Fight Cancer, Win an Orbea Orca With Dura-Ace Di2 Build
The contest I’m launching today troubles me, because it reveals a previously-unknown weakness in me.
Specifically, I find myself in the ethically-problematic position of trying to figure out how I can possibly be the winner of this contest, the prize of which is a 2010 Orbea Orca or Diva (winner’s choice). Either bike will be outfitted with a Dura-Ace Di2 group with Dura-Ace carbon tubeless wheels, PRO Stealth handlebar, PRO Vibe seatpost and other PRO accessories. The estimated value of this bike is $9,600.
I ask you to consider the below photograph (click the photo to see a larger, more exquisitely detailed version), then decide whether you can really blame me for wanting to keep it myself.
That bike is sexy. Dangerously sexy.
But no, I will not keep this bike, even though I would like to. Instead, I will give it to a random person who has donated any multiple of $5 to my LiveStrong Challenge page, or to a random Team Fatty member (any city) who has raised money in their own LiveStrong Challenge since Friday, July 31.
So, go donate now, or read on for details.
What This Is
So what do you get with this bike?
- Frame: Orbea Orca or Diva:
The Orca is Orbea’s flagship bike, and the Diva is the women’s-specific variation on the Orca. Frankly, there just isn’t much I need to say about these bikes. Just look at them. They’re beautiful. But they’re not just vanity bikes. Oh no. If you’ve ever ridden an Orca, you want an Orca. They ride as sexy as they look. Which, I would like to point out, is very, very sexy. - Drivetrain: Dura-Ace Di2 Group:
Back at Interbike last year, Shimano was showing off its not-yet-released Di2 electronic shifting group, called “Shimano Electronic Intelligent System” (SEIS). Until I saw it in action, I didn’t really get the “Intelligent” part, but the fact is, it’s incredibly cool. When you tap to shift in the back, the front derailleur senses and trims to make sure your chain’s still aligned. If the rear derailleur gets bumped, it adjusts back so it’s true to the cassette. And it shifts fast. This bike is just off-the-charts fast, light, and high-tech.
What? You say you want all the details? Good call. Here’s the bike’s spec:
- Frame/Fork: Choice of 2010 Orbea Orca or Diva (Choice of size & color from stock on hand)
- Shifters: Dura-Ace Di2
- Rear Derailleur: Dura-Ace Di2
- Front Derailleur: Dura-Ace Di2
- Brakeset (F&R): Dura-Ace
- Crankset: Dura-Ace 7900 (Regular or Compact)
- Bottom Bracket: Dura-Ace 7900
- Chain: Dura-Ace 7900
- Cassette: Dura-Ace 7900
Wheelset: Dura-Ace Carbon Clincher Tube/Tubeless compatible…WH-7850-C24-TL- Tires: Hutchinson Tubeless
- Handlebar/Stem: PRO Integrated Carbon Stealth Bar
- Seatpost: PRO Vibe
- Battery / Charger / Wire Kits: Dura-Ace Di2
- Saddle/Pedals not included
How You Can Win
Oh, you think you’d like to have this bike? Well, of course you would. Well, to win it, you’re going to need to do a little cancer fighting with me. Here are the ways you can donate.
- By Donating at my Philly LiveStrong Challenge Page: For every $5 you donate at my LiveStrong Challenge page, you get another row on my spreadsheet. That DOES NOT mean that if you want to donate $50, you’ve got to do ten $5.00 donations. I’m awesome at Excel and will be able to give you the correct number of chances automatically, based on how much you donate. Click here to donate now .
- By Raising Money at Your OWN Team Fatty LiveStrong Challenge Page: If you’re a member of Team Fatty, now’s a great time to donate money to your own LiveStrong Challenge, as well as to get others to donate to it. For every $5 you raise starting last Friday (July 31) to the end of the contest, you get another row on my spreadsheet.
The contest ends August 13 at Midnight, MDT. At that point I will choose a winner at random from my spreadsheet, using random.org to pick the lucky person. I will then fire off an email to the winner. Once I get acknowledgement, I’ll announce it on my blog, and you can begin collecting envious looks.
Why This Is Important — AKA, How I Got This Bike To Give Away In The First Place
Perhaps you are talking to yourself right now. And if so, perhaps the thing you are saying to yourself is, “How did Fatty wrangle this kind of bike to give away? I had no idea he has that kind of juice.”
