The 2012 Plan, Part II
A “What? You Still Haven’t Bought My Book?” Note from Fatty : I’ll be sending out the last of the pre-ordered copies of Comedian Mastermind: The Best of FatCyclist.com, 2005-2007 , this Monday, which means I now have a pretty good idea of how many books I have left over.
And I’ve got more than 100 left over. Which means unless I sell some of these, everyone I know is going to get a copy for Christmas. And for their birthdays. For the next eight years.
Which means that you can still order a book and — if you’re in the US — have a very good chance of it arriving before Christmas.
If you’re outside the US, well, I’m currently looking into a way for you to order a book without it being back-breakingly expensive, postage-wise. So don’t order a book right now, but know that I’m working on it. Specifically, at least for Europe, I’m talking with a guy about shipping a whole buncha copies to him, and having him shipping them out from there. I think that would save us each some money. Cool?
Meanwhile, if you’re in the US, just use the order form below. I should be able to get you your book in plenty of time for you to give as a gift, or just to read for yourself. And this time of year, it’s kinda nice to do something for yourself, right? Right.
The 2012 Plan, Part II
Let me begin this post by saying “thanks.” Your comments yesterday, listing a buncha really interesting rides, gave me a serious case of wanderlust. With all the cool events you people have got me adding to my bucket list, I’m going to need a bigger bucket.
With that said, here’s part 2 of my “To Do” event list for 2012
Timp Trail 50K (October 13)
This one’s another running event, and kinda scary, and kinda tentative. Basically, it’s like a seriously hard marathon plus another few miles, on seriously climby fire road and single track. In October.
The Hammer wants to do it, though, and I like doing stuff with The Hammer. I am beginning to get the sense, I’ve got to say, that she’s doing more and more off-road endurance runs with something bigger in mind. Something that begins with “L” and ends with “eadville 100.”
AF Canyon Half Marathon (June 25)
I love that this event benefits those who can’t afford their cancer treatment, and I love that it is in my favorite place in the world. And I love that it is all downhill and is very, very fast. And I love that it goes by where The Hammer and I got married.
I love everything about this race, really.
Tour de Pink: West Coast
Along with the LiveStrong Challenge in Davis, this is going to be the other big Team Fatty Fundraiser in 2012. I expect this will be in October (but I don’t have dates). Dustin Brady of Shimano and I are going to show the Young Survival Coalition what happens when a couple of guys who really hate cancer bring in the big guns (hint: you guys are the big guns).
More info on this soon.
Levi’s Gran Fondo
This one’s a can’t-miss. I just love doing this ride. And I love the after-ride carnival atmosphere even more. It’s just a great weekend. Even though Levi Leipheimer’s always walking around like he’s some kind of bigshot or something.
Other Stuff That’s On My Mind
Those are just the big events. There are other things I want to do, too:
- A 24 Hour Race, Solo: This is something I’ve thought about doing, but have never done. I think 2012 is the year I might do it. I believe that it will make for the most repetitive and whiney race report ever.
- Weekly Races: There’s a cool weekly MTB race series close to where I live. Every year I think to myself that I ought to get involved with it. As in, both race it and provide prizes and stuff. I think that this year, I’m going to make good on that threat.
- Start Getting Ready for Another Ironman: The Hammer and I once promised ourselves that we would never do another Ironman. I think that in 2013 (not 2012) we’ll break that promise. And I believe we’ll break that promise in New Zealand. Mostly because we both really want to visit New Zealand someday. And you know what would be cool? If you started training for that exact same race (i.e., the 2013 New Zealand Ironman) and did it with us.
- Other Local Races: Cyclists in Utah are lucky; once you get into Spring, it’s a rare weekend that doesn’t have a cool local event. I want to start being a part of those, too.
This Weekend
All of that’s in the future, though. This weekend — tomorrow, in fact — The Hammer and I are running the 2011 Death Valley Trail Marathon.
I believe next week I shall have something to say about how it goes.
Comment by LidsB2 | 12.1.2011 | 3:51 pm
FC — You are one ambitious dude. I’m tired just reading about it, but in a good way. Well done.
Comment by CRSonic | 12.1.2011 | 4:29 pm
Thanks for the update on international orders! I must say I was disappointed when I got the refund! Glad to hear you are working on a solution for us non-Americans :)
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.1.2011 | 5:00 pm
can’t help but notice the date for AFC Half Marathon (6/25) and Davis Livestrong (6/24) conflict… any idea what you’re gonna do?
