Johan’s Message to Team Fatty
Johan Bruyneel just posted his message to us in response to our overwhelming success in the fundraising we did this week. Check it out:
What an incredibly generous video. Thanks, Johan. I’m very excited to meet you and ride with your team.
Comment by MOCougFan | 12.10.2009 | 5:30 pm
Awesome. You deserve it FC. Have fun. Don’t kill anyone.
Comment by Rich Wielgosz | 12.10.2009 | 5:31 pm
Curious to know what the special gift is!
Comment by chtrich | 12.10.2009 | 5:31 pm
Excellent!
Comment by Routing for Fatty | 12.10.2009 | 5:34 pm
Hopefully he offers you a job as the Team Radioshack blogger
Comment by Rich Wielgosz | 12.10.2009 | 5:34 pm
I had to watch the video again, just to watch it.
WOOOHOOOO!!!!
Comment by martinsillo | 12.10.2009 | 5:40 pm
jeez I’m at the office and can´t watch it!! :(
Comment by Tracie | 12.10.2009 | 5:41 pm
That was amazing and I got choked up for you…good luck and have the ride of your life..you have earned it!!
Comment by kentucky joe | 12.10.2009 | 5:44 pm
Wow! Amazing! Have a Great Time.
Allez!
Comment by JT | 12.10.2009 | 5:45 pm
At 1:20, he says, “The result of this is probably the biggest success of 2009 in my mind.”
Wow. That is high praise.
Comment by mac9 | 12.10.2009 | 5:48 pm
I can’t wait to read all about your weekend with Team RS. Have fun!
Comment by Darien | 12.10.2009 | 5:50 pm
Welcome to Tucson. Weather is spotty lately. Could be cold (for us anyway) and wet, or sunny and warm. Hope to see you, but probably won’t. If you have any questions about Tucson, feel free to ask.
Comment by Steve | 12.10.2009 | 6:03 pm
Holy awesome. Have fun, Fatty.
Comment by taddenver | 12.10.2009 | 6:06 pm
Have a great time! I hope it’s warmer there for you!
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 12.10.2009 | 6:09 pm
Have a great time Elden! You deserve it!!
Comment by Steve Costanzo | 12.10.2009 | 6:11 pm
Congratulations, Eldon.
In the video when Johan said, “for me the result of this is the biggest success for 2009,” it brought home the fact that Team Fatty is really a family and how much love there is for you, for Susan, and for your family because you chose to share your family’s fighting spirit, courage, and loss with strangers. I am proud to be associated with you, even in my insignificant way.
Okay, you brought this on yourself. Now your new job is clear: Not to get unceremoniously dropped on the first significant climb on your ride with Lance and Team Radio Shack!
Comment by The Neil | 12.10.2009 | 6:13 pm
Wow! Awesome work Fatty! Make us proud!
P.S. I’ll give you a dollar if you show up on a SS!
Comment by Frank | 12.10.2009 | 6:14 pm
Great! Now put these huge quads of yours to good use and impress Johan and the team. Enjoy!
Comment by Chris B | 12.10.2009 | 6:14 pm
You’re getting a present! New bike new bike new bike!!!!!!
Comment by MrTeamPhillips | 12.10.2009 | 6:20 pm
That has to be the coolest video ever. Even though I was but a bit contributor, I feel that Johan was speaking to me too. Great job by everyone and I’m proud that I could be part of this.
PS – I bet the special gift will be a massive wedgie given by Team Radio Shack.
PPS – I’m currently unemployed so if you can’t fulfill your team duties I’ll volunteer
Comment by Frank | 12.10.2009 | 6:22 pm
Go for it Fatty, you deserve. Show those RadioShack guys what you can do on the bike!
Comment by Ryan in the Rock | 12.10.2009 | 6:28 pm
Congrats fatty! Amazing things happen to amazing people. When you announce the winner of the contests, I think it would be cool to know how many people actually participated by giving money. I don’t know if you can do that or not, but it would be cool to see how many and maybe the different countries represented.
Comment by Sandy | 12.10.2009 | 6:31 pm
What a class act Johan is, and what a great way for you to end this year. Enjoy every minute.
Comment by Fiona | 12.10.2009 | 6:36 pm
Enjoy your weekend with team Radio Shack! Can’t wait to read all about it next week.
Comment by Heidi | 12.10.2009 | 6:39 pm
Time to break out those Quads of Glory!
Comment by Patty Guinta | 12.10.2009 | 6:40 pm
PRIZE WATCH IN PROGRESS
Guess#1 a new bike
Guess #2 TDF Trip
Guess #3 A job on Team Fat Shack?
And the Suspense builds….
Better that Reality TV I tell you!
Comment by Lisa | 12.10.2009 | 6:46 pm
What a great video! Class act response to a class act man. Can’t wait to find out what the surprise is.
Comment by Kathy McElhaney | 12.10.2009 | 6:49 pm
So cool! Enjoy every minute.
Comment by VeloLoser | 12.10.2009 | 6:50 pm
“Biggest success of 2009.” Awesome.
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 12.10.2009 | 6:53 pm
Johan’s stock just went up.
Comment by martinsillo | 12.10.2009 | 7:00 pm
I’m home! and I just watch it!
this is just ULTRA SUPER GREAT!
