So Where’s the 100 Miles of Nowhere?
Is it OK if, for today’s post, I drop the “beloved goofball” act and just tell you what’s going on in my life and what’s on my mind?
It is? Oh good. Thanks.
First, I’m employed again. I’m working at a startup, and it has me traveling pretty often. And when I’m not traveling, I’m still working. Really hard. To the point of not having a lot left over, actually, timewise nor mental-energy-wise.
That’s OK. It’s a startup; I knew I’d be busy.
But while I can live with the likelihood that I’m going to be continuing to be posting less often here than I used to — at least until I’ve got my new job figured out and a reasonable working cadence established — I’m pretty stressed out about one thing that I’ve dropped the ball on:
The 100 Miles of Nowhere.
I love the 100 Miles of Nowhere, and love that it raises a ton of money for great causes (my intention has been for it to raise money for Camp Kesem this year).
But I haven’t done a single thing about getting it planned. I haven’t got a date. I haven’t contacted sponsors. I haven’t got a t-shirt design even started.
So. I have a few questions. Answer honestly, using the comments section.
- If I were to put on a 100 Miles of Nowhere this year that happens in the Autumn (instead early Summer, as is usual) would you want to do it?
- What features of the 100 Miles of Nowhere are actually important to you? Which is to say, what would you feel bad about if it weren’t part of the event?
- Racer stories posted in the blog
- The race plate
- The race t-shirt
- The swag (energy food, energy drink, coupons, water bottle)
- The fundraising
- The silliness and absurdity of it
- The timing of it (i.e., Summer vs Autumn)
- What do you think of the idea of the 100 Miles of Nowhere having a minimal amount of swag, but a fairly major prize being awarded to a random participant?
- In a least-swag scenario, would you still want to do the 100 Miles of Nowhere if the only thing you got were a t-shirt?
I want to make the 100 Miles of Nowhere happen. And one way or another, I’m going to. Your feedback will help me get a sense of what’s important for me to get started on, and what I can let go, just this once.
Thanks,
Comment by Barb | 04.16.2014 | 11:36 am
Just a tshirt would be great and autumn is actually better. Go for it and good luck with the start up!
Comment by Jim Tolar | 04.16.2014 | 11:41 am
FatMan,
First, we had *our* 100 Miles of Nowhere (https://www.facebook.com/100MilesToNowhere) last Saturday, before the big heat comes in Phoenix. Photos are at (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154002262975524.1073741829.381109295523&type=3). Turnout was the largest ever (around 50) and we raised ~$4500 for the Cardon Children’s Medical Center, Pediatric Oncology program (because I didn’t hear anything from you about the 100MoN in time).
To answer your above questions:
1) In general, Autumn would be preferable to us Phoenicians, but we’ll roll with whatever happens.
2) You can drop all the swag as far as I’m concerned and keep the rest.
3) Cool idea!
4) Not just yes, but Hell Yes. The 100MtN (Dobson Ranch Edition) is part of us now.
Congratulations on the new job.
jt
Comment by Kit Cischke | 04.16.2014 | 11:41 am
Low-swag works for me. I haven’t participated in a few years because I felt it was too expensive, even for a good cause. I’d pay for a t-shirt along with a nice donation and feel like that was worth it.
Comment by Turn The Damn Cranks | 04.16.2014 | 11:42 am
First, congrats on the new gig! May it be a great success.
As for the 100MoN, taking your questions in order:
1. Much prefer early in the year as something of a kick-start for the season, but I’d do it in the fall too. (And it would hurt less as I’d be more fit.)
2. Love the fundraising, stories/absurdity, and t-shirt, in that order. Really love the water bottles too — it’s like an annual fresh start for my hydration — and in fact value them much more than the t-shirt. The rest of the stuff is great, but not very important, imho.
3. Not necessary.
4. Yes.
Comment by A.Kessler | 04.16.2014 | 11:43 am
1. Autumn is as cool as early summer. All that matters is that the tradition continues.
2. The stories/silliness/absurdity of it would be missed. Of course, the fundraising is paramount. And who doesn’t like a little swag?
3. Yes, awesome.
4. Yes, t-shirt only or even just a water bottle. Is that even cheaper? I don’t know…
Disclaimer: I’ve followed this event for years, but never did it myself. I’ve vowed that this year will be different… seriously.
Comment by VeloPastor | 04.16.2014 | 11:43 am
Just T-shirt would be GREAT!!!
DO IT!!!!
Comment by Turt99 | 04.16.2014 | 11:44 am
As I tweeted to you last week I am going to win my division in the 100 Miles of Nowhere on June 7th this year. I am doing it as fundraiser for a charity ride I am going to be doing in September.
The ride is The Ride for Karen
http://my.e2rm.com/PersonalPage.aspx?registrationID=2267765&langPref=en-CA
I was really hoping to have a t-shirt to purchase. All of my favorite t-shirts are from Twin Six so that was one thing I was looking forward too. The silliness of the whole thing is important, the swag and such is just icing on the cake.
The date of the “Official” isn’t that important to me as I have already planned my date, but if you hold it in the Fall I might need to just do it again.
If there was just a t-shirt I would order it.
Comment by Jim Tolar | 04.16.2014 | 11:44 am
Our Honor Board.
Comment by Daniel Weise | 04.16.2014 | 11:44 am
AN autumn ride with a t-shirt and more participants with multiple donation levels would be awesome – get more money for Camp Kesem and more people participating is always a good thing.
Comment by EJOTY | 04.16.2014 | 11:45 am
I have a high-level comment, first. Fatty, you’ve given a lot to all of us, for years. You’ve raised more money for good causes than any non-rich person I know of. You’ve been open to us through the hard times. And you’ve been funny as hell hundreds upon hundreds of times.
Before you get down on yourself about dropping the ball on the 100MoN, maybe remember all of that. OK? Maybe a bunch of US should do a fundraiser for YOU, so you could keep doing all of this without worrying about making a living on top of it all.
On to your questions.
1. Yes. I’d do it whenever.
2. Racer stories, the fundraising, and the race plate. The silliness too, but that’s built-in. You could drop everything else without me really caring.
3. That would be sweet, but I don’t need you to hunt down a big prize. Just give me a place to register. I’m in. No other enticement is necessary.
4. Sure, but I’d rather have the race plate than the t-shirt.
Comment by TK | 04.16.2014 | 11:53 am
The only reason I did the 100 MoN a couple of years ago was to get the t-shirt. All the rest of the swag didn’t really matter to me. I love reading the stories too. IMO, keep those two things and you’re golden, regardless of the date.
Comment by TimRides | 04.16.2014 | 11:54 am
1) Any time is fine.
2) What’s important (in order): fundraising, silliness,Racer stories, t-shirt, water bottles
3) Whatever, it’s the stuff in 2 that matters.
4) T-shirt is fine
Comment by CRSonic | 04.16.2014 | 11:55 am
I’d be happy with minimal swag. Any time is good.
Comment by BigJohn | 04.16.2014 | 11:57 am
I’ll do the 100 MoN anytime. Swag isn’t important. The stories are always fun, but not critical. I love the T-shirts. They are often a conversation starter, and they give me an opportunity to tell the story and plug your blog.
Comment by Tom | 04.16.2014 | 11:57 am
1. For the Texans May 15-Sep 15 is plenty hot. Other times would be better
2. Stories- the ride and why people are riding
3. Don’t care
4. T Shirt is fine
Comment by Dave T | 04.16.2014 | 11:57 am
autumn is fine. Although a tee shirt is cool but really I would do this with no swag. The posts are fun but I’m sure they are a lot of work. Perhaps just posting links in the blog to others race reports would be less work. Any way you decide we are in. Congratulations on the new job. Hope it doesn’t cut into your riding to much.
Comment by Christopher Stephens | 04.16.2014 | 11:57 am
Can I just give you extra points for working the word “cadence” into your post?
As for 100MoN, whatever you do will still be above and beyond.
Good luck at the new gig!
Comment by MJ | 04.16.2014 | 12:00 pm
I’d be perfectly happy with a t-shirt and with the ride held in autumn. I could honestly use the extra time to prepare this year. I also really like the write ups after the ride.
Comment by Mike C | 04.16.2014 | 12:02 pm
I will do the 100 MoN no matter what. I’m totally cool with low/no swag.
