing something good in the fight against cancer, and you’ll get your product out in front of hundreds of people, maybe you should want to sponsor the 100 Miles of Nowhere. If you’re interested, email me. Pronto.
- How important is the swag bag to you? Which is to say, if I said, “First 500 people to register get a swag bag, everyone else gets a t-shirt and a nameplate,” would you register even if you didn’t make the first 500 cutoff?
- What can we do to make this more of a community event? My original 100 Miles of Nowhere was just me, alone in a room. Since then, it’s become much more entertaining, with people winning it on cul-de-sacs, unicycles, and aircraft carriers, just to name a few extremely strange divisions. It’s become a fun thing to do with people you like (or hold a grudge against). So what can I do to make it a way for you to include more people, and raise more money?
I look forward to your ideas. This is gonna be fun.
Item The Second: I Want Some New Header Photos
I’ve been using the same photo in my blog header for so long now. And while the “Approved by UCI” logo gives it a touch of new hilarity, I’d really like to start rotating some new photos in.
So, do me a favor. Email me your bike-related photos you think might make a good blog header. Use the subject line “Header Photo.”
What can you win? Um, nothing. Sorry. You just get the satisfaction of having your photo be at the top of my blog for a while. And photo credit for sure. And — if you like — a link to your site.
Oh, and please don’t send me anything you don’t have the right to loan me (You of course retain ownership of the photo; you just need to have the rights to let me use it).
OK, I’m off to get lasified. I’ll be back Monday.
Comment by Rob | 02.17.2011 | 7:55 am
Hey, any fattys in south America that want to get together? I started a 14,000 mile tour two weeks ago but would still like to do the 100 miles v4. Also I have a new shimano deore chainset which is a bit too heavy for me to carry, I’m in San Antonio (Argentina) at the moment if anyone is near there they can have it, I have to get rid of it.
Rob
Comment by Miles Archer | 02.17.2011 | 8:01 am
Fatty,
I’m looking for a unicycle update. What happened? Did you fall off?
Comment by Stephen | 02.17.2011 | 8:07 am
Swag bag not necessary – as long as I get a t-shirt.
If it helps fight cancer, I would do it without the t-shirt.
Comment by Dr. Lasik | 02.17.2011 | 8:10 am
We’ll get it right this time — we swear it! At least until your vision changes again.
Comment by Jamieson | 02.17.2011 | 8:13 am
Aww man, I’ve loved being in the header photo of your blog for a year and a half!
Where can we pre-register?
Comment by Josh | 02.17.2011 | 8:23 am
I’m in regardless of swag or t-shirt.
Comment by Graham | 02.17.2011 | 8:38 am
Since it is entirely likely that one or more items in the swag bag will be entirely too small or inappropriate for a rider of my, er, “stature” the availability of swag is a fun perk, but not strictly necessary.
This year I’ll be attempting to get a racing team together for the event. I imagine that riding the block for an entire day will be more fun with people to talk to.
Comment by Theresa @ActiveEggplant | 02.17.2011 | 8:40 am
Swag bag or not – still an event I’ll register for! Already marked June 4 on my calendar – looking forward to my first Hundie!
Comment by nooch | 02.17.2011 | 8:54 am
Wait.. There was supposed to be a name plate last year? Aww man :( I never got one!
I do however <3 the bag o swag..
Comment by gfurry | 02.17.2011 | 8:56 am
T-shirt is good for me. I can live without the other swag although the dznuts sampler pack was very welcomed during last years event.
Comment by not much further... | 02.17.2011 | 8:58 am
we loved the swag bag – had to pay customs charges on it anyway as the value was declared at $100 for the UK anyway – particularly loved the t shirts , thanks to twin 6 as usual! we’ll be in again thats for sure!
Comment by Timbone | 02.17.2011 | 9:01 am
I would love to register for 100mon but the entry fee is kind of steep. What about the standard entry for those who want swag and then $30ish bucks for those who just want a shirt?
I bet people would be all over that and you’d raise more money than ever before because it would get people like me to register and shipping the extra shirts wouldn’t be too much more work.
Comment by Sara | 02.17.2011 | 9:12 am
My husband won one of the 100MON T-shirts from the weight loss challenge and we feel guilty for not having done it last year, so we’re planning one on our own in the coming month or so. Hoping to send in a race report in due time…
We’d also love to sign up for 100MONv4 [btw, how many different ways do you think we can all invent to refer to this thing?!] this coming year with or without swag.