Have fun in Tucson Fatty!
Congrats!
Comment by bikerchick | 12.10.2009 | 7:01 pm
I remember crying when I read your blog the day Lance sent you the photo with the “Win Susan” sign. I didn’t think it could possibly get any cooler than that. Now this?!? You RAWK!! Seriously, have a great time. No pressure– I’m sure they are a fabulous and gracious bunch.
Comment by Steve Costanzo | 12.10.2009 | 7:05 pm
WARNING!!!
I just watched Johan’s video again and he said that the team dinner was Saturday night, with the team ride to take place on SUNDAY–and NOT the other way around!!!
Be sure to be on guard for potential food poisoning, Elden! I am convinced that there are some team members who are now suddenly afraid for their jobs with a world famous AND world-class blogger/celebrity/competitive cyclist about ready to take to the road with them—especially considering your well-documented ability to potentially leave them gasping for oxygen as they try maintain your feared lead-out pace with only that minuscule slipstream of yours as their sole refuge. (That is of course, unless you graciously sit up and go easy on them…)
Comment by Accident Prone | 12.10.2009 | 7:05 pm
Yea Fatty!! It has been so much fun to be a part of this whole effort. Can’t wait to hear about the weekend too! Johan seems very serious about the “waiting for you” part, almost a warning. Hope you’re ready cause I don’t think I’d want to let him down!
Comment by Kerri | 12.10.2009 | 7:07 pm
Wow, how cool! Can’t wait to find out what the surprise is- you deserve it, whatever it is! You are going to have such a great time, our weather here in Tucson has been a little chilly and rainy this week, so be prepared! Pleeeease let us know where you’re gonna be riding on Sunday- I’d love to see you guys in person!
Comment by Accident Prone | 12.10.2009 | 7:09 pm
Hey bikerchick,
I still have that photo with Lance holding the “Win Susan” sign set as my background on my work computer. Love it. It reminded me to take a minute to pray for Susan and Fatty. It reminds me now that we’re still winning in so many other ways.
Comment by Laura H. | 12.10.2009 | 7:20 pm
Ride til you puke, E!
Comment by ZiaBoulder | 12.10.2009 | 7:31 pm
huge congrats and best of luck in Tucson. I’m thinking you will get to ride in a team car in the TOUR. That’s my wish for you. good luck.
Comment by Jamieson | 12.10.2009 | 7:38 pm
Elden – What great respect from a world leading team. I’m very happy for you and it shows that with each step you have taken along the way, great strides have resulted.
Did you imagine the number of people you have touched with your blog, Team Fatty and now the reaches of World Bicycle Relief?
I’m proud to have ridden with you (and been dropped by you) in both Philly and Austin this year.
FLS!
Comment by ExecPlatinum | 12.10.2009 | 7:41 pm
They will definitely have a bike for you to ride, they don’t expect you to bring your own. Maybe you get a “Trek-treatment”??
I’m absolutely incredulous about the path and the result but as the amabassador of a $100,000 charitable donation, you deserve all the swag they can pile on you and then some.
As for gifts for the team, I would think FC beanie/headband, etc. would be appreciated by all.
Savor the moment, FC.
Comment by Uni-Tom | 12.10.2009 | 8:03 pm
That was awesome.
The secret prize? It’s that beating that attempted beating that Future Lance has reported.
Comment by Sara | 12.10.2009 | 8:05 pm
I noticed on the training camp website they had roommate assignments and Lance didn’t have a roommate! Maybe you’ll get to be his roommate and take pictures of him while he is sleeping.
Comment by Fat Cathy | 12.10.2009 | 8:06 pm
Maybe the gift will be that the team will take turns pushing you up the climbs. :-)
Have a great time! You deserve it!
Can’t wait for the write up on Monday!
Comment by Cold Fatty | 12.10.2009 | 8:21 pm
Us fat guys are rooting for you north of the border. Show those skinny armed lightweights how it’s done!
I’ll be thinking of you while I put the studded tires back on the beater. Give’er hog!
Comment by Rita | 12.10.2009 | 8:22 pm
Oh, that Johan… he’s a keeper. This is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship, I’d bet. Thank you for your generous remarks to our Fatty and to our whole Fatty Universe, Johan. I can’t wait to see WIN and Team Fatty Fighting Like Susan on the final design for Team Radio Shack’s jerseys. That’s gonna be so cool.
Go have a honkin’ awesome, epic weekend, Fatty.
I wonder if I’m winning a bike or a trip to the tdf for my birthday. Suddenly I like surprises.
Comment by Joe | 12.10.2009 | 8:22 pm
They’re going to give you a Stillerstrong headband.
Comment by Kelly B. | 12.10.2009 | 8:30 pm
This is just too awesome! I hope you have a great time, Fatty!
Comment by Marrock | 12.10.2009 | 8:34 pm
I think, to commemorate this amazing chain of events, we should no longer refer to the esteemed Mr. Nelson as Fatty…
From this point forward I believe he should be known as “The Big E”, complete with quotation marks and all.
Comment by martinsillo | 12.10.2009 | 8:36 pm
“I wonder if I’m winning a bike or a trip to the tdf for my birthday. Suddenly I like surprises”
hey! My birthday is tomorrow!