Thanks!
Comment by Bill Hart-Davidson | 04.16.2014 | 12:04 pm
Important things to me about 100MoN:
1. Stories, and the solidarity they create as we all do something ridiculous yet profound
2. Fundraising, yours and ours by proxy as several of us use the spectacle to draw support for our own “do something good” thing
Time: you make that variable now; all good
Swag: not required, though agree with others that T6 shirts are the best and are always worth getting
Comment by Rudi (randomduck) | 04.16.2014 | 12:06 pm
I’d prefer summer, as I’ll be limited to indoor rides until mid-August due to an anticoagulant drug I’m on (skiing injury, nasty stuff). That said, I’d do it whenever – just say when.
My fundraising would be a little different, in the end. Y’see, I’d be riding in honor of a fallen cycling friend, Sam, who was hit by a car while riding to work, endured 5 months in rehab recovering from the traumatic brain injury, then died due to a complication from surgery to re-cap his skull (I know, TMI). The Alliance for Biking and Walking is raising money as a tribute to Sam, to ensure that the streets are complete and safe for all.
Comment by gingyh | 04.16.2014 | 12:15 pm
Like somebody stated earlier, this was going to be my first year to participate. Here are my personal opinions:
1. Autumn is better for me. I’m a NICA coach and our race season is in the spring, so our planning/pre-season starts in the early fall. Spring is just too dang hectic for me!
2. Fundraising
Racer stories
Silliness
The swag is negligible.
3. No swag is a-ok with me. I wind up cutting up the t-shirts into headbands and throwing away the majority of swag anyway. No big prize is needed, either.
4. I think I’ve covered that. ;)
Congrats on the new job. I hope it brings you joy. If not, time for a good deal of soul-searching.
Comment by Bucky | 04.16.2014 | 12:19 pm
1. What is this “Autumn” you speak of? Post-hurricane season in Tampa would be outstanding. Last year I spent five hours trapped in a small shelter during a storm.
b. Love the absurdity most of all, with the race plate a close second. Have never posted my own story but love reading the others. Swag is cool, but job one is help some people out. (OK, I actually really love all of the swag, but jobs one through ten are to help some people out.)
III. Minimal swag and a big prize to someone would be cool. Something with a Banjo Brothers logo to a few others would be extra cool.
4) I’d do the 100MON if all I got were sores.
Comment by saxman2006 | 04.16.2014 | 12:21 pm
Summer,
t shirt and number
no swag
contest – any size prize
Keep up the good work man, don’t let life get you down!
Comment by PNP | 04.16.2014 | 12:21 pm
The autumn would be great. It’s my favorite season here in Oregon anyway, and it’d give me more time to prepare so I can actually participate this year for the first time. Fundraising is important and I love the participant stories. From my perspective, you can dispense with the rest. Donating to a good cause and hearing other peoples’ stories are the important part.
Comment by dirteng | 04.16.2014 | 12:21 pm
Any time, any swag – 100 MoN in 2014 sounds great.
Comment by Joe | 04.16.2014 | 12:24 pm
1. Yes.
2. T-Shirt and the silliness and absurdity of it. The fundraising is a nice bonus.
3. Okay with me. Most of the swag has gone unused or been given away. I think I’ve only kept and used the seat bags and water bottles, but I’m good on those now.
4. Yes.
Comment by berry | 04.16.2014 | 12:26 pm
1. Yes.
2. T-shirt.
3. Fine idea.
4. Yes.
Comment by ScottR | 04.16.2014 | 12:29 pm
1. Yup, autumn is fine.
2. My ranked list
Race t-shirt
Swag (energy food, energy drink, coupons, water bottle) (especially the bottle)
The silliness and absurdity of it
(Big gap here)
Racer stories posted in the blog
The race plate
The fundraising (I only care that it is contributing to something)
The timing of it (i.e., Summer vs Autumn)
3. Meh, minimal swag is okay, but a small # (or 1) of big prizes would not be a motivator. I won’t win, so it doesn’t matter to me. It wouldn’t stop me from signing up, by any means, but it doesn’t increase my interest any.
4. Tshirt, or t-shirt and bottle, would be okay with me. Small bummer, but okay. Call it being spoiled by the goodies the last several years.
Comment by TJ | 04.16.2014 | 12:29 pm
Either way is fine, but you gotta have a tshirt!
Comment by Jenni | 04.16.2014 | 12:29 pm
Anytime, any swag. The tshirt is my favorite, I’ve never needed or really used much of anything else, and if it cuts down on the entry fee, all the better.
Congratulations on the new gig!! I know they know what they signed up for when they got you. (:o)
Absolutely positively MUST have racer stories. I almost never talk to anyone about this event without mentioning the aircraft carrier, or the person who rode it in their cup-de-sac. Absurdity is contagious. I don’t particularly care about some majorly huge prize.
Comment by Mike "Kamala" Schechter | 04.16.2014 | 12:30 pm
Elden, don’t feel bad. Sometimes you gotta TCB. I suspect 100MON will be completely awesome, as usual.
1) Selfishly, autumn would be awesome for 100MON. Summer is precious here in my new home of Alaska. And while I am quickly getting back in shape from my 2+ years of slacking and misplaced priorities (Thanks Fat Cyclist/Beeminder Challenge!), another few months would be helpful.
2) The stories and the fundraising are the most important features to me. I bet folks here would chip in to help curate and post the stories (consider me the first volunteer) or we could just have a really big comment thread and folks will link to their flickr/vimeo/YouTube etc. After that, the Swag is icing. I’m a big fan of the t-shirt and the race plate. When you’re touting the latest and greatest water bottle, I like that it’s in the package because I can say “not my fault I got ANOTHER bottle, Elden put it in the swag bag.” Everything else is hit or miss except honey stinger waffles. And it’s not like I need extra of those. All my carbs for the foreseeable future are already on board.
3) I love it when a plan comes together.
4) Hell yes!!!
Comment by Janneke | 04.16.2014 | 12:40 pm
Dear fatty, first of all, shame on me for having stayed away from here so long I didn’t even know you were out of a job! Congrats on the new one, even if it is eating up most of your cycling time. I don’t give a flying hoot about swag! The silliness and banter is swag enough! My issue is that I can’t cycle 100 km’s, let alone 100 miles…. And I might not be able to donate because of finances being not very healthy at the mo.
But, I implore you not to let the tradition end! If there was anything I could do from here to help out I would!
Love, also for the rest of the family offcourse.
Janneke.
Comment by John in Seattle | 04.16.2014 | 12:51 pm
I will contribute to the 100 MoN no matter what. but I have to be honest, I love the raceplate and the t-shirt. keep up the good work and congrats on the new gig! hope you get bought by Facebook and end up a billionaire!
Comment by Charles | 04.16.2014 | 1:00 pm
I’ll be doing 100MoN no matter the package, but after the t-shirt, the only other swag I care about is the water bottle.
Thanks for all you’ve given to the community and to charity.
Comment by Anonymous | 04.16.2014 | 1:01 pm
The ‘100 Miles of Nowhere’ posts were some of the first I read when I came here. They’re a crease. I’ve not yet managed to participate yet, so my answers are:
1. Verily.
2. Though I can’t deny I love free stuff, I guess the important part is the taking part and the stories that come out of it. Though I’d want a T-Shirt.
3. Distribute the wealth amongst the masses.
4. As mentioned before (and numerous times above) I think people like the T-Shirt. Twin six make some lovely threads.
Also, long time reader, first time poster – gotta say I love what you do. Nuff inspiration bruv, nuff respeck.
Comment by Tes | 04.16.2014 | 1:01 pm
Love the tshirt and logo, love the race plate – I have every one from each year I’ve done it. And love the water bottles. And the bingo bags… I guess I Iove the swag. To me good swag – like in the past – is more important than a large prize. The swag everyone gets, the prize just a few. I will participate spring or autumn.
It’s such a great event and so much fun. I look forward to it every year! Especially trying to explain to people what it is!
Comment by Janet | 04.16.2014 | 1:02 pm
I don’t bike, but have been reading – and donating thru – your site for years. Love the stories from all of those dedicated souls who do the 100 MoN.
Comment by zeeeter | 04.16.2014 | 1:04 pm
1) Autumn is good. Any of the other seasons are good too though!