We just love doing stupid stuff. :)
Comment by alison | 02.17.2011 | 9:19 am
We missed the cutoff and did our own swag. I dare say the Twin Six tshirt we selected was WAY cooler. [Rock Hard/Roll Fast]. Also key to the swag – mint Gu. If you don’t have Monkey Wipes in your bike bag – get ‘em! Never change a tire without them. Got our own argyle water bottle and threw in a yellow livestrong band to finish it off.
We love the 100 Fatty – glad you are doing it again.
I say keep the swag small and give away some of the bigger swag for wacky category winners which are selected by you using completely subjective criteria.
Comment by matt | 02.17.2011 | 9:23 am
I’d probably do it without the swag (or try like heck to get in under the cutoff!) but I loves me some t-shirts…
Comment by Dan | 02.17.2011 | 9:23 am
Thank you for doing 100MON again this year!
As far as swag goes, I’d be OK with just a t-shirt and a nameplate. On top of that, a commemorative water bottle would be too cool for school!
Comment by Brandon | 02.17.2011 | 9:41 am
100 MoN v4! I’d be in for the T-shirt. I wear these with pride.
Otherwise, what about distributing banners to span over our chosen the streets of pain? The huge blow-up Redbull-type would be preferred. Do you think Redbull would sponser this?
Comment by Edie | 02.17.2011 | 9:58 am
I’m happy just to participate because now I have a bike that will go the distance. Plus, I completely forgot about the swag bag until you mentioned it.
Comment by Deuce | 02.17.2011 | 10:04 am
I agree with most. No swag bag, but I WANT a T-shirt! I’m in regardless!
Comment by jweb | 02.17.2011 | 10:08 am
Possibly include an option in the registration for “I would like a swag bag” vs “I would like a t-shirt only” vs “I care not for swag bag nor t-shirt”?
That way, the people who really want swag bags can get them (if they’re one of the first 500 to register and indicate that they want one), those who only want the t-shirt can get it (and, perhaps, thereby give more of their registration money to Livestrong?), and those who don’t want either one can then send their entire registration money to Livestrong.
Just a thought.
Comment by Anthony | 02.17.2011 | 10:22 am
I suggest disgnating a twitter hash tag, something like #100mon2011, so that people can follow along, encourage and commiserate in real time. People without twitter accounts could still follow the live updates.
Comment by Anthony | 02.17.2011 | 10:23 am
Not sure how I managed to mis-type ‘designating’ that badly. Sorry, folks.
Comment by Rob D. | 02.17.2011 | 10:28 am
100MON is on my bday, sweet! Is it cool if I swim it instead… and um, maybe scale down the 100 miles part a little :)
Comment by hannah | 02.17.2011 | 10:32 am
I love the swag but would still happily register for the 100 MoN for just a t-shirt and the chance to dominate my division.
Good luck with the lasification.
Comment by Dan in Sac | 02.17.2011 | 10:38 am
T-shirt sounds cool. I’m looking forward to my first 100 to nowhere.
Note: maybe you want to get an extended warranty on both eye balls.
Comment by Fletch | 02.17.2011 | 10:43 am
Don’t need the swag bag. But would like a t-shirt and would not mind paying for it.
Can’t believe you are getting your eyes done again, the video of the first time nearly made me throw up!
Anyone in the Detroit area wanting to get a team together?
Comment by Clydesteve | 02.17.2011 | 10:52 am
Fatty – Do not Blink! Good luck with the Lasikerizing.
Comment by skippy | 02.17.2011 | 10:56 am
@rob at 7.55 the argentine Para cyclists would love your donation! Find them at email: mailto:argentina@coparg.org.ar
Wish i was along on the ride instead of being turned radio active by the various scans whilst they find the source of the thrombosis. Good news is that the 100 m o n is after the Giro d’Italia period. “Wings for Life” would be a great entry point to Red Bull sponsorship.
Comment by MikeF | 02.17.2011 | 11:04 am
I plan to tackle the 100MON this year. I would LOVE to get my entire cycling club in on this and get them on to your blog and your message (cancer not Meat-ergy bars even though its genius). I bet I could get more to do it if the entry fee was lower (and you probably could too). I realize the point is raising money (and being crazy) but just an opinion. I think a swag bag isnt worth having to limit the number of folks taking part. Most events just give a shirt and a bottle or something.
