The End
On May 9, 2005, I logged into Microsoft Spaces and wrote a test post. The following day, I wrote an explanation of what this blog would be.
Then, for the next dozen or so years, I wrote something more weekdays than not.
I wrote about weight loss, I wrote about weight gain, I wrote about riding, I wrote about training, I wrote about racing. I wrote about cancer and loss, I wrote about falling back in love and putting myself back together.
I made thousands of friends and I raised millions of dollars for charity. I also revealed a lot of personal flaws (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not) and the fact that I’m work-in-progress, at best.
But in the late twenty-teens, I started writing less, and wrote more sporadically. And now it’s been years since I’ve posted. It’s nagged at me for a while, and I feel like I ought to wrap this blog up with an actual conclusion.
And I promise, this won’t be a cliffhanger.
The Beginning of the End
I’ve asked myself a few times why I stopped posting. These are the answers I’ve given myself.
First, age. When I started this blog, I was in my thirties. My biggest challenge for writing the blog back then was choosing which idea I was going to focus on that day. I kept a list — a list that grew much faster than I could scratch items off — of stories to tell, jokes to center a post around. And then more often than not, I’d wind up writing about something entirely different.
I was incredibly prolific, and a fair number of my posts hold up pretty well. I’m really proud of that.
I started tapering off when I was in my early fifties (I’m 55 as I write this). It wasn’t that I no longer could write. It was more that I no longer felt like I was missing out if I didn’t write. The need just isn’t there anymore. Now, I finish my job for the day and I’m content that I have done enough; I don’t feel an urgency to do something more.
Second, podcasting. If you look at when my blog started winding down, the overlap with my start in podcasting is pretty obvious. This, I think, reflects a transition in what I like doing with my free time. I used to like telling stories, more than just about anything in the world.
In the past few years, I’ve changed. What I care most about now is hearing others’ stories. I love asking a few questions and listening to people talk about their experience and expertise. And, I’ll add, I love hearing other voices than my own.
Podcasting is a medium I love and have a lot to room to grow in. It’s what I want to do right now. You’ll find my current shows at Leadville.fm and MarginalGainsPodcast.cc. I love doing both of them.
Third, humor. It’s tough for me to say this, but it’s true: being funny was core to my blog, and I don’t feel like I’m all that funny anymore. Is this because I’ve told all the fart jokes I have to tell? Is it because I’m more self-aware? Is it because I’m just old and fall asleep at the keyboard most often?
I think it’s all of these, but mostly the last one.
Fourth, blogs are dead. OK, this is not actually one of the reasons I quit blogging. It is, however, basically true.
The Family Part of The End
There are a few things I imagine readers of my blog wondering about — my family, my career, and whether I still ride bikes.
All four of my bio kids live together about 10 minutes away from home. This includes Nigel, who got married a few years ago. They’re all employed with health care plans and 401K plans of their own, and they are all supernerds. Nigel wound up in tech (like me), Katie, Carrie, and Brice wound up in health care (like Lisa). None of my kids care about bikes.
All three of my not-bio kids live in houses or apartments of their own, are employed (Blake and Zac are in tech, Melisa is in health care), and have health care and 401K plans, and are all supernerds, except Melisa who is now a professional bike nerd.
All seven of these kids and their partners are kind, healthy, and fun to be around. The Hammer and I are truly lucky.
What We Accomplished in the End
There are a couple things this blog will be remembered for, and neither of them are jokes.
The story people will remember is Susan. She and I did a pretty brave thing in opening up and telling her story in real time, as she fought cancer. The readers of this blog supported us in a way I will always be grateful for. Then, after she died, readers stuck with me as I figured out how to go on. Thank you for that.
The other thing people will remember is that we raised a lot of money for a lot of charities. More than two million dollars for Livestrong (I have eight signed LiveStrong yellow jerseys hanging in the hallway leading to my office). More than a million dollars for World Bicycle Relief.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude for my readers’ generosity. And I’m also going to take credit for the fact that I orchestrated dozens of innovative, entertaining fundraisers. I arranged giving away dozens of high-end bikes. And trips to exotic locations.
I got Levi Leipheimer, Rebecca Rusch and Patrick Dempsey to race tricycles and cram donuts.
I got Gary Fisher to take someone on a bike tour of San Francisco.
I sent people to France with Andy Hampsten.
And I assure you, those contests and that fundraising approach weren’t just handed to me.
The Job Part of the End
I didn’t talk about job stuff much in this blog. That’s because I made some big career mistakes that I wasn’t all that keen on talking about. Specifically — and this is while I was cheerfully posting on a daily basis — I took a big career gamble on a small company.
The gamble didn’t pay off, everyone took multiple paycuts to keep the company afloat and I found myself struggling financially.
So I found another job — a good one this time, but I stayed only a short time because I was lured to what I thought was a dream job working for a good friend. But it wasn’t a dream job, and the friend wasn’t that good of a friend. In fact, that job messed my sense of self-worth up pretty disastrously. To the point where I am not certain I have yet recovered. I know for sure that it changed me permanently.
During this tough part of my career, I had this great idea: reach out to the nonprofits I had raised millions of dollars for. No doubt they’d jump at the chance to hire someone who’s raised more for them than any single other person, right?
Wrong.
It was a bit of a gut-punch to find that nonprofits I had put an incredible amount of creativity and work into…didn’t think I was worth hiring.
In the end, however, things worked out: one of my friends pointed me out to Adobe. I’ve now been there for four years as a Comms Guy; it’s the best place I’ve ever worked. By a lot.