2)The fundraising – get your swag sponsors to donate their hard earned dollars to the charity rather than donate stuff. That said the race t-shirt and bottle are useful and get used a lot in my household though!
The silliness and absurdity of it is essential and I personally would love to get regional 100MONs arranged, even though we’re geographically challenged. The get-together gatherings are such an awesome part of FOF that anything that promotes that is good by me.
3)and 4) No prize, minimal or no “swag”. I’d pay for the Tee and a bottle if they have the 100MON logo. Fine with that.
I’d also like to be more specific and say “I’ll do that part of arranging 100MON for you” if that helps, but I’m a dufus and don’t really know what specific parts you need help with! So I’ll be generic and say, what can I do to help?
Comment by Scott | 04.16.2014 | 1:05 pm
1. I’m in the PNW so whenever.
2. Fundraising – stories – t shirt – silliness in that order (although stories and t shirt are really tied)
3. Why not
4. The event itself is the motivation. Riding around in circles hundreds of times or climbing ridiculous hills repeatedly; it is the only time I can do this and justify it.
Comment by Aaron | 04.16.2014 | 1:06 pm
I’d do the 100MoN whenever. T-shirts are always a cool way to remember the event and advertise it for the next year. What if you had a design that worked on a t-shirt and jersey? Maybe a certain entry fee got you the t-shirt and a little higher entry fee got you the jersey? No other swag needed. Just a thought.
Keep up the good work and good luck on things!
Comment by Skippy | 04.16.2014 | 1:08 pm
Stand back this year and let some of your loyal supporters pick up the slack !
The time will come that you will have to do it anyway , since 100 MON has reached the point where so many more people want to do it , but miss out, because of resticted numbers .
With the amounts of events that you have given us feedback on , it is obvious to ALL us outsiders , that there will be a deluge of offers , if you chose to allow their contributions ?
Good luck with ALL , i won’t be doing 6x L’Alpe d’Huez as mine this year . Last Sunday i rode Kufstein to Innsbruck then to Trento in Italy for the presentation of the Giro del Trentino , which will lack Chris Horner , since he was the victim of a ” Coward Pass ” the same day the Pope told the Catholic Clergy to practice ” humility ” by riding a BIKE !
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vision-ZERO-Worldwide/540123632761709 Use the placard for whichever country you live in , if the language is not yet available , then advise the ” words ” and i will set it in place !
Comment by Susan Helene Gottfried | 04.16.2014 | 1:10 pm
Hell yeah, I’d do it for just a t-shirt. Autumn’s fine; gives us all summer riding season to train.
Comment by NZ Ev | 04.16.2014 | 1:11 pm
Autumn for you is spring for me down here in NZ, so that is fine with me. Just a T-Shirt is fine with me as well as the point of doing this is really just to support the great cause.
Keep up the fantastic work and congrats on the new job!!!
Comment by Steve | 04.16.2014 | 1:12 pm
1. Autumn is great.
2. T-shirt only is good. I also like the water bottles. No other swag needed. Although I love them, I have more Banjo Brothers seat bags than I will ever be able to use.
3. An additional prize would be nice, but wouldn’t make me more likely to ride.
Comment by PNP | 04.16.2014 | 1:18 pm
If you do a t-shirt, don’t forget the pie. I still wish I’d gotten a “zero to pie” shirt (or whatever the number was).
Comment by Tom in Albany | 04.16.2014 | 1:19 pm
First of all, congrats on the new employment and return to tax-paying! We, your fellow citizens, appreciate the help!
1. I don’t care when you hold it. I can manage 100 miles better in August than in June but, either way, I always win my category so, there’s no change!
2. My favorite parts were the T-shirt and especially the swag. Honestly, I discovered Twin Six and Honey Stinger Waffles and my favorite water bottle through your swag bag and you do good research! So, I’d miss the swag. I don’t want a race plate. I just toss’em. I have enough t-shirts for several lifetimes so, don’t need a new one. I like some of the stories but don’t read them all. I don’t have enough time.
3. OK by me. I probably can’t afford the tax hit of a new bike but, that’s my problem. Not yours.
4. Fatty, I do the 100MON because you’re trying to punch cancer in the mouth and, in the case of Camp Kesem, helping those who took the punch. I don’t care if I just send you a check for whatever cause and you send me a note saying, “Hey! TominAlbany! (What a peculiar name you have but, I digress!) Thanks so much for your donation to the cause. Cancer sucks. I know it. You know it. Let’s kick this beeyotch to the curb!”
The truth is, I’ve worked 100MON (and WBR!) into my regular ‘charitable giving’ budget so, if you don’t do it, I’ll find somewhere else to punch cancer in the mouth. I abhor it so. So there!
Comment by UtahTom | 04.16.2014 | 1:21 pm
Instead of a race plate would it be possible to get an actual dinner plate with something FC or 100MON related? That way I can remember the event and enjoy pie simultaneously.
Comment by old guy who likes to ride | 04.16.2014 | 1:29 pm
1. drought in California so anytime is fine, autumn is delightful in Sacramento area
2. I like all of MoN but will defer to your bandwidth.
3. Again your bandwidth dependent.
4. My twin-6 t-shirt from a couple years ago is one of my most revered and comfortable wardrobe items, tho it seems to be shrinking…
Comment by saxman2006 | 04.16.2014 | 1:33 pm
…and STORIES, FAVORITE PART!!!!!
Comment by Noel | 04.16.2014 | 1:39 pm
The fall is good with me, though I’d prefer it later than August since that’s generally one of the two hottest (and steamiest) months here in NC. My wife would probably actually like that better since she tends to not ride much at all in the winter and would feel much more prepared after a summer in the saddle.
As far as what’s important, the event itself, the stories, and the T-shirt are the big ones for me. The swag is nice but we left our packets on the table a little too long and the dogs raided and ate the edible (and in some cases, semi- or not-so-edible) portions of it last year so I’m kind of used to not having it. I love the t-shirts and I enjoy writing our story and reading other peoples’.
Good luck with all you’ve got going on!
Comment by Ted | 04.16.2014 | 1:41 pm
Autumn is a great plan and I would definitely signup even if there wasn’t a lot of swag. It isn’t about the swag, but getting out and riding for what it means. I would even swap the shirt for the race plate. This year I will have a couple of bike swaps mixed in, because my youngest will be trailing behind me for a few laps. Looking forward to it in the falls.
Comment by FatinSoCal | 04.16.2014 | 1:51 pm
1. Autumn is better
2. Shirt is the thing I most want, the rest is nice but not needed.
3. Good with that.
4. Yes
I have been hoping you would do another one. As a newby to your awesomeness, I want the shirt!!!
Comment by Gbl | 04.16.2014 | 2:05 pm
This will be my first so to be honest I thought the swag part was kind of cool. But it is for the charity and the doing more than the stuff so a t-shirt and a raffle would be great too. Fall is fine!
Comment by Isaac | 04.16.2014 | 2:06 pm
1. Either way is fine. I’ll be in better shape in the fall. Assuming I don’t do something stupid and hurt myself mountain biking during the summer.
2. I really like the race plate — it’s just not a race without one. I love the stories, the fundraising, and the silliness. I do like the swag, but it’s not super critical — though I really like the t-shirts and bottles.
3. I s’pose — I guess one thing I like about 100MoN vs the other fundraisers is that everyone gets something — not just one or a few people.
4. Yep. Though as far as “only getting”, I think I’d rather have bottles. But only slightly. And I like the race plate :D
Comment by leroy | 04.16.2014 | 2:08 pm
According to my dog, all my riding goes nowhere. The T-Shirt just confirms it.
Whenever and whatever you do is just fine by us.
We like the race reports. It’s like hearing from extended family.
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 04.16.2014 | 2:22 pm
The thing I like about the 100MON is that, even though we do it pretty much on our own, we are all in it together. In that spirit:
1. Anytime is fine. Fall might even be better this year.
2. A T shirt would be nice, but isn’t essential. Ditto for the rest of the swag. A water bottle would maybe be even nicer than the T shirt, but again, not essential.
3. As much as they are great for some of your fundraising events, I think a big prize is counter to the whole idea of this event, and it isn’t necessary to get folks involved.