Well, the fact is, I do not have that kind of juice. Not even close.
However, there is a guy at Shimano whose fiance has the same kind of breast cancer my wife Susan has, and he and I have spent some time talking. He’s got the same kinds of reasons to hate and fight cancer that I have.
So. He’s got the goods, I’ve got a ready-made soapbox, and you’ve got a serious need to get yourself the sweetest bike you could ever imagine. It’s a match made in heaven.
And, more important than all that, is the fact that if and when we all work together to fight cancer, we will eventually succeed. So please, donate now. You may — or may not — win this incredible bike. Regardless, though, you’ll have done something good and important.
And how often do you get to say that?
Q&A
People are asking some good questions in the comments, so I’m adding this section to respond to some of the ones I’m seeing frequently:
Q. Can I win if I live outside of the U.S.?
A. Yes, but you’ll be in charge of any customs charges if you win. Fair enough?
Q. What’s the name of the guy at Shimano who’s gone to all this trouble?
A. He asked to not be named. Just think of him as a great guy at a great company who cares a lot about doing the right thing. Because that’s who he is. Just like you.
Q. Are we automatically entered if people have donated to our personal site since 7/31 or is there something we have to do to be sure we are entered?
A. It’s automatic. I took a snapshot of everyone’s personal site earnings on 7/31 and will do so again at the end of the contest. The amount you’ve earned during that period, divided by $5, is the number of chances you get.
Got more questions? E-mail me or ask in the Comments. I’ll do my best to get an answer to you.
Comment by aussie kev | 08.3.2009 | 10:04 pm
awesome prize – i can’t wait to ride it !!!!
allez susan
Comment by jt | 08.3.2009 | 10:27 pm
Man you are excited its not even tomorrow yet! And no wonder, love this bike!!! & Just in time to kick my Austin fund raising into gear!! WIN Susan
I figure it’s tomorrow on the East coast, and since I currently have a sister from Brooklyn staying here, I’m honoring her time zone. – FC
Comment by Candice Flores | 08.3.2009 | 10:35 pm
Hey…why CAN’T you have the same chance to win the bike as everyone else? For every $5 you raise, enter a line for yourself in the spreadsheet…we trust you on the random selection.
OK,probably.
Mostly.
Kind of.
It’s OK, I’d steal it too, if I could think of a way:)
WIN Susan
Yeah, I’m sure nobody would suspect me of cheating if I wound up giving the bike to myself…. – FC
Comment by je slc | 08.3.2009 | 10:39 pm
That bike is so beautiful, I would look like an a$$ on it, but I’d still ride it. Hoo boy! Nice contest, fatty.
Fight Susan. Win Susan. Stupid cancer.
Comment by Chris | 08.3.2009 | 11:40 pm
Do you think it would be bad form to put triple chain rings on it?
Comment by Onan the Barbarian | 08.3.2009 | 11:42 pm
When I win the bike, I’ll just auction it off and donate the proceeds to LiveStrong anyway. What the heck am I going to do with such a beautiful bike anyway?
I’m short, fat, and slow for goodness sakes and would look ridiculous on this bike.
Comment by laineyme | 08.4.2009 | 12:13 am
I am just about to buy my first ever proper bike, I can’t think of a better way of spending some of my bike fund. Plus can you imagine the looks on people’s faces if that was my first bike?!??!
WIN Susan love to all
Comment by Nix | 08.4.2009 | 1:19 am
Hmm, am now 3 months pregnant, so for the time being no more mountain biking; this sounds like a good bike to hit the road with.
Comment by Beej | 08.4.2009 | 1:22 am
I live in the UK, I’ve never known if non-US residents are allowed to enter your competitions or not. For this, I’m willing to emigrate…
Comment by eclecticdeb | 08.4.2009 | 3:20 am
Your campaign is now $20 richer. While I’d love to win the bike, I’d much rather win the fight against cancer.
I think of you often, wishing there was something I could do or say to make things better. Perhaps you can feel the huge virtual hug going to you and your family.
Comment by Jamieson | 08.4.2009 | 5:11 am
Good Morning to Jodi, glad she is there to be with you.