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 02.17.2011 | 11:14 am
100MON in Detroit? Isn’t that redundant? Sorry, Fletch that was too easy, I like Detroit, and the Chrysler commercial reminds us of it’s proud history and strength to move forward.
Banner headers: Let’s start with a bicycle in front of the Joe Louis Fist in Detroit, somewhat symbolic of the good fight.
http://voiceofdetroit.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Joe-Louis-fist-2.jpg
Or… maybe a sketch from the ‘kids’ like the famous rainproof bicycle cartoon.
As for a sponsor…We need a pie company. not the mathematical pi, real pie.
.
Comment by Jack | 02.17.2011 | 11:16 am
I am planning to ride the 100 Miles to Nowhere with or without swag. I’ll try for the swag, but it is not the driving factor. I have a (hopefully) unique spin in mind for my ride. June 4th is a challenge because that is the day of my daughter’s high school graduation. I’ll have to start early and I have been recruiting my daughter to shoot some video, so she will want to do that before she starts getting ready for graduation.
Comment by Lesley Jacobs | 02.17.2011 | 11:21 am
Hi Fatty,
I LOVE my t-shirt, and I love my water bottle… the stuff in the swag bag kept me fed, watered and “blissed” while on my 100 miles. I thank your sponsors!
I’m in again this year! and I am trying to think of something new to do this year. Last year it was a front yard spinning-bike race (which my husband tried to win at the last minute but I snagged onto his shirt and held him back.) This year I’m trying to think of ways to engage more people. I had a bake sale (cupcakes are a great way to draw in the neighbors) last year while I raced. I hereby put out a call out to people in Seattle who have stationary bikes or rollers, and see how many people want to join me. I think it would be fun to move the bikes up and down the street (even if they are stationary) HA!
Looking forward to another fun event!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 02.17.2011 | 11:26 am
UCI Approved of course.
Comment by Drdave | 02.17.2011 | 11:33 am
I would still do it, with or without the swag bag.
I had an article published in our local paper last year that highlighted the race, your blog site and the Livestrong Foundation. It was a pretty cool article and many members of the community asked me if I wanted donations for completing the race. I declined last year but I make more of a big deal about it this year, then donate all the funds to Team Fatty.
Comment by Jase | 02.17.2011 | 11:40 am
June 4??? I’m doing an actual century that weekend! :(
And I’m already registered for it …
do I do two, one 100 miles of somewhere, and one 100 miles of nowhere?
Comment by jt | 02.17.2011 | 11:45 am
Fatty,
The swag bag is nice, but not even close to being the reason I sign up.
The third edition of our local version (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/100MilesToNowhere) is schedule for April 23. Last year we ~40 participants and donors. I expect that to grow again this year. As always, if you find yourself down Phoenix way around then, you are most welcome to join us.
jt
Comment by Jenni | 02.17.2011 | 11:46 am
I don’t care at all about the swag but I definitely want a tshirt. I don’t think I used hardly anything from the swag bag before. This event is cool enough, swag won’t sway anyone, save the sponsor effort for something else.
I’d also be happy for a lower entry fee to the official contest, money’s tight!
Comment by Kevin M | 02.17.2011 | 11:52 am
I would do it for nothing. T shirt is nice but the swag bag is not that important to me. Let’s go crazy on this one.
Comment by BamaJim | 02.17.2011 | 12:18 pm
Looking forward to doing this again. I’m also fine with less or no swag, but I do like the t shirts a lot.
Comment by skinny clydesdale | 02.17.2011 | 12:18 pm
I would do it for just the t-shirt and name plate. I wanted to do it last year, but didn’t sign up in time. I think you could raise a lot more money by not limiting entries to how many swag bags you have.
Comment by fAT bIKE rACER | 02.17.2011 | 12:19 pm
Wouldn’t it be better to do this in the middle of winter? There’s no way I’ll ever touch a trainer in June.
Comment by Neil | 02.17.2011 | 12:22 pm
Woo! Swag-bags are nice, but not the reason. T-shirts are awesome, but again not the reason. Really really would like a t-shirt though as they get worn with pride; the only bike event shirt I actually wear in public.
99of29 sounds like it is NOT going to be a “jump the gun” event this year. Weird. Hoping to get 99of29 shirts made up too!
Comment by Liz | 02.17.2011 | 12:25 pm
I’m in, swag or no. A t-shirt would be nice but even that is optional. I’ll make the donation and ride even if I miss the cut-off.