4. See 2. above – the out-of-the-box aspect of this event, the silliness of it all, the great stories from participants, and the fundraising are more than enough to keep everyone waiting for enrollment to open.
Comment by DonQuix | 04.16.2014 | 2:23 pm
Dude, It’s 100 miles on a trainer. You can have it at any point in the year. I just love the absurdity and the t-shirt!
Comment by Bryant Likes | 04.16.2014 | 2:32 pm
Outsource it!
Create a website that allows people to sign up and connect their Strava ID. Then when they ride 100 miles it would show up on the website and they could post their information about it (photos/stories). Random awards generated by the website and/or let people vote/comment on other peoples rides.
Lots you could do that could be done so you don’t have to do as much once it is setup.
Comment by Superstantial | 04.16.2014 | 2:36 pm
Congrats on the gig. And whatever you decide, thanks for all these crazy rides.
I’ve participated in all the 100 miles of nowhere so far (except #1, which was just you, right Fatty?). I did it because it’s the silliest cycling event I’ve ever found (and I raced cross!). My personal favorite part is finding a weird route near my constantly moving home base: on a trainer in Berkeley, sure; laps on the Golden Gate, check; circling the Lincoln Memorial, of course. I was hoping to circle the battle green here in Lexington MA this year, for patriotism.
All that being said:
1- sure
2- silliness and absurdity for a cause.
3- meh. Less swag and no prize if that’s what needs to be done. The sponsors have been generous in the past, and that’s great. But I can see logistics as a headache.
4- sure. Or water bottle as was said above (asking as it’s that triangle purist dealy). Honestly, I’d prefer just a t shirt or t shirt and waterbottle.
Comment by Eric Finn | 04.16.2014 | 2:37 pm
Reading these comments I’m struck by the fact that maybe this just needs to be simpler. More people want to do it than you can get swag for even when you did have time. How about offering 100MON SWAG for sale at a increased amount with the proceeds going to the charity of Fatty’s choice? Then everyone who wanted a t-shirt but not a raceplate, a raceplate only, nothing at all, etc. could still participate, get only the swag they wanted and you’d still get the great stories. So you’d have options like 1. Registration only – basically a donation to charity.
2. Registration plus t-shirt
3. Registration plus raceplate
4. etc. etc.
5. Swag options only although I’m not sure anyone would want the swag without registering to do it. :-)
Comment by eclecticdeb | 04.16.2014 | 2:44 pm
KISS. Just KISS.
1. Anytime is fine with me.
2. Stories, fundraising, t-shirts. Everything else is fluff. Except for the silliness, no getting around that (thankfully).
3. Yes – minimal SWAG is fine.
4. Yes! Love the t-shirt!
And Congrats on your new gig!
Comment by doomsday | 04.16.2014 | 2:57 pm
1. Autumn is great (September?)
2. Love the T-shirt, Racer stories, fundraising
3. Minimal Swag—please, please, please minimal swag. We all have enough stuff, and I didn’t use some of what was sent last year. And meh on prize awarding—I like the community feel of it, it’s not a competition for me.
4. T-shirt only is perfect! (the bottle was cool too, but I have a zillion of those).
Comment by yannb | 04.16.2014 | 3:00 pm
Autumn is perfect
donating to your cause
just a tshirt: often get asked what is 100MoN, fun to explain.
no need for prizes
people sending in their stories or links to their stories on your blog.
Congrats on the new job!!
Comment by Caspar | 04.16.2014 | 3:11 pm
Time doesn’t matter. Stories, Fundraising and Silliness do.
T-shirt: yes
Large prize: no, use that money for the fundraising
Comment by grant | 04.16.2014 | 3:14 pm
I’d *like* a number plate and T-shirt, but they’re not essential.
Vouchers and swag were often not much good to us antipodeans.
Comment by Brian Ogilvie | 04.16.2014 | 3:16 pm
Last year was my first 100 MoN, and I had a blast. I think that fundraising is most important. I really like the bottle and use it on every ride (even better than the Camelbak Podium!), but it’s not like I couldn’t afford to buy my own. A T-shirt would be nice. The race plate was cute, and I did save mine, but I could live without it.
Rider stories are great but you could ask people to post to their own blogs, like I did last year, and just post a set of links on yours. That would shift the labor of formatting and posting to the contributors.
Comment by A real Finn | 04.16.2014 | 3:31 pm
I’d second Eric Finn’s idea (even if he is an imposter). I’ve never done 100MoN because the fee was way too high for hopping on the trainer or opening the door and going out myself. The participation was capped too (I’m not on the ball enough to sign up in time). A better idea is to have a much smaller minimum donation to register, plus options to select (and pay for) 100MoN-branded swag (wouldn’t that change it to SOIB (Stuff Only I Buy)?)
Comment by Mark in Bremerton | 04.16.2014 | 3:34 pm
My wife and I did the 100 MoN last year on a tandem as a “novelty” ride. The best part (other than the riding and story telling – ours and all the others) was the fund raising for an always worthwhile cause. Swag is nice, but not essential. We are otherwise occupied this year, but I’m always in to donate on your raffle fund raisers. Good luck with your new gig! Keep riding and writing.
Comment by Rick | 04.16.2014 | 3:42 pm
I have been bummed the last couple years that I have not been able to participate and was looking forward to doing it this year since we built a Velodrome and it would be completely ridiculous to ride 100 miles (989 laps) on it. :) Getting swag is nice but I prefer if its useful like a shirt, or memorable like the race plate. Most other swag items end up wasted and in the garbage. Although, Eric Finns idea for swag is pretty good.
Comment by Christina | 04.16.2014 | 3:58 pm
Would love a t-shirt and autumn is fine. The t-shirt lets me brag about it. The water bottle is a reminder, when I’m in spin class, that I am a BAMF.
I really like the swag, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Race plate is something I could print off myself if I really wanted one, just like virtual races that are being put on (Jost Running comes to mind).
Love the fundraising. That’s the only reason we do this crazy thing. When people say, “Why would you ride a loop 80-something times?” and I say, “Because I raised money for kids who’s parents have/had cancer to go to camp and I also did a side fund raiser for WBR.”
Why? BECAUSE I’M A BAMF.
I’d also like to call this one “It’s Hammer Time” and include some money to The Hammer’s WBR fund. The t-shirt can be a rider in giant MC Hammer pants on the stationary bike. OR, it could be a giant hammer.
Thanks for putting on a great event that takes you a ton of work. Just have Levi organize this one. ;)
Comment by Kukui | 04.16.2014 | 4:07 pm
I don’t participate in the 100 MoN for the swag.I do it to raise money for whatever worthy cause you’re championing, and for the act of doing a solo group ride with the FoF community. That’s what’s important to me.
And! My last event ride of the year is usually Bike MS Washington in September, so it would be nice to have something to look forward to in the fall! I know some small routes that are absolutely stunning in autumn that I can’t wait to ride around and around and around… =)
1) Yes, I would do it in Autumn
2) What features of 100 MoN are important me?
•Racer stories posted in the blog
•The fundraising
•The silliness and absurdity of it
3) No swag necessary for me. I’m here for the FoF community effort!
4) Would you still want to do the 100 MoN if you only got a t-shirt? Absolutely; I’d do it for nothing.
Comment by Uncle Rico | 04.16.2014 | 4:10 pm
How about a long-sleeved t shirt to correspond to the autumn ride?
Comment by MtlDan | 04.16.2014 | 4:24 pm
I prefer the early summer but any time is fine except winter.
I don’t care about the swag. I like the silliness, the fundraising, and the sense of community. I enjoy the write-ups.
I’d still do it for a t-shirt or a shot at a nice prize or a water bottle or nothing.
Comment by Liz M. | 04.16.2014 | 5:02 pm
Just the donation is fine with me. I tend to be a bit loose about timing, only once completing it on the assigned day. I always do it, just when I can fit it in my schedule.
Congrats on the new gig.
Comment by BamaJim | 04.16.2014 | 5:04 pm
answers as follows:
1) Autumn is fine, really any time of the year I’d try to make it work.
2) I really do like the absurdity and creativity of the event, along with the fundraising. Getting to see the racer stories is nice.
3) Low swag is fine. Major prize not a motivator at all.
4) I do like the T shirts, and that would be plenty of swag.
Hope the new gig goes well. Understand the demands of working for a startup.