The End of the End
I sometimes cringe that I named this blog “Fat Cyclist.” I was trying to be self-deprecating and fun, but I was missing a pretty important opportunity: people came to this blog wondering how as a big person they could still have fun on a bike, and instead they found a lot of hand-wringing from a guy who has trouble keeping off thirty pounds.
To the people who were looking for something more than what I gave, I’m sorry. I wish I could change that.
That said, a lot of us did a lot of good together, and a lot of you were incredibly kind and supportive as I wrote stupid stuff and serious stuff and fake news and stupid reviews and shaggy dog-style race reports.
Thank you for reading.
PS: Lisa gave me a quilt for my birthday last year. It may be my single favorite possession. 
Comment by TWIN SIX | 01.3.2022 | 2:39 pm
Thanks for letting us be a part of the journey for a while there. It was a great ride!
Comment by Kirsten | 01.3.2022 | 2:41 pm
Thank you for all the stories, humor, inspiration and giving, Elden. I have missed your blog, but am glad to hear you’ve found new interests and have put a cap on this chapter. Keep your wheels down and your ideals high!
Comment by David Brinton | 01.3.2022 | 2:51 pm
You were the OG blogger-cyclist for me, love your content, I see you every now and again on the trail, I’ll get up the courage to say Hi next time. (Last sighting was at SheepBridge parking lot in Virgin) Thanks for all the great writing and storytelling!
Comment by Mathias | 01.3.2022 | 2:52 pm
Hey man this blog was a must read as someone who got into cycling in the 00s.
Thanks for sharing.
Cmon post more !
Comment by Scott Rosenbaum | 01.3.2022 | 2:57 pm
It was a great run, thanks for sharing.
You are a hero to all of us trying to lose and keep off that 30 pounds of literal and metaphorical fat.
Comment by zeeeter | 01.3.2022 | 3:04 pm
Thanks Elden. The camaraderie and sense of shared objectives were fun, and to this day the love and respect for you and your family runs deep! Loved the highs, cried during the lows, thoroughly enjoyed the ride (well maybe not cardiac hill for my first ever century in Davis!). Best wishes and good luck for whatever comes next, and remember, Pie is the answer. (Feels really odd filling in this “Leave a comment” dialog one last time!)
Comment by Patty Smith | 01.3.2022 | 3:06 pm
Thank you for everything —- your blogs were an inspiration (and the “I’m Riding Sweep” tee shirt is still one of my favorites. I loved finding other cyclists in Fat Cyclist gear at various group rides. I followed Susan’s story intently & wept when she died, surprising myself how sad & moved I was by someone I never met. You have made me laugh over the years & you HAVE encouraged me to keep riding! (I now have a Peloton & a new hip & waiting for 2nd new hip before I hop back on my road bike). Thanks for this final blog post & the updates! It has been a real pleasure.
Comment by John Bravenec | 01.3.2022 | 3:08 pm
Thanks for all the writing you did. Glad you’re in a better place these days.
Comment by Grant | 01.3.2022 | 3:18 pm
Thanks for your posts Elden.
I think I started following not long after you started posting, and I always enjoyed the read over my morning coffee.
I still take inspiration from 100 miles of nowhere each October when I fundraise for a cancer charity here in Australia – in 2020 I did 200km back and forth on a 10 mile rail trail near home – this year I’ll try for 250km!
Loved hearing about your adventures with friends, and the voice of someone putting in a massive effort at events, and sharing the suffering that we all go through!
Comment by Sans auto | 01.3.2022 | 3:19 pm
Your blog did so much good for so many people. I’m grateful to have been able to see it unfold.
Comment by Barbara Douglas | 01.3.2022 | 3:24 pm
Hi Elden, I loved reading your blog, your sharing of Susan’s battle, participating in fundraising rides, and actually meeting you and Lisa in the middle of nowhere, Utah when we were both riding. Can’t believe I actually saw this blog post! Your kids all sound happy and successful. ????????
Comment by CD | 01.3.2022 | 3:28 pm
Considering the degrees of separation and distance, I’m positive that without this blog, we never would have met.
I’m really glad we did.
Good luck with all your future endeavors.
Cheers
Comment by Jodi | 01.3.2022 | 3:30 pm
This takes me way back!! I loved reading you back then and obviously you inspired me on all the levels possible. You’re a beautiful writer and an even better brother. I love you!
Comment by Christian | 01.3.2022 | 3:31 pm
Thank you Elden. I discovered your blog many, many years back when I was first getting into biking. I enjoyed your stories, participated in a bunch of the fundraisers, celebrated the Livestrong rides and being, local to Minneapolis, bought several of the Fat Cyclist Twin Six Jerseys, one of which is still my all time fav. But most of all, I appreciated your and Susan’s honesty in the face of cancer. Best of luck with the podcasting and hope to see you on the trails someday.
Comment by Anne | 01.3.2022 | 3:34 pm
Thanks for what you did for me – i fell in love with cycling soon after I found your blog and now have a pricey little habit:)
Comment by Mike | 01.3.2022 | 3:34 pm
Glad to see a blog that had the sense to make a proper closing. I still have the 1st edition Fat Cyclist jersey, and on the rare occasion that I actually get to ride, it’s my still my go-to jersey. Kids and life came along and wrecked my riding time (hopefully one day I get back to it), but this blog taught me a lot about riding some 15ish years ago when I was just struggling as a scrawny out of shape 20-something. Now I’m more representative of the blog title (sort-of, I could lose 15 lbs. and be good). I often think about the life-stories of this blog from back then, about Susan, about the stories of gathering people and efforts together for noble causes, about family, about how success can be measured in an infinite number of ways. While I don’t currently listen to podcasts, if I ever start I’ll be sure to check out what you have to say. Your stories were always worth hearing.
