Hats, Shirts, Shorts, and Kicking Butt
This morning I had a poser of an ethical dilemma I had to solve. Luckily, I solved it easily, thanks to a little help from a friend. I’ll explain more about this in a minute.
Caps for Sale
But first, I want to let you know some very cool news: My good friends at Twin Six have just let me know that Fat Cyclist cycling caps are now in. Behold (click either for a larger version of the image):
Here’s the left side:
And here’s the right:
They’re soft wool, they’re extremely comfortable (I know; I wear one pretty much every moment of the day), the graphics are embroidered — not screened — on, and they’re $30.00. Seems to me that a cap like this might make a fine Christmas gift — as long as you order by Friday. But why wait? If I were you, I’d order one now.
2009 Fat Cyclist T-Shirt Now In
You know what would go great with that hat? The new Fat Cyclist T-Shirt would, that’s what. Here’s what it looks like:
I love this new shirt. It’s black (which is slimming), it’s $22 (which is also slimming), and it’s cotton (which is comfortable). And it’s available now, both for men and for women.
I’d suggest that this might make a fine Christmas present, but you already knew that.
Why I Love the Twin Six Guys
As you may know, Twin Six has been designing and selling my jerseys (and t-shirts and bibshorts and women’s shorts and hats and armwarmers and socks) ever since I’ve had them to sell.
And, as you may know, they do an incredible job.
What you may not know is this. This is Twin Six:
Yes, that’s right. Twin Six is two guys — and two part-timers — in Minneapolis. They’d put the “small” in small business, if it weren’t for the fact that they’re both about 7′ tall.
Which is all prelude to the fact that last Friday, Twin Six joined Team Fatty by setting up their own LiveStrong Challenge Fundraiser page — and then immediately donated $6600.00 to it.
Yes, that’s right. These two guys just basically donated their company profit for the year toward fighting cancer.
Weirdly, Dr. Lammler seems to have pitched in $66.66 to their page, bringing the Twin Six total to $6666.66. In support of Spalm, evidently. That guy’s such a kidder.
This makes Twin Six, in addition to being really excellent guys to do business with, the current top fundraisers for Team Fatty.
Why Mark Should Love Twin Six
Here’s the thing (and here’s where I’m getting back to the ethical dilemma, by the way). That much money in your fundraiser page buys a lotta raffle tickets. 1333 of them, in fact.
And so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Twin Six won the Masi Soulville 10 in the raffle drawing last Friday night.
The thing is, the Twin Six guys won it fair and square — like everyone else, they created a LiveStrong Challenge page and contributed their own hard-earned money to it. Then they had won the bike by luck of the draw, bolstered by the fact that they had improved their odds of winning by being extremely generous.
But I didn’t feel good about it. I was worried it wouldn’t look right to some people. So I called Ryan (he’s the one who’s eyes aren’t crossed out), planning to walk him through how he won but how it didn’t seem right to me.
I never got to my speech.
“No, no no no no no no. No,” said Ryan as soon as I said they had the winning ticket.
And so I drew an alternate — Mark M — to win the Soulville. Mark is, by the way, a good guy who is — like a lot of us — fighting against cancer for intensely personal reasons. And he’s excited to get the Soulville. As he should be.
A word of advice, Mark: you may want to go buy a Twin Six jersey or two, just to balance out the karma a little, you know?
Why You’re Going to Love Twin Six
So, right this very minute, the guys at Twin Six are hard at work at the special Team Fatty: Fighting for Susan jersey design. I haven’t seen the preliminary designs yet, but Twin Six has never disappointed me yet.
If you’re a member of Team Fatty, you’ll definitely want to pick one up. And you may want to pick one up even if you haven’t signed up for the LiveStrong Challenge, because Twin Six is going to be making a hefty donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for each one of these sold.
I know I’m gushing, but these guys rock.
Comment by Uphill Battle | 12.15.2008 | 2:35 pm
TWIN SIX ROCKS!!!!! You guys are absolutley awesome!
Comment by Jeff | 12.15.2008 | 2:38 pm
aah…and that answers my question!
Comment by Canadian Roadie (posing as a mtn biker) | 12.15.2008 | 2:39 pm
Wow, that’s incredible! Twin Six just brought tears to my eyes!
Comment by John | 12.15.2008 | 2:40 pm
Woah. I’m stunned. I guess I will be supporting Twin Six now. That is a tremendous thing they did.
Comment by cheapie | 12.15.2008 | 2:42 pm
oh man…i’m guessing the vast majority of us wouldn’t have had a problem with them walking away with the bike. good stuff. it will take some convincing to ever get me to buy a non-T6 jersey.
Comment by JT | 12.15.2008 | 2:45 pm
Already loved these guys and the uber cool gear, but man they now have surpassed BBQ and wheat beer on things I love list!
