My Final Thoughts on the 2009 Leadville 100
Now that the dust has settled on the 2009 Leadville 100, I’ve had time to gather my thoughts, as well as some additional interesting photos. I present them now for your consideration.
Cause of Crash Comes to Light
In my description of my crash, I didn’t give anywhere near enough credit to John, the race volunteer who came and got me. In addition to picking me up, hauling my bike to the medic tent, letting me burn through about half his yearly minute allotment on his phone, letting me wear his coat, and staying with me even after I was in the medic tent, John — at my request, because even through the pain and shock I knew I’d want a photo of this for my blog — took a picture of where I crashed, and then emailed it to me:
The skid mark in the wet gravel on the shoulder gives you a pretty good idea of the last thing I saw before I started ragdolling down the hill: trees and rocks.
What is even cooler about John, though — and I didn’t expect this of him — is that he later went back to take some more pictures and to look for my glasses.
This, folks, is the view back to the road from where I landed:
This really helps explain why I’m so black and blue all over right now, but for the longest time I couldn’t help but wonder: why did I crash? It just didn’t make any sense. I’ve made it down that road just fine literally a dozen times.
And then I got this photo in the mail from someone who just happened to be going by — and coincidentally photographing — the site of my crash a mere instant before I wrecked (click for larger view):
Now it all makes sense. Louis Baker was at it again! I knew this wreck couldn’t be due to my own clumsiness.
Oh, Louis, why do you hate me so? Why?
How My Equipment Fared
Many people expressed concern over my well-being when I crashed. Others, however, expressed concern over my bike’s well-being. Which means my crash was a useful device for separating the hardcore cyclists from the rest of us.
Basically, I do not yet know how my bike fared. Apart from a torn-up saddle and torn-up grips, the bike looks fine. But I’m having Racer take a good hard look at the frame, and will get back to you.
I can tell you about how some of my other stuff did, though.
- Gloves: My beloved Specialized BG Ridge Gloves took the fall without taking a lot of damage — just a few tiny rips in the back of the gloves. The fact that I have only superficial cuts (albeit lots of them) on the backs of my hands tells me they did as good a job of protecting my hands as a mesh backing can.
- Bib shorts: My current favorite pair of bibs is a pair of Descente Stratas. In fact, I’m a big fan of Descente shorts in general — maybe enough to write them a love letter at some point. These bibs now have several small rips in them, each of which corresponds to a bruise and cut on my body.
- Camelbak Podium Bottle: The only kind of bottle I use anymore are the Camelbak Podium bottles. These things are so great. But apparently, they’re not designed for high-speed crashes:
Yep, the bottle actually tore nearly completely apart at the lid. How about that?
Lance-Meets-Fatty Update
Despite multiple attempts, Lance has still never successfully managed to meet me. He keeps calling and calling, and frankly the email just doesn’t stop. I keep agreeing to meet him, and then I totally bail, usually with some kind of lame excuse. Kind of mean of me, really.
However, I’m extra-super-happy to announce that my brother-in-law Rocky, after rescuing my Oakley Jawbones last Saturday, actually rode with Lance as he finished the St. Kevins climb.
I understand Rocky was giving Lance some tips on how to ride Leadville one-handed. Wearing jeans. On a forty pound bike.
Regrets and Thanks
Only the day after the race did I find out what laid in store for me if I had managed to stay on my bike. Namely, other riders told me about the huge outpouring of support they got when people saw their Fat Cyclist jerseys. And there were signs. And cowbells galore.
I suspect that if I had ridden the whole race, I’d have been so choked up the whole time that I would have finished with a terrible time.
To those of you who took the effort to come out and support me, only to have me crash out before I could even get to the first aid station, thank you. My clumsiness doesn’t negate your awesomeness.
And to my friends and family (both the family who came to support me and the family who stayed behind to take care of my kids): double thanks. You made my Leadville weekend feel downright normal and fun, which is exactly what I needed.
Comment by Helena | 08.18.2009 | 11:23 am
Best post ever. I laughed and I cried and then did both together all in the space of a few paragraphs. Oh, wait, maybe I’m just PMS….