Take care and thanks for the ride!
Comment by david-in-marin | 01.3.2022 | 3:34 pm
No words…..Let me just post a picture…..
Comment by Anne | 01.3.2022 | 3:36 pm
I should add that my first ride was 100 of Nowhere and it was such a freaking blast:)
Comment by Dylan White | 01.3.2022 | 3:37 pm
I found this blog as I was personally overweight and getting into cycling as an avenue to lose weight. You, and this community, played a big role in showing me how fun cycling could/should be no matter what my on-bike goals were. Thanks for everything!
Comment by Alex | 01.3.2022 | 3:37 pm
Thank you so much for everything. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this community. I have followed you on to your podcasting endeavors which are very entertaining and informative. I will always cherish being part of Team Fatty for Philly Livestrong.
Comment by Dent1111 | 01.3.2022 | 3:38 pm
Thanks for all the great reads over the years. I still donate to a couple of bikes worth of money to World Bicycle Relief every year so your impact on the world will continue. Best of fortune to you and the family on your journey in life… I’ll have to give the pod a try.
Comment by John | 01.3.2022 | 3:43 pm
Eldon, I was one of those big guys who found your blog by searching “Fat bicycle gear”. And I have to say, your blog helped me more than you could possibly imagine. While reading your blog I lost 100 lbs and kept it off for over 7 years, I rode every Cascade Bicycle Club ride in 2013, including the High Pass Challenge where you climb 7200 ft in 25 miles, tour de Blast, and The Seattle to Portland Classic. I also tried my hand at blogging and like you of recent, found it happier reading other peoples stories than writing my own.
Eldon thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you continue to do. Good luck at Adobe and I’m glad you’ve found a place you love. They are rare in the workplace, so cherish it.
All the best to you and the Hammer, and I can’t wait to listen to your podcast.
John in Seattle.
Comment by Gregg | 01.3.2022 | 3:44 pm
Thanks so much for allowing us to join you on your journey. The good, the bad and the ugly. I remember anticipating your next blog post and then telling my friends. I joined in on some of your fundraisers and even got to meet you at one of them. You were as nice as I had hoped. Good luck with your future endeavors!
Comment by Hugh | 01.3.2022 | 3:45 pm
I still miss it. You were great – and no doubt you still are. But, The Beatles. Love to you and yours. If you are ever in London and need somewhere to stay let me know.
Comment by mark | 01.3.2022 | 3:47 pm
I’ve enjoyed reading the serious and not so serious parts of your journey. Thank you for writing and sharing over the years.
Comment by Aaron | 01.3.2022 | 3:52 pm
You words have been an inspiration for many and your journey comforting to some. Your stories have always brought emotions out in me both good and bad. I am lucky I was able to ride with you and the Hammer in Davis twice and be part of the pie eating at the end. Your work has benefitted many, and those organizations appreciate your hard work. Thanks for the ride Fatty and here is to the next journey. Elden I has been a pleasure reading what you had to say.
Comment by Guitar Ted | 01.3.2022 | 4:10 pm
A tip of the cycling cap to you, Elden, from a fellow cycling-blogger/cyclist. Well done.
All the best to you in your future endeavors.
Comment by Jamieson | 01.3.2022 | 4:14 pm
I forget how I found the blog so many years ago. Fund raised and travelled to Philly and Austin, found out I live a couple of blocks from your sister in Brooklyn, and still wear the T-shirts and hoodie. Your stories touched a lot of people over the years. Thank you for giving this part of yourself to all of us for so long.
Comment by Matt | 01.3.2022 | 4:21 pm
Hey Fatty, I was late to the party but loved to read your multipart race reports, and got myself involved in 100MoN on the back of marathon training…. Turns out riding my bike a bit more beforehand might have been a better plan! Still, I treasure the non-race bib and the memories of those 100 loops! I also have what turned out to be the final Fat Cyclist kit, which I haven’t seen anyone else wearing around here, and currently is pretty apt for my form. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us and being an inspiration to so many.. I’ll have to swing by the podcast and catch up again!
PS – you never did say if you still ride, but I’m going to take that as a given!
Comment by Big Mike in Oz | 01.3.2022 | 4:23 pm
It’s been a hell of a ride.
My reading peaked, and dipped, with your writing.
My own writing spiked, and died, of its own lacklustre performance.
I met a bunch of cool friends through your comment threads. And friends of friends. I’ve learnt from them, as I learnt from you: worldly things, and bikely things.
You have a lot to be proud of in the journey you shared, and the inspiration you provided. Your battle to lose 15 or 20 pounds every summer inspired countless others to strive to lose what they needed to … often far more than your meagre paunch. Even I lost 100 pounds via the motivation gained from your early challenges … actually, 30+ pounds three times over with mathematically gorgeous sinusoidal graphs of the associated increases.
Thank you.
Comment by Dawn | 01.3.2022 | 4:24 pm
I followed yours and Lisa’s story, your dandelion seed analogy still brings tears when I think about it, openly grieving when she passed. I supported many of your fundraisers ( still have all the jerseys), and actually user them as a motivating factor when trying to lose holiday pounds).
I did stop reading as they were when they, because you no longer were no longer as funny as you once were ( your words) and it was obvious that your passion was elsewhere. We all grow, and that was what you were doing. I am glad you came into our lives through your blog.
Comment by Terry Miller | 01.3.2022 | 4:30 pm
I used to follow a ton of blogs, and this one was one of the best, if not the best. You moved a lot of people with it, and all for the better. You were and are greatly appreciated.
Just a few days ago I was talking to a cyclist I’d just met and referred her to “The Law of Accelerating Bicycle Gear Entropy”. You may not have posted in a while, but what you wrote is still out there in the universe, helping people, even if it’s just by making them smile. Thanks for posting this to give us a chance to say goodbye!