Comment by Chris M | 12.1.2011 | 5:05 pm
Hey, if the Tour de Pink is the same course in 2012… You really need to sign up for the Day 2 Century in Santa Barbara. Your rider this year took the metric option, but the full century is the real deal. The course does 100m and 10k of climbing and heads up Gibraltar, which is longer and steeper than Alp D’Huez. It’s an insanely beautiful course. Put THAT on your calendar, Fatty!
Comment by El_Animal | 12.1.2011 | 5:23 pm
Hay it looks like the hammer is winning the fight, you are becoming a runner. What’s for 2013? Ultra running + marathons + 1/2 marathons and perhaps leadville 100? We already lost Jill to ultra running, we won’t let you go down without a fight!
Comment by roan | 12.1.2011 | 5:54 pm
Your 24 Hour Race, don’t forget the light system you used at the Rockwell Relay…the one that was burning the leaves off the trees as you passed.
The IT Guy at Leadville, let him ride solo. At least for the start…say 15 to 20 minutes, then you & The Hammer start. Make it a slow pursuit but if you catch him he buys.
Rec’d the 1st & 2nd orders of the Comedian Mastermind. One copy is on its way to Wales. I haven’t started reading my copy yet, dang work gets in the way.
I like the idea of Occupy Alpine (Fatty’s front yard) for a group ride with some those awesome people (the old pedalers group).
Comment by Liz | 12.1.2011 | 6:01 pm
Ooh, Tour de Pink! Hope I can go. I am a young survivor so that has my name all over it. 10K of climbing though . . . yikes.
If you want something completely different for your bucket list, come to Washington, DC and do the 50 States Ride. There is a street in DC named after each of the 50 states. It is a 64-mile course that takes you on every state-named street. It is challenging in a different way than most of the events you do, because the cue sheet is eight pages long and the course is urban. It is usually in September. What do you say?
Comment by mikeonhisbike | 12.1.2011 | 6:32 pm
Fatty, what about the Seattle to Portland (STP)? Your northwest roots are calling you!!!
Comment by Alison | 12.1.2011 | 6:49 pm
I’d be willing to help with Cdn shipments similar to what you’re saying above re Europe… ship a bunch to me and I’ll ship them from here.
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 12.1.2011 | 7:07 pm
Occupy Alpine. Love the title…. and the idea.
Tour de Pink is a three day event with different courses and lengths. Of course Fatty wants to do it for more than the cause. There are major avocado groves outside of Santa Barbara. And Fatty, if you’re calling us true Fat Cyclists, the Big Guns, I’ll take it as the compliment I assume you intended. (NYCarlos, although fast, is not a Big Gun)
And with all this running, could the Western States 100 be in your future? Serious belt buckle.
http://www.ws100.com/images/splash/Splash_Video.html
Comment by Justin L | 12.1.2011 | 7:35 pm
See you in Davis and Santa Rosa. After my last minute injury in 2011, I will not miss Levi’s ride this year (2012). You need to help me there, he is the last of my “Famous cyclists” i have wanted to meet and snap a quick photo of. Maybe at the Tour of California this year. Last year I stood in uniform (traffic cop) pretending to be guarding their bus. But i was really standing there waiting to have him come out and get a quick photo. But he waited to long and i had to shut the roads down, so he could ride past at 100mph (Felt like a young teenager at some rockstars bus!!!!!). Fatty, maybe you can hold him in a headlock for me long enough to get a picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2012 should be a great year.
Comment by Michael | 12.1.2011 | 7:46 pm
Kia ora, Fatty. Have fun in the Land of the Long White Cloud in 2013. New Zealand is my ancestral homeland, but I’ve never visited there either. So I’ll be watching that one with a twinge of bitter jealousy.
Make sure to write a thorough race report nonetheless, eh?
Comment by Carl | 12.1.2011 | 10:03 pm
Sounds like a very good 2012, if we live through it… lol. I received my books today. THANKS!!!
Comment by Jesse | 12.1.2011 | 10:40 pm
I think you should do the 25 hours of frog hollow solo…So we can compare your race report with Jill’s.
I am so happy you have more books left over. I missed the pre-order and couldn’t afford more than one for the second chance sale but I’d like to give some for Christmas. Hurray!