Now I have to get this donation machine cranked up!
Comment by Tony | 08.4.2009 | 5:12 am
I’m with Beej – is this competition open to the far corners of the world? I live in Australia and have never been sure if I can enter these competitions.. But this bike is just so beautiful.
Comment by Tom Fury | 08.4.2009 | 5:14 am
Man, put a squeezy horn and some handlebar streamers, maybe a basket up front on that thing and you’d really have something! Consider me in!
Win Susan!
Comment by BikecopVT | 08.4.2009 | 5:37 am
Go ahead lick it Fatty. You know you want to.
Win Susan!!
LiveStrong!
Comment by Andrea | 08.4.2009 | 5:38 am
My husband cries when he looks at this bike. Seriously. Embarrassing.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 08.4.2009 | 5:42 am
WOW!!!!!
Let’s go Team Austin…….we can surely raise enough money to take over 1st place with THIS as an incentive…..
WIN!!!
Comment by Philly Jen | 08.4.2009 | 5:44 am
As co-captain of Team Fatty Philly, I will encourage people who are inclined to donate to a stranger to give to someone who already has some money in their account (indicating their intention to be at the starting line), but whose total is still shy of the $250 required for every cyclist to roll out onto the course.
Life has gotten in the way of some registered members of the team being able to attend — it’s the people who are still sweating it out with their fundraising who need your support so that we can swell our ranks on event day.
You’ve seen many of the people on Team Fatty Philly hanging around here in the comments section before. If you like ‘em, support ‘em by clicking the name link at the top of their comments to go to their fundraising pages.
Thanks for the collective awesomeness, folks!
= GIVE LIKE FATTY =
= FIGHT LIKE SUSAN =
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 08.4.2009 | 6:07 am
Hey FC got a name “for the guy at Shimano” it would be nice to be able to thank him and wish his fiancee all the best and that we are thinking of her also. This is a powerful website you’ve got going and a collective call out can’t hurt.
Magnificent gesture on their part anyway – thanks
Comment by Dana | 08.4.2009 | 6:52 am
i. need. this. bike.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.4.2009 | 6:57 am
Elden, Getting yourself into the draw is easy. Set up a Post Office Box, set up a gmail account with a semi-random alias and make a donation. If your completely anonymous legitimate profile wins, that’s that. Unless some jealous bastard sees you out on the Orbea and decides to run you down.
But this whole discussion is moot because I have a lock on this prize.
BM
Comment by Big Boned | 08.4.2009 | 7:09 am
I wonder if this little gem will be what puts the fundraising total over a HALF MILLION dollars??? HUZZAH!
Awesome prize Fatty!
WIN Susan!
Comment by Clydesdale Carrie | 08.4.2009 | 7:13 am
We can’t blame you for wanting to win it Fatty! It’s my dream bike too, and I’ve been saving for it, bit by bit. In fact, I’m doing rather bad at the “saving” thing at the moment, because I just dropped half my “Diva Fund” here thanks to your little contest. At least I can justify it by being a college student—we’re *supposed* to be bad at saving, right?
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by Robert | 08.4.2009 | 7:21 am
I too am excited about this contest. I am ready to trade in my bike for this one. I would even be willing to raffle off my bike if I were to win.
I sure am glad I am a memeber of team Fatty. Click here to show me some love! http://philly09.livestrong.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=294753&lis=0&kntae294753=792ABDAA2FA74831A71665C77DBDAD8A
Donate today! I know it’s a long shot
Comment by Clark | 08.4.2009 | 7:38 am
Thanks for the contest! We don’t really need a reason to donate, but you sure gave us one! Our hearts go out to you in your troubling times, and know that we CAN find a cure. Thanks for all of your efforts towards this fight.
Comment by Wes | 08.4.2009 | 7:41 am
done. cause you and Susan ROCK…
Comment by SadTaxMan | 08.4.2009 | 8:04 am
Why do I have to do taxes. I would enter if not for the fact that if I won I’d be compelled by my overarching sense of duty to the profession to pay taxes on the winnings. Sigh… I’ll just have to give anyway and hope I don’t win.
Comment by etucker | 08.4.2009 | 8:20 am
I’m in. Come on everyone, let’s see if we can get Elden over his personal goal of $90K (even though that increases the odds of winning that sweet ride). We’re halfway there already. WIN Susan!