Comment by david-in-marin | 01.3.2022 | 4:35 pm
Maybe we could inspire you into a ‘farewell tour’ jersey. For some great cause, no prizes required, just the chance for one more bit of cloth.
…long and winding road….
Comment by Brad Keyes | 01.3.2022 | 4:42 pm
Chapeau, amigo! I enjoyed the hell out of it! Miss it. Let’s ride, dammit!
Comment by Jim D in Chicago | 01.3.2022 | 4:48 pm
Thanks for all the great reads over the years. I truly appreciate them and revisit them from time to time. Especially the raw emotions. I value that they are still available online.
I fondly remember the crazy 100 MoN rides. They typified the stupidity that we do in the name of a great cause. Thanks for teaching me that people pay attention to that kind of thing when soliciting donations for a good cause (i.e. if he is that crazy to do *THAT* I’ll chip in a few bucks).
Keep the rubber side down!
Comment by Randy J | 01.3.2022 | 4:58 pm
Thank you, Elden! Your humor, encouragement, and current podcast have meant a lot to me. You’ve enhanced my life. Two 100 Miles of Nowhere, introduction to races and people I was unaware of, countless hours of entertainment and thought-provoking stuff, and the encouragement to take on Leadville 2023. Thank you a hundred times over.
Comment by Karen S | 01.3.2022 | 5:58 pm
Life evolves and we must flow with the changes it brings. One of the first posts of yours I read was, How I Won the Daisy. I was hooked. I could not wait to read more! My friends and I participated in the 100 MON (Miles of Nowhere). I won my division! 45 yr old female 3 months post ACL replacement! We fought like Susan when the going got tough. I will miss your writing and support your decision. I wish you much happiness and contentment in your next chapter!
Comment by Eric Gunnerson (LoPhat) | 01.3.2022 | 6:05 pm
Dude,
As a fellow – and yet much less prolific – blogger, I thoroughly enjoyed going on that journey with you. The rare times we met were nice, especially E & E’s Half Hour of Pain ride up Zoo hill.
I unfortunately agree with you on blogs. I still keep mine up, partly to write articles that are really just for my future reference and partly because blogs are still alive in the electronics community, but it doesn’t happen often.
I’m much more likely to do stuff on the YouTubes, where at least there is somebody else driving people to your content, though apparently using a 1976 Dodge Dart that burns lots of oil.
I’m turning into one of those oldsters who remembers how great usenet was, how great blogs were, how great online review sites were before they got botted to death, etc.
Take care, and keep in touch.
And as others have said, Chapeau !
Eric
Comment by Steven W Peterson | 01.3.2022 | 6:08 pm
Hey Elden “Clydesteve” here – They were good years. ‘Nuff said.
Comment by Kevin | 01.3.2022 | 6:30 pm
Thank you Fatty.
Comment by Susie H | 01.3.2022 | 6:34 pm
Well gosh. I started reading your blog way before I even thought about being a cyclist, mostly because the pioneer woman recommended you and you told such great stories. Lo and behold, at some point a couple of years in, my husband got the bike bug and then brought me along for ‘the ride’. 11 years in, and we both are still road and mountain biking, in fact just went for a ride this afternoon and was, fittingly, wearing an old fat cyclist t-shirt over my bike shorts. Thanks for this post to close things out for us all. Looking forward to remaining friends on fb and following the occasional podcast. Cheers, Elden, you did so much for so many…
Comment by Jenni | 01.3.2022 | 6:43 pm
I had a remarkably similar experience having raised a ton of money for a few organizations I truly believed in and they too saw no value in me when I reached out. All is well though.
Fatty, you have brought so much to so many. I wish we all would have known of any hardship you faced because we would have all welcomed the opportunity to lift you up. If we all returned one millionth of your goodness back to you, you would be rich in anything you could ever need.
You’re awesome. I’m so glad to have met you.
Comment by Paul | 01.3.2022 | 6:44 pm
Thank you for all you’ve done all these years. The cycling community and the internet are better places because you’re part of them.
Comment by Chris | 01.3.2022 | 6:53 pm
I am so emotional at this “last” post. I’ve followed you for years and during the time you posted prolifically it was one of my fist sites to hit in the morning. Thank you for sharing and for everything that you have done. You know this but Susan would be proud — and I’m sure the Hammer is super proud. Be safe and happy. As a former Adobe alumni, I agree, it is a great company.
Comment by Corrine Leistikow | 01.3.2022 | 7:01 pm
Love, love loved your blog. Loved the 100 MoN which challenged me to do awesome silly rides and make some silly videos. You were instrumental in getting me to commit to Leadville. Seeing you and your wife at Leadville was a thrill! Thanks for sharing your life and your story with all of us! We all have to move on.
Comment by Allison Fontana | 01.3.2022 | 7:10 pm
Hello Elden. You don’t know me but I consider you a friend if our paths ever cross. When I first discovered your blog I was a firefighter by trade and a mountain biker by passion, although never really competitive. You were blogging a lot about Susan at the time. My heart broke for you and your kids when she passed. Over the years, I’ve laughed with you, cried with you, learned from you, donated to your charities, ride hundreds of miles to nowhere. You proved that a kind, humorous, winning personality could do a lot of good in this world. One story that stands out to me was the one where you saw a figure in your rear view mirror rise up from your backseat late one night… it was a balloon! I can still laugh out loud when I think of that one. I loved your mini-bike races, your donut rides and hearing about all the creative ways people completed your 100 miles to nowhere. I’m so happy you decided to give us an update on how you, the Hammer and sll the kids are doing. You are just on of us. You love bikes, you love helping others, you have weaknesses and flaws like the rest of us. I believe that’s why all your fans loved you so much. Thanks for the ride, Fatty, with much love…
Comment by Aaron Hardy | 01.3.2022 | 7:17 pm
I’ve enjoyed both your blog and the riding we’ve done together. You’re a great storyteller! You’ve been a great asset to the Adobe cycling community as well. See you on the road!