Comment by Big Shorty | 08.18.2009 | 11:34 am
It looks like Rocky was doing some sort of bicycle opera number as he rode along side of Lance. I think he may have freaked Lance out just a bit.
BigShorty
Comment by Jill | 08.18.2009 | 11:56 am
Louis! We should have known all along! Dastardly!
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 08.18.2009 | 11:56 am
Glad to hear you’re doing well enough to keep us all updated. Fingers crossed that the bike will be unharmed. At least you know the cause of the crash now – will he ever leave you be?? I laughed out loud when I saw that picture.
I’m wearing my jerseys and tees regularly these days and get many comments – I am spreading the Word of Fatty.
Comment by bikerchick | 08.18.2009 | 12:03 pm
I am amazed at how nonplussed you are after your crash and how you manage to create humor at every bend, Elden. (Uh, okay; even the ones that are supposed to be straight roads that you insist on bending!) Very relieved to hear that you are faring well, and amazed after seeing the shots your guardian angel, John, took looking up from the scene where you landed. Your spirit totally lives strong, which is exactly what Susan would want. Allez, Fatty!
Comment by Annie | 08.18.2009 | 12:04 pm
The sense of humor is not gone. I’m glad.
I am sorry you didn’t get to experience the support your fans had in store for you … but obviously, people were very good to you nonetheless.
Comment by Granny Gearless | 08.18.2009 | 12:05 pm
Just finished Lance Armstrong’s book “Its Not About the Bike’. Elden, you are an awesome guy. Good luck to you and your family as your life continues.
Comment by mark | 08.18.2009 | 12:08 pm
I’ll admit, a lot of people thought I was Fatty. I got lots of “go fatty!” comments as I rode by. Maybe it was because I was on your bike.
Love the photos of Rocky. Pure awesomeness.
Comment by bikemike | 08.18.2009 | 12:08 pm
Super Duper, but, we know what it’s time for now…
Ice Cream and Cake and Cake!
just had a colonoscopy this morning, probably still on drugs…definately don’t know what i’m talking/typing about.
You rule, Elden and cake and cake.
Comment by Haven (used to be Kt) | 08.18.2009 | 12:32 pm
Great pics, you got lucky. Did your bike sprout wings and carry most of your weight down that cliff??
Those are great shots of Rocky riding along with Lance– Lance looks a little freaked out by the whole thing, was Rocky telling him your story while they rode along?
Ice cream and cake and cake! makes everything better, you know….
Comment by TigerMouth61 | 08.18.2009 | 12:44 pm
355. Louis Baker (Las Vegas, NV), 44 in 010:38:28
Comment by josh | 08.18.2009 | 12:51 pm
great post. glad to hear your doing well. and hope the bike makes it back as well as you did,
Comment by Laura H. | 08.18.2009 | 1:08 pm
Seeing the pictures of the accident site, I’m glad you’re ok. You certainly had someone looking out for you. :)
The only thing to make the jeans, one-handed picture of Rocky any funnier would be to see a Molson in that free hand. (Just tell Lance to have his people call your people. I mean, seriously, that guy has too much free time!)
This post was just what my day needed. Thanks…Allez Fatty!
Comment by Louis Baker | 08.18.2009 | 1:10 pm
Muahahaha!!!
P.S. Celebrity names and voices impersonated…
Comment by Mikeonhisbike | 08.18.2009 | 1:15 pm
If I had put two and two together I would have known it was Louis. Very Schneeeky, Very Schneeky!
Comment by Charisa | 08.18.2009 | 1:16 pm
Rocky rocks!
Comment by Carrie | 08.18.2009 | 1:25 pm
How about some props for the Oakley Jawbones holding up on the crash!? Pretty stellar sunglasses!
Comment by Marla | 08.18.2009 | 1:38 pm
Love those pictures of the dastardly Louis and Rocky with Lance. How Cool!!
Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 08.18.2009 | 1:47 pm
Fatty, I just noticed that the Philly team is really close to $250,000. Team Fatty has broken lots of records already. What’s the record for a team for an individual city?
Comment by Rob M. | 08.18.2009 | 1:48 pm
I agree with Annie (12:04pm). I’m glad the sense of humor is not gone.
However, considering your skills with photoshop I just can’t believe your photos anymore.