Comment by El_Animal | 12.10.2009 | 8:44 pm
Enjoy your trip Fatty, I feel like this is our little retribution for all the fun that we have reading your book. Our only request is for you to tell us everything about it.
Comment by MikeL | 12.10.2009 | 8:45 pm
I finally got a chance tonight to add my small part to the effort. It is difficult to avoid being jaded sometimes with all of the different groups and charities wanting donations. For whatever reason your efforts have struck a cord with me that I thought was long lost. This is something I wanted to be part of. Thank you.
Do not get caught up in trying to document every facet of the weekeend. Live the moment. You have an opportunity that most of us will only dream about. Just bring back some good stories to share with us.
Comment by Geoff | 12.10.2009 | 8:54 pm
Way to go, Fatty. Fun to be a small part of this effort. Tell Johan to put the clydesdale on the TRS kit somewhere!
DHJXTFQCxchc
Comment by Geoff | 12.10.2009 | 8:56 pm
Way to go, Fatty. Fun to be a small part of this effort. Tell Johan you’ll trade the secret gift for a Team Fatty clydesdale somewhere on the TRS kit!
Comment by Jenn | 12.10.2009 | 9:18 pm
Fatty, you are so awesome and you SO deserve this. I’m off to toss a few more bucks into World Bicycle Relief.
Comment by Rob M. | 12.10.2009 | 9:40 pm
Johan, you are a class act.
Comment by 6 | 12.10.2009 | 9:48 pm
So cool. Enjoy. And congrats to all Team Fatty members for their donations. Amazing.
Comment by Allison H. | 12.10.2009 | 10:00 pm
What a video from Johan! Amazing and I am one of the thousands of others so touched and proud of what you have done, and will continue to do. That said….
Am I the only one that got butterflies in my stomach for Fatty when Johan said “now it’s time to show what you’re made of on the bike!”
There goes the gauntlet! Oy.
Well, I figure as long as you have not yet quit your day job, how bad could it be? ;-)
If all else fails, look down and cry “purple snipe!”
That will make Horner crash into someone and take the heat off you.
HAVE THE BEST TIME EVER this weekend and I hope your secret present is an awesome bike AND a VIP trip to 2010 TdF (with your kids) and getting to ride in the team car during a stage. Did you hear that Johan? He deserves it!
Comment by Joel P. | 12.10.2009 | 10:09 pm
It’s been truly uplifting watching this week long adventure unfold. Fatty, your drive, generosity and as always humor never cease to amaze me. Johan is pretty OK too, he has shown similar qualities. Of course the Team Fatty family, which I am proud to be a small part of, has come through again in spades. I am giving you all big cyber-pats on the back. Fatty, have the time of your life this weekend and share it with your Fatty family when you get back.
Joel P.
Comment by Sramtaro | 12.10.2009 | 10:14 pm
By now Johan knows just what kind of guy fatty is. “A special gift” that he cannot donate or raffle off? I’m betting it’s a tattoo of a group portrait of Lance, Johan, Levi and Horner carrying fatty’s gurney.
And as far as greatest success of 2009, I think it eclipses Contador’s TdF, don’t you?
Give ‘em hell on the descents, Fatty!
Comment by justrun | 12.10.2009 | 10:17 pm
That is so awesome! I’m so proud of you and everyone who contributed! (Not in a freaky, I-don’t-know-you sort of way, just in the normal Internet/blogging way.)
Comment by Alex | 12.10.2009 | 10:20 pm
Have a great, amazing time in Tuscon!
Comment by Yukirin Boy | 12.10.2009 | 10:22 pm
Magnificent.
Thank you Fatty, Johan and everyone giving us all a chance be part of something.
Have a wonderful time in Tucson :)
I am so proud of everyone who made this happen.
Comment by AngieG | 12.10.2009 | 10:38 pm
FC- You will do great on Sunday. How many of the riders on TRS have ridden the Leadville 100 on a single speed?
I don’t know for sure but I think ZERO is a good bet!
Can’t wait to see what the surprise is!! I bet its something amazing!
Have a great time and don’t leave us hanging for the details. Throw us a bone with some tweets so we all don’t go nuts. :-)
Comment by Lynn | 12.10.2009 | 10:48 pm
I think Johan should reward you by making the RS team all ride tricycles (with streamers, or course) on Sunday & you on a REAL bike :) I would pay $$ for those pictures.
Thank Johan for turning a fun post into such an amazing experience for so many people. I’m sure we’re all feeling a little less “grinch-like” knowing that we’ve done something good & had a fricking blast in the process!
Comment by @PeckishCyclist | 12.10.2009 | 10:49 pm
That video is so cool. What special gift is being planned? It sounds non-transferable. Hmm…
Congrats, Fatty!
Comment by Rick S. | 12.10.2009 | 11:06 pm
If you are going to make an attack on the climb, stand up and shift to a harder gear, okay?
Comment by AngieG | 12.10.2009 | 11:09 pm
FC
PS unrelated to this post really. I am not sure how companies get advertising on your site, but I was stoked to see my employer (PG&E)’s advertment when I came here to check out the new post.
Kind of like seeing someone you know on TV when watching the ball game. :-)
Comment by MrJolly | 12.10.2009 | 11:10 pm
That is truely awesome stuff Fatty, the first letter, the letter from Johan, the staggering reposnse from all the FC readers and now the offer to “play with the big kids”. I really hope you have one hell of a time in camp and get a great insight into the world these guys inhabit on a daily basis.