Comment by John R | 04.16.2014 | 5:20 pm
Autumn is fine with me. I was looking for a century later in the year and look what you did. T-shirt and race plate are the two things I would miss the most. But a big prize to a random person would make up for the loss.
Comment by Jeremy | 04.16.2014 | 5:44 pm
1) Probably. Might have to swing it a day or two off schedule with fall activities, but that’s not why I enjoy the 100 Miles of Nowhere.
2) Racer stories posted in the blog – Yes.
The race plate – Either way. I do have mine up and it was cool to see one in the Specialized (?) ad.
The race t-shirt – Love these. My absolute 2nd favorite T6 t-shirts (behind Bicycle Jesus), but most frequently worn (I have more of them).
The swag (energy food, energy drink, coupons, water bottle) – I use the coupons, but they aren’t essential. You can tell your sponsors that their coupons and support led me to buy their stuff with my own dollars. The other stuff is great, but whatever.
The fundraising – 2nd place reason.
The silliness and absurdity of it – I generally go for doing really dumb things for a good cause.
The timing of it (i.e., Summer vs Autumn) – Won’t know until I try something different than early summer.
3) A new bike? Sure, as long as you pick me.
4) T-shirts would be just fine with me.
Comment by Kentucky Joe | 04.16.2014 | 5:56 pm
Fatty,
1) Anytime but I prefer Spring or Fall (not summer or winter)
2) Fundraising, Stories (or videos like @thenoodleator), T-Shirt
3) No swag or prize (but like the t-shirt as the badge of honor!)
4) Yes
Love this event but understand. Just appreciate the blog thru the years.
Comment by Corrine | 04.16.2014 | 6:38 pm
I love the T-shirt and the waterbottle but it doesn’t really matter and I would do it even without these. I really love the absurdity of it and the stories that you post. Fall is fine (although beginning in October we have snow so I may not be able to ride unless I get a fatbike) so hopefully before October. I’m always in better biking shape by then anyways although the last couple of years the 100 MoN has kick started me into biking shape after cross country skiing all winter!
Comment by Denise | 04.16.2014 | 6:53 pm
Autumn is fine for us folks in Hawaii. A bit hooter, but not a huge deal.
I use that water bottle on every ride I can so I’d want the bottle and the shirt. Shirt is cool. Race plate can go. Ours arrived all bent and totally destroyed anyway.
Not a fan of the random winner of stuff. I think a shirt and bottle and lower price point is better and you could open it to more people.
Comment by Wife#1 | 04.16.2014 | 7:34 pm
Oh oh – Autumn would be great! Thanks for changing your entire life around to better suit my needs. ;-)
Otherwise my personal opinions (to be taken with a shaker of salt since I onloy have done 1 100MON but then again it was my first century ride ever by gawd)…
I do not care about the swag but like the race plate because it helps explain it to strangers why the hell you are riding in a circle. The t-shirt is important too. The fundraising part is huge (assume that’s covered by our entry fees?) but I personally don’t care about prizes being awarded for the 100MON. While I am generally VERY pro Fatty contest prizes, the 100MON does not feel like a contest, it feels more like a family reunion where we pay a little bit, get to do really crazy, fun, creative rides, and then have a cool shirt to show for it and swap tales. So that’s that FWIW….
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Comment by TexasGal | 04.16.2014 | 7:46 pm
I love the absurdity of the ride and seeing if I can actually convince my body to do that long of a ride (I haven’t hit my 100 miles badge quite yes). My favorite thing is the T shirt and I wear mine with pride and I love the looks on people’s faces as you describe what it is. The water bottles are my second favorite thing so other than that you could completely drop the swag. Different levels of donations would be nice – maybe a level for the minimal swag and honor or torturing yourself and another higher one to be eligible for a bit prize
Comment by Jeff H | 04.16.2014 | 7:48 pm
Any time would be good for me. I like the suggestions of a sliding scale for swag based on the amount donated. My choices would be to buy/donate towards a jersey, t-shirt and water bottle. The stories are a must. I have done the 100 mile to Wrigley for WBR which has been cancled for this year so a tie into the Hammer and WBF would be a nice bonus.
Comment by Bill Webster | 04.16.2014 | 7:50 pm
1. Yes. Absolutely.
2. Fundraising
3. Maximize the benefits, minimize the swag
4. Perfect
Pick a date and let us know how WE can help YOU (and The Hammer). Just not October 4th please, as I’ll be in Santa Rosa.
Comment by andy@wdw | 04.16.2014 | 8:53 pm
1. You build it, and we will come. Living in central Florida, Autumn is a bit more pleasant for biking weather, so bring it on. Plus, then I could maybe use the 100MON money I’ve already set aside for my first ever Fatty jersey instead!
2. I simply adore the stories from everyone! Please never take those away! The fundraising and absurdity of it all are really why I love it. This is the only race I’ve ever done, so the t-shirt, bottle, and plate are essential for showing the world what a BAMF I am. Wouldn’t miss the rest of the swag at all.
3. Not too keen on this idea. It’s hard enough to get a spot for this race, no need to make it even harder by attracting folks who just want to win an awesome bike and have no interest in circling the block enough times to make their neighbors think they’ve finally gone off the deep end.
4. Of course I’d still sign up and kick ass in my division, but I’d really miss the bottle and the plate.
Comment by Wife#1 | 04.16.2014 | 9:15 pm
Maybe we can get swag from hair loss?
Comment by Kristina | 04.16.2014 | 9:24 pm
Whoa, comment city! They make internet tools for this, might be easier to tally next time.
1. Yes, absolutely (slightly prefer it, actually)
2. Racer stories posted in the blog (LOVE these, but… would still participate if you weren’t doing them. I’d even volunteer to coordinate them if that’s what it takes to keep them, though!)
The race t-shirt
The fundraising
The silliness and absurdity of it
3. Sounds good to me!
4. Of course!
Comment by ScottyCycles62 | 04.16.2014 | 10:05 pm
First of all let me say congrats on the new gig (Stock options?)!
The Autumn is a great time to do the “100 Miles to Nowhere”. Low swag (t-shirt please!) and one awesome random prize is cool as well. Maybe a prize from “The Feed” for a year as a prize?
Less is more Fatty so if you can’t post as often we will just have to appreciate what you can give us more.
-Scott
Comment by LauraS | 04.16.2014 | 11:11 pm
Summer or autumn – really I’ll do it any time. I love the t-shirt. Any other schwag is just gravy to me but the t- shirt is primary!
Comment by AKChick | 04.16.2014 | 11:55 pm
Spring, summer, fall, winter – I would do the 100 miles of Nowehere any time of year!!
Important features to me: Other Racer stories posted in the blog, hands down. I can make my own race plate and shirt (but I think TwinSix donates those?) – I think the tshirt is made for people without boobs (sorry if that is TMI) cause I had to order a 2XL to not look obscene. :) The swag is awesome, but I’d do it without it. No question.
Honestly, I would still make a donation even if there weren’t any fundraising involved, I would pick a cause, WBR, LIVESTRONG, Camp Kesem, something local – all of them. I love that I can help a cause, but I don’t need a super awesome and fun (and maybe a little silly) bike ride to do that. :)
I do really love the water bottle from 2013. It is my go to bottle when I ride long distance (I put my energy drink in it). But I already have one so I don’t need a new one.
I am 100% okay with minimal or now swag, anytime of year, pick my own fundraising cause, no big prize needed. The only thing I would truly miss is reading the stories. :)
So count me in for anything you can come up with. And if all I get is a tshirt, I’m okay with that. :)
Comment by AKChick | 04.16.2014 | 11:59 pm
Oops, that should be no swag, not now swag.
Comment by jonboy | 04.17.2014 | 12:05 am
congrats on the new job.
1: either autumn or early summer is fine
2: important parts, the silliness, t-shirt, race plate, water bottle
3: no drawing for a big prize
4: yes, would still do it. t-shirt and race plate would be really good
thank you for all you do!
Comment by Jeff | 04.17.2014 | 1:07 am
Love the event. Have participated several years prior.
1. Autumn totally works.
2. T-shirt is very cool. Fundraising gives it purpose. Stories okay but okay to skip a year too. Race plate, water bottle can take a one year hiatus or a forever hiatus.