Comment by Bob | 12.15.2008 | 2:48 pm
Wow
Thats really I can say.
Comment by chtrich | 12.15.2008 | 2:48 pm
Rockin’ indeed!!!!
Comment by TCR Dave (formerly dave) | 12.15.2008 | 2:50 pm
Ever since the first fatty jersey came out I have loved the twin six product line. The majority of my cycling and casual wardrobe now consists of T6 stuff. I can’t wait for the team fatty jersey. I hope it comes out soon so I can get the new t-shirt as well.
thanks T6 for your support and service of Elden and his family
Comment by cheapie | 12.15.2008 | 2:52 pm
btw fatty….which size cap did you get? i’m trying to figure out which one i should select.
Comment by Charisa | 12.15.2008 | 2:54 pm
I already loved Twin Six, but it’s super cool to see goodness happening in the world!!
Comment by DanKMTB | 12.15.2008 | 2:57 pm
And there fell the straw that broke the camels back. Or my back, as the case may be. See, I don’t buy cycling clothes. I ride in normal clothes, at most a sweat wicking athletic T that’s about $10 at Macys. I also don’t buy T-shirts, since the contracting company my father started that I’m setting up to take over has their own shirts, leaving me with a drawer of likely 40 t-shirts, with an infinite number prepared to fill any spots in the drawer that may open up. All that said, I’m about to buy a few twin 6 shirts. Leaning toward normal t-shirts, as I’m not the form-fitting type, but still on the fence. Maybe a XXL cycling jersey to keep the sweat wicking I am so fond of when I ride. I’m a large normally (with breathing room, I could wear a medium if it wasn’t for that no-form-fitting-clothes thing) so a XXL jersey would probably leave me enough room to fit the way I like – baggy.
So, how do these things run, size-wise? You know, so I can make sure that I don’t end up with anything that actually fits me, god forbid.
Comment by matt (ming) | 12.15.2008 | 3:01 pm
now this is executive level spending i can totally agree with!
ordered 2 caps and a shirt
you guys at twin six are a classy act.
WIN!
Comment by Woody | 12.15.2008 | 3:05 pm
Twin Six is awesome!! And congrats to Mark!!
Comment by GenghisKhan | 12.15.2008 | 3:14 pm
Big ups–the kids still sayin’ that–to the guys at Twin Six. Double points for refusing the Masi. Just what kinda super heroes are these guys?
Comment by Ty | 12.15.2008 | 3:14 pm
Just this morning I got my fourth or fifth order form T6 in the mail. And as always, I love what I ordered!
After reading this, it makes me feel even better about my purchases!!!
Comment by Marla | 12.15.2008 | 3:20 pm
I think a new cap may be on the way to my door from the big brown gift delivery truck!!
That’s awesome what Twin Six is doing. I know I’ll continue to support them:)
Comment by MikeonhisBike | 12.15.2008 | 3:22 pm
That is indeed amazing. Way to go twin six. You guys rock.
Mike
http://www.mikeonhisbike.blogspot.com
Comment by dug | 12.15.2008 | 3:23 pm
your dilemna was a poser?
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.15.2008 | 3:29 pm
dug, yes. His problem was dressed in full Team Telecom kit, including a retro bicycle. However, his problem couldn’t ride well. Not well at all.
Comment by Orbea Girl | 12.15.2008 | 3:30 pm
What great guys, I shall look forward to meeting them in Austin.
Comment by WheelDancer | 12.15.2008 | 3:31 pm
A couple of guys doing my home town right! Thanks guys, I’ll be doing some shopping real soon like when that jersey comes out. If I wasn’t swirling around my own porcelain hell just now I’d be digging deep in my pocket for Susan & Team Fatty. Hopefully I will have more than just my knee down there someday soon but but I still have a deep pocket full of support and encouragement and I’ll spend that freely right here.
Comment by Mark | 12.15.2008 | 3:39 pm
Thanks to Elden and all Team Fatty members and supporters! The Twin Six stuff rocks. I’ll get another order underway for the new stuff, but the bibs and tshirt I ordered a while back are outstanding quality, plus they have great customer service!
Comment by megan | 12.15.2008 | 3:40 pm
Damn you T6 and Fat Cyclist! I have been doing so well at avoiding buying things I didn’t need on the internet. Now there’s a fancy woollen cycling cap wending its way to me. Oh well, I guess the current money saving is largely in honour of the big bike trip being planned for next year – and now I have a hat to wear!
Comment by Jodi | 12.15.2008 | 3:40 pm
Dang.
Keeping it Classy, Twin Six. I like your style.
