I’m More Than a Little Nervous About “Race Across the Sky 2010″
A “Cool Stuff Coming Next Week” Note from Fatty: For some time, I’ve been thinking that I would like to do a week of posts with the theme “Stuff I Like.” Specifically, each day next week I’m going to talk about some bike-related object that I really love. So watch for that.
Cleverly, one of the things I love is also going to be the central part in one of the most awesome bike giveaway contests I’ve ever done.
It’s like synchronicity. Or maybe it’s synergy. Or maybe both. I’d have to look the words up to know for sure, I guess.
Regardless, I think you may want to look under the sofa, borrow money from your parents, and otherwise scrounge up some cancer-fighting cash.
Cuz this is going to be big. And awesome. And quite possibly awesomely big.
I’m More Than a Little Nervous About Race Across the Sky 2010
In 2009, Citizen Pictures did a documentary of the 2009 Leadville 100 race. It was a fun movie, centered mostly around the Wiens / Armstrong rematch. I saw the movie at the local theatre, and it was a blast — mostly because the theatre was packed with other cyclists, all cheering whenever someone we recognized appeared on the screen.
For 2010, Citizen Pictures came back to Leadville to do the sequel. A few days ago, they uploaded a trailer. Check it out:
After seeing this preview, I knew that I would for sure be seeing this movie when it comes to US theaters November 4. I mean, JHK vs Levi Leipheimer vs Dave Wiens vs Todd Wells vs Ned Overend vs Tinker Juarez. All racing the course I have been on — without fail — for the past fourteen years.
Heck yeah I’m going to see that movie.
And then, after watching the preview about five times (loved the soundtrack by the way, anyone know who that is? [Update: It's Clutch, and the song is "Electric Worry," as clearly indicated at the beginning of the video. Duh.]), I went to the Vimeo page for the video. And there, I saw in the “Tags” section, this:
For those of you who don’t know, my name happens to be Elden Nelson. And since the only other Elden Nelson I know of is the president of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations and therefore doesn’t have a lot of time to race his mountain bike, I think it’s safe to say that I’m going to be in this movie.
Gulp.
How to Make Me Say Anything, at Great Length
The thing is, I don’t recall any camera crews following me during the 2010 Leadville race (and, unfortunately, there were no crews filming me in 2009, or I’m pretty sure at least one moment would have made the cut). Sure, it’s possible they filmed me but I don’t recall. (The Runner reports that a film crew filmed her — riding with The Daisy mounted on her handlebars — for a big chunk of the final part of the race, so maybe she’ll be in the film?)
So probably they’re going to include some of the footage of the interview they did with me before the race.
Which scares me to death.
You see, like most people, I’m not exactly comfortable when a camera is turned on me. And like some — not all — people, my tendency when nervous is to talk. Fast. And a lot.
About anything that comes into my head, whether it’s relevant or not. Or accurate or not.
And then, later, after I’ve calmed down, I try to remember what it is that I’ve been going on about . . . and I have no idea whatsoever. Just a vague memory of talking and talking and talking and talking and thinking about the fact that I’m talking and can’t seem to shut myself up and wishing that someone — please, anyone — would whack me on the back of the head with a blackjack, thus rendering me unconscious and therefore incapable of further blathering.
In this case, I recall in particular a moment where they ask why I was going to ride a singlespeed. Which caused me, of course, at that precise moment, to completely forget the perfectly good reason I have for riding a singlespeed: it’s fun and I like it. Instead, I went on and on (and on and on and on) about . . . something.
To be honest, I’m caught between hoping they will include that section in the movie — because it might be humiliatingly hilarious to see myself do rapidfire stream-of-concious ranting on the big screen — and sending them an impassioned plea, along with a check for $5000, not to include it. Because, you know, it’s not like I have a ton of credibility in the first place, but I kinda would like to hold on to whatever tiny bit I have.
November 4
I assure you, I have not seen any of this video. Ever. And I don’t expect that Citizen Pictures is going to send me a rough cut or anything for my signoff.
Which means that when I go to see that movie, I’ll be seeing and hearing myself on the big screen for the first time. Unprepared. Vulnerable. And, I expect, very very sweaty.
So — as you may expect — I’m now just a little bit nervous for November 4.
Comment by cece | 09.16.2010 | 11:27 am
Saw Race Across the Sky last year and will be in line early to see it this year! HURRAY! Fatty’s in the movie! Fatty’s in the movie!
Well, I’ve go the cupcakes ordered in Moab…so all I need now are some Fatty’s to share them with. Anyone riding the Moab Century Tour? If yes, would love to meet up with you. You can email at cecile@swcp.com…and yes, I really have the cupcakes ordered at Crystal’s Cupcakes!
