Donate to World Bicycle Relief, Spend a Week Riding With Patrick Dempsey and Tom Danielson at a Luxury Resort Training Camp
A Note from Fatty: If you’ve read the details of this latest prize and your head is spinning and you just want the link to the contest so you can enter it already, click here to donate and enter the contest.
As a rule, riding during winter . . . well . . . sucks. If you go out, you’ve got to get all layered up:
Or if you stay inside and ride the trainer, you put yourself in imminent danger of your brain trying out of your head in a desperate play to escape the exquisite boredom you’re inflicting upon it.
Imagine — if you can — if you could escape all that for a week. Imagine that you’re in Malibu, California, staying in warm, sunny California at a luxury resort: The Ranch at Live Oak / Malibu:
You’re staying in your own private bungalow, with easy access to the pool and hot tub.
You’ve been set up with a custom fitness and training program, and you’re eating great. Not just delicious food, but world-class cuisine that is actually good for you.
You’re riding on awesome pavement, on beautiful, scenic roads.
You’re out there putting in big miles, but you’re loving it like never before, because your bike has been professionally fitted for you by speed guru Mat Steinmetz — the same guy who custom fits Tom Danielson’s bike for him. Plus all your rides are fully supported.
Oh, and you’ve got some great riding company for the week:
Yep, just in case you couldn’t tell from that photo, you’re spending the week riding and hanging out with Patrick Dempsey and Tom Danielson:
So. How does that sound so far? Not bad?
Good, because that’s the latest prize in the Grand Slam for Zambia 2: This Time It’s Personal.
A Few More Details
So let’s get specific for a moment, OK? The winner of this super-ultra-grand prize is going to get the total package in a very small group training camp put on by Twenty Twenty Cycling: Patrick Dempsey and Tom Danielson. This includes:
- Airfare for the trip, which goes January 20 – 26, 2013
- A private bungalow at The Ranch at Live Oak / Malibu
- Hang out daily with Tom Danielson and Patrick Dempsey
- All meals
- All local transportation
- Supported daily rides
- Professional bike fit performed by expert speed guru, Mat Steinmetz
- A Garmin Edge 500 (yours to keep)
- Daily massage
- Cycling and nutrition education
- Instructor-led fitness programs
- Custom 20-20 Cycling jersey, shorts, rain jacket, t-shirt, bottle, and other swag.
- Laundry services
- Bragging rights for the rest of your life about the incredible week you just spent
How to Enter
So maybe you’re wondering: how can you get into this cycling camp? Well, there are two ways. One is to buy a slot at T20 Cycling. If I had the money for it, I would do that — considering everything you’re getting, the $8000 price tag sounds like a good deal.
The second way is to go to my Grand Slam for Zambia 2 page and donate. And then hope. Because someone’s going to get this prize. And if you don’t win this prize, maybe you’ll win one of the other prizes, each of which is listed and linked in the donation page. And that wouldn’t be so bad, either, would it?
Regardless of whether — or what — you win, you’ll be doing something really important and awesome: making it possible for kids in Zambia to get a bike, which means incredible things for them — getting to and home from school easier, getting work done faster, and having a wider range of opportunities in job possibilities.
You’ll also be helping train Zambians to become mechanics, and providing them with the tools they need to start a career fixing bikes. You’re helping bootstrap a virtuous cycle: giving some people a little help now so they can help themselves in the future.
In other words, by donating for a chance at a training vacation of your life, you’re improving many others’ lives in a big, permanent way.
So: click here to donate. Good luck, and thanks!
PS: Huge thanks to Tom Danielson and Patrick Dempsey for their generosity in providing this prize.
PPS: Last night, Tom, Patrick and I talked about the Grand Slam for Zambia and the cycling camp over at TourChats. You can watch it over at Spreecast (My part starts around 30:00).
Comment by ClydeinKS | 12.3.2012 | 9:12 am
If anyone missed the show last night, tune in. Great discussion Fatty, also saw that you gained some new fans! While listening last night I was deep into the T20 site – WOW, incredible prize. I keep thinking it would be so cool to send a Zambian on one of these prize trips, but it is very nice knowing that the equivalent for them to one of these prizes is the bike(s) being provided!
