Superduper Cool News
I’ve been busting at the seams, and not for the usual reasons. Basically, I’ve been dying to share some great news, and now I finally can.
It’s about me (as everything is, if I can possibly make it so), but it’s not just about me. And it’s the not-just-about-me part that has me really stoked.
I’m talking in circles and dancing around the point. As usual. So let’s cut that out and get to the point already.
I am a 2015 Team World Bicycle Relief Ambassador.
Yup, The Hammer was one last year and did amazing things to spread the word and raise funds for World Bicycle Relief. This year it’s my turn. And I already have some things in mind that I think you’re going to really, really like.
Stuff I’ve done before, and stuff I’ve never done before. I am so stoked.
But here’s the thing. That’s only half the awesome news. Here comes the other half:
Dave, Amy, and Rob Thompson are ALSO Team WBR Ambassadors!
For the past several years, I’ve gotten to know the extraordinary Thompson family; they’re some of the nicest, most generous folks I’ve ever known.
Dave is an amazingly strong rider (not to mention a genius engineer), Rob is tenacity personified, and Amy is just a remarkable soul (and remarkably tolerant / supportive of Rob and Dave’s adventures).
And they are absolutely positively the very embodiment of the WBR slogan, “The Power of Bicycles.”
Here’s what the official announcement has to say about the Thompsons:
Amy, Dave and Rob Thompson, Family Cycling Team Extraordinaire
In 2008, Amy & Dave Thompson’s son, Rob, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident. After a five-month hospitalization that began with a five-week coma, Rob returned home and wanted one thing — to go on a bike ride.Unable to walk or stand at the time, Rob’s request broke Amy’s heart. But Dave took it as a challenge and began a search for a tandem that he could ride with his son. When the search proved no results, Dave built one — a tricycle that he and Rob power together!
Their first ride was one mile.
Within a few years, they were riding regularly and went on a 20-mile ride. Last year, the family cycling trio completed a 60-mile ride! Rob, who is still in a wheelchair, is now an avid and successful cyclist.
Together, Amy, Dave, and Rob will serve as our first family as Team WBR Ambassadors, truly symbolizing the Power of Bicycles.
Being a WBR ambassador at the same time as some of the very best Friends of Fatty is pretty much the best thing, ever.
A Few Hints
I’m going to be talking about WBR a lot this year, and I’m going to be including you. Here are a few hints about things you can expect, with a promise that there will be details soon (ish).
- Grand Slam Will Be Back: Last year I took a break from my annual “Grand Slam for Zambia,” so I could finish my book. This year, the Grand Slam will be back, and it will be huge. We’re going to set an audacious goal, and we’re going to have an outrageous number of incredible prizes. This will happen in July.
- Let’s Go On Tour. Hey, you might have heard that Team MTN Qhubeka will be racing in the Tour de France this year. But did you know that Qhubeka is part of World Bicycle Relief? Yes, they’re actually the same organization. Which means that World Bicycle Relief will be represented at the Tour de France. Does this possibly mean that there might be some Tour-related schwag coming your way? Mmmmmaaybe.
- The FatCyclist.com Jersey Will Have a Very New Look. I’ll be revealing the 2015 FatCyclist.com jersey very soon. And while I don’t want to give away too much, let’s just say that if you’re wearing the Team Fatty jersey this year, you’ll also be supporting World Bicycle relief, both with your money and on your sleeve.
- Back to the Yurt. The Hammer and I loved our trip to the Gooseberry Yurt last year; it was a fantastic fundraiser. I think we ought to do it again. Don’t you?
And there’s going to be more. It’s all going to be fun, and I’m (obviously) very excited. And together, we’re going to make a big difference.
I’m stoked to get started.
PS: Read the official announcement here.
Comment by davidh-Marin,ca | 02.20.2015 | 11:12 am
Pulling out the checkbook now for Team Thompson! Way to go Amy, Dave, and Rob! Proud to know you, and to ride with you too. Nothing personal Elden, but your challenge will be to keep up with Thompsons on fundraising. Vote with your wallets fatties!
Comment by New Zealand Ev | 02.20.2015 | 11:14 am
What awesome news!! Congrats to Fatty and to Team Thompson!! So exciting and looking forward to all that is to come!!
Comment by Jenni | 02.20.2015 | 11:19 am
Outstanding!!!! Elden you are inspiringly awesome.
Comment by Wife#1 | 02.20.2015 | 11:29 am
WOOHOO!!! Will set aside some money from the refi! Yay, yay yay!!!
Comment by J | 02.20.2015 | 11:50 am
Darn, I was waiting for an ambassador for Lost Shoes….
Comment by Jacob JG | 02.20.2015 | 11:53 am
I second Wfie#1 – Woohoo
Comment by Katie Bolling | 02.20.2015 | 12:12 pm
Dear Fatty,
As if I’m not already entirely excited about my day job, I just got chills and tears reading this. What an amazing, exciting, wild, fun, live-changing year in store! So happy and proud to be a part of your dedication to WBR and SO happy that the Thompsons are ambassadors as well. We’re in for a very wonderful year! Thank you! Katie
Comment by BostonCarlos (Formerly NYC) | 02.20.2015 | 12:41 pm
WOOOOOO!!!! I’m so excited!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Thompsons and Elden!