Like the one of your brother-in-law with Lance.
The one of Louis, and the oil can, I believe.
Comment by Powerful Pete | 08.18.2009 | 1:49 pm
Fatty, I cannot believe you did not try to fall completely under the bike to save it from any damage. Come on. Are you really getting that soft?
Good to hear that all is well beyond a broken water bottle. And BTW, I have never seen that happen. That’s just weird.
Comment by Robert | 08.18.2009 | 1:51 pm
How about a “the day after” photo? That’s when the bruises really show up… :)
At least only the outside is bruised and you’re still yourself. Keep your head up Fatty!
Excellent post hearing about you and the ride. That’s what it’s all about!
Comment by BikecopVT | 08.18.2009 | 1:59 pm
Fatty, first I want to thank you for the update. Next, “…my crash was a useful device for separating the hardcore cyclists from the rest of us.” The rest of us, come on you would want to know about the bike as well.
After all once you are sure the person is not seriously hurt there is only two things left to do. Check the equipment to see how bad the damage is and depending on how well you know the person laugh at their misfortune of crashing. Granted at no point did I laugh at your misfortune. I really wanted to see you kick Leadville’s ***. But once we had been informed you would be ok, it’s time to find out about the bike. Just sayin’
Fight Like Susan!
LiveStrong
Comment by Gene Butcher | 08.18.2009 | 2:02 pm
Your a lucky man Fatty.
Comment by DC | 08.18.2009 | 2:04 pm
In the second photo of Rocky and Lance, it almost looks like Lance is oblivious to your brother in law!
Just another example of what you can do with Photoshop.
Comment by KanyonKris | 08.18.2009 | 2:21 pm
Elden, no need to resort to photoshopery. You had your helmet cam on, remember? Memory loss is common with trama. Here’s a still from the video which clearly shows the cause of the crash:
Comment by GenghisKhan | 08.18.2009 | 2:33 pm
I think I smell a no-holds barred, mano a mano, unsanctioned Fatty vs. Leadville rematch on the horizon. One man. One trail. One mission.
Muahahaha!!! (Wait, that was already used here…)
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 08.18.2009 | 3:12 pm
Your wicked sharp sense of humor is intact and firing on all cylinders! Thanks for the giggles!
And that photo of Rocky riding with Lance? Classic.
I have the biggest grin right now.
Comment by Deb Mc | 08.18.2009 | 3:14 pm
SQUIRREL!
Comment by Carrie | 08.18.2009 | 3:18 pm
Yep. Sense of humor is still intact. You are a fabulous writer. Please keep it up. I’m sorry for your loss but thank you for the gift of sharing. Love the motor oil photo. Got a great laugh.
Comment by Rupert | 08.18.2009 | 3:32 pm
Thanks for addressing the normal cyclist question following a horiffic crash (…but how’s his bike?…). Nice photos. I can’t believe people are actually saying they’re fakes. Cynics everywhere.
Comment by Chris | 08.18.2009 | 3:42 pm
It’s amazing you weren’t injured worse… That’s a steep, sharpy-rocky, big-treed, hill you bounced down. Ouch!
Love the picture of Rocky and Lance. Made me laugh. The squirrel theory was funny too. Bruise shots? :-)
Comment by Philly Jen | 08.18.2009 | 4:32 pm
@Bryan: The single-city record is much higher — last year Team Toi brought in over $365K in Austin. But they were only in one city. No team, single-city or multi-city, has ever rolled past $600K until now.
Allez, Philly!
= FIGHT LIKE SUSAN =
Comment by Reggie | 08.18.2009 | 4:40 pm
I’m glad you’re alright, from your description and those pix your are seriously lucky to be up and about.
I started reading your blog late last year and this is my first comment, I just wanted say I’ll forever be a fan of Susan.
And fatty you are truly inspirational.
Comment by Will | 08.18.2009 | 5:07 pm
Cozy Beehive ran an interesting piece about a Camelbak bottle burning up from tire friction and letting loose all the liquid inside. I guess you can’t have all the good things in the world at the same time. http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2009/08/machined-death-of-water-bottle.html
Comment by jeff | 08.18.2009 | 5:11 pm
Where do I get the convertible Camelbak podium bottle?
