Comments on: Help Me Do What I’m Good At

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 14:47:42 +0000

I sent a feeler out for you at my employer. I hope you find the perfect fit for you, wherever that may be (although I selfishly wish I could claim you as a colleague!).

Hang in there and go for a ride when it starts to get to you!

By: Tom in Albany

Tom in Albany — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:31:31 +0000

d’oh! In #4, above: riding = writing.

By: Tom in Albany

Tom in Albany — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:28:01 +0000

Fatty,

Some thoughts:
1. One reason why I buy some of your recommended brands is that you are neutral testing. Increased GU sales aren’t on you. If you were to work there, people would, perhaps rightly/wrongly, question your motivations. That said, the creative/writing aspect of that kind of job seems like it is right up your alley.
2. If you got a FT job, would ‘Fight Like Susan’ get pushed back? Not that you want to push it back but, there are 24 hrs in a day. You’ve got kids and a wife and hobbies you love. Maybe this was the only way the opportunity to write this book would come around and be able to throw yourself into it. That’s why I’d donate to the cause.
3. I like books. I look at a computer all day. And my phone. And hear my kids complaining about wanting more screen time. Physical books make me happy.
4. I think that your Fattycasts/Blogs/Updates of the riding should be your advertising budget. Gotta spend it to make it – so to speak.
5. Did you accomplish what you needed to regarding your closeout sale of Fatty Gear?
6. Don’t know what crowdfunding you’d use. I actually sponsor one cartoonist (Keith Knight – Dude’s hillarious!) via Patreon. I don’t give much but, it’s a subscription. So, $x gets charged to my paypal account each month until I tell it to stop. Maybe this is a better approach – the auto-deduction – and might net you more support than asking for one-time, larger contributions?
7. I started reading your blog after Susan died. I read enough of it that I started reading backwards and googling different chapters of your life. I don’t know how to raise funds for something like this but, THIS book, assuming it still fits the intent you’d described in the past, could be an incredibly valuable tool for many.

I wish you tailwinds on this ride, Fatty. I hope you turn in a podium finish!

By: MichelleNZ

MichelleNZ — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:07:31 +0000

I have no contacts that can help, but as everyone else has said, someone is missing out big-time if they don’t pick up an award-winning blog writer and fundraiser, who is also probably pretty darn good at his daytime job. I say probably because I understand little of what you do for work, but if you bring even half the enthusiasm and skill to that as you do to this blog (which is done for love, not money), I reckon you do a pretty stellar job. As Doug and PNP say, try and enjoy this time. I look back on time I had between jobs and wish I had been able to relax a bit more and enjoy the creative freedom, rather than continuously worrying about the future. Something great always seems to turn up. Especially for a guy with the skills and contacts you do. Put another one down for an oldfashioned hard cover copy.

By: Doug (Way Upstate NY)

Doug (Way Upstate NY) — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 18:40:48 +0000

And one more thing Elden. I know this is stressful for you. But I also saw your level of “happiness” last year at Boggs. Life’s short. And sometimes it gives you a kick in the butt to help remind you to be true to yourself. My hope is that this presents an opportunity for you to do more of what would make you excited and satisfied. (And maybe you WILL get your chance to be a grown-up like the Noodle ;) )

By: Jacob

Jacob — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 18:38:30 +0000

I discovered your blog 6 or 7 years ago and the blog is the inspiration that got me back to bike racing. (Yes, I was googling fat and cycling because I wanted to her back in shape). I still struggeling with the weight. But after 15 years of non-riding, I now do road races, cyclo-cross and track. So a big thank you and could er please have a “just donate” option to be able to give a little back.

By: Doug (Way Upstate NY)

Doug (Way Upstate NY) — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 18:38:19 +0000

Fatty, Having you as the ad director would so fun. I picture those ads like an animated movie where there is one level for “kids”, and a deeper level for people who “get it”……

By: Doug (Way Upstate NY)

Doug (Way Upstate NY) — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 17:06:49 +0000

I agree with everything Jeff said EXCEPT the Assos thing. Part of me is smirking at the thought of Fatty working for Assos…….

I could be their new ad director. – FC

By: owen

owen — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 16:48:30 +0000

Lifetime/Leadville Race Series seems a perfect fit for you – they could benefit greatly from having you I am sure

By: AKChick

AKChick — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 16:03:40 +0000

Shoot, I just saw the comment about Jill Homer finishing the Iditarod! I’ve been following her Facebook page and GPS tracker. That woman is crazy tough. She may not think she is, but I know many of her fans do. What an inspiration (though, I still do not want to do that many miles on a fat tire bike). Can’t wait to read about her adventure on her blog! I know that they encountered 20-30+mph winds on the coast and wicked wind chills. She powered through like a champ! I think that should be one of your next challenges. :) Fat bike a portion of the Iditarod trail. You have a host in Anchorage that could help!