Comment by L’Hippo | 01.3.2022 | 7:20 pm
I found this blog when I started riding, mainly because your moniker described me. Loved your insight and style and laughed and cried with you. Good luck and I hope if I ever am at a bike event where you are, I can meet you. Best of luck and I still crave your beer boiled bratwurst!
Best Wishes
Bill
Comment by Aussie kev | 01.3.2022 | 7:36 pm
Chapeau fatty
Comment by Jeremy E. | 01.3.2022 | 7:50 pm
Getting the ping for a new post here was certainly unexpected. One of THE highlights of all my years on two wheels was meeting you in person, riding with Team Fatty, and hanging out in Davis. I thought a lot about my time and experience connected to you and this community during quarantine as I started my own Team Fatty gear quilt just weeks before my wife was diagnosed with (and successfully treated for) breast cancer. It is a great day when a new podcast drops with you and “Hotty.” You’ve made a difference for other people and you gave freely with what you have. That’s all the world can ask of a person. Chapeau!
Comment by Megan | 01.3.2022 | 8:16 pm
Elden-thank you. I followed this blog for years, and you brought me such joy and sorrow. Your race reports and your love stories. You introduced me to cycling. I still have two fat cyclist jerseys and even socks! Know that you’ve touched far more lives than you realize.
Comment by Tes | 01.3.2022 | 8:36 pm
I loved your blog. I would often start my day with it. I’ve enjoyed your stories and you’ve inspired me so much with your attitude and honesty. 100 miles of Nowhere is something I really enjoyed. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Comment by Wine Dog | 01.3.2022 | 9:10 pm
Thanks for the wrap. I still have several of those jerseys in the quilt. I will never forget the San Jose LiveStrong. And as old as it is, I can’t part with my Win Susan t-shirt. I wear it for everyone who ever fought that fight. Thank you and good night.
Comment by Stephanie | 01.3.2022 | 9:12 pm
Thank you Elden! I’ve followed this blog through Susan’s cancer journey and I too found myself heartbroken when she died. I still remember the post that followed and it still moves me. Not having met either of you shows how you connect with people. It was wonderful watching you find love again and seeing your families merge. I continue to follow you on FB and I have also listened to a few podcasts. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best! And thank you for ending the blog as you are
Comment by Rob L | 01.3.2022 | 9:31 pm
But I’m still working on 2 of my 100 Mt4N’s! I full expect to finish at least 1 of them by 2030…:P
Thanks for all laughs and life man! Podcasts just never fit to me yet, who knows maybe in years to come.
Still love all my various Fatty Jerseys’ and shirts. I think I have at least half your quilt. Maybe I’ll finish your book this year too! :)
Comment by Shannon Day | 01.3.2022 | 9:45 pm
Thanks for the wrap up. I found you about the same time I discovered Leadville in 2014. Thanks for the great stories through the years. Now I get to torture my family on road trips by playing the Leadville and Marginal Gains podcasts. At least my 16 year old daughter geeks out on the bike stuff even though she’s a swimmer (she loves the FORM goggle ads on a bike show) and has already professed a desire to do the race someday. Thanks for everything personally and the broader impact to the cycling community.
Comment by Kenny | 01.3.2022 | 10:51 pm
I loved reading about and being a part of your adventures. You’re an awesome person and an amazing friend.
Comment by TimE | 01.4.2022 | 12:05 am
I was a proud member of Team Fatty Austin for several years. Yours was the only blog I ever religiously followed, thanks to its humor and humanity. Thank you for letting us ride along with you.
Comment by AngieG | 01.4.2022 | 4:35 am
Oh Fatty- Your humility touched something in us. Bringing us together to share something deep and soulful. I remember finding your blog after I signed up for my first Livestrong San Jose ride. I was at a dark point in my life and my bike was my escape. Finding you and the blog gave me a sense of community. I couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring. Through this experience I met some truly amazing people. The Thompson’s, Matt and Gregg Chapek( my brothers from another mother), David Houston, Carlos P, Zweeter, Yann Bertrand, You and Lisa, and so many more. I rode my first century. I drove to Austin with a truck full of bikes. I became a proud member of the Team Fatty family.
Like Dawn I still go back and read Dandelion Seeds. In fact I go back and read many of the posts and remember how you opened yourself up for all of us and in sharing your experience we all have a piece of you with us. Including us in your journey, being so transparent in your experience taught me so much about strength, commitment, love and growth. I am forever grateful that I have you and Lisa as friends. I have my Fatty Family and so many amazing memories and new ones to make. Thank you for this truly amazing gift. XOXO
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 01.4.2022 | 7:38 am
So I was more or less minding my own business on a big ride in Colorado back in 2009. I came upon a fellow rider wearing a Fat Cyclist kit. “That’s a bit odd,” I thought, “He actually seems fairly trim.”
So I asked.
Thirteenish years later, it continues to be a fantastic ride. Sure, it’s all listening now instead of reading, but it’s still a great ride.
Thanks, Elden.
Comment by Ted | 01.4.2022 | 7:53 am
Thank you! I’ve never followed a blog as closely as yours and it got me through a lot of challenging times. It reminded me that bikes are fun even as an adult and humor helps ease tension and stress. Things can be both hard and funny. And not just funny in retrospect, but while I am experiencing them. And the humor helps hard things suck less.