Comment by Rumpled | 12.1.2011 | 11:24 pm
I’m in for the 100 MON, but not around my condo complex this year. I’ve got a nice 33 mile easy route picked out that includes the famous Cook’s Corner.
I hope to do Levi’s Medio Fondo so I can enjoy the festival this year.
Davis Livestrong would be nice as well.
I will also be doing Tours de Cure in Long Beach and Napa.
Oh, and I plan to all of these on a sweet Ibis Silk SL :)
Comment by Emma Merry | 12.1.2011 | 11:50 pm
Hi Fatty,
Long time reader and enjoyer of your blog, first time commenter.
Very pleased to see you are considering our IMNZ in 2013.
We live in Napier (1 1/2 hrs drive from the event) and have supported friends who enter.
One day I will enter but it is a day far far away!
I’d be honored to support you & the mighty Hammer if you need anything, just say the word.
Cheers
Emma
Comment by mtb w | 12.2.2011 | 12:24 am
With all of your endurance events in mind, have you considered the Colorado Trail Race (CTR)? It’s 480 miles of mostly singletrack, 65,000 feet of climbing for your inner mountain goat, all self supported along the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango with incredible scenery.
Comment by Bee | 12.2.2011 | 12:33 am
In 2013 I will be 34, which is one year ahead of the year I said I’d start thinking Ironman… but for New Zealand? Hm…. if you started a Team Fatty, I just might buy into that.
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 12.2.2011 | 12:33 am
Nice list. Looks like it will keep you out of trouble.
I travel to The Netherlands frequently, and would be happy to ferry some books over for buyers in northern Europe. My next trip, other than the one I am on now, is in January.
Comment by Jerry | 12.2.2011 | 5:54 am
I think you should seriously consider the Dirty Dozen road race in Pittsburgh. http://youtu.be/Oiu-y-WxHqc
Comment by Mark in Ottawa | 12.2.2011 | 7:34 am
Well, that is a serious schedule!
I’m definitely in for the 100 MON! And I’m actually tempted by the IronMan New Zealand! We’ll have to see how my tri-training goes this year…I’ve got a few smaller duathlon and triathlon events planned, culminating is a (hopefully) half IronMan in September.
I really am looking forward to all the race reports!
Mark (in Ottawa, Canada)
Comment by Lorraine | 12.2.2011 | 8:40 am
I’ve already scheduled 2013 or 2014 for my first Ironman. And I’ve never been to New Zealand. What a great idea!
Comment by amy | 12.2.2011 | 8:54 am
I did IMNZ this year, and it was a great race, and an even better vacation. Just hope you get luckier than we did.. it rained the ENTIRE DAY. In case doing a dry Ironman wasn’t enough of a challenge.
My veryvery long race report.
Comment by janey | 12.2.2011 | 10:05 am
I second Davidh’s vote for the Western States 100. f you do this run, I’ll crew for the two of you.
Comment by KM | 12.2.2011 | 10:10 am
I’m telling you Fatty, 24hrs. in the Canyon http://www.24hoursinthecanyon.org SS solo and you’d be the big fish in the little pond. You can taste the glory now, can’t you??!!
Comment by sdcadbiker | 12.2.2011 | 10:15 am
You should also consider the Climb to Kaiser super-century in Clovis, CA; it normally happens the last weekend in June. 150 miles, 14k ft of glorious Sierra Nevada mountain ascent (and descent, of course :-))
Comment by pedalpink | 12.2.2011 | 10:25 am
How about a 24 hour road race? The National 24 Hour Challenge in Michigan started in 1983, and it is a blast. http://www.n24hc.org/ We’ll be competing for the fifth year in the tandem division. (And Elden, let’s be thinking further ahead to Paris-Brest-Paris in 2015.)
I’ll also add to the several people recommending Iceman Cometh in Michigan in November.
We had a wonderful time in Austin 2009, Philly 2010, and Davis 2011 … Looking forward to our fourth year with TeamFatty at LiveStrong in 2012.
Received my autographed book yesterday and I am Reading. Every. Word. Thanks!
Comment by Jeff | 12.2.2011 | 10:45 am
Never thought I’d see the day that 1/2 of your planned events for the upcoming year would be runs!
Comment by Jacob | 12.2.2011 | 11:14 am
You’re going to love New Zealand. I got to go there the summer after I graduated high school and I’ve never loved a place more than New Zealand except for Alaska. It is a very, very, pretty place and apparently a pretty nice place to live from what I’ve heard.