You could give each entrant a grab bag of items — say you collected 500 items from 10 sponsors and you have 1000 entrants — you could say, “You will get five randomly selected items from the list of ten items below.” That way, everyone gets a swag bag even if it has a bit less stuff in it.
Best wishes with your eye. You are brave.
Comment by Team Coffee Nook | 02.17.2011 | 12:50 pm
I have a ton of swag (TWSS), just a T-shirt would be fine.
Comment by Squirrelhead | 02.17.2011 | 1:19 pm
I love me some t-shirts, especially is Twin Six is involved! Swag is good but not a requirement. I am in for the 100MoN for sure. It helps to make sure I am ready for Davis CA. I booked my flights last night! Now all I have to do is figure out where I am going to stay.
Comment by chickenbocks | 02.17.2011 | 1:26 pm
1. I was one of the peeps who wrote to you asking when the 100 MoN would be, so, thankee!
2. Though I dig swag, I’ll ride no matter – I do want a Tshirt though – It’d give me mad street cred with my homeys, yo!
3. I say (a) don’t limit the number of entries, and (b) raise the entry fee to a buck a mile – $100. It has a certain symetry, it’s for a great cause, it’d raise the end result by 25%, we all get to feel good for contributing to a great cause and don’t have to mess with they pesky begging that normal fundraiser rides require.
Ride On!
Comment by Clair | 02.17.2011 | 1:47 pm
The swag bag’s not such a big deal for me, as long as I get a t-shirt. I’m thinking about a relay to get some friends involved who aren’t to 100 mile fitness levels yet. Does the 100 miles to nowhere have a relay division yet? Would that be within the rules?
Comment by zach in a cubicle | 02.17.2011 | 1:47 pm
Stephen without a shirt!! Should I shudder or swoon?
Joe’s fist needs a bike handle.
Comment by Dave M | 02.17.2011 | 1:47 pm
I’d do it for a t-shirt. I’m already wondering what the neighbors will say as I ride around the .25 mile loop.
Comment by R. Kelley | 02.17.2011 | 2:55 pm
would you consider making extra event t-shirts and selling them online! since i too far away from the event i won’t be able to make it. but it would be cool to get a t-shirt. could raise some extra money!?
Comment by Michele | 02.17.2011 | 3:04 pm
Maybe http://therollercam.com could help make this more social?
Though I have to say that seeing people I know tweet about RollerCam or hearing them talk about it makes me feel incredibly old.
Comment by 3d brian | 02.17.2011 | 3:45 pm
Ideas for getting more people involved:
Set it up to be like “Relay for Life” where participants can ask for donations – you would need to set up something to receive donations.
Ditch the swag bags and have a raffle with a few great prizes instead. Everyone who enters the race gets a chance – those who get others to donate get more chances.
Have a team/group/relay category where the entry fee is less per person and they see how many total miles of nowhere they can do. (I think one of the challenges is expanding it much further because $75 for a not-actual-event is a bit steep for someone who isn’t an ardent fat cyclist fan.)
Comment by Gumby | 02.17.2011 | 3:56 pm
Headquarters for 100 MoN could be in Nowhere, Oklahoma… It’s about 2 miles SE of Fort Cobb State Park which has lots of RV spaces, camping, etc. Three loops around the reservoir should do it!
Comment by chrisfit2009 | 02.17.2011 | 4:00 pm
Victory over the suckage will be reward enough. Although if I get a t-shirt or some other swag, that’d be cool too.
Comment by Eric | 02.17.2011 | 4:18 pm
I can’t wait. I have something special in mind for this years event.
Comment by Pedalpink | 02.17.2011 | 4:40 pm
In 2009 we rode 100 miles on the trainer in a local park. In 2010 we rode the trainer in the garage (horrible weather) watching swim-bike-run movies to make it a tri-ing (fun) experience.
2011? June 4th? It will be a different experience ’cause we have to go somewhere. To be exact, we have to ride 600km for our last Paris-Brest-Paris qualifier. We’ll be doing an extra … 272 miles.
I like idea of surprise swag – like what happens in real life along the tour. Each bag can have a random assortment different from the next. Of last year’s bag, I liked the movie the best (and I am a huge Twin Six fan so no disrespect to the t’shirts).