Comment by Sarah | 08.4.2009 | 8:23 am
My ten year old daughter looked at the picture of the bike this weekend and said “oh, it’s such a nice bike. He should keep it!” Ten year olds know a thing or two about what’s fair, so you have her blessing.
But she also thinks that if I win it I should go with the pink bike.
Comment by Philly Jen | 08.4.2009 | 8:26 am
@Rob: Uh, this is why the team emails said to make sure you know the short URL for your page. Because the long one often breaks.
@Team Fatty Philly: Don’t remember your short URL? Go to the team page, click your own name, and make a token contribution to yourself. You’ll get email notification that you received a donation, and that email will also contain your readable-by-humans URL. Remember, this process will also net you one raffle ticket in the Orbea giveaway for every $5 you kick in.
= GIVE LIKE FATTY =
= FIGHT LIKE SUSAN =
Comment by Emily | 08.4.2009 | 8:35 am
I have been lurking for a long, long time but today drove me to comment. As many have said before, thank you so much for the contest! I would have donated anyway (and have) but it’s nice to have that extra incentive. I’m going to spread it around to all my biking pals to see if the are willing to help out. And who wouldn’t be willing, given what they could win?
I was in the market for a new bike anyway. This would be totally sweet!
Comment by Beth | 08.4.2009 | 8:43 am
Not that I would even deserve to ride such a cool bike, it would be fun to win and ride by my bike obsessed friends house to see her face….for that matter her face and her bike obsessed son’s as well…..sign me up !
Day at a time friend…..
Comment by Clay | 08.4.2009 | 8:45 am
I’m in.
Should I win the bike, however, I will be the proverbial dog who chases cars and finally catches one … now what am I gonna do with it?
Comment by Sonja O'Brien | 08.4.2009 | 9:01 am
I’ve never even dreamed of a bike this nice but I’m in also!
Win Susan!
Comment by Valerie Crowell | 08.4.2009 | 9:09 am
I’m in.
Win Susan.
Comment by MattC | 08.4.2009 | 9:19 am
Just plopped down my bake-sale earnings on my page…(and another this coming Monday I hope)…my bike..my bike..my bike.
And THANKS ALOT ANGIE! If my wife reads the comments fm yesterday, I’ll NEVER get a new frame (bike?)…and just fyi, bike store dude (mechanic) said my frame could fold anytime (of course that’s what bike store dudes would say, trying to sell more bikes). And I’m 155lbs thank you very much…haven’t been 140 since my young Navy days. AND I carry like an 8 lb tool bag and 2 or 3 bottles of water on most rides. So THERE! (the orca is MINE…the Orca is MINE! MUST HAVE! mmm…orca…mmmm!)
Comment by Taocat | 08.4.2009 | 9:58 am
As generous as it would be to raffle the bike off if I won, I think I will sell my old road bike on Craigslist (an upgraded Specialized Allez Sport) and keep this one for myself. Sorry, but bike lust is powerful thing.
Comment by Trevor | 08.4.2009 | 10:00 am
Hey Fatty,
We met once, a couple years ago at KTR. I was the bald guy on the purple Rig. Didn’t really start following your blog until after that, when my sister forwarded me a link to your race report.
I’ve been a reader (and occasional donor) since. Your perseverance and dedication is inspiring. Keep up the fight.
Oh, and thanks for the bike. I’m totally gonna win this time. ;)
Comment by Daddo | 08.4.2009 | 10:02 am
20 chances
WIN SUSAN!!!!!!!
Comment by Paul Wixon | 08.4.2009 | 10:09 am
Hi Elden,
A clicking BB found me BSNYC, BSNYC found me Fat Cyclist. BSNYC keeps my bitter-irony sharp. But reading your blog makes me feel humble. Thank you for your profound humanity, painful honesty & great heart.
Keep up the fight Susan & Fatty!
Comment by Haven (used to be Kt) | 08.4.2009 | 10:10 am
Wow, that is a seriously awesome bike. I think I’d just look like a doofus on it, though– I’m too slow to do it justice.
Aw, what the heck. I’ll try to win it anyway.