I miss reading your blog, but I’m still riding my bike thousands of miles a year because of it. Riding my bike has changed my life and is my favorite hobby.
My wife was a runner, but had to give it up after continual foot problems. So she started riding with me. First on road bikes, then on mountain bikes. Now she’s faster than me wherever we ride. The bike has changed her and given her self confidence.
Since reading your blog we have purchased (and sold) more than 20 bikes. And we moved from northern UT to southern UT primarily so we could ride our mountain bikes more. It’s been the best decision we’ve made.
So all I can say is thank you for everything.
Comment by Tonya | 01.4.2022 | 8:58 am
Thanks for all you wrote!
As an editor and book nerd, I prefer written blogs to podcasts, so I mourn their loss but understand the appeal. This was the first blog I ever came across and followed, around the time you first started it, and it led me to other cool adventure/biking blogs and got me outside on my bikes in different ways and places I didn’t even know was possible. And I learned about Rebecca Rusch and Dirty Kanza, which made me venture into the gravel scene, then join a club team and make new friendships when I needed it most, and on and on. So, basically it was the butterfly wings that changed my life.
Comment by Astra | 01.4.2022 | 9:00 am
Thank you for all your great posts over the years. They were funny, touching, inspirational, and entertaining. Best wishes to you and your family going ahead.
Comment by Mark Sevenoff | 01.4.2022 | 10:33 am
Thanks for entertaining and inspiring us over the years Fatty. It was great to meet you in person at that WBR “Africa in Moab” event years back. If you’re ever down here and need a place to park, some trail beta, water or just want to say hello, stop in Western Spirit. I’m in there most mid week days. Or if you ever slow down and want a pampered week long bike trip, check out some of our new week long tours. Cheers!
Comment by Chris A | 01.4.2022 | 11:29 am
Thank you for sharing your stories and allowing others to share theirs. I’m glad to have been along for the ride and for meeting you, however briefly, at the ToC.
Comment by Paul | 01.4.2022 | 11:38 am
Thanks for all the laughs and learning!
I still give annually to LiveStrong and WBR so that’s a lasting Good Thing.
Have fun and good luck!
Comment by Heidi | 01.4.2022 | 12:54 pm
Thanks so much, Elden. Wrapping things up seems like a healthy completion. You took us all on a journey but I’m especially appreciative of the one you and Lisa took me (a non-bike riding, now-former yarn dyer) on – the yurt weekend with your girls. I even have a jersey as a reminder. Thank you both so much.
Comment by Kelly | 01.4.2022 | 2:42 pm
Thank you for the closure Elden. I listen to the Leadville Podcast, but always wondered why you stopped the blog. I know blogs are considered old school, but, as a 52 year old journalism major, I enjoy well written words, and missed yours. The blog was heartfelt and inspiring. Thank you for putting good out into the world.
Comment by Jeff Owen | 01.4.2022 | 3:15 pm
You mean this GranDonut?
https://youtu.be/dhQGrMBo9WE
I met you once in Santa Rosa. I enjoyed our visit!
I have never read your blog but I know of all the great work you did raising money for cancer.
There is a Light The Night cancer awareness fund raiser done here in Santa Rosa. People walk a track at the JC and raise money. It’s a big event with a lot of festivities.
My now wife and I walked it at 3AM. Why? Because to me that is what it is like to fight cancer for many. You’re in the dark and it can be rather lonely and for absolute truth, there is never any pomp and circumstance. It’s just a fight.
The next year I battled cancer. It was three years ago and my now wife was with me the whole way. I’m fine now with some Neuropathy from the chemo treatments. I consider myself fortunate.
Cheers to you! Thanks for the last post@
Comment by Michael | 01.4.2022 | 3:22 pm
It’s a funny world, Fatty: today, after several years of not reading your blog, I wondered just what you were up to and dropped by to see, as it happens just around the time you were wrapping up your blog.
You made me laugh like a drain back in the day, even though it was clear where much of your energy was coming from. And you touched me greatly with your straightforward account of your battle with Susan’s illness. I was undertaking my own via crucis at the time, and more than once, late at night, you helped me to maintain my hope and trust in people.
And now you’re a boring old geezer that works for a corporation and is too clapped out to write and entertain. It seems more than appropriate in its own way, and you’ve surely earned your right to become a grey old codger shuffling about in his slippers and chasing the kids off your grass.
I have to admit that it seemed touch and go at times, and I worried for you, but you got there in the end. Well done, and thank you, you fat bugger.
Comment by Ryan | 01.4.2022 | 6:17 pm
Fatty, just no words because everybody has said them all. You didn’t introduce me to bikes or to Leadville, but dammit if you didn’t paint them brighter colors. Life too. Thank you for sharing a slice of yourself as we all take the same crazy journey of ups and downs. I agree with an above comment that we need a going away jersey! Just a wish. Thank you for everything and I always look forward to the podcasts. Wheels down!
Comment by Chris R | 01.5.2022 | 12:55 am
Thanks for the many great years of stories and events! It was a joy living close by and participating in your triathlon, gauntlet, and RAWROD.
I hope to run into you again someday to say ‘Hi’.
Just Win!
Comment by Randall Smith | 01.5.2022 | 9:48 am
Thanks so much Elden. I started riding in 2008 and joined your readership then. I mostly lurked and shared your experience. Your humor and bike awareness attracted me to your blog. But your authenticity kept me coming back. The lack of flexing and the willingness to share defeat, disappointment and even the ultimate loss made your work different from the others. Thank you and I wish you well in the future!
