Comedian Mastermind: The Best of FatCyclist.com 2005-2007

To say that we here at NYVC and the Fat Cyclist don't necessarily see eye to eye is an understatement of Rapha-style epic proportions. The only things we might agree on are that riding bikes is enjoyable and that cancer is bad (we do think that for the record—thanks for reading, Mr Gunderson). We don't hold any malice towards Mr Nelson personally, we just disagree with his associations with certain cycling "luminaries". Mr. Carey has read his book and has submitted his review below, and we agreed to allow this posting because we don't believe in attempting to silence (or hacking into the computers of) those who disagree with us.

That being said, the chances that we purchase and read this book are about the same as Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens) opening at the Republican Convention. Enjoy the review. 

 
I find it impossible not to like Elden "Fatty" Nelson, and always have. Oddly enough, that didn't translate to reading his blog on a daily basis, or even to shaking his hand when he was greeting all members of Team Fatty after a charity ride outside of Philly a couple of years ago. That second example probably has more to do with lack of oxygen to the brain at that moment, and that my beautiful wife was standing immediately to his right. I do, however, still kick myself for not saying hi, and think that it was extremely nice of him to wait around...and wait around he did, as I am very, very slow. I'm not sure how it affected my reading of his book, which is after all a 'best of' compilation of blog posts covering the first 3 years of his very popular blog. I could just as easily believe that it made it easier for me to enjoy, being mostly all new to me, as I could that I would have enjoyed it more if I had been reading religiously all along, and this was reminding me of some of my favorite posts, ones I had obviously enjoyed initially. Whatever the truth may be, the book is a quick and enjoyable read.

Nelson is a likable and popular blogger largely based on his "everyman" identification appeal. He struggles with his weight, he was very open dealing with the incredibly difficult period of his wife fighting a losing battle with cancer (not represented in the period this book covers), and he has kept writing and riding through it all. The riding is the focus of the book, and his many reasons for "why we ride" will resonate for many of us. His self deprecating style and reliance on footnotes to provide further insight into what is already well laid out can get old over the course of 300 pages, but the clever layout of the book keeps it moving and his near constant examination of his own actions, motives, and relationships make it very personal, make it very difficult to feel as if you aren't having a chat with a friend. I find his ride reports to be especially enthralling, perhaps in a "we've all been there" sort of way. More than that, though, is his obvious love for what he does, both on the bike, and on the blog. Whether you read his blog religiously or not, and perhaps even if you did and it wasn't your cup of tea, I recommend "Comedian Mastermind." I may not agree with everything he writes, but "Fatty" is a good storyteller, and loves the bike, I'll say hi next time I get a chance when sporting the "Team Fatty" kit.
 
 
 
For more information, including how to purchase the book, please visit:
 
http://fatcy.cl/comedianmastermind