About Fatty
Hi. My name’s Elden, but please feel free to call me "Fatty," the nickname I picked up as a side benefit to writing this blog, "Fat Cyclist."
In the picture to the right (sporting my sassy new Twin Six-designed Fat Cyclist jersey — currently sold out), I’m not actually fat at all. In fact, I’m looking pretty darned good, if I say so myself. Better than I have in years.
Which was really the whole point of why I originally started this blog.
How it Started
For the past dozen or so years, biking — whether on the road or on dirt — has has been essentially my one and only hobby/activity/obsession. The thing is, though, cyclists need to be light if they’re going to be fast. So, a few years ago, when I went on a nice long bike ride and noticed I was having to walk up hills I had easily ridden not many years before, I realized something had to be done.
And yes, I also noticed my knees pushed into my gut with each pedal stroke. Shaddup.
I had known I needed to lose weight, but hadn’t really done much about it. As I pushed my bike up the road, I realized I had not tried one very successful diet tactic: humiliation. I resolved to start a blog, embarrassing myself by proclaiming my weight on a daily basis, no matter how bad I was doing.
I didn’t want to just post my weight, though. So I also wrote stories. Sometimes these stories are about rides. Sometimes they’re fake news (especially around Tour de France time, when there’s usually lots of stuff in the bike industry that begs for satire). Sometimes they’re about whatever bike-related thing has popped into my head that morning (lunchtime, evening, whenever).
And lately the blog’s been about a little bit more.
What’s Going On Right Now
The best way to get a summary of what’s going on in my life right now is to read the family Christmas letter, strangely enough.
But here’s a quick version.
Besides being a middle-aged guy who loves cycling, I’m also the father of four kids (2 boys, identical twin girls), and the husband of a woman — Susan — who is fighting metastatic breast cancer.
So while I still write lots of the jokey stuff I always have, I’m now more inclined to write the occasional serious post, keeping my family and friends (including the hundreds of friends I’ve made on this blog, but have never met in person) up to date with how that battle is going.
I also am prone to frequent contests for my readers, geared toward making money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, two organizations that have helped us in immeasurably in our fight against cancer.
How to Reach Me
It’s easy to reach me. Just send me email. You should know that there’s a reasonable chance I won’t respond, because, well, I have four kids, a wife who needs my help, a full-time job, a blog, a love of bicycles, and a short attention span. So follow these guidelines:
- Ask one question when you email me, and keep it simple. If you ask a whole bunch of questions or a question that requires hours of work from me, I’ll think to myself, "I’ll have to get back to this one later," and then I never will. This isn’t me being snobby about email with strangers; this is how I am with everyone, including friends, family, and my boss.
- If I don’t reply, try emailing me again. I’m probably not ignoring you on purpose. I’m just not very organized or responsible.
If You Want to Reprint Something I’ve Written
Once in a while, people ask me if they can reprint something I’ve written. If you find yourself in this situation, please seek help. It’s not too late to get the attention you need. Or you can just email me and ask. Generally I’m cool with it, as long as you give me credit. If you can give me extra credit, so much the better.
Wrapping Up
As of this moment, I am twenty pounds heavier than I was when the pictures you see here were taken. Once again, I can accurately call myself "Fatty."
How nice for me.
Comment by UtRacerDad. | 01.18.2008 | 4:49 pm
I love the new layout and site, great looking :).
Comment by Vince | 01.18.2008 | 9:31 pm
asdfasdf…lol.
Comment by Judi | 01.19.2008 | 9:06 am
You got 20 lbs to lose!!
The new layout rocks.
Comment by cyclingphun.blogspot.com | 01.20.2008 | 8:29 pm
I really like the new layout. Now for the ‘after movie review quote’
“Fat Cyclist is AWESOME! I laughed, I cried, I splamed my balls and went for a ride! It was a 120 minute thrill ride!” -Don, Cycling Phun
Comment by chtrich | 01.21.2008 | 8:13 am
Great new design!!
Comment by Jackie W. | 01.26.2008 | 9:42 am
Hey - PW suggested your site.
How is your wife’s health ?
IF I want to ride a bike do I havta wear a helmet & get helmet hair ? Is that why you shave your head ?
Want a double bike. If I am gonna ride then dh is gonna be right in front of me !
Comment by welshcyclist | 01.27.2008 | 8:52 am
Thanks for providing us all with your blog, I like it because it’s real, funny, serious, ordinary, readable and about cycling.
Comment by cold in Calgary | 01.31.2008 | 9:47 pm
Too much snow to ride, so I spend time looking for good cycling sites. Love yours, found it through Bike Snob NYC and it is already a favorite. About the sizes of your jerseys, really a XXXL that is only up to a 50! You call yourself fat…
Comment by jeff bean | 02.1.2008 | 8:12 pm
Fatty,
Keep on pedaling — and writing. Happened upon your blog while perusing Bloggies winners archives. Greetings from San Diego, and best wishes.