Cece
Comment by Brandon | 09.16.2010 | 11:31 am
We should all plan on going out to eat and watching it.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 09.16.2010 | 11:40 am
trailer looks siiiiiiiiiick
Comment by mikE | 09.16.2010 | 11:42 am
Fatty – It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.
Signed,
Abe Lincoln
Comment by Jeff | 09.16.2010 | 11:45 am
Look at that list of names in the tags:
Weins, Wells, Armstrong, Leipheimer, …and Nelson.
Just sit back and enjoy the notoriety.
Comment by Anonymous | 09.16.2010 | 11:49 am
Quit your whining! That or you need to make Kenny your stunt double when TV cameras approach…just shave his head. Clutch is great to ride to “Electric Worry” is good, but Clutch’s “Burning Beard” will make you ride angry.
Comment by km | 09.16.2010 | 11:51 am
Oops forgot to let you know who I was…..us Texans get forgetful sometimes but we’re not impolite.
Comment by Philly Jen | 09.16.2010 | 11:55 am
For all the readers who chipped in last year during Fatty’s fundraising for World Bicycle Relief, this story and the associated slide show from the New York Times might bring you a smile:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/opinion/16kristof.html
Dream bikes, FTW!
Comment by RANTWICK | 09.16.2010 | 12:46 pm
Hey, in the same way you are the Fat Cyclist who is not Fat, perhaps you have also become the Cycle Babbler who does not babble… I bet you’ll cool as a cucmber in that movie.
Comment by Bee | 09.16.2010 | 1:07 pm
If you look closely, it looks like there’s a guy in a Fat Cyclist jersey during one of the walk-your-bike sections in the trailer. Maybe you have a cameo? Maybe they were just trying to capitalize on your good celebrity name? Good luck with the babbling!
Comment by Alison Wonderland | 09.16.2010 | 1:38 pm
I can’t get the video to play (stupid filtering I have on my computer because I have kids) I guess I’ll just have to wait for the movie.
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 09.16.2010 | 1:39 pm
That is awesome, Fatty! You’re gonna be a star!
Comment by Karen | 09.16.2010 | 1:47 pm
Thanks for the link Philly Jen. Great article, great cause.
Comment by DavidV | 09.16.2010 | 2:34 pm
I’m sure they are just trying to get some links back from you, look at all the publicity you are giving them. I saw the movie last year and it was beautiful. I’ll be there this time too. If I see you, I’ll feel it’s my obligation to yell out “Look at that Fatty”.
I apologize in advance to anyone in Toronto seeing the film with me.
Comment by Clydesteve | 09.16.2010 | 2:53 pm
They have a song for this Elden – perfect advice, I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsmEV72YhA0
Comment by bikemike | 09.16.2010 | 3:18 pm
yep, know what you mean about on the spot confrontations. we were at panera bread on labor day and some cycling type people came by our booth (i don’t like tables, too out in the open and stuff) and they said howdy and what’re are you going to do today. of course, i said, loudly, seer some animal flesh on the grill, how’s about youse guys? she was either a veternarian or a vegatarian, so it didn’t go over too well. whatever.
Comment by rich | 09.16.2010 | 4:18 pm
Awesome! I still have the 09 version I haven’t watched….I may end up seeing the 2010 version first….
Can’t wait!
Comment by Tim | 09.16.2010 | 4:43 pm
I’m hoping the use of Clutch’s Electric Worry in the trailer is a sign that they will not use the same torturous audio they used in the first RATS. It looks like they are going to have more over-caffeinated camera work in this and the narration will probably be over the top again, but I’ll watch it because the stories are great, even better knowing yours will be included.
They need to pull you onto the discussion panel!
Comment by Carl | 09.16.2010 | 7:42 pm
I know where this is going… November 5th we’ll all be saying, I knew him when…
Pingback by Fábio Caparica » Blog Archive » Race Across The Sky 2010 | 09.16.2010 | 8:11 pm
[...] Via Fat Cyclist. [...]
Comment by Gordon In Melb, Australia | 09.16.2010 | 9:06 pm
Let me get this straight, you are worried about blathering on in a movie…..isn’t that how your blog got to be so notorious ???????
I’m confused…….
Don’t worry just keep on shootin’ from the hip as it seems to work for me. The peace and quiet I get is great because no-one ever talks to me …. I wonder why.
Comment by Colorado Mama | 09.16.2010 | 9:32 pm
If you get to ride in a limo for the grand opening of the show, does family get to ride in one of the back seats?
Comment by Squirrelhead | 09.17.2010 | 12:04 am
Fatty that is AWESOME!! The trailer for the movie looks wicked for sure. Makes me want to add a mountain bike to my road bike.