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 08.18.2009 | 5:17 pm
In the second pic is Rocky actually overtaking?
Comment by Triflefat | 08.18.2009 | 5:24 pm
My theory is that Lance with his race-face on was actually trying to escape from Rocky.
Rocky was riding one handed so he could swipe those Livestrong sunnies off Lance’s face.
That way Rocky could miraculously “find” them at the crash scene.
My evidence for this far-fetched scenario? The complete absence of oil on the Oakleys when they were “found”.
You know it makes sense.
Comment by Linda | 08.18.2009 | 6:36 pm
first time I have laughed at your post in a very long time..thank you
Comment by Julie | 08.18.2009 | 6:44 pm
Ha! About the meeting Lance. Perhaps you could do as Letterman did a few years ago when he was trying to get Oprah on the Late Show.
Comment by XCTiger | 08.18.2009 | 7:07 pm
Fatty,
I saw a T-shirt the other day that would be very fitting. “I do my own Stunts” emblazoned across the front and a body outline on the back.
There really is no imaginable reason why you’re not in a full body cast after the flyer you took.
Comment by The Germany's | 08.18.2009 | 7:20 pm
So, did Bro-in-Law cause Lance’s legendary flat tire?
Comment by lara | 08.18.2009 | 8:15 pm
hey, it was great to be there, elden…and i am honored to have met you. people were stopping me all over the place asking about you b/c i was wearing my jersey…you had people pulling for you from everywhere. glad you are ok, what a legendary ride, and glad rocky was there to help give lance the w.
Comment by roadChica | 08.18.2009 | 8:16 pm
I heart your photo captions. Ha!
Comment by Videographer | 08.18.2009 | 8:37 pm
>Cozy Beehive ran an interesting piece about a Camelbak bottle burning up from tire friction…<
Tire friction. That takes me back, a few weeks.
I was riding the 100 Miles Of Nowhere around my neighborhood and reached down to get one of the (really sweet) bottles. But my hand slipped and instead of just dropping the bottle, I pushed it against my rear tire for maybe 5 seconds…
…burning a big hole in it.
I was bummed, but planned on using it more…ntil my dog chewed it to shreds. No joke, 100% true.
Comment by Clydesteve | 08.18.2009 | 9:18 pm
Elden,
At least Louis has the respect to use a quality lubrication product.
And, what is with all these cynics, claiming Photoshoppery? Are 1/2 your readers marketers, or something? I believe Louis hired the squirrel as a decoy.
Comment by cat | 08.18.2009 | 9:34 pm
You truly are a remarkable man…Let’s see, ill wife, loss of wife, funeral, facing the Leadville, riding, for a while, then falling, and falling and falling….not breaking a DAMNED thing (like your head), meeting your nemesis again…
Listen, my husband knows some peeples if you need, you know, some help dealing with #845. Or the squirrel.
Comment by Steve | 08.18.2009 | 9:59 pm
I am surprise you all missed the photoshop… Look closely at the oil on the ground…it is really a shadow of the cow Elden hit.
Comment by Rocky | 08.18.2009 | 10:54 pm
Lance was very interested in my theories about bicycle racing, and totally took me seriously in my jeans and my big fat freeride bike. I WAS overtaking for nearly 3.2 seconds. I had no idea that I am such a dork. It’s disturbing.
As for the crash, it’s mind-boggling that Fatty was not seriously hurt. Seriously. Just walking down there was a treacherous thing.
Pingback by Daily Roundup: Cranktrix, Lance to do Ironman, Riders Down, Texting while crashing « Bike Intelligencer | 08.18.2009 | 11:34 pm
[...] talks about crashing at the Leadville 100. With all this guy has been through, including losing his wife recently to [...]
Comment by Aaron | 08.18.2009 | 11:43 pm
Squirrel!!!
Glad to hear the Singlefly is in one piece. Oh, and you too.