Comment by Jeff Owen | 12.3.2012 | 9:24 am
So wait, is this on top of the other prizes, or separate? Not to be unappreciative, but if I showed up on my low end bike it would be disastrous!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.3.2012 | 9:25 am
@Jeff, this is ANOTHER prize, but a loaner High-end bike is included for the week :).
@Fatty, You’ve really outdone yourself this time. I REALLY want to win something this time around!!!!!!
Comment by Clydesteve | 12.3.2012 | 10:15 am
wait, this (i>IS December 3, and not April 1, right?
Comment by Clydesteve | 12.3.2012 | 10:15 am
way to early, apparently for proofreading html
Comment by Fat Cathy | 12.3.2012 | 11:23 am
I work for a tax software company and we are not allowed to take vacation days from Nov 1 through April 15th. However, if I won this trip I think I would just quit my job instead of passing up this opportunity. In fact, I’m hoping I’ll win this trip so that I’ll HAVE to quit my job. I’m donating money right now.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 12.3.2012 | 11:30 am
@Jeff, I”m not actually sure I was correct about the loaner high-end bike earlier… I think I might have mis-read something. but still, I’m sure you could rent one for a reasonable price from somewhere nearby.
Comment by Liz M. | 12.3.2012 | 12:33 pm
This is going to be a lovely prize for someone. I am not that someone; my dear husband would be worried sick that I might become smitten with the scenery, accomodations, equipment and, um, the company. But thank you Patrick and Tom, and good luck to the rest of you!
Comment by Kukui | 12.3.2012 | 12:38 pm
OH. MY. GOSH. A week riding with Patrick Dempsey? I can’t even imagine being cool enough for that! (sob)
Wow. There are so many amazing prizes, Fatty! I’ve already committed to donating a bike or two per paycheck, but MAN!
I don’t think anyone in my family is getting any Christmas presents this year… =)
Comment by wharton_crew | 12.3.2012 | 12:38 pm
As I’m becoming more of a true ‘fat cyclist’ this holiday season (damn you turkey, pie, and stuffing!), I am finding myself pre-screening people who are super-fit, svelt, or otherwise less rotund than myself to see if they will be fun and enjoyable to ride with. And by ‘fun and enjoyable’, I’m speaking for myself, and not for the fit cyclists who will be undoubtedly dying of boredom as they pedal slowly to avoid dropping me off their wheels every time the incline exceeds 1%.
So Fatty, are Tom and Patrick patient riders as well, or do we just get to see them ride off at the beginning of the ride and that’s the last we’ll see of them?
Comment by Kathy McElhaney | 12.3.2012 | 12:56 pm
I don’t have to imagine escaping, I live about 25 miles from Malibu. Blissful riding year round. But it’s still an awesome prize!
Comment by Laura S | 12.3.2012 | 1:09 pm
Even more of a Tommy D fan after seeing the way he can handle a mini bike and a donut at the same time. Nice looking trip!
Comment by Andrew | 12.3.2012 | 3:45 pm
@fatty I am an Aussie watching from all these great prizes, do those down under have a chance at all?
Envious of all the US based fatty’s.
Comment by off-roadie | 12.3.2012 | 3:45 pm
So, is Patrick Dempsey fast? At first glance, I think I could take him on a climb. Although, I’m comparing him to Tommy D, which might not be a fair comparison… I’m going to look him up on USAC.
Speaking of rail-thin pro cyclists, the Snob tells me you are not fat but are, in fact, pro cyclist skinny.
Pingback by Advent day 3 – Not Noise Pollution | lonwheels | 12.3.2012 | 4:25 pm
[...] speaking of good causes, here’s one that’s getting some of our holiday money this year. Thank goodness for Fat Cyclist without [...]
Comment by Aussie Bryan | 12.3.2012 | 5:23 pm
Hi Fatty,
Just saying you put things into perspective once again!!!! I’ve been looking at purchasing a new spesh stumpy fsr or spesh venge. Putting some extra cash aside, working some overtime here and there when ever I can. I am by no means a wealthy person, I just work hard. I must admit I havent read your blog in a month or so, but have now got up to speed. I immediatly went to your WBR page and donated a bike for someone. I took comfort in the fact that I could possibly change the life of someone across the other side of the planet.