SadTaxMan, I feel your pain– I’m in the business too (along with most of my family), I’m pretty sure I’d be screwed by the taxes on it. Hm. I wonder if I can donate enough to Livestrong this year to offset the potential tax cost?
PhillyJen: I love your sign-off:
Give like Fatty
Fight like Susan
WIN!!!!
Comment by Jennie | 08.4.2009 | 10:15 am
so, hadn’t actually looked at the livestrong challenge before (or really even knew it existed before happening across this blog last week) and it’s a little late for this year… but I notice you can actually just run a 5K… are there runners on team fatty philly too or is it all cyclists?
(wondering if I should try to make it up to philly for the novelty of running at a cycling event… actually, given staggered start times for the shorter rides wonder if it’s possible to do the event as a duathlon…)
Comment by KR | 08.4.2009 | 10:48 am
just bought some chances, great work on pulling this together. If I somehow win I will re-raffle this thing!
Comment by Angie G | 08.4.2009 | 10:53 am
Ok Fatty- I’m officially calling out MattC, for the ulitmate NorCal vs SoCal Feats of Strength competition for the bike. That’s right as a country girl I am very confident I will whip is 155lb (yeah right I’m still saying 140, wet) behind. Even ask his brother Greg!! :-)
If you still have doubts, check out our SJ Livestrong photos. His Fatty wig was almost too big.
Ok so heres the plan, our county fair is this weekend and if I can corral a trainer I will be there with my bucket in place for any spare change I can wrangle. The Diva is mine!!!! And MattC when I show up at Austin with this absolutely stunning piece of cycling engineering, I will consider letting you touch the bars. That’s love brother!! :-)
Comment by The GPC | 08.4.2009 | 11:01 am
Are we automatically entered if people have donated to our personal site since 7/31 or is there something affimative we have to do to be sure we are entered? This is freakin unbelievable! What a great prize, what a great cause!
Thanks Fatty.
Good question. It’s automatic (your question and a more detailed answer now included in the Q&A section of this post). – FC
Comment by aurora amaya | 08.4.2009 | 11:51 am
I will give you this bike if I win it. I am a runner….so unless you have Nike Lunar Traniers, I will simply donate in hopes I can give the bike back to you.
Comment by mikeweb | 08.4.2009 | 12:02 pm
Fatty, I’m in the hopper -err, I mean the drawing for the Orbea. I just hope my fenders and racks will fit on it -lol.
Keep the shiny side up!
Comment by RyanT | 08.4.2009 | 12:04 pm
Matt C. I would have Paul from stress take a look at the bike then I would do whatever he says. Don’t ever trust those bike mechanic types they’re crafty. Just a hunch though Paul will say the same thing as the mechanic. Good luck with the contest looks like you have some stiff competition. I know I will do everything in my power to secure its rightful spot next to the ‘89 Bianchi that will soon be collecting a lot of dust.
Comment by sam | 08.4.2009 | 12:08 pm
I’m never gonna win, but it’s for a good cause so I’ve donated!
Comment by Terry | 08.4.2009 | 1:39 pm
I like your blog. I read it and used to be disappointed when I came here and didn’t find a story about Mtn. Biking. I don’t know anyone with cancer it hasn’t really affected me. I come to your blog now and am disappointed when I don’t find a story about Susan. You have made cancer real for me. I don’t know Susan, but I now hate cancer. Thank you.
Comment by viii_ball | 08.4.2009 | 1:39 pm
Another $100 to the cause. There are so many of us touched by this dreadful disease. I am thankfully able to work in a company that represents the industry that is trying to wipe this out.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Max | 08.4.2009 | 2:00 pm
I’m in Australia, but for a bike like this, I’d fly to the US to pick it up personally :) $20 coming your way, Fatty!
Comment by mgr | 08.4.2009 | 2:19 pm
That bicycle will look nice with my platform pedals and Brooks B-67 on it.
Comment by Angela | 08.4.2009 | 3:02 pm
I’ve been lurking for a while. All my best wishes to you and your family.
I have lust in my heart for that bike!