Comment by Lyndon | 09.17.2010 | 6:48 am
Hey Fatty,
I had trouble playing the clip on the above post, so I went to the Leadville 100 webpage. Much to my amazement the menu listed entry for the Leadville 100 run. RUN!!! I have much respect for anyone who completes the bike course – but this is surely taking insane physical challenges to a whole new level.
I look forward to reading your race report next year.
Comment by Roger Ebert | 09.17.2010 | 7:19 am
Fatty,
Didn’t you see yourself in the trailer? They have a quick shot of you pushing your bike up the hill. The full movie likely includes other shots of you pushing your bike down the hill and of doing your Joey Chestnut impersonation while eating cantaloup. Two thumbs up!
Comment by Franky | 09.17.2010 | 7:33 am
@NYCCarlos, @Fatty & all Tristate folks:
Since many of us are in the city on the 7th November, why don’t we get together and watch it after the race?
Comment by Spatch | 09.17.2010 | 12:19 pm
Re:Clutch ,have a listen to ‘Spacegrass’as well.
Comment by centurion | 09.17.2010 | 12:28 pm
Pray for merciful editing.
Comment by Accident Prone | 09.17.2010 | 12:55 pm
Great trailer! And now I’m even more excited to catch the movie this year. Can’t wait to see some Fatty on the big screen.
Comment by Paul Guyot | 09.17.2010 | 7:43 pm
Wait… you mean you’re NOT the Free Luthern guy?
Forget this blog.
Comment by VA Biker | 09.17.2010 | 8:07 pm
Stopped by to check comments. I’m trying to figure out the connection between the contents of your posting and the context-sensitive doubleclick ad for “ALDO”, which looks like some kind of urban dude wannabe clothing line, but I ain’t clickin’ on nothin’ to find out. Who knows what’s on the other side of that click that I can’t remove from my brain cells once my eyes see it? No way.
BTW, planning to see the movie. Can the Core Team bring back some Random Reviewer action on films? This one would be a great place to start again.
Comment by ChefJT | 09.17.2010 | 10:46 pm
@clydesteve…..clicked the link and watch the Buck Owens video. Thought Fatty was your bud! You couldn’t have found a Beatles version LOL
Comment by Mike Roadie | 09.18.2010 | 5:21 am
LOL! Now I can’t wait for your big acting debut! World famous blogger and beloved actor!!
Comment by speedy | 09.18.2010 | 11:49 am
Fatty, check out the trailer again and pause it @ 1:31. You may already be featured in the film. White Team Fatty jersey, silver atmos helmet….is this you or some other extremely good looking cyclist?
Comment by Paul (AR) | 09.18.2010 | 9:54 pm
Your body double is some really fat guy in a fat cyclist kit. They film scenes of him where all this crazy stuff happens – think Chris Farley. While all this is happening they play the audio portion of your interview. Are you any good at saying “well, la di fricken da!”?
Comment by Paul Guyot | 09.20.2010 | 7:16 am
ATTENTION FATTY.
For the past two days when I’ve tried to go to your site via Firefox, it warns me that your site has been hacked, is stealing info from my computer, and generally being naughty.
When I Googled you, your link showed up with a warning “This site may harm your computer.”
I only got back here via another browser on another computer.
Comment by Ronan | 09.20.2010 | 7:20 am
I second what Paul said, but running Chrome. Sad face :(
Comment by Haven (KT) | 09.20.2010 | 1:47 pm
Fatty, I have the same problem with interviews.
Not that I’ve had to give a lot, but every year for our big rally race my brother (the chairman of the event) makes me get up at 3:30 in the morning to go downtown with the rally car and all my gear and do the “about town” guy’s interviews.
I am not great before coffee or talking coherently before dawn; luckily, the coffee shop close by opens at 4:30am and we didn’t go on until 5.
Which means I’ve just shotgunned a bunch of strong coffee. Nice.
I have no idea what I said, but everyone tells me I did a good job. I don’t like listening to recordings of myself so I avoided watching any of it.
And it was all LIVE so it’s not like we could do a bunch of takes and edit out my dorkiness or the “about town” guys dorkiness (which outranks mine by two miles)… Urk.
But I know I’ll be on the hook next year, again. Probably because in a haze of caffeine let-down and ultra-tiredness I volunteered for it. Gr.
Comment by Tom Flanagan | 09.20.2010 | 4:06 pm
Hmmm. $5k to NOT be in the movie? I think we just hit on a new business model here. We’ll get back to you :)
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » I Am About To Find Out What I Would Look Like With Giant Nostrils | 11.3.2010 | 6:38 am
[...] I have previously mentioned that I was interviewed when this movie was filmed. At the time, I did not know how much of that interview was going to make it into the final cut. [...]