A Thank-You, An Announcement, and a Preview
I don’t have a ton of time to write today or tomorrow, so I’m hoping that Bob will follow through on his promise to be the one to write up Fall Moab 2008.
Why not a ton of time today? In just a few minutes, Susan and I are heading over to see a bone tumor specialist to figure out what our next steps are. So you’ll understand why there won’t be a lot of comedy in today’s entry; I’m distracted and anxious.
That said, there are a few things I want to say today.
Thank You
Last Friday, we had a stair lift installed. Check it out:
Now Susan doesn’t have to use her crutches every time she wants to go up and down the stairs. Big relief.
This thing wasn’t cheap: about $3500. But thanks to everyone who has bought Fat Cyclist jerseys, t-shirts, or socks, we were able to pay cash for it.
So, next time you wear your Fat Cyclist gear, think about it: you’ve had a measurable part in making Susan’s life safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Thank you very much.
(And an extra-large thanks goes out to Twin Six, who has spent a lot of time and money on all of this gear without making a dime.)
Announcement
Today’s the first day of the “Get a Grip” One-Week Weight Loss Challenge, brought to you by the fine folks at Ergon Bike Ergonomics. At this moment, so far 27 people (including me) have signed up, and have donated $810 toward fighting cancer as their entry fee — three times as much as the minimum donation required.
I tell you what: I am just blown away by the generosity of the people who read this blog.
If, by the way, you were thinking of reversing your Autumn slide into fatness by entering this one-week weight loss sprint (and in the process donating to an important cause and possibly winning some really cool grips), it’s not too late. Read this post, follow the directions, and get started. Right now.
Preview
Over the weekend, I filled a 4Gb card with photos and videos of my friends at Fall Moab 2008. Here’s a series from the first day.
He calls himself BotchedExperiment. I call him insane.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 11.12.2007 | 8:40 am
Great pictures, glad you had fun!
Super news on the chair lift!!!
So far, 6 or 7 have made their entries using:
http://austin07.livestrong.org/mlevin
Just helping the cause!!!!!!
Comment by Mike | 11.12.2007 | 8:54 am
Don’t forget to write off the chair lift in your taxes Schedule A!
Comment by Clydesteve | 11.12.2007 | 8:59 am
Fatty – the pic of the chair lift gave me a catch in my throat. Thanks for sharing that with us. I like my pink FC jersey and socks, not to mention my orange FC jersey and my son’s FC jersey even more now!
There have also bee a few Ergon Weight Loss Challenge contest donations on http://portland07.livestrong.org/spete
I really appreciate that you directed an entry fee to LAF for this.
Steve
Comment by Clydesteve | 11.12.2007 | 9:04 am
Dr. Botched, I should not have to tell you that being an adreniline junkie can shorten your life!
This photo sequence make certain body parts twitch.
Clydesteve, confirmed fearer of heights. (That is why I can descend (on the road) so fast – to get down!
Comment by usimpto | 11.12.2007 | 9:14 am
I’m no pansie girl, but those pictures made my arm hairs stand on end.
I’m so glad Susan now has her chair lift, and that we all helped and got something so great in return (love my pink jersey!).
I hope the doctor visit goes well!
Comment by Kris | 11.12.2007 | 9:15 am
Fatty, my brother-in-law is a bone tumor specialist. He’s a good person and a good doctor. In his years with the Air Force he both saw patients and directed research so he’s both practical and up on the latest. I’d refer you, but he lives in Michigan. But if you need a second opinion, I can get you in contact with him for a consult.
The stair lift looks good. Good luck keeping your kids off it. Mine would drive us crazy begging for rides. Maybe I’d let them ride it. Would the novelty wear of after a few weeks? The joys of parenting. Put the fun back in dysfunctional!
Yes, biking photos.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 11.12.2007 | 9:17 am
Great to see the stair lift installed – brilliant, just brilliant! :-D
Comment by cyclingphun.blogspot.com | 11.12.2007 | 9:20 am
Botched needs some SERIOUS head work done, doesn’t he? Seeing things like that make me question mountain bikes. You said “an extra-large” and I got all excited that you found a pink jersey, alas… not. Most importantly, good deal getting the lift in, keep you guys in thought that all goes well for Susan today and going forward. Blessings!
Comment by cheapie | 11.12.2007 | 9:33 am
i think i’d need that chair lift to go down that section of trail! =)
Comment by swtkaroline | 11.12.2007 | 9:48 am
Fantastic photos! I especially like the first one. :) I’m so happy that you were able to get that for Susan, and it made my day to know that in some small way I helped out.
Thank you so much for sharing, and allowing us to be a part of the process. You keep saying how amazed you are at your readers’ generosity, but I think it’s us who should be grateful. It would probably be so much easier for you to keep this battle private and close to home, but in sharing it with us you’ve allowed each of us to take part in our way, whether it be through prayers, purchasing power, donations, spreading the word about the LAF, or just becoming more educated about the whole thing.