As for content, I really enjoy seeing the world behind the riding, like the team dinners, meetings and just seeing them as people, not just the riding…
Anyway I hope you have a whale of a time and I’m looking forward to winning that bike!!
Comment by KanyonKris | 12.10.2009 | 11:14 pm
Take it easy on them, OK? Just because you can embarrass pro cyclists doesn’t mean you should.
But if you’re in doubt, I know a doctor…
Comment by cheapie | 12.10.2009 | 11:16 pm
i pretty sure that if i got a vid like that from JB i’d just pee myself in excitement.
Comment by sarah | 12.10.2009 | 11:17 pm
have a great time, fatty!
Comment by mtnbkr | 12.10.2009 | 11:53 pm
Freaking Awesome!!!! What an unbelievable week!
All I can say is; Ride like we did at the start of Philly and you should be all set… Just make sure they don’t plan on going more than 20 miles ;)
Comment by Doug | 12.10.2009 | 11:58 pm
Yes, I’m the guy who made the original, “I’m out” comment. Well, I was wrong.
Shoot, I sure did go into this saddled on my prejudice. Was convinced Johan was an ass and that you were getting used. Figured he was stealing your goodwill for his own PR play. Boy was I wrong. That video was class. This really is win-win-Susan.
Since we are all speculating, if it was me, the special prize I would want was Graham Watson snapping the Sunday pics. That would be a huge ask, wouldn’t it? But that would sure make any true fan feel pro.
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 12.11.2009 | 12:01 am
The coolest! Gives me chills. What a nice guy.
Comment by Pinkbike | 12.11.2009 | 12:24 am
Hey, this is so great! Congratulations and have an awesome time. A lifetime experience. Just remember Susan the Angel will be sitting right there on your shoulder, cheering you on as you ride with the boys!
And we’ll all be with you in spirit! Go Fatty!
Comment by Rita | 12.11.2009 | 12:38 am
hey martinsillo – happy birthday to us. wanna come try out my new bike? (hee hee)
Comment by buckythedonkey | 12.11.2009 | 2:45 am
Your write-up is going to be a classic. Please attack the bunch at some point and see how many Clydesdale stickers you can sneak onto the team’s bikes.
Oh, and I think that man is going to offer you a job.
Comment by Grayduncs | 12.11.2009 | 2:51 am
You know, he says “we’ll be waiting for you” several times, with a hint of menace. And is that a white cat on his lap that he keep stroking?
If you get there and he says “I’ve been expecting you Mr Bond” my advice is to run. I would say cycle but those guys are probably fairly handy on a bike.
Comment by Mark Kynaston | 12.11.2009 | 3:08 am
Fatty,
Have a relly great time – you deserve it
Comment by Claire | 12.11.2009 | 4:14 am
Awww, what a lovely video from Johan. As someone else said, it really did feel like he was thanking each and everyone of us who had got involved. I’m really excited on your behalf, Fatty – have an awesome time.
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 12.11.2009 | 4:28 am
Hey Doug welcome back not that you actually left and good on ya. It’s been a fun week and I thought it would be really hard for anyone to stay away once the wave started. It took a bit of courage to make the statement to start off with and even more to say you were wrong so like I said Good on ya!
Comment by Russ | 12.11.2009 | 4:47 am
Fatty, What a wonderful opportunity and I am proud and happy to be part of your efforts. Have a wonderful time in Tucson and tell the team good luck and we’re supporting them this year.
Please post your video, pics, and commentary ASAP. Can’t wait to hear about the trip.
Comment by Eva | 12.11.2009 | 5:06 am
Wow!
Say Hi to Johan from a compatriot and congratulations for winning for the 6th time the award of best Team Director, by the newspapers Het Laatste Nieuws. Also tell him his inspired and generous partnership with you and the FoF community makes us more proud than anything and is truly his highest achievement in 2009.
Doug, what a brave statement… Being willing to keep questionning a prejudice and coming back is truly brave and very classy. So happy to know you are still here!
Have a magical weekend, everyone!
Comment by Linda | 12.11.2009 | 5:34 am
Go Fatty Go! Have a great time and don’t forget to take the lens cap off the camera!
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 12.11.2009 | 7:00 am
I am tempted to say “kick butt in Tuscon,” but you have already done that, in spades. What a feat, and what a kick to see and hear Johan acknowledge it personally.
Have a great weekend – looking forward to Monday’s post.
Comment by TonyS | 12.11.2009 | 7:47 am
FINALLY… my paycheck in place, I was able to donate $5 to each cause… it’s not much, but it’s a stretch considering how poor I am this Christmas…
Fatty, I hope you have a blast, and I hope you find some sort of magical energy that would allow you to take pictures of the rest of the team from the top of a hill. I would pay large amounts of money for prints of those pictures. :)
Comment by Peg | 12.11.2009 | 8:01 am
I think that the cycling community and it’s followers took something funny and turned it into something incredibly special. What a wonderful thank you from Johan! Congratulations To Fatty and all who participated in ANY way! Enjoy your weekend, Fatty, you have so earned this!