-Jeff
Comment by Paul | 02.14.2008 | 12:02 pm
I love your site,
but.. in your bio there is no inventory of the bikes in your stable….. I would like to know what your riding and whats on it?
Thanks
Paul
Comment by jarocco | 03.8.2008 | 3:00 pm
Speaking of attribution. I used your Best Cake in the World recipe twice now for work related functions. I gave out the recipe to those who were interested. I gave you all the credit and directed them to your website. I hope that was OK?
Comment by Teresa | 03.24.2008 | 4:53 pm
Hi there,
I am just getting back into cycling and my husband directed me to your site. Please keep up the great work.
Best wishes to you and your family. I hope your wife is feeling better soon. There are many excellent organizations out there to support you and your family during this difficult time. Please keep us all updated on her progress!
Comment by Heide-Biker | 03.28.2008 | 6:53 am
Hi Fatty,
sorry I write a terrible english.
Best wishes to win the Bloogies 2008. A great looking!
Your blog is very interessing for me. Since 2003 i wrote a blog about cycling too. Your “open letters”, your fotos and the interesting storys are examples for me.
I think (hope) you have a nice life, a nice sport and a nice familiy.
Don´t forgot the biking … and writing!
Karsten Niemann
Heide-Biker (Germany)
look:
http://www.Heide-Biker.blogspot.com
Comment by Beth | 04.21.2008 | 4:23 pm
Someone told me to read your site. Going through my own journey. Peace to you. You have a new fan my friend.
Comment by Dre | 04.23.2008 | 6:36 am
I am so glad I found your site. I am a hair under six foot but a true clyde at an out of shape 270lbs. Years ago I was riding at 225lbs regularly (before kids, career and laziness). Some of us just can’t be 180lbs or smaller and sites like these show we can do the same things other riders can. Thank you for this site and the best to you and all the other Clydes in 08′.
Comment by carls | 05.14.2008 | 9:35 am
I don’t even have a bike yet but I want to train to ride the Cape Argus in Cape-Town next year - your blog is inspiring!!!!
Pingback by Heartbreaking yet inspiring « The Strange Adventures of Petunia Happenstance and her Chicken of Destiny | 05.21.2008 | 10:36 pm
[...] Read the blog, send Susan a message of support… buy a shirt. [...]
Comment by Kristina | 05.29.2008 | 4:59 pm
aw man! I missed out on the jerseys
Make more, please!!! This ‘Athena’ wants one! It’s perfect for my venture into cycling. And my daughter will think a pink jersey with a horse on it is just perfect.
Comment by Joffo | 06.2.2008 | 3:23 pm
Dear Fatty,
I have just stumbled across your brlliant blog.
I am too a fatty (225 lbs or 16 stone in good old English Imperial) and have just taken up cycling to loose weight.
Your brilliant stories are both inspiring and funny.
Keep up the good work.
P.s I sadely lost my eldest sister to Cancer earlier this so I am sending you my best wishes for you and your family.
P.P.S I am attempting to ride from Cork to Galway in sept this year approx 185 miles in 2 days so wish me luck.
Cheers
Joffo
Comment by Nuno Silva (from Portugal) | 06.16.2008 | 4:30 am
Amigo, sou obrigado a escrever em Português… És uma lição de vida para todos nós… Vou continuar a acompanhar… E ajudar da melhor maneira possivel… Maiores felicidades!!!! FORÇA SUSAN
Comment by TheGoose | 06.25.2008 | 11:44 am
I have never seen pictures of bratwurst like that. Yummy.
Comment by Dan O | 07.9.2008 | 10:09 am
WIN Susan!
I’m currently scheduled for a bone marrow transplant in the next 6 weeks and have no idea how mine compares, but I hope Susan wins!
Life is good.
Comment by PVIToUZx | 07.12.2008 | 11:00 am
dors.txt;5;5
Comment by AMRcyclist | 07.23.2008 | 6:06 pm
Hello FC,
First time visitor. Ok, I can be a little slow but here I am…
Just read your profile, if I can still call it that, and I am impressed. Good work!
I hope your wife is doing well on her journey to recovery.
Cheers,
AMR
Comment by Mike | 08.1.2008 | 11:40 pm
keep up the good work
Comment by Paulie in Tulsa | 08.6.2008 | 11:23 pm
FC,
just found the blog, instantly bookmarked you.
i too am a fatty. i started cycling a year ago and have lost 35lbs. of course, i’m still weighing in at 260lb, but at least i’m going in the right direction. kinda ticked that i missed out on the jerseys, but the xxxl pry wouldnt have fit my fat arse anyway. but the pink color would have been a perfect tribute to my mother-in-law who is celebrating her 10th anniversary of breast cancer survival.
keep the faith!
Paulie
Pingback by On A Mission | Sleepless in KL | 08.7.2008 | 11:05 pm
[...] announcing this latest endeavour to the world to put pressure on myself. Something like what the Fat Cyclist did. He used to be fat, then decided to take up cycling to lose some weight, posting his struggles [...]