Comment by Weiland | 12.15.2008 | 3:41 pm
It was probably for the best that they did passed on the bike. It could have contributed to infighting at Twin Six over who would get to ride it. That’s just good business sense there.
Comment by Don | 12.15.2008 | 3:42 pm
Twin Six is AWESOME!
Oh, and Fatty… YOU and SUSAN are awesome!*^
*as are the family of Fatty
^as are the friends of Fatty
Comment by Don | 12.15.2008 | 3:42 pm
PS… I SO want a hat*…
*Hope the wife reads that!
Comment by Bjorn 4Lycra | 12.15.2008 | 3:45 pm
Talk about superpowers – well we weren’t but we have -the twin6 guys have got them in abundance with no obvious weakness. Gentlemen you are true gentlemen. FC Gush away Twin6 deserve it.
Comment by MOCougFan | 12.15.2008 | 3:59 pm
Your right. They do make a good Christmas present.
Gotta say…. as a small business guy myself (dentist), I’m not sure I could dole out that big of a wad. That is some serious generosity. Very impressive fellas.
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 12.15.2008 | 4:01 pm
Amazing guys. Thanks Twin Six!!
Comment by Heather D. | 12.15.2008 | 4:02 pm
Kind of restores some of my faith in humanity…
Comment by Lizzylou | 12.15.2008 | 4:07 pm
um… WOW,
I think that expresses my thoughts very well.
Comment by montanapat | 12.15.2008 | 4:22 pm
Twin Six is awesome! I’ve emailed these guys with various questions about their gear and gotten responses on a Sunday! Placing an order in a few minutes!
Comment by Dingbat | 12.15.2008 | 4:39 pm
That’s truly amazing. And I’m sure it will inspire the opening of many wallets (mine included). And the proud wearing of some awesome jerseys.
Comment by je | 12.15.2008 | 4:41 pm
I’m glad their stuff looks cool. Otherwise, I’d feel less good about sending money to them just because they are such awesome dudes in supporting Susan and your cause.
Comment by Miles Archer | 12.15.2008 | 5:14 pm
I love the bib shorts, but it’s too cold & wet for them now. I’m waiting for the wool jersey.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 12.15.2008 | 5:25 pm
THANK YOU TWIN SIX!!!!
We love you! Guess I do need a new FC t-shirt, after all!!!!!
WIN
Comment by BikeCopVT | 12.15.2008 | 5:30 pm
My wool cap showed up at my door today!!! and it’s awsome. But damn those T6 gueys for making such cool stuff. Every time I order, within a few days they put something else up that I must have… Thank you T6 for once again making it sooo easy to spend money I don’t have.
Win Susan
Eldon Won
LiveStrong
Comment by Kathleen | 12.15.2008 | 5:40 pm
Absolutely terrifically amazingly fantastic.
Twin Six – you guys rock.
Words don’t do justice.
Comment by RTM | 12.15.2008 | 6:01 pm
Twin Six freakin’ rocks. I have some of their gear and will def. be buying more!
Comment by anji | 12.15.2008 | 6:09 pm
Twin six are absolute angels…
What can I say?! Thank you for your generosity!
Comment by kentucky joe | 12.15.2008 | 6:16 pm
ordered the cap…merry xmas to me….I had debated and come so close to buying a cycling cap this past summer as I thought I had finally “earned one” by getting a new road bike, increasing my distance and avg speed to something respectable, but I held back that impulse thinking something cool would come along…biding my time…waiting for ….this moment of course….thanks FC….thanks Twin Six
Comment by AlicesYellowPorsche | 12.15.2008 | 7:14 pm
twin six are the best…… just ordered a t-shirt :-)
Comment by KT | 12.15.2008 | 9:56 pm
You guys are the best. I love your products, I love your philosophy, I love your chutzpah.
Win, SUSAN!!
Comment by rita | 12.15.2008 | 10:14 pm
Thank you, Twin Six gents!! You’re beautiful!
Comment by Jennifer | 12.15.2008 | 10:46 pm
Twin Six are fabulous generous guys!
Must.
Have.
Hat.
Comment by ChefJT | 12.15.2008 | 11:22 pm
I actually found about FatCyclist.com while cruising the T6 site. Once I got here and learned about Fatty’s fight (and about how generous T6 has been) I became a T6′er for life. Got about a dozen jerseys now including 3 FC jerseys, bibs arm warmers, you name it. I’m proud to send my business to guys who give back.
Fatty, God bless and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
ChefJT
Comment by stuckinmypedals | 12.15.2008 | 11:44 pm
Way to lead, Twin Six! I already loved you guys and darn it all if you don’t keep doing things to prove why I should love ya’ more! Can’t wait to see how my new FC stuff fits!