I can’t speak for anyone else on this, but I’m sure I’m a better person for the experience. So thank *you* for opening your hearts to us!
Comment by bikemike | 11.12.2007 | 10:25 am
it’s, indeed, too late for Botched. with stunts like that he’s pretty much lost all functioning brain control. might as well not use a helmet, save some weight and such.
that being said, he must have great, big, huge gorilla uhh, parts to do something like that. bravo.
Comment by Harp | 11.12.2007 | 10:45 am
nice pics. hope the chair lift helps.
Comment by Bonzai Buckaroo | 11.12.2007 | 10:48 am
Unbelievable picture sequence. I literally gasped in awe.
I am not so much afraid of heights as I am afraid of falling from high places.
I have not entered your weight loss contest for two reasons: First, I am a roadie and have no use for the prize, and second I do not believe loosing weight this way is healthy. However, I have made a $50 donation to the LAF.
Live Long and Prosper
Comment by Sprocketboy | 11.12.2007 | 10:53 am
I hope that there will be positive news today, and that stair lift should make life a bit easier for Susan. As to the sequence of photos of BotchedExperiment riding down that hill I suspect some Photoshopping is involved.
Normally November is my Bitter Month of Irresistible Weight Gain and I would have been up for the new weight loss competition, even if I cannot use the grips on my road bikes, but since the end of the B7 Challenge I have pretty been within two pounds of my lowest weight this year. All Hail the Motivational Support of the Fat Cyclist’s Blog!
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 11.12.2007 | 10:57 am
Is it odd that I want to try that drop? I’m jealous! That’s awesome that you got the lift. Hopefully it will make Susan’s life a little bit easier. I think I’m with Bonzai Buckaroo – I’ve made a donation but probably won’t be losing any weight. I have, however, put a jump start on my nutrition plan starting today. Thanks!
As always, healing karmic thoughts are headed your way.
Comment by eclecticdeb | 11.12.2007 | 11:11 am
Great first picture. I’m glad that you were able to get this installed, but bummed that Susan needed to get it installed. Unfortunately, my Mom is going through the same thing — she’s getting close to needing one herself.
Just entered the Get a Grip challenge with a donation to http://austin07.livestrong.org/mlevin.
Comment by Mrs. Botched | 11.12.2007 | 11:18 am
As soon as I saw the first picture with a rider in it, I knew it must be my crazy husband. Sure enough…I long ago gave up any hope of him having any safety sense. The only thing worse I can imagine is being Kenny’s wife!
Thanks for getting the pics, Elden! Lots of prayers and names on the roll for you and Susan!
Comment by Mrs. Botched | 11.12.2007 | 11:20 am
Oh, and I was wondering what that big rash on his butt crack was from…
Comment by axel | 11.12.2007 | 11:42 am
compared to last years photo of Botched jumping a rock crevasse, it looks to me like he slowed down and mellowed out
Comment by nickc | 11.12.2007 | 11:43 am
Cool stairlift, I’ll bet you a fiver that one night you roll in drunk, and give it a go….
Comment by cheapie | 11.12.2007 | 12:26 pm
if i’m not mistaken, the fat one doesn’t imbibe. but i’m guessing he’ll use it the next time he tries another hill w/a fixie!
Comment by VA Biker | 11.12.2007 | 12:32 pm
And my friends always give me hard time for not riding the mountain bike more often? I find scenes like these leave me at a loss at a need for any more explanation. The thing is: he chose to descend that slope. Why?
I’ll be sticking to the road, thank you very much.
Good news about the lift and I hope you get good news at the doctor’s office…
Comment by hades | 11.12.2007 | 12:52 pm
I have a picture of my usual riding buddy Matt riding the same drop that ended up on my LBS’s web site as he is the head mechanic there – http://www.wersellsbikeandskishop.com/ (end of shameless plug – the pics int he corner of the sub pages rotate and it pops up occasionally). I didn’t have the cajones to do it, and he made it look easy.
I’m wearing the FC jersey with even more pride now that I know Susan can make it up and down the stairs more easily as a result of my purchase. As always, my thoughts are with you guys.
Comment by DNAtsol | 11.12.2007 | 1:18 pm
Great to see the chair. Convenience is such a great concept.
On the Botched photos. When I went on my first single track group ride there was a serpentine, rock, log filled roller coaster ravine that looked totally awesome and even though it was my first time I was game to try. Luckily for me, and my still intact limbs, my riding buddy told me I wasn’t allowed. He said my wife asked him to stop me if I thought of doing anything stupid. It was like a little external conscience :).
Soon tho’. Soon the drop will be mine!