Comment by Diane | 08.4.2009 | 3:51 pm
Elden, just wanted to offer help with the Leadville 100 if you decide to do it. My daughter, Lara, did Ride the Rockies with Kellene & I’ve been following your blog ever since. My husband & I live in the Denver metro area, could pick you up at DIA, give you a place to stay Friday night, drive you to Leadville early the next AM (or Friday, your choice), take you back to DIA after the race. You could do it all in 2 days if flights work out. Contact my email or Kellene if you’re interested. Maybe Susan’s hanging on for this but only you can know what she really needs at this time. All the best to both of you. You’re both winners.
Comment by JackRabbit | 08.4.2009 | 4:14 pm
I think this is a wonderful thing.
Should I be so lucky to win this bike I will ride it everyday for year up here in Alberta to LiveStrong and end cancer.
:::
Comment by Uphillbattle | 08.4.2009 | 5:39 pm
Wow! A headline on Cyclingnews.com! Impressive! Go Team Fatty!
Comment by Tim | 08.4.2009 | 6:00 pm
Ditto.. that’s what I’ll do too.
“When I win the bike, I’ll just auction it off and donate the proceeds to LiveStrong (or my local cancer charity) anyway. What the heck am I going to do with such a beautiful bike anyway?”
Comment by my middle name is fred | 08.4.2009 | 7:54 pm
Donation from Boston heading your way!
Cheers,
Comment by JessinNYC | 08.4.2009 | 8:18 pm
Fatty, what a fantastical bike! I love the diva! I also want to say that your blog is one of the best and most meaningful blogs in the blogosphere.
Comment by hubcityrob | 08.4.2009 | 9:17 pm
I have already been told by one of my riding partners that if I win this bike, the group will be hacked and will refuse to ride with me.
Man, I sure am going to miss them.
Comment by Saso | 08.5.2009 | 1:09 am
Sassy bike, sassy contest. There is an article on it on cyclingnews.com: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/fatcyclist-teams-up-to-fight-cancer, great promo.
Comment by Simon | 08.5.2009 | 4:50 am
Mate, I have a nice bike already. I’m donating and if I win, it’s yours. You deserve it.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.5.2009 | 5:02 am
Further to my previous outburst where I declared that I have a lock on this prize I just realised that this raffle ends just 3 days short of my birthday. What a great birthday present.
The only question I have is about one particular specification for the prize bike. ??? no saddle ??? Are you trying to send some kind of message?
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.5.2009 | 5:06 am
I just googled “2010 orbea orca” to check what colours I could chose from for my birthday present and listing number 6 on google this very blog entry.
I wonder if my referencing googles reference to the blog where my reference is stored diminishes the validity of the reference the same way circular referencing damages a PhD thesis?
Huh?
Comment by Daddo | 08.5.2009 | 8:00 am
by the way – I WOULD look GREAT ON THIS BIKE.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 08.5.2009 | 8:13 am
BMiO: I just googled “2010 orbea orca” and got it as the fifth result!
Comment by MattC | 08.5.2009 | 8:24 am
Sorry Daddol…cuz I “WILL” look great on this bike!
Comment by Onan the Barbarian | 08.5.2009 | 8:43 am
Last night I saw another person rocking the Team Fatty jersey riding on the Minneapolis Greenway. Probably one of the Twin Six guys.
I’m taking that sighting as a sign to donate a few more dollars for a chance to win this bike.
Comment by Michael | 08.5.2009 | 9:50 am
I really, really don’t need another bike. I gots 15, but I love the cause. Fight on Susan.
Comment by Beth | 08.5.2009 | 10:01 am
ok folks; $24,000 in one day……let’s get it together for 10 days and raise $240,000…..power up your social network in the bike world and get after it…..I would like to thank you in advance for letting me win the bike with such a brilliant observation ;)
ok ok….random it is…
WIN Susan…..
Comment by GenghisKhan | 08.5.2009 | 10:09 am
Fark it! Digg it! Stumbleupon it! Shoutwire it! Twitter it! Blog it! Go, go, go Team Fatty!
Comment by josh | 08.5.2009 | 10:12 am
Look at this great exposure. On BikeRadar.com
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/fight-cancer-win-an-orbea-with-shimano-di2–22687
“Go Fatty”
Comment by Haven (used to be Kt) | 08.5.2009 | 10:34 am
Ok, people (me included):
Team Fatty USA only needs about 23,000.00 more in donations to hit our magical half-million mark.
Can we do it? YES WE CAN!!!