Comment by Lisa Pivin | 01.5.2022 | 11:23 pm
Thank you!! Love love love the podcast!!
P.S. I can’t read your blogs while on road trips or on the trainer or on rides. Podcast is the way to go. Much respect. ?
Comment by DonQ | 01.6.2022 | 1:28 am
I wish I could remember how I stumbled upon your blog, it would make for a better intro. But what I do remember are your posts. The openness with which you shared made a difference, it encouraged so many to donate and engage in positive stupidity. Your words moved people. And as this chapter ends, I hope that your take away is the profound gratitude that I and (apparently) many other have that you were willing to share your story.
I was lucky enough to win one of those super bikes. I’m so thankful for your efforts to procure them. When you throw a stone in a lake, the ripples last far longer than the initial splash. You’ve made some hell of ripples with your words and work.
Comment by Phil | 01.6.2022 | 7:45 am
Another lurker here, I doubt I could have been less of the target audience when I somehow stumbled on it and started reading – a skinny kid from the UK who never rode mountain bikes – but this blog meant so much to me and, even in the time since I stopped reading regularly, still does. Thank you!
Best wishes to you and yours.
Comment by Drew | 01.6.2022 | 5:43 pm
Thank you, Elden. That is all…
Comment by Tim Albers | 01.10.2022 | 10:34 am
Thanks Elden. The quilt reminds me of many items I still have in my closet. I just gave up one of the 100 Miles to Nowhere T-shirts as my wife stated it had too many holes to even be a good paint shirt anymore. You talked about many things to accomplished. You also built a community. That is clear in many of the comments. I still talk to and follow others that you caught up and wrapped into The Fat Cyclist world. One of the ripples (comment above) is the community you built.
Comment by Tim Albers | 01.10.2022 | 10:35 am
Thanks Elden. The quilt reminds me of many items I still have in my closet. I just gave up one of the 100 Miles to Nowhere T-shirts as my wife stated it had too many holes to even be a good paint shirt anymore. You talked about many things to accomplished. You also built a community. That is clear in many of the comments. I still talk to and follow others that you caught up and wrapped into The Fat Cyclist world. One of the ripples (comment above) is the community you built.
Comment by Eric M Burgeson | 01.11.2022 | 9:12 pm
Your stories inspired me to ride, and to start my own blog and podcast. You have value, you are enough. Be good to yourself. Peace to you and yours.
Comment by Micha | 01.12.2022 | 10:29 am
On a whim I checked back on your blog. I am very glad that I did. I enjoyed reading about your bicycling adventures and was very moved by what shared about Susan. I could not have known that I would have similar experiences only a few years after I started reading your blog. Thank you for sharing them.
Stay well.
Comment by Micha | 01.12.2022 | 10:29 am
On a whim I checked back on your blog. I am very glad that I did. I enjoyed reading about your bicycling adventures and was very moved by what shared about Susan. I could not have known that I would have similar experiences only a few years after I started reading your blog. Thank you for sharing them.
Stay well.
Comment by SR | 01.13.2022 | 11:41 am
I think this is how I found your blog:
via the NY Times Style section (?), which had an article on Bike Snob. I clicked over to Bike Snob … and that day he happened to have a post saying something like “show Fatty some love”, linking to FatCyclist.
I read for hours, sometimes shaking with laughter, sometimes breathing through my mouth as tears rolled down my cheeks. I was hooked- never enough to get on a bike (heck no), but I *loved* your writing. And the tip on making extra sautéed onions (http://www.fatcyclist.com/2014/03/17/how-im-losing-weight-this-year-the-egg-white-scramble/) is something I convinced my skeptical husband to adopt. (Skeptical because I have a long track record of gaining life tips from atypical sources, e.g. cooking hacks from a cycling blog.) And who can forget your open letters, especially to Dr. Michael Lämmler! Gosh. Thank you for all the wonderful writing.
Thank you also for writing an honest finale; owning and acknowledging your accomplishments and hardships. It was refreshing to read that. I guess facing truths fearlessly comes easier with age. Yet another example you’ve shown me.
Thank you for the family update. Over the years, I’ve sometimes wondered how the other “characters” you’ve written about- well, how they’re doing. Good to know that everyone is moving forward.
Suddenly wondered- does The Hammer still do her monthly mountain hike with her dad? Fingers crossed that it is a yes.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Comment by VA Biker | 01.14.2022 | 12:37 pm
Hi Elden,
I am late to reply here, as I happened to think of checking this site. I thought we did the closure thing 5yrs ago or so (late 2016?), but here we are again. Not complaining.
I followed you from the beginning at Cyclingnews.com in the really old days. We’re about the same age. Still waiting for the positive outcome status of my kid, but hopeful.
Very satisfying to read the wrap-up and that things are good for you and your entire extended family. I miss the rapid-fire postings of yesterday, but everything has its place and time. I have heard your podcast a few times and have liked what I’ve heard. I will visit again. Please take care.
Ciao!
Comment by Rocky Chrysler | 01.16.2022 | 11:00 am
Good on ya, Fat Cyclist. Enjoyed your clever insights over the years. Did you ever get your rookie-mark tattoo? I did. https://www.rockychrysler.com/p/tattoos.html
There’s a link-back therein to your 2006 post which will remain for as long as your archives persist online.
Thanks again for all your words. Be well. Kind regards. Johncoe
Comment by K | 01.28.2022 | 7:36 am
I enjoyed reading the blog very much. The 100 miles to nowhere was my first and only 100 mile bike ride. The t-shirt from that ride is also on our bike quilt (similar to yours – which I love). Thanks for the update and take good care to both you and your family!