Comment by Amy Thompson | 02.20.2015 | 12:52 pm
Fatty,
We are also so excited to be ambassadors for WBR. It is such an amazing group doing so much good.
Thanks for all the great press too!
Dave H., thanks for the support too. I can’t imagine we’ll be able to compete with Fatty but it will be fun trying.
Comment by Leigh Anne | 02.20.2015 | 12:59 pm
It’s going to be great to see the Thompson family photo as the very definition of awesome!
Congratulations so proud to be a friend of fatty and looking forward to support WBR in your honor
Comment by Turn The Damn Cranks | 02.20.2015 | 1:13 pm
Congrats to you all. Awesome news!
Comment by MattC | 02.20.2015 | 1:21 pm
All extremely wicked-cool news! Dave(T), where on earth do you find the time? You are my hero!
Comment by Jeremy | 02.20.2015 | 1:22 pm
They couldn’t have picked better people. I may need to get a second job to get in on this.
Comment by MattC | 02.20.2015 | 1:25 pm
Oh, and Fatty…thanks for the well-in-advance-heads-up on the next Grand Slam! Gives me time to save some $. SMART!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 02.20.2015 | 2:07 pm
Amy. Your ‘niceness’ factor obviously blinds you to the incredible fundraising opportunity that awaits you each day at work. Let’s do the math: 6 periods at day (?), 30 kids a class, 3 grade reports per year(?). Let the kids know that ‘grades matter’, and send them the link, they’ll figure out the rest. And that’s just a start.
Comment by Christina | 02.20.2015 | 2:11 pm
Is that a recumbent here on fatcyclist.com?! I’m chipping in $50 just for that.
I’m with davidh- I might just chip in to the Thompson’s fundraising, because us ‘bents have to stick together.
Though, if you can get a clip of Jens Voigt saying, “Shut up, Fatty!” I think I’d chip in for you, too. Who am I kidding? You’re going to roll out prizes so awesome I’ll donate anyway.
Congratulations all around!
Comment by Scott | 02.20.2015 | 2:18 pm
Great to have a fellow WBR member!
Comment by wharton_crew | 02.20.2015 | 2:28 pm
Amy, here’s a secret tip for trouncing Fatty in the fundraising department. He offers high end bikes and trips to entice buyers (i.e., only a small number of people can win). You can offer PIE TO EVERYONE who donates!!!!!
We like bikes, but we are absolute pie addicts…we’ll gladly chase that dragon!
Comment by Corrine | 02.20.2015 | 3:37 pm
Congrats to you all! It’s going to be an exciting year!
Comment by leroy | 02.20.2015 | 7:24 pm
It’s a little nippy in Brooklyn today, but my heart has been warmed.
Congratulations FC and Thompsons!
Comment by Raymond Wright | 02.20.2015 | 7:47 pm
Great choice by WBR. They could not have picked a better team.
How is this going to affect your racing plans for the year?
Comment by Dave T | 02.20.2015 | 9:49 pm
Fatty, thanks so much for announcing us along with yourself as ambassadors for WBR. We’re looking forward to making a positive impact along with you and the other ambassadors. We’re also hoping to see lots of Friends of Fatty at various events throughout the year.
Let the donations begin!
Comment by Patrick | 02.21.2015 | 5:00 am
Congratulations Fatty!
Comment by Doug (Way Upstate) | 02.21.2015 | 6:23 am
Its going to be a fun year!
Comment by MikeL | 02.21.2015 | 9:57 am
Congratulations to the Thompsons. It would be interesting to get a story from Lisa looking back on her year as a WBR ambassador.
Comment by Cyclingjimbo | 02.21.2015 | 10:11 am
What great news for Amy, Dave, and Rob – and for you, too, Fatty. This is going to be a great year for WBR. I will start warming up my checkbook. Let the fund raising begin!
Comment by Heidi | 02.21.2015 | 10:15 am
Back to the yurt? Why yes, I’d love to! Here’s to a fabulously successful fundraising year.
Comment by Kate | 02.22.2015 | 11:02 am
Congratulations! What great choices!
Comment by Libby | 02.22.2015 | 10:36 pm
This is so exciting! Great choices for ambassadors! I just need a job so I can donate/participate.
Comment by Tom in Albany | 02.23.2015 | 10:27 am
Congrats, Fatty and Thompson Family! Do some good out there!
Comment by NancyJBS | 02.23.2015 | 4:33 pm
This makes me SO very happy!
A. Not surprised you’ve been selected, Elden, just super pleased! I know you’ll rock this challenge, just like Lisa did.
B. The Thompson crew. What can one say? This is going to be the best year ever for WBR!
C. I’m grateful I’m deeply cutting my living expenses by downsizing, ‘cuz I’ll need money for the insanity that will develop as you and the Thompson team square off.