3. Give swag a year’s hiatus too. One major prize give away okay but not required.
4. Yes. T-shirt is only necessary condition. All else is tertiary.
Congrats on the gig!
Comment by Tim the Austrian | 04.17.2014 | 5:17 am
Love the event,
like the T-shirt and enjoy the stories.
Comment by Jennifer | 04.17.2014 | 5:25 am
Please, please, please – do 100 Miles of Nowhere. It made me do my first century, because of the small route my kids were able to ride part of it with me, the silliness of it speaks to me.
Personally – the lure of a big prize does nothing (I don’t win, so why would that motivate me?), the swag is always nice, the t-shirt is key…but most of all it’s the stories!
To reiterate previous comments – let us help. If you’ve got people (which I’m sure you do) that can ask for the swag, I’ll bundle it up and ship it out to all of the recipients (and I’ve got tow tween kids that would love to help). You have made us a community – let us partake of that community.
Congrats on the job – startups are a wild ride.
Comment by Chris | 04.17.2014 | 6:01 am
I liked it better when it was in winter. It gave me something to do on the trainer other than intervals.
Comment by peter | 04.17.2014 | 6:57 am
later in the year would be good. Less swag but a tee shirt at extra cost. Could ientrance fee be a straight charitable contribution? (keep the swag seperate)
Maybe open up to a team miles to nowhere. I have an idea of doing 100 miles to nowhere on Chicago Ride share bikes but those clunkers only go about 5 mph and riding by a single person take forever.
Comment by Jml54 | 04.17.2014 | 7:22 am
My preference is winter or early spring. I live in Montana and need all the bike motivation I can get at that (this) time of year. Definitely keep the shirt. I would like see the proceeds go a charity rather than prizes.
BTW Have you considered riding in the Butte 100?
Comment by Lea | 04.17.2014 | 7:28 am
I’m not a cyclist. Just a regular reader of your site and I have thought of doing 100 Miles to Nowhere because I can do it on a stationary bike. Must have is a t-shirt. As a non-rider, the other stuff is not necessary.
Comment by Papa Bear | 04.17.2014 | 8:04 am
For me, fall is better – as I’m usually in better shape than in spring. I couldn’t care less about getting swag, but I love the stories from the others doing the 100MON. I’ve only participated once, but it was a fine and pleasant misery for a great cause.
Comment by chickenbocks | 04.17.2014 | 8:37 am
1. Summer vs. Autumn – It’s all good! Doesn’t matter when, to me.
2. What would you feel bad about if it weren’t part of the event? – Racer stories are the best part
3. What do you think of the idea of the 100 Miles of Nowhere having a minimal amount of swag, but a fairly major prize being awarded to a random participant? – SWEET!
4. In a least-swag scenario, would you still want to do the 100 Miles of Nowhere if the only thing you got were a t-shirt? Absolutely.
Your heart is always in the right place, Fatty. Gotta love that!
Comment by Mark J. in Dallas | 04.17.2014 | 8:43 am
I love 100 M.O.N. but I am not in shape right now, so Autumn works just fine for me. Plus my buddy Steve that rides with me isn’t feeling too hot right now so a few more months is perfect.
Here’s my opinion regarding what’s required:
1. Raising money for the camp. That’s it.
Nice to have items:
T-Shirt is the only thing I really use.
The Banjo Bros. bike bag was really nice but have yet to find a use for bar-top touring model I received.
Racer stories are nice too and don’t cost anything but time.
The idea of multiple donation levels is intriguing so more people could donate. Something like this:
$125 – T-shirt and water bottle
$100 – T-shirt only
$50 – water bottle only
<$50 donation just because you want to help
All donation levels should be tax-deductible, unlike the raffle you did last year with all those awesome prizes. That may help with more donations.
Keep up the good work Fatty. Good luck with the new job.
Comment by Sara | 04.17.2014 | 9:00 am
Congrats on the new job!
Answers for me:
1. Time doesn’t matter – it’s miserable in Houston either way.
2. Favorites:
– Racer stories
– T-shirt
– Silliness goes without saying
– (I have never figured out what to do with the race plate)
3. Prizes make no difference to me
4. Absolutely
Comment by James | 04.17.2014 | 9:01 am
I L.O.V.E. the 100 of NoWhere. The only swag I ever want /need to give me enough encouragement to do it is the t-shirt.
Comment by KM | 04.17.2014 | 9:05 am
I’d do the 100 Miles to Nowhere in any season. So fall would be great. But IMHO, I’m a purist and would do it on a trainer so I’m up for a Winter edition.
I don’t need swag but I like swag, so my 2 cents are as follows: a t-shirt isn’t necessary but I love the water bottles. The potential to get a one large magnificent prize is a nice incentive but getting a little something just for signing up sweetens the event.
Finally, I love the absurdity of the whole thing and the post race stories esp the folks who ride a 1 mile loop 100x. One day I’m going to do just that
Comment by Calgary Richard | 04.17.2014 | 9:09 am
The date can be anytime. The fundraising is important. Other than the tshirt I can do with out everything else. No prize needed to support a good cause.
Comment by MicroTim (in IN) | 04.17.2014 | 9:10 am
1. Anytime
2. T-shirt or Race-plate to start conversations and help with fund-raising.
3. No swag, no prizes… these are not why we do it.
4. The above says it all.
Comment by slo joe | 04.17.2014 | 9:46 am
For the ignorant of the MoN can someone please point me to a description/history link? I may be slow, but I am dumb.
Comment by Joe Decker | 04.17.2014 | 9:49 am
For me, doing the 100 Miles of Nowhere was always about riding the 100 miles and accomplishing absolutely nothing. If no swag was given out, it would make no difference to me. I enjoyed reading other people’s experiences, and using my imagination to create the most ridiculous course I could come up with. Autumn, summer, middle of winter, it makes no difference to me (well, middle of winter in Fairbanks may add a whole new dimension of silliness). I look forward to coming up with a whole new idea this year.
Comment by P Gutty | 04.17.2014 | 10:23 am
1. Yes
2. I like the stories, I love the t-shirt, and I like the people’s looks when I tell them what I’d done. The fundraising’s the best part.
I love the BB stuff, but don’t need any more saddle bags.
3. Summer/fall–either’s good for me. Fall might be good because my fitness might be better. MIGHT.
Comment by T.J. Olaussen | 04.17.2014 | 11:11 am
The autumn would be a better time for me anyway and a cool t-shirt is reason enough on it’s own to ride 100 miles :)
Comment by Kate | 04.17.2014 | 11:14 am
1. More likely to do it. Summer is hot.
2. I like the race plate, the stories, and the silliness.
3. Sure, why not?
4. Not important in the slightest. Everyone has too many tshirts.
I wouldn’t mind a cheaper entrance fee, since I’m a broke grad student. I know the point is fundraising but since I live off my family’s generosity anyway it sucks to ask for more. All my friends are as broke as I am. I’d be happy with a pdf race plate… though now that I think of that, I might just make one for myself anyway.
Comment by bob | 04.17.2014 | 11:29 am
Important: Fund raising, stories and t-shirt.
Not important: Swag because let’s be realistic 99% of us already have 3 kitchen cabinets full of water bottles and we all have our own nutrition, hydration, etc. routines pretty dialed in by now.
Fall would be fun so there’s one more ride to look forward to after all the big paid rides are done this summer.
You know we’ll be there!
Comment by Lorri | 04.17.2014 | 11:32 am
I love the 100 Miles of Nowhere.
1) I’ll participate whenever it is. Autumn is fine.
2) Stories, fundraising, silliness, and t-shirt in that order.
3) Minimal swag is fine with me.
4) Yes.
Comment by Mike | 04.17.2014 | 12:06 pm
I did my first 100 MoN last year and loved it. I even made a pretty cool video (if I do say so myself) of the experience but didn’t get it included in the stories here since I was a couple weeks late.
1. Any time of year works here (SoCal).
2. Love the stories, the silliness, the fundraising, and the shirt in no particular order.
3. I like the prize idea but I share the concern that that’ll make it even harder to get in. OR – focus on making a LOT of shirts to be sure that everyone who wants to do it, can sign up and get one (plus an entry for the prize). Maybe don’t finalize the shirt order until all registrations are in. If there’s no limit on signups, then the prize is cool.