After reading your email from the future, I’ll extend the same wish to you that I say to my husband when he leaves for a ride…”Have a great ride and be safe!”
Comment by Kevin in Atlanta | 12.11.2009 | 8:04 am
Ooooooh, a special surprise!
Comment by m Burdge | 12.11.2009 | 8:14 am
Ahh, man, I hope for your sake the ’special surprise’ is one of those electronic kits we had from Radios Shack when I was a kid–you could make all sorts of robot sounds and make lights light up and everything. One of those would be awesome. So would one of those RC monster trucks–think of the fun you could have with one of those–wooohooo!
mb
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 12.11.2009 | 8:19 am
Yah! I’m so excited for you! Have fun!
And thanks to Team RadioShack and Johan for their generous contributions to the fundraising effort.
Comment by Deb Mc | 12.11.2009 | 8:20 am
Am I embarrassed to admit I had to wait until payday to give $5 for each org? Not at all. I’m poor but I am a proud non-cycling Fan of Fatty. It is an honor to be associated with such a legend and his world wide circle of friends. You done good.
Comment by martinsillo | 12.11.2009 | 8:29 am
@rita
Happy Birthday to you!
“hey martinsillo – happy birthday to us. wanna come try out my new bike? (hee hee)”
I’ll tell you about that at noon!
Comment by sllym | 12.11.2009 | 8:37 am
So freakin’ awesome.
Comment by Paul | 12.11.2009 | 8:37 am
Johan was amazing to put this together and is truly a class act. I always thought highly of him and this just reaffirms that.
FC thank you for keeping my inspiration up in this sometimes cruel and cynical society we live in. I know you had your own ups and downs, especially this year but thank you for continuing to livestrong …
Comment by Boodabikes | 12.11.2009 | 8:47 am
Awesomeness!!! You deserve it Fatty. I bet Susan is looking down on you and having a good laugh over this one and is so happy for you and proud of you.
Comment by Ryan | 12.11.2009 | 8:49 am
That’s awesome. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished this year. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. You really have taken what was an awful situation for you and your family and turned it into a movement which has helped and affected thousands of people all over the world. Enjoy your time in Tucson – you’ve earned it. FLS!
Comment by rich | 12.11.2009 | 8:51 am
Have a fantastic weekend Fatty. You’ve worked hard and earned this.
Like others have said, I’m proud to be a small part of a very large movement and this FoF community is truly awesome!
Comment by Clay | 12.11.2009 | 9:09 am
Congrats Fatty! Have a blast, enjoy your special present and take it easy on Lance.
Comment by Oldmanutah | 12.11.2009 | 9:16 am
Fatty,
I just want to let you know my week has not been very productive at work. Thank you. Waiting to see all of the cool stuff you blog about this trip. But like a few others have said, “Don’t forget to just enjoy the moment”
If it is not to late i vote for giving them the WIN t-shirt.
Comment by Russell | 12.11.2009 | 9:26 am
@Fatty, Have fun in Tucson! I hope the training ride don’t go up Mount Lemon. It would be a highly embarrassing thing for you to drop a pro bike team on a ride similar to one you do every day.
@Johan, a great way to get thousands of instant highly dedicated TRS fans would be to find a spot for a clydesdale on your jerseys. Just a suggestion.
Comment by Erik | 12.11.2009 | 9:27 am
To Doug “I’m out”:
Good on ya. I appreciated your candor in your original post even though I disagreed with it. But coming back with what you said above is First Class. Chapeau, Palmares, Allez and all that stuff.
Hope you will continue to be part of Team Fatty.
Thanks–Erik
Comment by cece | 12.11.2009 | 9:32 am
I am wearing my WIN tee shirt again to work. I do not care that I already wore it on Tuesday (yes, it has been washed!). The reason? Because I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful group of open hearted people. We have done sooo much together over time…and this past few days…and it is truly amazing! I will be writing about this on my blogs over the weekend as I am sure other bloggers are or have! It is a most talked about topic everywhere I go and everywhere I look! WE ROCK!
Cece
Comment by Shimmers | 12.11.2009 | 9:43 am
Let’s see … maybe the snow will have melted on the Mt Lemmon highway and you’ll get the honor of leading the team up the mountain … for a hundred yards?
I hope you come along with Lance for the book signing on Sunday. It would sure be a pleasure to say “hi” and “thank you”.
Comment by MattC | 12.11.2009 | 9:52 am
Holy cats you can miss a LOT in 14 hours! Come in this morning and see the AWESOME vid and TONS of comments already! Man you are going to have the BEST weekend!! Fatty…just think about this…that YOU will be the star this weekend! The entire team is waiting to meet YOU! Dude..that is just too cool for words! Don’t worry about getting your own pics…I”m sure there will be somebody ‘assigned’ to do just that…just ENJOY every moment! And like everybody else…I am giddy with excitment as to WHAT the suprise for YOU is! I won’t even speculate…I’m thinking it will be something that we haven’t considered…but totally awesome beyond comprehension (just like the rest of your weekend). Make us proud (or I should say: CONTINUE to make us proud!) We’ve got your back!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.11.2009 | 9:54 am
PRESENTS!? I LOVE PRESENTS!!!! I hope it’s something awesome!!!!