Yay, payday is today. I’m going to find people on Team Fatty Philly who have zeroes and I’m going to donate to them. :)
Comment by mateo | 08.5.2009 | 11:26 am
honored to be a part of this effort. thanks for all the joy and warmth you bring to this blogging thing. new bike or not, we are all winners by being connected to your amazing experience. Win Nelson Family!
Comment by Philly Jen | 08.5.2009 | 11:41 am
@Haven: Thanks for the generous gesture! As co-captain of Team Fatty Philly, I will reiterate what I said above: Please don’t donate randomly to people with zero totals. Most of them have dropped out of the event, and we have many, many riders who have made clear their commitment to join us at the Livestrong Challenge who need your support.
Also, riders have a fundraising minimum of $250, while team members participating in the 5K Walk/Run or the Virtual Challenge do not. Strategically placed donations will help us bring the most participants to the starting line.
Anyone who would like to donate to a Philly Fatty on Wheels who needs your support, just email me at jenlists at gmail dot com and I will be happy to supply you with plenty of names.
Thanks for supporting Team Fatty Philly!
= GIVE LIKE FATTY =
= FIGHT LIKE SUSAN =
Comment by Evil Cyclist | 08.5.2009 | 12:36 pm
That bike is too light. It needs a Halfnium bottom bracket and Osmium rims to get it back up to repectable mass. ( Not to mention critical mass) Only then will I accept the prize…
-Evil C.
Comment by Lisa | 08.5.2009 | 12:45 pm
I donated because I’ve fallen in love with Susan and your family. And I HATE cancer. But I don’t ride. Not once in my life. But my brother, brave cancer survivor, would be thrilled to have a baby such as this… And if not, I’ll give it to you. Stay strong.
Comment by MattC | 08.5.2009 | 1:15 pm
Haven…forget Philly…donate to MY page! :) Just kidding…it’s Philly’s turn now…I will just have to win the bike on MY OWN I guess, darn it. I’m still lookin’ for just the right person to kidnap (so that I can get the ransom no later than next tues)…dilemma dilemma dilemma. IDo you think they’d catch me if I give my LiveStrong page as where I’d like the ransom paid to?? Hmmmm….that is an issue. Rats….back to the drawing board (Wiley E. Coyote, SUPER-genius).
Comment by Andy | 08.5.2009 | 1:42 pm
$50.00 headed your way. Thank You my friend. Your cause is an inspiration to all
Comment by mo - team fatty s.j. | 08.5.2009 | 3:05 pm
Elden – When I WIN this thing – I’ll give you the wheels, seat and bar tape – deal? ;)
LIVESTRONG.
Comment by Jamie | 08.5.2009 | 4:10 pm
I’d probably literally break this bike if I sat on it (I’m putting the ‘Fat’ back in to ‘Fat Cyclist’), but it would sure be nice just to look at, would it?
I’ve put some money in the kitty. Woo!
Comment by Nick Name | 08.5.2009 | 6:00 pm
Does it come with batteries?
:>
Comment by Kellygirl | 08.5.2009 | 8:13 pm
Just got your twitter….Fatty, I’m so sorry.
Comment by Jamieson | 08.5.2009 | 8:14 pm
Condolences to your family, in tears here in NY tonight.
Comment by m00se | 08.5.2009 | 8:17 pm
My deepest condolences to your family. Much love.
Keep fighting.
Comment by Karen | 08.5.2009 | 8:18 pm
Elden, you will know when it’s time. You are in my prayers tonight.
Comment by Mike | 08.5.2009 | 8:19 pm
All my condolences. The best to you and your family.
Comment by Ang in TX | 08.5.2009 | 8:19 pm
OMG! I just read your twitter, words fail me. I know it was the hardest ride to ever experience in life. Bless each of you for the fight, fortitude and faith of this battle.
Comment by Rudi | 08.5.2009 | 8:20 pm
Elden -
Words can’t express it properly. All my thoughts to you, the kids and your extended family. Susan is an inspiration to us all.
The fight continues!
Comment by BikecopVT | 08.5.2009 | 8:25 pm
Words can’t express…WIN
The fight continues.
Comment by Beth | 08.5.2009 | 8:27 pm
Fatty; other than offering heartfelt condolences to you and your family I have no words that are suitable.