4. Yes, I’m fine with just a shirt. I don’t have room on my bike for the handlebar bag I got last year anyway. The shirt’s a great conversation starter, though.
Comment by Mike | 04.17.2014 | 12:42 pm
Also, the charity bike rides I’ve done usually include a t-shirt with registration, with the option to purchase a jersey at additional cost. That’d be very very cool, even if they used the same design. It IS a bike ride, after all. :)
Comment by nancy | 04.17.2014 | 1:03 pm
Would LOVE a fall MON because I could ride outdoors (van fleet trail, central florida). Prefer swag (esp. t-shirt) to one grand grand prize. Good luck w/ the MON prep!
Comment by MicroTim (in IN) | 04.17.2014 | 1:33 pm
SloJoe, last years lead up:
http://www.fatcyclist.com/2013/04/11/the-2013-100-miles-of-nowhere-plan-your-madness/
Comment by chip | 04.17.2014 | 2:08 pm
1. yes
2. race t-shirt, silliness and absurdity
3. yes
4. yes
Comment by Jen | 04.17.2014 | 2:44 pm
Fatty,
My answers are after the questions.
1) If I were to put on a 100 Miles of Nowhere this year that happens in the Autumn (instead early Summer, as is usual) would you want to do it?
Yes Autumn is great!
2) What features of the 100 Miles of Nowhere are actually important to you? Which is to say, what would you feel bad about if it weren’t part of the event?
Racer stories posted in the blog
– The race plate
– The race t-shirt
– The swag (energy food, energy drink, coupons, water bottle)
– The fundraising
– The silliness and absurdity of it
– The timing of it (i.e., Summer vs Autumn)
I really like the t-shirt, swag, and silliness of it. The swag is my one way of finding out about these companies and trying their products. I would never have found Honey Stinger waffles without the 100MoN and now they are a staple for both cycling and running prep/events for me. The t-shirt is a way to keep spreading the word about the event and gives me a chance to talk about the fundraising. The silliness is just general fun.
3)What do you think of the idea of the 100 Miles of Nowhere having a minimal amount of swag, but a fairly major prize being awarded to a random participant?
I really prefer swag to one major prize. Frankly my odds of getting swag is much better than my odds of winning the big prize. I’d be perfectly happy if there was no big prize at all.
4)In a least-swag scenario, would you still want to do the 100 Miles of Nowhere if the only thing you got were a t-shirt?
In a least-swag scenario yes I likely would still do it just for the t-shirt. The causes are always still good ones regardless of swag.
Comment by Fred | 04.17.2014 | 4:28 pm
1) Gotta have the reports !!!
2) I prefer a late spring / early-summer timeframe, because that adds to the absurdity. Spending a day on the trainer when the weather is perfect is more absurd than just spending a day on the trainer. I’m riding my trainer tonight because it’s cold outside today.
3) Less swag… Okay with me. A T-shirt would be cool – but not a requirement. I would like a new 100 MoN water bottle, because my old one ejected from my roof rack a few months ago. It was a very good bottle. May it rest in pieces.
4) I say 2 major prizes. One random draw and one for the best report. The girl with the videos (and the 5 X 100MoN effort) has already won the best report category.
The rest of us will be playing for the random chance at a Project One roadie (hint…)
5) Time to do some more training.
Comment by Julie | 04.17.2014 | 4:54 pm
1. I’m in Cuba this year, so autumn, summer, winter, spring doesn’t matter to me. Its pretty much the same around here year round.
2. The number one thing I love about this ride is the silliness. I love explaining to curious onlookers what the heck I am doing and why. Which leads me to my second favorite part: I love the race stories and would hate to miss out on those. I like the shirt and the swag also but would do the ride without.
3. I never win major prizes so I don’t think that would motivate me anymore or less. Swag is fun, but not really important.
4. Yes! Just a shirt would be great.
Congrats and good luck on the start up.
Comment by Justin L. | 04.17.2014 | 5:43 pm
i will do the 100mon anytime this year, but i do love the race plate and shirt, rest of swag don’t care too much for
Comment by Doug (Way Upstate NY) | 04.17.2014 | 6:34 pm
I love the 100 MoN in any shape or form. It’s never been about the swag. It’s about doing something silly, with other people, for a good cause.
Comment by Tina | 04.17.2014 | 9:56 pm
Don’t have an opinion on 100MoN one way or other.
Just wanted to say congrats and best of luck on your new job. =)
Comment by Team Coffee Nook | 04.18.2014 | 12:02 am
Any time is fine. Fundraising, rider stories, TwinSix T-shirt…skip the rest. Also, I would suggest increasing the # of participants which is maybe possible if you drop all the swag but the T-shirt.
Comment by AUChefDave | 04.18.2014 | 5:40 am
Well I guess I am with the increase the number, drop the swag, have a t-shirt and who cares what time of year. It’s a Fatty ride and that’s all that matters!
Comment by BostonCarlos (formerly NYC) | 04.18.2014 | 7:55 am
1 – Yes. I prefer autumn actually.
2 – Swag wise, All I care about is the water bottle ;) But the teeshirt is cool too. The racer stories and fundraising are the only two things I’d consider “mandatory” though.
3 – as a recent winner of a “random participant” type drawing, I think it’s a dandy way to do things.
4 – I’ll do it no matter what. (but seriously, bottles over Tee shirts)
Comment by T | 04.18.2014 | 8:25 am
Autumn, Stories, T-shirt.
Comment by George | 04.18.2014 | 8:31 am
Comment #131- 100MON is a popular event!
Anytime
T-shirts
Stories
Request to increase the limit of entrant please, or unlimited entrants for more funds raised.
Comment by Maile in FL | 04.18.2014 | 8:55 am
T-shirt only is fine.
Autumn is okay for a one-off, but here in the Gulf Coast states it’s also hurricane season. Spring is much better. That said, if the 100 Miles of Nowhere moves to autumn permanently, I would still do it. I’d just have to have alternative time/place plans in case of disastrous weather and its fallout ;).
Comment by (****), currently in the WPP | 04.18.2014 | 10:04 am
The 100MoN has quite a history with beautiful innovations of rider’s input. It started with your ride on rollers due to bad weather. There was the use of rollers going up a mountain pass and Janeen’s classic famous roller ride of 100 miles in her apartment, her first century, I think.
Rider stories created a link to other riders in their area. And an idea of how worldwide your cycling blog is to everyday (or not everyday) riders.
A T-shirt as swag is nice, once I had a couple I didn’t ‘need’ another and didn’t want to ‘take’ one away from another potential rider/donor.
Timing evolved to when others found time to ride. Maybe somehow it could be an annual ride with a sign-up period and a deadline in late Autumn on stories. Minimum swag, maybe T-shirt and/or race plate mailed in December, when rider stories could be run on your blog.
Comment by BostonCarlos (formerly NYC) | 04.18.2014 | 10:17 am
For those interested, this is my plan for this year’s route. Climbiest 100MoN yet for me. 8500 ft. doing out and backs on a 5 mile stretch of road.
Comment by BostonCarlos (formerly NYC) | 04.18.2014 | 10:17 am
oops… forgot the link http://www.strava.com/routes/277367
Comment by Flat tired | 04.18.2014 | 11:54 am
I’m in, no matter what.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 04.18.2014 | 11:56 am
I’m mostly echoing what’s been said above, but here’s the 100MoN I’d support:
a. Any time of year (this one comes for free)
b. Silliness/absurdity (also free)
c. Fund-raise
d. Share the stories
e. T-shirt only (as someone said, conversation starter)
f. One major prize, randomly awarded
Regarding the sharing of stories, maybe you could set up a way so that people could self-publish to a protected section of your blog or a generic Wordpress site. Then, you just have to approve and link.
Comment by Eric L | 04.18.2014 | 12:17 pm
Autumn sounds good. Late May/early June is generally pretty windy here in the Bay Area.
Just a t-shirt would be more than fine.
I was gonna ask about the Livestrong Challenge but discovered there isn’t one in California this year. What a pity.
Comment by Darren | 04.18.2014 | 2:27 pm
You need to keep the rider stories. Everything else is up in the air. Although I like the idea of one random prize at the end.
Comment by Jeff H | 04.18.2014 | 6:23 pm
Something that want to add is no free swag = no limit on the number of riders = more money raised. You would need to set a deadline for signing up in time to order enough jerseys, t-shirts and water bottles.