Comment by Darren | 02.17.2011 | 5:39 pm
Swag is always nice but not necessary….. Tshirts rock and raise awareness to the next years event. Forts one for me and I would like to make it an event. Keep those past 100mon tips coming folks. They are a great help.
160KMON2011 (I am Canadian after all)
Comment by Paul | 02.17.2011 | 6:12 pm
Go for the schwag bag. I’d def pay $50-60 and do it for just a shirt.
Comment by Doug (way upstate NY) | 02.17.2011 | 7:15 pm
Cannot wait! T-shirt a must. Swag nice to have.
Comment by RonnaJD | 02.17.2011 | 7:24 pm
T-shirt would be enough, wish we could get groups organized to make it more fun though.
Comment by Anonymous | 02.17.2011 | 7:47 pm
My $.02 is to move the 100MON to early early spring or dead of winter. I already have plenty of events to look forward to in the spring/summer/fall, but none in the winter.
Comment by Jim B | 02.17.2011 | 7:55 pm
I concur with others: the T-shirt is the highlight and a great way to spread the word. I wouldn’t miss the rest of the swag.
Comment by AndyH | 02.17.2011 | 7:59 pm
Would def. Do the two level registration. Let them who can afford it pay more for schwag. I loved the randomness of it all.
The community aspect is tough. I had people who “helped” with 100mtn. Maybe a schwag kit for those who raise more money so they can spread the schwag around to those that help…
Comment by AndyH | 02.17.2011 | 8:02 pm
Point of clarification: we did 100mtn around a neighborhood park that was .25 miles. 400 laps of madness. We had others that wanted to help so we rode 400 laps in the aggregate. I felt bad we didn’t raise more money and also that I had no shirt for them that helped….
Comment by roan | 02.17.2011 | 8:51 pm
Luv where-in my 100MoN T, people just don’t get it. Bikes on trainers with zero resistance is whimpy, 400 laps around a velodrome tough (dang I still owe about 160 laps, that make me one sick wimp too). On rollers…true grit. Loved the rollers on the side of the road (going uphill WOW). And Lesley’s ‘Madison’ sprint finish. Already perfected my swagger, fit to a T, Perfect. Yea T6 & Fatty (retired) wish cancer was too.
Comment by Kevin | 02.17.2011 | 9:16 pm
+1 on Monkey Wipes as a sponsor if they’re cool. I have a stash of single packages and shop rolls from them and they’re awesome.
We treated 100MoN as a fundraiser in Emporia,KS last year – had a group of 8 riders, set up in front of High Gear Cyclery, and tried to raise a little extra for Livestrong. I’d like to do it again like that, but June 4th happens to be the date for this year’s Dirty Kanza 200. Technically we’re still going nowhere (starting/ending in Emporia), but I’m pushing to do our “official” 100MoN a week or so earlier.
Comment by Ron | 02.17.2011 | 10:36 pm
Does the 100MoN have a trail running division?
Comment by Jeremy | 02.17.2011 | 11:41 pm
Swag is cool, but the shirt is what I come back for. :-)
I’m so excited to get my stupid on again this year.
Comment by The Former 550 Pounds Cyclist | 02.18.2011 | 12:40 am
Swag bag or not – still an event I’ll register for! Already marked on my calendar
Comment by Paul W | 02.18.2011 | 2:38 am
I’m in; t-shirt would be cool, but will do it anyway.
Now in my Outlook diary, so ‘the rules’ say I can’t back out under any circumstances ….
Comment by the BORG | 02.18.2011 | 3:16 am
This is too late, sorry. I would have considered having the laser implanted on the second go round.
I assume you are right eye dominate, a laser left eye would be awesome. Then you could ‘unretire’ and really give “the look” back to all those riders that are drafting you.
On the subj of “Header Photos” isn’t there a pic of you blowing a front tire on contact on a downhill plunge. A TRUE header if ever.
Comment by NoTrail | 02.18.2011 | 6:55 am
I have unfortunately missed the last three due to a variety of reason. So this year, I’m in regardless.
Looking forward to the pain.
Comment by Johan | 02.18.2011 | 7:17 am
There was a name plate?
Swag was nice, especially as I used all of it. Not essential though.
The T-shirt was great. Wearing it is a good way to spread the word about the 100MON.
Comment by Sylvia | 02.18.2011 | 9:17 am
Love the tshirt. Would do without.