Comment by Davesaab | 08.19.2009 | 12:44 am
On tuesday, before the race, my mother was notified that her remission was over and that it was time to battle the cancer again. I was up in Co fishing and visiting family and doing a little riding myself I had planned to come up to the race. As luck would have it, my aunt (mom’s sis) lived right over the starting line of the race and by god, after that news, I was not gonna miss the chance to yell for you and the other riders. Seeing you ride past on the first rise out of the gate made me tear up and feel better. I know you are hurting but you doing what you love has made my little (or rather my mom’s) battle seem a bit less lonely.
So in mom’s honor: FIGHT LIKE SUSAN (JAN)!
Thanks man.
Word
Comment by aussie kev | 08.19.2009 | 2:23 am
i re read the “inscription” in my fat cyclist top before i rode tonight still makes me laugh !!!!
k
Comment by Mike Roadie | 08.19.2009 | 4:31 am
Where is moose??
KK…..you are awesome!
Team Fatty ROX!
FLS
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 08.19.2009 | 5:10 am
I noticed from that photo series of Rocky that your biggest fan, AKA The Boss, isn’t half the hardcore rider you are. Gears. That’s a soft option if ever I’ve seen one.
Comment by Marc | 08.19.2009 | 7:15 am
Hey Fatty,
It appears that we have the same riding patterns. I also crashed on Saturday. A head on collision with a drunk driver who swerved in front of me and hit me pretty good. Lots of broken pieces but fortunately I will be OK. Wife and kids pretty shaken up!
Since we are in different times zones, the next time I crash I will send you a heads up….!
What you do is fantastic and inspiring!
Ton ami de Montreal!
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 08.19.2009 | 7:25 am
Bit off topic but still on it sort of I went back and reread the Louis story and spotted a particular name in the comments. Whatever happened to Al Maviva have not seen a comment from him for a long time. I hope I have not missed something and he is okay.
Comment by Candice | 08.19.2009 | 8:34 am
Now, don’t laugh… I don’t even ride a bike and I love your page… I found it by accident one day and began to read about your wife and the deep love you had for her and your children. Why don’t I ride, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.. I’m 40, over weight and my head tells me it would be fun but my heart tells me it will explode! So, I’ll stay on the couch and cheer you on… Keep on doing what you do and know you are in prayers all over the world!
Grapevine, TX
Comment by Justin | 08.19.2009 | 8:48 am
Speaking of FC jerseys… It is time for another run. I must have one…
Comment by GenghisKhan | 08.19.2009 | 8:50 am
@Candice: This time, follow your head. Once pedal stroke at a time, then a block or two, then maybe a mile or two and so on and so on and so on! ;o)
Comment by from another alpine region | 08.19.2009 | 8:54 am
I was suspecting Dr. Michael Lämmler and a tub of Assos cream. I was wrong.
Comment by Scott M | 08.19.2009 | 9:28 am
Glad you’re ok, hope the bike frame is still ok. You may need to contact the people in charge of the results, since they forgot to write “not his real name” after Sunderlage’s results. Looks like your crew had some good times.
Comment by alex | 08.19.2009 | 9:36 am
knowing Rocky’s riding history and luck…..I don’t think it is a good idea for him to ride with Lance during the race…just my 2 cents…
Comment by Mike | 08.19.2009 | 9:50 am
Are you sure a certain Euro doctor named Lammler didn’t spread Assos Chamois Creme all over the pavement (while DISGUISED as Louis)?
Comment by Mike (aka Snidley Whiplash) | 08.19.2009 | 9:53 am
Ah! “from another alpine region” beat me to the joke! Curses! Foiled again!
Comment by kiwi | 08.19.2009 | 10:27 am
Fatty,
Stay upright this weekend mate!
fight like Susan…..but don’t cash-out like Fatty (sorry
can’t help myself)
Kiwi
Comment by Onan the Barbarian | 08.19.2009 | 10:27 am
ever underestimate the stopping power of a squirrel.
Comment by Onan the Barbarian | 08.19.2009 | 10:28 am
*Never
/i fail at teh internets.
Comment by Freddy Freshlegs | 08.19.2009 | 10:41 am
Missed seeing you on the course, but the 250,000 Fatty jerseys were a sight to behold. Enjoyed meeting you before the pre-race announcements Saturday – better luck next year!
Comment by Bruce | 08.19.2009 | 10:51 am
Glad to see your humor bone unbroken – and your spirit intact as well. Not funny about the squirrels – 3 crashes in 2 years due to squirrels, damn them!