Day at a time my friend; you are in alot of peoples thoughts and prayers.
Comment by Julie G | 08.5.2009 | 8:28 pm
May God’s peace be with you in this terrible time. There are no words that can help, just know you are not alone.
Comment by Michael in TN | 08.5.2009 | 8:31 pm
I am so sorry.
Your whole family is an inspiration, condolences.
FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!
Comment by LidsB2 | 08.5.2009 | 8:32 pm
Susan is a model of strength and grace in adversity. She fought the good fight, and you were right there with her through it all. May you and your family find comfort and solace and emerge stronger than ever.
BESTRONG!
Comment by Greg E | 08.5.2009 | 8:41 pm
Elden,
I don’t have the words… I’m so sorry.
Comment by Cassie | 08.5.2009 | 8:42 pm
Fatty- saw your tweet. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to Susan and you and your whole family. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!
Comment by Beth | 08.5.2009 | 8:49 pm
Elden,
Longtime lurker since ‘05 – never had anything useful to say others haven’t said B4 so I stayed mum, but just saw the Tweet. I am so sorry. Susan was an inspiration. Lost my mom after a long stay in hospice last year. No matter how much you think you’re prepared, you’re not. Pull family and friends close, let yourself grieve as long as it takes, and don’t beat yourself up when the anger overtakes you. Lean on folks – there’s a whole world of us out here with a ready shoulder to support you. You are in my prayers tonight.
Comment by Glenda | 08.5.2009 | 9:50 pm
Our love to the Nelson family……no words can express the feelings of losing the most important person in the family! Our thoughts have always been with all of you!!! LOVE one another!!! As our hearts are breaking!
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 08.5.2009 | 10:18 pm
Elden, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Best wishes from a long time follower.
Comment by jpo | 08.5.2009 | 11:02 pm
Folks, please don’t forget, today of all days, to drop by Elden’s LiveStrong page at http://philly09.livestrong.org/fatty and send a few dollars his way to win this fight once and for all.
Comment by AWARE | 08.6.2009 | 8:55 am
You friggin’ rock Elden. Your wife is amazing, your cause noble, your ideas and networking and teamwork amazing. I am humbled and inspired. Not trying to gain extra favors (or lines), just wanted you to know that you’re darn cool.
Comment by Dan | 08.6.2009 | 11:01 am
Wow — I hope I can win the bike so I can donate it back to the cause. It seems it would invalidate my contribution to take a bike in return. Thank you for your outstanding fundraising efforts!
Comment by Kristy - bandychick | 08.6.2009 | 2:43 pm
All I need to do to this bike is throw on some Chris King Breast Cancer Benefitting hubs and it’s my dream bike. I’m sorry Susan had to face the battle – donation coming. Fight against the evil cancer until cancer faces the end – not humans!
Comment by Paul 42Mac Schroeder | 08.6.2009 | 9:36 pm
I have this shared on my facebook hopefully some of the many people I know will come and donate to the cause. God bless and god speed.
Comment by Mel | 08.7.2009 | 10:10 am
That half a million dollars is testament to the love & will to fight that you have inspired.
Comment by Heather (RunFasterMommy) | 08.7.2009 | 3:57 pm
This is awesome. Regardless of the prize, THANK YOU for fighting for those with cancer and supporting the livestrong foundation! We are huge supporters of Livestrong and The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. My older sister is coming up on year #5 of survival from stage 4 malignant melanoma. She is the one who got me into running, and after watching her at Ironman Lake Placid two weeks ago, she is the reason I want to get into triathlons. (now I just need a bike!!) Praying for your wife…never give up the fight!
Heather
Comment by Dwayne | 08.13.2009 | 1:32 pm
I can’t wait to turn this thing into my cyclocross bike this fall.
Let me start with telling you how incredibly sorry that I am for your loss. I’ve lost some close family members to cancer, but I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be going through. You are truly an inspiration with your strength.
…and your implicit powers or persuasion. I figured that since I would be in Philly this weekend visiting the in-laws with my baby daughter, I might as well sneak away for a few hours. Granted, my training regiment has been VERY lack luster this season, which is why I opted for the 45 mile ride, but I’m going to give my all and see what happens.
Thanks again for your inspiration. This ought to be fun.