Just start studying up on rugby before you head over, and make sure to focus on rugby union and not rugby league. Rugby is to the Kiwis was football, basketball, and baseball combined are to Americans. Seriously, they field the best national team in the world and draw their talent from a population only a fraction of the size of other top-tier nations. They do pull some talent from the other Polynesian islands, but they’re actually (as of this past World Cup) the top exporter of rugby talent in the world.
If I could afford the flight, I’d definitely be making that Iron Man my goal. 2013 is actually close to when I was planning on having worked up to that distance anyway.
Comment by Evelin B - New Zealand | 12.2.2011 | 11:16 am
Yea New Zealand is AWESOME. I moved here from the states in 2006 and absolutely love it. I live in the shakey city, better known as Christchurch, so if you guys want to also tour around and get to the south island let me know. Super list of events. You guys are truly amazing!!!!!
Comment by Dave | 12.2.2011 | 11:52 am
My wife is going to very upset with you. I’ve already been talking about doing an Ironman and 2013 was the year I picked. I hadn’t talked about IM for a while because I’m still working on my swimming and running for my first triathlon in 2012, but now that you mentioned New Zealand she is going to hear a lot of whining from me about wanting to go there even though we can’t afford it.
Comment by Geo | 12.2.2011 | 12:57 pm
At this point shouldn’t they rename it Fatty’s Gran Fondo and drop that thug Levi from the title? I mean, you’re a nice guy and he is a notorious choker with obvious anger issues.
(And I don’t run — sadly haven’t been biking much lately and my gut shows it — but when the Boston Marathon comes up if you are giving out slots I’ll try to lure my brother into vying for a spot on Team Fatty as he just finished the NY.)
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 12.2.2011 | 1:06 pm
There’s still a lot of interest out there for an alternative kind of ride: Gran Fondo Alpine Style. Now who could be a headliner for that? (maybe the Huntsman Sisters as special guest riders)
It would certainly fill the hotels in Alpine. (Are there hotels in Alpine?)
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 12.2.2011 | 1:54 pm
OK Fatty we need a review: “Bike that can Read Your Mind” http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/pulse/201112/ring-my-bell-new-bike-reads-your-mind
Imagine what this bike would do with Fatty in the saddle.
Comment by Jeff Bike | 12.2.2011 | 2:11 pm
Hey Fatty how much do you weigh?
On the side bar you still have your weight loss from the spring. How has it been going since? I think you could post your weight each day (or at least weekly) like you did then. We all could then follow your gain over the winter months. Better yet it will help keep you motivated to watch it closely so in the spring you don’t have a bunch to loose.
Comment by Paul A. | 12.2.2011 | 3:31 pm
Speaking of local events you should be a part of UTCX (Utah Cyclocross) they even have a great Cross Out Cancer Event.
Comment by dirtengineer | 12.2.2011 | 3:52 pm
@Liz: I’m looking forward to the 50-states ride this year! It may fall on a day that I am supposed to be in a wedding (not my own)… which do I attend?
@Fatty: 100 MON in mid-June? I’m getting married on May 19th, so any time +/- 2 weeks would be hard to justify if I want to keep the peace!
Comment by roan | 12.2.2011 | 7:12 pm
Davidh, from what I understand via this blog…thar ain’t any H/Motels in Alpine. That’s how they keep the riffraff out. Bring your tent. And ‘real’ beer.
To all: I was thinkin…Fatty has more than 100 extra books. Said same, that EVERYONE he knows will be getting one for Christmas and birthday for 8 years.
Sad tale here…Fatty only knows 7 people ?
He needs to get out more, like plan some adventures for the next year or two.
Seriously friends of Fatty, next time you meet him…give him a big hug, he deserves many.
Comment by Paul Guyot | 12.2.2011 | 7:28 pm
Pretty selfish bastardy of you to only include “Liking Fatty” options in the book purchase.
What about the much coveted option of “I just want to read some basic cycling stories and learn a bit about the Internet”?
Or the much coveted “I don’t want to pay at all for this thing because you are a selfish bastard” option?
Pretty bastardy, you selfish out-only-for-yourself-soft-pedaling-selish-son-of-a-motherless-goat-all-about-me-wine-and-cheese-during-Leadville-coasting-up-Powerline-with-one-leg-tied-behind-your-back-selfish-bastard!