Comment by Julie | 12.11.2009 | 9:55 am
Congrats and hope you have an awesome weekend! Can’t wait to read about it and see the pics and videos!
Comment by Andrea | 12.11.2009 | 10:08 am
A gift you have to keep?
Doesn’t it feel like that odd shaped package under the tree that no matter how often you walk by and stare at it or even try to squeeze it, you just can’t guess what it is? Oh the suspense!
I’m also looking forward to the awesome PowerPoint presentation on your weekend when you return!
Enjoy!
Comment by bikemike | 12.11.2009 | 10:11 am
it’s probably a gift from the future which means it’s probably an autographed picture of you with the team to yourself…after you’ve been introduced to yourself.
Comment by Susie | 12.11.2009 | 10:26 am
Oh my! How much more exciting can this get!!!
Comment by Sasha | 12.11.2009 | 10:32 am
As of 7:30am Alaska time, Team Fatty has raised $64,195.50 for Livestrong and $65,334.55 = $129,530.05. We beat Johan’s original goal by $104,530.05. Woot!!! Thanks again to everyone involved with all the prizes and with allowing Fatty to hang out with Team RadioShack. I can’t wait to hear about it. :) Although, shouldn’t Team RadioShack be paying to hang with Fatty? Just sayin. :)
Comment by christopherlloyd | 12.11.2009 | 10:33 am
My guess is that the surprise is a flux capacitor.
With that, and your super powers, you can easily avoid that future crash we have all read about.
Comment by Susan | 12.11.2009 | 10:49 am
Awesome!
This should be a reality show on FOX :P
Breaking Away Part Duex?
Comment by Haven (KT) | 12.11.2009 | 10:57 am
Johan, a great present for Fatty would be the Fat Cyclist (r) Clydesdale (r) present somewhere on the Team Shack jerseys. Or the bikes.
Maybe… and I’m just throwing this out there, you know… but maybe, the Team colors could change to FC (r) colors. And Twin 6 could make the kit. And all the jerseys would have the FC (r) Clydesdale on the back.
Seriously, though: Fatty, have a great time in Tucson. Enjoy yourself. Crush them with the mighty power of those patented Clydesdale Quads (r). :)
Comment by eclecticdeb | 12.11.2009 | 11:30 am
Fatty,
Did you see this open letter to YOU from Veronica? You’ve been offered a spot on “Team RideLikeAGirl”.
http://saridelikeagirl.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/an-open-letter-to-thefatcyclist-a-k-a-fatty/
You’d have to wear a skirt, but I think you have the quads to pull it off.
Have fun this weekend…I’ll be thinking about you!
Comment by Leslie | 12.11.2009 | 11:48 am
Joining the chorus: exciting, awesome, and amazing!! Can’t wait to read all the juicy details.
Comment by Sara | 12.11.2009 | 11:55 am
Oh yes, I cast my vote in favor of you becoming a member of “Team RideLikeAGirl” Seems that would indeed, be an honor!!
Have a rockin’ great time this weekend, Fatty. And Doug, welcome back from the dark side!! :)
Comment by Ron | 12.11.2009 | 12:18 pm
Great Video. Good luck to you Fatty. I was out on my ride this Morning and saw Team Radio Shack. I hope to see you with them on Sunday when I am out riding.
Comment by DaveB | 12.11.2009 | 12:21 pm
Good luck with Team Radio Shack!! I am really proud how the community responded to Johans challenge and am proud to have been a part of it. Enjoy it, try not to embarass Levi/Lance et al.
Comment by Alex N | 12.11.2009 | 12:21 pm
Awesome. Simply awesome. I had my reservations about Johans motivations at the start of this but what does it matter? Team Fatty has once again stepped up and done fantastic things for 2 incredibly good causes. 3 really because I can’t think of anyone who should be at the TRS camp more than Fatty. And I’m including the majority of the team riders in that ;)
I’d really like to see the surprise be a “Fight Like Susan” graphic somewhere on the kit or the bike. If not that then I think the Clydesdale would be a good 2nd.
Have a fantastic time Fatty. Kick some pro butt and enjoy yourself. I look forward to seeing you on TDF TV after you’ve replaced Johan as director ;)
Comment by Siobhan | 12.11.2009 | 12:32 pm
That is so cool! He seems like a great guy.
Have fun in Tuscon and savour every moment!!
Comment by Lisa | 12.11.2009 | 12:34 pm
Team Fatty’s story retweeted by leading global philanthropic/social entrepreneur group and home of Skoll Foundation, i.e. Jeff Skoll of eBay.
@socialedge RT @lisahelen1 How about the amazing grassroots #fundraising by @fatcylist & friends this week? Over $100k in < 3 days http://bit.ly/5fvFrh
Go Fatty! This story of what you and Team Fatty have done and were able to do here and all the reasons why everyone rallied around you is a shining example and inspiration to people outside the cycling community looking to make the world a better place.
I’m so proud to be a part of it and hope you have a blast in Tucson.
Comment by Poe | 12.11.2009 | 12:51 pm
Fatty,
Are you going to take ride with the front basket on your bike like you did last time with Lance?
It would be a nice touch.
I think your surprise might involve a chair, several rolls of duct tape and a sharpie. Be afraid.