Comment by Skye | 04.18.2014 | 8:10 pm
1. Autumn (before October, snow flies early up here) = way easier, first ride of the year will be 10 miles this weekend, and going from 10 to 100 in less than 2 months is really hard.
2. Other people’s stories, the absurdity
3. Minimal swag is perfect! A big random prize is completely optional.
4. You betcha!
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.18.2014 | 10:35 pm
I have only ever cared about the tee.
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.18.2014 | 10:36 pm
especially if it’s black
Comment by Sylvia S. | 04.19.2014 | 9:22 am
Whenever.
T-shirt is the best thing. I have a small collection going…
Comment by Garrison | 04.19.2014 | 12:36 pm
This will be my first 100MoN. It’s important for me to do it in June, because I’ll be celebrating my 10 year cancer-free-anniversary. To me, 100MoN can take place anywhere, anytime. Why restrict it to a specific weekend? (Right, to maximize fundraising efforts, sure.) I’ll be gathering friends and family at Phil’s world for laps upon laps of celebration and fun. And yes, fundraising (for cancer research AND the Kokopeli bike club!)
All that being said, racer stories are super important. Swag less so. Silliness and absurdity are paramount. Levity is nearly as effective as chemotherapy when fighting cancer. Fundraising is mandatory. T-shirt? Sure, why not?
Keep it simple. It’s the gesture and the meaning behind all the bells and whistles that really matters.
Comment by Randy | 04.19.2014 | 8:11 pm
Did 100 MON last year.
- Summer or autumn are both fine.
-The uniqueness of the event.
Love the swag. I watched the movies, loved the Banjo Bros. thing, wore the # on my bike because it was funny, etc. Water bottle and T-shirt were awesome. I don’t mean to sound shallow, but swag was awesome and well-designed.
Loved hearing other people’s stories & their photos.
Usually don’t care too much for shirts, but last year’s design by Twin Six was awesome and wear it a lot.
- Not a fan of random events, because the chance of winning is so small.
- Thanks for the work you put on this. Makes it one of the coolest events out there. Looking forward to doing it this year…
Comment by buckythedonkey | 04.20.2014 | 2:50 am
I am returning to the Inner Circle in Regents Park, London to ride the 100 Miles of Nowhere on the 1st of June.
I love:
- the fundraising.
- the daftness of the whole thing.
- the T-shirt (please don’t limit supplies)
- the race number.
- the post-event stories and movies.
I do not care about the rest of the swag, please make the swag bag optional (I hate the thought of waste) and please make shirts available to all entrants.
Bring it on!
Comment by rich | 04.20.2014 | 6:00 am
thnx for the blog..errm all these questions would be great on survey monkey..might make it easy for you.. it gives you all the answers and graphs and graphs!
cheers,
r
Comment by Stef | 04.21.2014 | 3:01 am
I would love to do this in the fall. I will be hugely pregnant this summer and will probably only be up for 0 miles to nowhere ;)
The things I love about this event: The fundraising, the stories, the silliness, the shirt/plate (gotta prove I did it!)
Quite honestly, I will be signing up regardless of when it is/what we get…I’ll just have to wait to ride until I’m at a point where my knees are not hitting my belly when I pedal.
Comment by bob | 04.21.2014 | 11:16 am
Wait… You mean the beloved goofball was AN ACT???!?!
Comment by Barefoot Rose | 04.21.2014 | 1:05 pm
Better late than never. I only do it for the t-shirt. The fundraising part removes the guilt of spending money on doing something so sucky. I’d do it without the stories in the blog but what if we missed out on something as awesome as Noodle’s first report??
Comment by Jim | 04.21.2014 | 3:13 pm
As someone who lives in an area where it is very hard to ride in the winter an autumn 100 MoN would be awesome. This gives me time to train and be prepared for it. A t-shirt and water bottle are great souvenirs and ways to spread the word when people ask about them upon seeing them. No other swag needed. I have never signed up before but would be all in for one in the fall.
Comment by Annette | 04.21.2014 | 3:30 pm
1. We have wanted to participate in the 100 miles to Nowhere ride since reading the posts and silly/fun reports and have to say we have looked forward to those stories. So I would keep the stories. (the comment/suggestion of links to reports through other blogs/posts could work to save you time for those who have such a thing.)
2. Time of year, spring, summer, early fall works great, we aren’t picky.
3. swag bag? After the water bottle and/or t-shirt, not so much I typically don’t pay much attention to what’s in them, and all the coupons from sponsors that I RARELY if ever use get chucked.
Race Plate? because I have never done this event, I’m not sure what the race plate is, but it sounds totally awesome and sounds like something I would like having. Major prize, who actually wins those anyway? Something like that wouldn’t sway us either way.
4. After reading the stories, we have been discussing where we would go for our route, and we would do this for the experience and the story to tell afterwards.
Comment by Carl | 04.21.2014 | 9:37 pm
I don’t care when we do it… fall is better than June for me. I like the Twin Six t-shirt, the rest I can do without.
Comment by John | 04.22.2014 | 9:47 am
August is better… Why not October? i am, quite frankly nowhere near good enough shape to do 100 in the spring.
Comment by Jerry Pringle | 04.22.2014 | 11:01 am
Congrats! Best wishes at the new job!
I’m ok with spring or fall – planning on doing it on the trainer this year anyway (a true 100 MoN!) I really enjoy reading the stories, I love the T-shirt from last year, and I think the fundraising is a great idea. The rest of the swag I could do without if it’s too much work to coordinate. Thanks for all you do!
Comment by Andy Murphy | 04.22.2014 | 12:40 pm
Fatty,
Firstly let me say that I read your 4/1 post at a later date, and thus was completely fooled. I wish there had somehow been a camera on me at the time so that you could’ve enjoyed the sick look on my face as I read about your drug abuse. Touche!
Secondly, I sponsored the 100 MoN last year but wasn’t able to ride. Why? Because here in St. Louis, you can’t really ride until April, so I have zero chance of being in shape in the spring. Thus, I am really excited at the notion of a Spring 100 MoN instead. As for what would be important, I think the idea of a big, randomly awarded prize sounds excellent. Otherwise I think the race bib was really all I would need to feel like I was doing something legit.
Thanks for writing this blog. I have very little community with other cyclists, and so I cherish your stories and tales of long races/rides.
Comment by Andy Murphy | 04.22.2014 | 12:41 pm
*Oops – excited about the prospect of a FALL 100 MoN.
Comment by SLL | 04.22.2014 | 2:18 pm
Last year my knee was still messed up and I missed 100 MoN. My biggest regret? Not getting the awesome t-shirt. In athletic endeavors (running, biking, whatever), the t-shirt is the ultimate “I did it!” It is all I need to stay interested in going at it again.
As a side note: My one (and only) 100 MoN was my first (and only) century. So for me, the actual 100 miles was about more than that ride, but is all the memories of those early morning training rides, that one terrible training ride with the headwind, the figuring out nutrition for the first time, etc. The ride is more than the ride.
Comment by Slo Joe | 04.23.2014 | 7:51 am
MicroTim (in IN) Thanks for the link to ejukate me about MON.
Being older than dirt and running water, I don’t have to be at work ever, so any time is good with moi.
SWAG not important but the event is so I’m for allowing many entrants as possible.
In the meantime, Ride Long and Prosper.
Comment by BBarrett | 04.24.2014 | 2:39 pm
1. Autumn would be better for me, too. Much better weather here in the Pacific Northwest
2. I wouldn’t miss the race plate, most of the swag, but a t-shirt and some coupons would be cool
3. A prize would be cool, too, but not necessarily a motivator to me.
4. Yes, I would do it if I only got a t-shirt. A super-cool t-shirt would be even better.
Mostly I would do this to help raise money for the Camp. I like that idea.
Comment by Matt | 04.29.2014 | 2:04 pm
1. Fall is fine, late fall as a kickoff to the winter trainer season is even better.
2. I like the shirt (especially when it is black because it ages better and hides stains).
3. I don’t really care about a prize.
5. I would do it for a t-shirt only.
I’d love to be able to do some sort of a “local organizer” registration where I could sign up to organize and run a group event, then recruit other riders into the fold.