None Given
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 12.3.2011 | 1:16 am
@Paul Guyot Language. While I may share your sentiment about our leader, I’m sure you don’t want Bucky talking like this…I hope. I’m looking forward to Bucky teaching my 8 year old a thing or two at the Tour D’Donut, but I was thinking more along the lines of bicycling. Smiles.
On a second front I hope Fatty put some rocks in his pockets for the Death Valley Marathon. I been rather windy here in California.
From the Weather Channel:
Sunny / Wind High
60°F
Precip
0%
Wind: From NNE at 17 mph
Humidity: 20%
UV Index: 3 Moderate
Sunrise: 6:42 AM PT
Avg. High: 68°F
Record High: 80°F (1993)
Sunset: 4:32 PM PT
Avg. Low: 41°F
Record Low: 30°F (1996)
Chance of Rain:
0%
Wind:
NNE at 17 mph
Windy with lots of sunshine. High near 60F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph.
Maybe the course goes SSW.
Comment by AK_Chick | 12.3.2011 | 1:22 am
Hmmm, SERIOUSLY considering LIVESTRONG Davis next year…wonder if I could find a fellow Fatty that would let me crash on the floor and has a spare bathroom… :)
Fatty, you and The Hammer should really put Alaska on your bucket list. And you should really consider doing the Fireweed 400. Seriously. Check out their site: http://fireweed400.com/ and check out the elevation profile for the 400 http://fireweed400.com/subpage.php?race=5§ion=courseinfo It’s only 28,000 ft of elevation gain which is nothing for you two!
Seriously some of the most incredibly beautiful country you’ll ever see. I’d even crew for you two. :)
I’m not sure what rides I’ll do next year but strong contenders include:
1. Ride for Life http://www.rideforlifealaska.org/ – a ride to raise money to prevent colorectal cancer and LIVESTRONG. Started by a colon cancer survivor.
2. Alaska Run for Women http://akrfw.org/ – 5 miles on an easy course with thousands of women (women-only run).
3. MS150 – loved the course change this year. What an awesome ride. I plan to ride 110 on Sat and 50 on Sunday this year esp now that I have my wicked fast Cross bike.
4. Participate in cross races. I see all these people and they have such a look of bliss on their face that I want to experience that!
5. LIVESTRONG Davis – I really want to meet Fatty and The Hammer. I also want to meet Wife#1. Maybe Chris Horner will be there and we can tag team him. :) Poor guy. Even more importantly, maybe his awesome wife will be there. :) I’d have to do it on a shoestring budget so might start putting feelers out to impose on someone for lodging. I’m easy maintenance. I have fellow Fatty references, though if we didn’t have photos of him, I’d swear Paul Guyot wasn’t there. ;-)
Hope my books come soon!
Comment by Grant | 12.3.2011 | 4:06 am
If you’re heading all the way to New Zealand, you should probably hop over the ditch and go riding with some readers in Australia too… I have a spare bike in your size. I’m just saying.
Comment by Dave T | 12.3.2011 | 5:44 pm
Fatty how in earth do you do it all? Full time job, family, the blog, book and all these rides? Let me guess 4hr sleep? I glad you have the Livestrong ride in Davis on your calender. We are planing on going. Also we hope to make Levi’s Grand Fondo next year.
Comment by Eric | 12.3.2011 | 8:09 pm
24-hour race solo. Ambitious. Crazy. Amazing.
I did one with a friend this summer. It was not pleasant.
Serious respect. I’ll be rooting for you.
Comment by Eric L | 12.5.2011 | 3:42 pm
Fatty, the RAPsody Ride Around Puget Sound is a better alternative to the STP (Seattle to Portland). Not only is it less crowded, but an STP vet told us it was harder AND you end the ride the same place you begin it.
Check it out, it’s in August and very very nicely organized.
Hope to see you in Davis
I like the above mentioned idea of renaming Levi’s Fondo to the Fatty Fondo. I think a Fatty’s Fondo would be a must-do event no matter where it was held.
Comment by Don-S | 12.7.2011 | 8:35 am
Fatty!
When I read about your Ironman adventure I was just looking for a new challenge… Got inspired, and since then made the transition from cyclist to runner to triathlete. After a great first season with some short races, I’ll do my first IM in 2013 also (hopefully), but it will probably be closer to my (European) home, thinking about Frankfurt. First trying to get through my first 70.3 in Antwerp in 2012, and my first marathon…
Thanks for planting that little idea in my mind, so far, it has been an amazing adventure!