Comment by Clydesteve | 02.18.2011 | 10:48 am
The Swag bag is fun, but does not sway me one way or the other. I do like the T-6 tee, though.
Comment by pgreen | 02.18.2011 | 11:20 am
No need for the swag. Just the T-shirt.
I need a new route this year though. I am still a bit dizzy from last years route!
Comment by Roses | 02.18.2011 | 11:45 am
While I enjoyed trying out Carborocket, I’d rather just have the T-shirt. Was already thinking I’d just particpate unofficially so that someone else would get the chance to get the limited swag. But… I’d really, really, really want a T-shirt.
Comment by Erik | 02.18.2011 | 12:09 pm
I’m a schwag whore. Bring it.
Comment by Zac | 02.18.2011 | 12:15 pm
I’m planning on doing the 100mon at the abandoned velodrome in Detroit. 500 laps should do it. If other people show up it could end up looking like a NASCAR race.
Comment by Embolisms | 02.18.2011 | 4:42 pm
Fatty is a big advocate of eating and drinking well when indulginig in Sport and physical activity !
Those not paying attention to their body pay a heavy price and their friends and relatives are left to pick up the pieces once you have passed on.
Proper preparation is the key to success and listening to your health professionals advice before indulging in trenuous activity whether running or cycling will make a huge difference to the outcomes!
“BE PREPARED” is the boy scout motto and Norman Vincent Peel had C. B. A. as a motto for those needing inspiration :
Conceive , Believe , Achieve .
Good Luck with the 100 miles of nowhere !
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 02.18.2011 | 11:56 pm
I am definitely in this year, swag or no swag!
Comment by George | 02.19.2011 | 11:24 am
No swag required! Will be my first time in this year and can’t wait.
Comment by Kevin | 02.19.2011 | 9:43 pm
Hope the re-fry on the eye went well. I had both done about 10 years ago, and had to have my right re-done 6 months later. Ended up perfect, lasik is one of the best decisions I ever made.
Comment by Gillian | 02.20.2011 | 6:40 am
I didn’t read all 84 preceding comments, so forgive me if this idea is a repeat, but regarding your third question of how to include the wider community . . . I used to be Team Captain of a Relay for Life team. The idea behind RFL, with which you may be familiar but I’ll explain in case you aren’t, is that teams of people work together to walk around a track for 24 hours – taking it in relay. Similar idea to your 100 Miles of Nowhere. But anyway, during the daytime of this 24 hour period, we had a fair set up around the track – booths selling fair food, fair games, crafts, etc. Each booth was run by a team raising money for cancer. Music played, there were shows put on by local kid dance groups and the school band, all kinds of amazing stuff. It was held on the high school track. Anyway, you could think about starting something similar – invite teams to set up fair booths around the area where the cyclists are riding. There’s more of a safety issue, of course – people mill about the track at the RFL fair, but couldn’t really do so if there were a bunch of cyclists riding by. But it’s an idea to work with, perhaps! Note that Relay for Life started as just a guy trying to raise money by walking a track for 24 hours, and now it’s grown into a multi million dollar nationwide fundraiser. I think 100 Miles to Nowhere has the potential to do the same.
Comment by Mandy | 02.20.2011 | 7:29 am
I am doing the 100 miles to nowhere whether I am in the first 500 or not. So, I guess that means that I don’t care so much about the swag bag, although it is really cool and I appreciated it – I would still be torturing myself. It was too much…well, not fun. BUT this time I plan on setting up my trainer at the mall that is near a local cancer center to try and get some $ raised…I would ride around the mall (inside would be kind of funny) but then people would have to chase me down to put money in my bucket. ANd I would have to carry the bucket.
Comment by Richard | 02.20.2011 | 7:42 am
I’ll take anything you are preparted to ship to Australia. I’ll even pay the freight.
Comment by ian | 02.20.2011 | 9:02 am
As above, the option to register for swag or T shirt is a good idea.
My grumble, I only wanted a T shirt and I too had to pay customs tax for the UK to the value of the swag, (I appreciate that the customs tax is out of your control.)
Comment by Bignslow | 02.20.2011 | 2:55 pm
Fatty,
I too will be doing an outdoor century on June 4…but will gladly sponsor you for your 100 MON. Swag or T-shirt…it’s what the ride’s about that is important. Would love to see the 100 MON during the early spring when the weather here (Indiana) still stinks. However, as noted, I’m in whether I ride nowhere or somewhere.