I think your doing a super awesome thing and I love hearing about your past adventures and how it has changed you for the better.
So I say thank you Elden, thanks for putting things into perspective once again.
Cheers Aussie Bryan.
Comment by Heidi | 12.4.2012 | 10:40 am
Yes, please. (Oh my, yes…)
Comment by George | 12.4.2012 | 11:00 am
Thanks for all you do Fatty. I just bought a bike and an opportunity for my wife to have a great week in California. She is headed to the gym right after work to get back into summer riding shape, just in case… You are doing a great deal of good beyond the awesome prizes you are offering and the good feeling knowing the bikes in Africa are well needed.
Comment by Wife#1 | 12.4.2012 | 11:36 am
Okay, beyond fabulous indeed. Patrick & TommyD – you are wonderful to donate that! While I do not want FatCathy to lose her job, her excitement about it makes me want her to win it!
However, this prize is way out of my league. Plus, not sure it’s good for one’s marriage to spend a week with McDreamy away from one’s husband, or perhaps even for a husband to spend it with McDreamy away from his wife! Such is the power of the Dempsey. :-)
Still looking for my dream bike in the prize list (cause I have somewhat more modest dreams compared to many when it comes to cycling, heh). So can the wonderful people at Giant please give Fatty a 2013 TCX W to giveaway? OR the most cool guy that is Chuck Ibis, yes you Chuck, how about a Hakkalugi Disc in the gangrene and black lung color set? Because not only it that an AWESOME cyclocross bike, it’s the Best Naming Conventions EVER and I am in marketing and communications and appreciate that stuff.
Either of those bikes would make me really, really, really, really happy to win. Just as happy as one of the others winning a $10k bike.
My needs are simple. :-)
Comment by Anonymous | 12.4.2012 | 1:08 pm
So grateful to Wife#1 and her needs. Simple is my middle name.
Comment by Tristan Haddow-Allen | 12.4.2012 | 6:42 pm
Good stuff, Fatty.
I couldn’t claim the prize (I live in Sydney) but I’ve spent a bit of time in Africa and seen the poverty. It’s extraordinary to be standing there and realize the cost of the iPhone in your pocket is more than many of the people around you will see in three years.
I’ve just moved country and haven’t got a new job yet, but I reckoned I could spare fifty bucks for a good cause – just don’t tell the wife. :)
Comment by ClydeinKS | 12.4.2012 | 7:47 pm
I’m late in checking in to twitter this evening, but just saw a message from Skrath Labs that makes sense to share here.
If you use Skratch Labs drink mixes (and if not, I suggest you do – it is wonderful) they are offering 5% of online sales to World Bicycle Relief now through 12/31/12. So donate and contribute through Fatty and then continue to contribute while obtaining hydration needs for your next ride!
Elden – feel free to remove if this “advertisement” is deemed inappropriate for mention here.
Comment by Jenni | 12.4.2012 | 9:32 pm
YES PLEASE!!
Comment by Ben | 12.4.2012 | 10:35 pm
I just donated, this is a great cause. I wasn’t clear if it truly linked to your site as a contest entry. I will trust that all is well.
Comment by Bo-be-wan-kan-o-be | 12.5.2012 | 12:29 am
My contacts tell me that one Mr. Fatty and The Hammer were cavorting (yes, cavorting) with Bike Snob NYC last week in NYC. I smell a News Corp type take over of the cycling blogosphere coming on………only it appears that that FC will still be the one with the conscientious and love for those in need…..if you read BSNYC’s postings. Keep up the good work, but pick up the pace (as though you’re doing a Leadville and Breck Epic back to back…..who would EVER think of doing that!). We love Fatty in NC and support fcancerup.com as well. 2 years out and attacking the hills.
Comment by Anonymous | 12.17.2012 | 11:53 am
If I was only sooooo lucky!
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Win a VIP Entry in Levi’s GranFondo (New Grand Prize in the Grand Slam 2) | 12.19.2012 | 4:33 pm
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