Comment by USAFANARC | 12.15.2008 | 11:45 pm
Like many on here, I’ve become a huge T6 fan. I own about 8 t-shirts, the 08 FC jersey, bibs, and arm warmers, and about 4 other T6 jerseys. The T6 guys just rock…the…house! Now, I’m going to have to buy the new FC t-shirt and cap.
I can’t wait to wear the FC kit for the LAF Challenge in Seattle and the Death Ride this year!
Comment by Paul | 12.16.2008 | 2:36 am
Just emailed T6 to let them know they’re now the official supplier to my house. A small market, I admit, but I can’t imagine *not* using a company that rocks this hard.
Comment by dr_robert | 12.16.2008 | 2:39 am
I’m not really much of a hat guy… so I’ll have to order a couple (more) Twin Six shirts instead. I may even spring for the Fatty team kit. =)
-DR
Comment by buckythedonkey | 12.16.2008 | 3:42 am
Spalm my balls if that isn’t the most fabulous happening of the campaign so far. From a loyal customer a huge and heartfelt HUZZAH!
If you don’t have any T6 gear yet, rest assured that their stuff isn’t just very cool, it is high quality stuff. Good on you, fellas.
Comment by dr_robert | 12.16.2008 | 5:46 am
“If you don’t have any T6 gear yet, rest assured that their stuff isn’t just very cool, it is high quality stuff.”
+1
Comment by Pierre | 12.16.2008 | 6:04 am
I’m loving the cycling shirts that world jersey are doing at the moment. Combining Popular snack foods with cycling. A winner ;)
They do others but its this one that I bought recently:
http://www.procyclingshirts.com/pro-cycling-shirts/what-is-a-cycling-shirt/
Comment by Mike Roadie | 12.16.2008 | 7:46 am
Must…..have…..new…..t-shirt…..can’t…..resist……
OK, my order is in! Sheesh, I couldn’t even get my wife to buy it for me for Christmas.
That IS a damn good looking cap, but wool in Florida….I’m thinking no.
Wish I could find someone to donate $6600 to MY site: http://austin09.livestrong.org/mike You just gotta LOVE the Twin Six guys!!!!
Thanks again!
Comment by Russell | 12.16.2008 | 9:11 am
Curse you TWIN SIX!!!!! I sat by the phone all weekend waiting for a call from Fatty telling me about my fabulous new bike. If I’m am going to be a loser I try to do so with grace and dignity. I guess I’ll buy another jersey. Oooo the hat is nice too….
Comment by regina | 12.16.2008 | 9:54 am
Yeah twin six, yeah team fatty.
WIN SUSAN!!!
Comment by Ron | 12.16.2008 | 10:18 am
Don’t ride like I used to, so jerseys/shorts aren’t of much use to me. But I just placed an order with T6 for a t-shirt, and I plan on buying more in the future. What a class act… I too have tears in my eyes at this point.
You open up the paper, and read nothing but *bad* things going on in the world, and you wonder what the hell is wrong with people. Then you come here, and realize that there is STILL love, and people willing to sacrifice for others they’ve never met.
Thank you Twin Six. Thank you Fatty.
WIN SUSAN.
Comment by Julie | 12.16.2008 | 10:35 am
Awesome! I didn’t know I needed a cycling cap but obviously I can’t live without one.
Way to go!
Comment by Laura | 12.16.2008 | 1:52 pm
Eldon,
Just wanted to send kudos to you for all the work and enthusiasm you have put towards the fight. I know what it’s like, today marks 10 years since my diagnosis.
So far, I’m winning but I still fight.
I read somewhere “I didn’t see this life-threatening disease coming but from now on I’m going to lead a disease-threatening life.” Amen to that, I think I’ll celebrate by supporting T6 and the fatties.
Comment by Tom | 12.16.2008 | 2:08 pm
T-6 emanates coolness, in all aspects.
Comment by Pam | 12.16.2008 | 2:26 pm
And another thing….TwinSix got me my Fat Cyclist T to me lickety split. They totally rock!
Comment by Shiny Flu | 12.16.2008 | 2:39 pm
Wow, I think I’ll add that great looking T-shirt to my short Xmas list.
If the boys from T6 are reading- thank you.
Twin Six- absolutely attractively awesome-tastic!
Comment by Bobby | 12.16.2008 | 8:04 pm
Hey Elden,
i know that I’m not as good as Racer, but seeing as we’re related and all…I could definitely give you some pointers on bike maintenance. I’ve been wrenching for a couple years now and I think I’m more than proficient. Let me know if you get some time and want to take me up on it. Consider it a Christmas present.
Comment by Don | 12.22.2008 | 1:10 pm
Did anyone win the wheel set?!
Comment by meligrosa | 01.6.2009 | 1:26 am
those shirts are dope!