Comment by iammykl | 02.21.2011 | 12:43 am
I’m with Ron at 10:36. . . . “Does the 100MoN have a trail running division?” How rad would that be. Now THAT’s street cred. Yo!
Comment by iammykl | 02.21.2011 | 12:45 am
Oops. Forgot my question mark after “How rad would that be?”
Comment by NYCCarlos | 02.21.2011 | 11:14 am
I personally love the swag, but it’s not the reason I did it last year and will definitely do it this year… The saddle bag and the tee shirt and the waterbottles… they were really awesome. And the food was good too! But regardless of what you decide, I’m in.
Comment by Jenn | 02.22.2011 | 1:13 am
I was planning to get a big group together for this in Germany, but that weekend is the Tour de la Libertie in Belgium, so we will all be riding about 250 miles to somewhere. On another weekend, I’d be in with our without swag.
Comment by Jenn | 02.22.2011 | 1:13 am
Or, not our. Duhr.
Comment by Healthy Life is Easy | 02.22.2011 | 11:28 am
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Comment by Mike Campana | 02.22.2011 | 11:33 am
Hi Fatty,
10,000 miles of Nowhere! Just an idea, if you expanded your first 50 to first 100 registrations, you would be talking an exponentially different story of 10,000 miles! Just an idea!
I look forward to participating!
-Mike
Comment by Dan | 02.22.2011 | 9:27 pm
GOTTA HAVE THE T-SHIRT, it makes for a great conversation piece (most people just don’t get it though). Other swag not required.
+1 on doing the 100MON in the “off-season” regardles, we’ll be doing 100MON2011 (we just may have to do it a few days or weeks early. Although this would technically disqualify us from winning our the tandem category, we’re still in!
+1 on getting Twin Six to print up extra t-shirts, charge a few extra bucks and gent more funds to Livestrong.
Comment by Biking Jim | 02.23.2011 | 1:38 am
Fatty- I loved that swag bag!!!! so much great stuff, loved the carbo rocket the dznuts the water bottles the seat bag the hat the cliff bar products and more! all of it, everything I loved it all and by the end of the ride was very glad I had it all. And the tshirt! I wear it with pride I love it and cant wait to get another. But none of it is necessary- we are happy to support and ride with you- Biking Jim
Comment by BrewCityChris | 02.24.2011 | 8:37 pm
Can’t wait, Swag was good last year. I’ll definitely sign up either way. Great cause and lots of fun. Neighborhood kids were watching my niece and I do 3/4 mile laps round and round the block. Great way to get people talking about supporting the fight against Cancer. Keep doin what you do Fatty!
Comment by Joachim | 02.27.2011 | 6:20 am
Hi Fatty,
guess what was in the mail yesterday? My prize of the “Lose 10 pounds by christmas” challenge. And – it’s a “100 miles of nowhere” shirt. So I was thinking this would be the appropriate place to say thank you so much – you and Lisa, who obviously did the mailing. Thanks! The shirt is great and I loved to lose the weight (and maybe even more to gain 4 lbs over the holidays…).
Now for the hundred miles: I would love to participate and I would register no matter if I received a swag bag or not. But unfortunately (I’m joking) I already have a date with four buddies to go on a mountain bike trip through the black forrest in Southern Germany. So I’ll have to wait til next year…
Greetings from across the pond, Jo
Comment by Natalie | 03.4.2011 | 12:01 am
Greetings!
I have been a lurker and lover of your blog for about a year, but I never comment. I’m a social director for a large triathlon club in Spokane, Washington, and I am very interested in learning more about 100 mile of going nowhere. This activity/fund raiser may be something that our athletes would love to embrace and participate in. If you have a chance, could you please email me with some details about it?
Thanks so much!
BTW, I read your latest post, along with Dug’s post, in bed last night on my laptop whilst my husband tried to sleep. I did my best to keep quiet, but couldn’t hold in my sheer laughter at the hilarity of you two and your reactions to Scott. Well done!
Nat
Comment by Celeste | 03.10.2011 | 7:46 pm
People doing the 100 MoN on trainers could set up their computers and Skype each other. :)
Comment by Claire | 03.11.2011 | 3:56 pm
Mom and I are in! I’m really proud of my t-shirt, but I’d do it without. I gave my swag bag, minus the rockin’ seat bag, to a bike racer friend of mine and she got a real kick out of it. Thanks bunches for the kick in the pants to do this!