Comment by lt col tim | 11.12.2007 | 2:19 pm
God bless you and Susan and your children! When will the pink jerseys go back on sale? I’m still kicking myself for waiting too long on the first run. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Comment by randomhigh | 11.12.2007 | 3:47 pm
you’re not the only one kicking themself for waiting too long on the pink jerseys, lt col tim… FC, you gotta do another pink jersey run so you and Susan and your kids can go to Italy (or whereever) this time cuz you all deserve a vacation. I’m still a poor student but Christmas is coming up and I’m saving up…
did you post all the photos of Botched’s descent into lunacy? it feels like there should be another one after that last one you posted where he crashes into the other side of the ravine…
Comment by WIllie Nelson | 11.12.2007 | 3:57 pm
Botched,
Nice work on the descent. Makes me jealous and gives me cause to remember the good ole days of living in the mountains. I think the only place I could find that much drop in Florida is off my roof.
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Comment by bikemike | 11.12.2007 | 4:40 pm
Willie Nelson,
i heard it through the grapevine the other day that they (whoever they are) may be opening up The Grand Canyon in Brooksville again. Gatorback in Gainsville is still motocross only i believe and not sure about Hardrock in Ocala.
so, woohoo, 500ft. of elevation change in Florida, here we go again.
who needs 9,000 feet of climbing when i know good and well i can break my neck just getting on and off the bike.
Susan, you rule. walking up stairs is so 1990’s. you’re way ahead of the curve.
sell the stair chair to Botched when you’re finished, he may need it with stunts like that.
Comment by Beast Mom | 11.12.2007 | 5:06 pm
How did the appointment go?
Glad you got the chair lift!
-bm
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 11.12.2007 | 6:07 pm
That chairlift looks a treat. Here’s something worth considering. There’s not just the expense of purchase and installation… there’s also the power and maintenance to consider, along with all the other medical expenses.
To offset all of this I strongly suggest some sort of theme park arrangement. Set up the teeter in the front yard with several of your older, less loved bikes for loan (or even better, hire). Plus you’ve got the chairlift “ride”. $5 for adults, $3 for children and concession card holders.
Between your famousness and the theme park I think you could come out of this a very rich man.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 11.12.2007 | 6:10 pm
Botched – Dude, you’re gonna ruin your reputation as the most timid rider on the epic trips if you keep that up (assuming fatty didn’t edit out the last 3 shots in the sequence where you attempt to landscape the rockface using your eyeballs as a shovel).
Pingback by www.topweightlosssecrets.info » A Thank-You, An Announcement, and a Preview | 11.12.2007 | 11:09 pm
[...] fatty added an interesting post today on A Thank-You, An Announcement, and a Preview.Here’s a small reading:Today’s the first day of the “Get a Grip†One-Week Weight Loss Challenge, brought to you by the fine folks at Ergon Bike Ergonomics. At this moment, so far 27 people (including me) have signed up, and have donated $810 toward fighting … [...]
Comment by flossy | 11.13.2007 | 4:14 am
That’s a brilliant stair lift! Hope all goes well with the doc appointment
Comment by Pammap | 11.13.2007 | 6:05 am
I, too, am counting on another run of pink jerseys as that is what I’m getting for Christmas – that is, assuming that you do indeed offer them again. Please.
Comment by skunkty14 | 11.13.2007 | 8:08 am
Fatty thank you for continuing to share your family’s fight with illness. Best of luck with the doctor appt. today!
Please do another run of FC jerseys in big fella sizes (if you aren’t planning already). You can already put me down for 2 minimum.
Comment by Bitter (formerly known as Lissee) | 11.13.2007 | 8:28 am
I like how Botched’s cycling buddies are standing by to assist on the off chance that that front wheel turns into a taco. lol
Comment by AMG in Texas | 11.13.2007 | 10:28 am
Glad to see the chair lift Fatty!! Next what you will do is put crushed ice on the stairs and ski down (seeing that winter is coming an all :-) ). Just be sure to open the front door to end in the front yard. Glad to pitch in for Susan. Tell Kelleen to post more Biker Girls pictures!!! Those jump shots of her and her friends were down right WNBA…
Still wearing pink and proud of it. Keep up the fight Susan! You too Fatty!
P.S. – I gained weight this week… Ah… Chuys Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom Echiladas!!! Making you hungry??? Dig in all. Put me in for XXL Pink version 2 jerseys ;-)
Comment by Charles | 11.13.2007 | 10:38 am
It would be an awesome photo if you photoshopped the stair lift on the side of that cliff.
Comment by Fish | 11.13.2007 | 4:34 pm
“In addition to the almost surreal conversation, we had extraordinarily good food. I don’t know if it’s a function of being hungry after riding for the afternoon, or if it’s the open flame, but the brats we made were the best thing I have ever eaten.”
I’m choosing to take this as a challenge for the LT100 post-race meal next year.
Comment by gwadzilla | 11.15.2007 | 2:55 pm
MOAB ROCKS!
CANCER SUCKS!
F_CK CANCER!
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