Comment by Sprocketboy | 12.11.2009 | 12:59 pm
Team RideLikeAGirl’s offer looks pretty good, and they only want a donation of $500. Fatty, I think you should agree to ride with a skirt in San Antonio as part of another challenge. After all, the $50,000 for the Radio Shack challenge has now morphed into $133,000 at last check.
Comment by Lori | 12.11.2009 | 1:12 pm
I never thought I’d say this in public, but,
“THAT’S MY BROTHER HE’S TALKING ABOUT??!!!”
Oh, and, “THOSE ARE MY BROTHER’S PEOPS HE’S TALKING ABOUT!!!??”
I’m so proud of all you. Elden’s always had wierd friends. Now I see he has powerful, wierd friends.
Comment by MLynam | 12.11.2009 | 1:19 pm
The gift from Johan & team? Batteries.
Comment by Philly Jen | 12.11.2009 | 1:36 pm
Merry Christmas early to the George Bailey of the cycling world.
It’s a Wonderful Ride.
Comment by Mike P | 12.11.2009 | 2:08 pm
I currently don’t care a thing about what I’m getting for Christmas – I just want to know what surprise TRS has waiting for Fatty?!?
Good job to everyone involved. Fatty, don’t spare the details, but remember to take time away from being an award winning blogger to enjoy what you’ve duly earned this weekend.
Comment by Lisa | 12.11.2009 | 2:09 pm
Great comment Philly Jen.
It’s been a wonderful ride just to be a part of this.
And….I don’t think the ride is anywhere near over.
Have a great day and thanks for all you have done.
Comment by JB | 12.11.2009 | 2:47 pm
Well said Philly Jen, Fatty=George Bailey.
Who cares if anybody had motivations…120K for cancer research, way to go Fatty and everybody!
I might even go buy something at Radio Shack this weekend
Comment by John | 12.11.2009 | 2:51 pm
Fatty –
I have not yet received my prize-winning announcement from you, but I understand with all the buzz you might be busy. I’ll just plan on swinging by tonight to pick up the SuperFly…
Congrats and be sure you get a massage from one the hot soigniers.
Comment by Charlie | 12.11.2009 | 3:04 pm
Have a great time, keep the rubber side down and enjoy yourself! Great job. Show them your quality on the bike!
Comment by beckie | 12.11.2009 | 3:24 pm
Just Fantastic! You are way awesome. Hope everything goes great!
Comment by brian | 12.11.2009 | 3:26 pm
There have been some comments on Johan’s ulterior motives. Has anyone stopped to consider RideLikeAGirls?
Two words:
Purple snipe
Thus the reason that the skirt is non-negotiable…
Comment by Flying Ute | 12.11.2009 | 3:29 pm
Thanks is pretty dang cool no matter how you slice it.
See if they want to create a Team Radio Shack Clydesdale division.
Thanks.
Comment by Rich Wielgosz | 12.11.2009 | 4:29 pm
What could Johan’s ulterior motives possibly have been? He’s the most famous Directeur Sportiffe in the world, having managed 9 TdF winners. He’s world famous, and knows dozens of other world class athletes and people of all ilks. Does anyone here really think that he “used” Fatty to raise coin for his charity? Johan could probably write a check for that amount today.
Johan is about goals and achievements. He set a goal and was hoping for success. His instincts were right.
The idea that he had some sort of evil agenda is just absurd.
Comment by VeloLoser | 12.11.2009 | 4:44 pm
The total raised as of 5:43pm EST is $133,045.05! Incredible!
Comment by KLoCycles | 12.11.2009 | 5:13 pm
That is spectacular (total raised); amazing (fat cyclist’s depth of character); absurd (to think Johann had ulterior motives) and inspiring (to anyone who thinks something is impossible).
Comment by Team RideLikeAGirl | 12.11.2009 | 5:20 pm
Contratulations, Fatty!!! That is the most incredible effort we’ve seen all year, bar none. I know exactly what Johan was talking about when he said that.
We wanted to stop over & say congrats to you and all your peeps that made this happen!
We feel it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. You are amazing!!
I know, I know, you’re a little busy now. That’s ok. We’ll give you a few weeks to come off the incredible high of training with Team RadioShack, and then we’ll talk…
V.
@brian – with your comment earlier, now you really have us wondering about the dreaded purple snipe thing…
Comment by cece | 12.11.2009 | 5:30 pm
Ride like a Girl! You will have to go back into the archive…a few days ago and read the post called “Purple” It is one of THE most funny things I have ever read…and it details the “purple snipe.” Read the comments too…they are equally as hilarious!
Cece
Comment by Jenni | 12.11.2009 | 5:31 pm
@Team Ride Like A Girl
Do not, I repeat NOT go looking for the purple snipe story. You can’t unread it.
You’ve been warned.
Comment by Erik | 12.11.2009 | 6:31 pm
Live a little. Read “Purple” and learn about purple snipe.
Comment by Russell | 12.11.2009 | 7:43 pm
I think it might be time for Twin Six to come up with a jersey along the lines of “The Curse of the Purple Snipe” or “The Purple Snipe Brigade” or “Purple Snipe/Live Free or Die Trying” or “The Purple Snipe Gripe” or “Pale Face/Purple Snipe”……
Comment by Bruce Bebow | 12.12.2009 | 9:49 am
Russell, I like the idea of a completely purple (instead of black or white) Twin Six Fatcyclist jersey. Same standard orange (or pink) Clydesdale logo, and lettering on sleeves, but true fatty’s will know what the purple means.