Comment by K | 01.28.2022 | 7:38 am
I enjoyed reading the blog very much. The 100 miles to nowhere was my first and only 100 mile bike ride. The t-shirt from that ride is also on our bike quilt (similar to yours – which I love). Thanks for the update and take good care to both you and your family!
Comment by Michael Clark | 01.28.2022 | 12:31 pm
I’ve been reading your stuff for years. I participated in one 100 miles of nowhere race. Thank you for sharing your struggles and accomplishments. Your writing always made you feel like a regular, real person, so unlike many of the blogs out there. Best wishes for your future adventures.
Comment by Eric Nehrlich | 01.28.2022 | 1:18 pm
This post just made it to my RSS reader.
I will always be thankful I had the opportunity to ride Leadville as part of your team in 2015 – I will never do anything that was harder physically, and “you can do more than you think you can” continues to resonate with me (I wear my Leadville shirt when I need a confidence or motivation boost).
Thanks for sharing your stories over the years and for your generosity in helping others, both through your charities and in believing in less experienced bikers like myself.
Speaking of which, another highlight of 2015 was trying to keep up with Jill Homer and Dave Thompson as they did 100 miles of nowhere on a 5 mile climb. I tapped out at 50 miles and 10k feet of climbing – they did the whole 100 miles and 20k. Great memories I have because of your blog, so again thank you!
Comment by Louize | 01.28.2022 | 1:44 pm
Thank you for dropping by to say goodbye, and thank you for sharing your stories with us for so many years! Long time follower here who has proudly worn her fat cyclist jersey in Portugal, France, Scotland, Belgium, Bulgaria and probably other places – to the bewilderment of many ???? all the best for the next chapters!
Comment by Brian Ogilvie | 01.28.2022 | 4:39 pm
Thanks for this epilogue, which just popped up in my RSS feed (yes, I still have an RSS reader). I always enjoyed reading your blog–the serious and the funny. You’re a great storyteller, even if you now prefer to listen to others’ stories. And you inspired me to do the most ridiculous ride of my life, the 100 MoN. As someone who prefers reading to listening most of the time, I never really got into most podcasts, but I’ll check yours out.
Oh, and blogs aren’t dead. They’ve just been monetized as Substack newsletters.
Comment by Erica Kane | 01.30.2022 | 3:33 am
Thanks for the wonderful stories over the years Fatty — and thank you for the closure. I have not yet been won over to podcasts (with a few exceptions) but writing will survive on the Internet in other forms. Your cycling tales were inspirational for me.
Comment by Tim D | 01.30.2022 | 2:49 pm
I still have my Banjo Bros messenger bag that I won some time in 2005 or 6. I don’t ride as much anymore but usually pull on an FC cyclist shirt when I do. Sadly, fewer people now say “But you’re not fat!”
Comment by Papuass | 01.31.2022 | 6:35 am
Hi, Elden!
You do not know me and I did not comment much here. I am writing this in a foreign language so something will get lost during the translation.
I came to your blog when there were funny stories, too long race reports and it helped me to find out that I enjoy racing. It definitely helped to build the image of Leadville 100 to me.
Even though cancer topics and fundraisers did not interest me much at first, you had a great attitude and your openness made it good content. I do listen to the podcasts from time to time and you manage them well.
Thank you for the time you spent on this site and keep enjoying cycling!
Comment by David V | 02.2.2022 | 11:07 am
Elden, I always loved the blog. I’m glad you’re seemingly doing well. You brought lots of joy into lots of lives, and I hope you’ve found joy in yours.
As the Beatles said “the love you take is equal to the love you make”
Comment by Joe Haney | 02.2.2022 | 1:21 pm
Wow, I hit up this bookmark purely by chance wondering what you might have posted lately. I’ve got a Fat Cyclist t-shirt I still wear on the regular, and I recently joined the 50 plus club. Loved reading your take on your life and your journey though the good times and the bad, we all have those and it helps to read when others are getting on though tough times to see your own way though them as well. Thanks for the memories, enjoy the rest of the pages in your mind.
Joe
Comment by Rob Read | 02.5.2022 | 5:50 pm
I followed avidly for many years. Thank you.
Comment by Rob Read | 02.5.2022 | 5:50 pm
I followed avidly for many years. Thank you.
Comment by Roger Hall | 02.7.2022 | 3:48 pm
I greatly enjoyed this blog as I was getting more into cycling, and very much appreciated your fundraising efforts! I do have an awful lot of fat cyclist gear but it was for a good cause right? Thanks for the memories!
Comment by Roger Hall | 02.7.2022 | 3:48 pm
I greatly enjoyed this blog as I was getting more into cycling, and very much appreciated your fundraising efforts! I do have an awful lot of fat cyclist gear but it was for a good cause right? Thanks for the memories!
Comment by Paula | 02.11.2022 | 5:41 pm
I was taking my Fat Cyclist jersey out of the wash today and I am so glad I did. I miss reading and so glad you came back for 1 last wrap up post. Be well!
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Comment by Elena (Italian in China) | 03.3.2022 | 9:20 pm
Thank you for the update, Elden!
Even if I will alwaay rememebr you as Elden, who most of the times was mistakenly called Eldon.
Podcast are not my thing, being in China does not help (what helps me bypass the firewall is installed on my laptop, but cannot sadly being installed on my local mobile). I will find a way to solve this.
Greetings from China!
Comment by Elena (Italian in China) | 03.3.2022 | 9:21 pm
Thank you for the update, Elden!
Even if I will alwaay rememebr you as Elden, who most of the times was mistakenly called Eldon.
Podcast are not my thing, being in China does not help (what helps me bypass the firewall is installed on my laptop, but cannot sadly being installed on my local mobile). I will find a way to solve this.
Greetings from China!