Pingback by Fatty’s Bike Blog - FatCyclist.com | Mountain Biking by 198 | 08.23.2008 | 7:44 am
[...] as a way for Elden to post about his weight loss through biking and if you take a look at his about page you can see he has more than achieved the goals that he has set for himself. We have a fellow rider [...]
Comment by Vini | 08.31.2008 | 2:50 pm
Wow, really cool blog - bookmarked and included in my daily schedule of sites to read.
Added you to my blogroll too as your story hsa similarities to my own.
Pingback by Bike to Work, day 83 « The Unbridled Joy of Cycling | 09.3.2008 | 11:57 am
[...] running mantra. “Quick. Light. Susan.” If you don’t know who Susan is, read up here. The long and short of it is Susan has cancer. Eldon, her husband, aka “Fatty”, [...]
Comment by Brad | 10.28.2008 | 8:41 am
Elden -
You don’t know me, and I don’t know you beyond your writings. Many people share similar things, though, and I’m just writing to encourage you that you’re not alone in all you’re going through. And I think you’re on a good path. Bad stuff happens that we can’t change, but we can approach it all with as much dignity as we can muster. When we can’t muster any dignity, the best we may be able to do is to know that we did our best. Keep doing your best, whatever that may be, and whatever the outcome. There may be lots of sadness, but I’ll hope there are fewer regrets.
Prayers and Blessings to you, Susan and your family.
Pingback by La Alma de Fuego… » Blog Archive | 10.29.2008 | 6:14 am
[...] blogs these days is the blog the Fat Cyclist. It’s a more personal blog written by a man who started blogging first as a way to ‘lose weight,’ and then eventually transitioned into blogging about biking as it related to wife and her fight with [...]
Comment by El Freako in Rico | 11.2.2008 | 5:43 pm
I met you I believe at the KTR. I want to wish you and your family the best. I know it’s hard and it is hard to read what you are going through. Stay strong.
Trackback by Prozac. | 11.11.2008 | 3:04 am
Prozac….
Prozac side affect. Prozac contraindications. Prozac….
Comment by Hal | 11.11.2008 | 3:48 pm
I can relate to what you are saying so for I manage to get back on the bike for the last 7 months and from 330 lbs to 297 lbs, I ride 3 to 4 times aday in the bay area (HILLS AND MORE HILLS). still got more lbs to go!!!
Comment by Tinker | 11.25.2008 | 11:49 am
JUst found your blog a few days ago, and your “fatness’ is an embarassment to all (us) fat cyclists. I have just purchased a rather neat malayasian-made Raliegh 3 speed. Hope to lose about (mumble) pounds, I weigh about 325, so all you pikers that complain about weighing 225, 275, those are places I am still struggling to get to, and you get no sympathy from me.
Oh. The cancer thing. Hard cheese, man. You have my sympathy for that, at least. My mother and my wife’s mother both had “encounters” with breast cancer, years back, the doctor who said my mother was going to die in 6 months or less, died years before my mother did, my wife’s mother eventually succumbed to cancer. It would be stupid for me to tell you anything about making it through this, since you know more about how things affect you and your wife, here and now. I will note that the chances of surviving cancer now are far better than my mother’s chances 30 years ago, but you knew that already.
Damn. Just… Damn. Words fail me. Since I had a stroke a few years ago, I find myself more emotional now than before, but even allowing for that, I am ill-equipped to deal with this, while you seem to be handling it rather well. I’d offer assistance but it would not be all that convenient a thousand mile away, to do anything substantive. But if there is anything I can do from Austin, TX to help, just ask. No, really. Just ask.
Pingback by Riding 100 Miles to Fight Cancer « Forging Ahead | 12.3.2008 | 1:27 am
[...] I’m putting myself out there for Susan. Wife of the Fat Cyclist. Fatty (real name Elden) is a gem of person and a wicked writer. I hear he’s a pretty good [...]
Comment by Serge Cornelus | 12.10.2008 | 3:48 am
Great blog; great effort (the weight - cycling helped me too in losing approx. 20k - still 5 or so to go - perhaps I should try the humiliation tactic too :-)). Best wishes to you, your wife and family! Meanwhile, I’ll try to get some people on this side of the Atlantic to read your blog. Oh, and I definitely want some of that gear some time.
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Comment by Melanie Kennedy | 01.6.2009 | 2:13 pm
Hello,
We are an advertising agency. Our client, Canadian Tire, is running various banner programs with some ad networks and affiliate marketing companies. We saw one of Canadian Tire’s Options MasterCard ads on your web site and we are having trouble determining which ad network or affiliate network placed the ad. Can you please tell me if you are affiliated with an ad network and if so, which ad network the Canadian Tire banner ad on your site originated from? Thank you very much for your help with this!
Melanie Kennedy