Comment by sharon | 12.12.2009 | 10:17 am
Fatty, I only found out about you and your story this week. I’m glad I was able to become a part of it, especially since I live in Tucson.
I hope your time here is amazing as your ability to reach out, inspire and motivate people for the challenge has been. Ride your heart out!
Comment by Juls | 12.12.2009 | 11:20 am
I am so excited! And a little nervous for you, too! You should be on a plane right about now – or already there?!
The dinner will be a nice precursor to what is in store for tomorrow!
Enjoy yourself, Fatty! I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than you.
And I can’t think of anyone who deserves watching the video from this weekend from your helmet cam more than Team Fatty!
Comment by m Burdge | 12.12.2009 | 1:07 pm
so…I haven’t gotten that email that says I won the Gary Fisher–do you need my phone number? Because I want that bike. or the trip to Paris.
Comment by El Gato | 12.12.2009 | 1:52 pm
Fatty, take some snacks with you. The team dinner will likely be three basil leaves, a drop of olive oil, 17 grains of rice and a bottle of cytomax!!!!
Comment by Rich Wielgosz | 12.12.2009 | 3:00 pm
Nah, these guys have to take in real calories to support their training and racing.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 12.12.2009 | 3:46 pm
Wow! I am so proud to be involved with Team Fatty. Thanks Elden for giving us the opportunity to be involved in this. Now go enjoy yourself !
Comment by ChefJT | 12.12.2009 | 4:29 pm
Add me to the list of Fellow Fatties proud to have been dropped on the road by you, only to have you meet us at the finish for a handshake and a picture.
Have a great ride Sunday, and don’t forget to wait at the finish to shake Lance’s and Levi’s hands.
WIN!
Comment by Keenedge | 12.12.2009 | 6:00 pm
To cool! Soak it up, enjoy & get ready for your bike beatdown.
Comment by DC | 12.12.2009 | 6:10 pm
Saturday night 7:10 looking for info on the team dinner. a sad ststement on my social life!
welcome back Doug
Comment by Bob | 12.12.2009 | 10:41 pm
I’m thrilled for you, Fatty! I can’t wait to read the next post.
Comment by TonyS | 12.12.2009 | 10:50 pm
Still waiting for my bikes to arrive… I think it would get here faster if Lance and Fatty rode them to my house, and took me out for a ride tomorrow.
Seriously though, I CANNOT WAIT to hear back from Fatty about his trip… I want pictures, I want stories, and I want a helmetcam video that I can put in front of my trainer (when I get it) on days I’m feeling more masochistic than usual.
And I want Fatty’s secret present to make him smile.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 12.13.2009 | 2:44 am
Johan and Lance have reported on Twitter that Fatty has arrived in Tucson.
Comment by Midge | 12.13.2009 | 10:21 am
Bruce and Russell, I love the idea of the purple Fat Cyclist jersey. In fact, a few minutes with PhotoShop and we have a prototype:
Twin Six, put me down for 2 of them.
Comment by Midge | 12.13.2009 | 10:39 am
Sorry about that. Technical difficulties (user error) on adding the image link. But trust me, a purple Fat Cyclist jersey looks AWESOME!
Comment by Juls | 12.13.2009 | 11:48 am
First pics of Fatty at camp!
(I tried adding the pic, but it didn’t work).
Check out @johanbruyneel and @lancearmstrong to check them out!
Comment by Marilyn | 12.13.2009 | 12:29 pm
Great picture “Fatty” of you riding with the team!!!
I broke down and ordered the t-shirt friday as I know I can walk with my head held high wearing it so now on and off the bike I will look great in fatty apparell.
Great to see you back Doug and Happy Holidays to you and your family!!!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.13.2009 | 1:37 pm
http://twitpic.com/tdjhs There’s a link to one of the pics of fatty pulling the paceline! :)
Comment by Missel | 12.13.2009 | 1:44 pm
Did anyone else notice the “fatty” Madone he’s riding in that pic??? VERY COOL….
It’s great to be a part of all this…
Comment by olej | 12.13.2009 | 2:21 pm
Yeah! It looks as either a custom painted Madone or a Fatty sticker. What a day for Elden. I am so pumped to see him having fun on a ride with TRS. One of the best days in his life I bet….
Comment by Allie | 12.13.2009 | 3:39 pm
Fatman, you’re amazing – the same for Mssrs Bruyneel & Armstrong ; enjoy camp and your new career, it’s well deserved. Now, to more mundane matters: since you’ll be off pedaling the cobbles and cols of Europe, can I have your old job? Seriously though, job well done by Team Fatty!
Comment by Lisa | 12.13.2009 | 3:43 pm
Fatty,
That was so kind of you to let Lance go ahead so you wouldn’t upstage him. What a team player you are! :)
Seriously, many heartfelt thanks to you and Johan for this exciting adventure and opportunity to participate.
Comment by Twitter | 12.13.2009 | 4:47 pm
“My big surprise from Johan: visiting the Tour of California and riding in the team car for a stage!”
Comment by Rick B | 12.14.2009 | 10:12 am
Grr…can’t see the video. What format is it in?