But really, Fatty, it is time in your life to get upright & stay upright. Get after it, pal.
bw
Comment by hoon | 08.19.2009 | 11:27 am
i can only give props and good vibes!
Comment by Pat1236 | 08.19.2009 | 12:30 pm
Glad you are OK but why do you keep ducking Lance? Most people much less bikers would give anything to meet him, so what’s up with this?
Comment by Dan O | 08.19.2009 | 12:37 pm
Amazing crash site pics – could have been way worse. You’re lucky !!
Comment by eric | 08.19.2009 | 7:18 pm
Fatty, I’m a trained accident investigator so I decided to reconstruct the scene.
One wheel Locked Wheel Skidmark; approximately 3′ 4 3/4″.
Coeffecient of Friction for the roadway (including the gravel, oil and squirrel); .27.
Launch angle; 45 degrees.
Distance traveled to sharp things; 32′.
160 lb rider, 18 lb. bike.
Let’s see. Hmm. velocity equals the square root of 30df. Carry the 1. Multiply that. Where’s my table of quadratic equations? Ok. Divide the invisor by the duplex. Average the contusions.
Done.
Approximate speed; 83.221 miles per hour.
See, it wasn’t your fault at all. It was the coriolis effect from your mad descending speed skills.
You’re welcome.
Comment by UltraRob | 08.19.2009 | 11:18 pm
The photo with the reason why you crashed appears to have some nice sunshine. I don’t remember any that morning. I just remember freezing cold rain as I descended.
I saw other crashes along that section but they didn’t go as far off the road as you. Oh, I guess had they I wouldn’t have known unless I saw them disappear. I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt with something like that.
Comment by Dwayne | 08.20.2009 | 7:46 am
Haha, hilarious post. I actually ran over a CamelBak podium bottle once…6AM ride, tad groggy, missed the holder. Didn’t spill a drop and although a bit banged up now, I still use it everyday. Of course a tumble down boulder alley, it was not.
Comment by Charise | 08.20.2009 | 9:23 am
Glad you’re okay, despite the obvious sabatoge
Comment by Eric (aka LowPhat (aka RiderX)) | 08.20.2009 | 10:40 am
Dude,
I think you are misguided on why you crashed – as soon as I read your crash report, it was *obvious* what was going on. So obvious that I thought I would let you have a few days, to see if you would figure it out on your own. But since you may still be a bit hazy, here’s a few hints:
1) You typically eat too much in the off-season, and then work hard to get back in form but don’t quite get the form that you had hoped for…
2) You ride off the edge of the road, land far below, but get through the experience without serious injuries…
Figured it out yet?
Good god, man, you’re channeling Jan Ulrich !!!
Comment by steve sax | 08.20.2009 | 12:14 pm
Did anybody else notice the crash dummies in the Clorox ad on the right? THAT is too creepy…
RiderX, Jan would have crashed, but still been clipped in and pedaling when he stopped tumbling. Nice effort.
Comment by Mia | 08.21.2009 | 8:50 am
You had “friended” me on Facebook only days before Leadville and I was so looking forward to meeting you at some point during my stay in CO and alas, as I was headed downhill around the lake after St. Kevin’s, I saw that ever-elusive-to-me pink/white/black jersey and recognized you immediately as you stood by the side of the road. I was the gal who yelled your name and almost careened over the side myself before deciding I should pay attention to what I was doing. I should have stopped and said hello because I didn’t make the cut-off at Twin Lakes inbound :( Hopefully, I’ll be back next year and can officially shake your hand.
Comment by Fuzzy | 08.24.2009 | 4:28 pm
Fatty,
Glad you are relatively unbusted after your off road shenanigans.
Has anyone told Lance that his seat post is bent?
Luv ‘n Stuff.
Fuzzy from the UK.
Pingback by The Angry Owner » Blog Archive » Final thoughts as well… | 09.10.2009 | 6:36 pm
[...] he didn’t hurt himself…40 mph down a wet road. Leadville #13 for Fatty, your a rockstar Elden. My final thoughts on Leadville are that it was fun. Long, unusual, crowded, but fun. Got to spend [...]