Fat Guy Across the U.S.
08-08-15, 09:54 AM
#751
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The mod team is in a constant no-win situation. We're damned if we do and damned if we don't. But let me explain what's going on.
First, I've posted several times that this thread is very unique to the C/A forum. This forum is a very positive, supportive place for people to come and be open and honest with their journey and get support from like-minded people who have been there, done that...and succeeded. However, this thread is less about FGAA's weight than it is about the spectacle that he has deliberately made of himself. Is there a weight aspect to it? Absolutely. Will we discuss that? Yup. However, he has chosen to make himself a national story. He's even gone and hired a publicist! He's taken people's money, and done nothing but spend it without delivering on his stated goal. I'm not going to rehash any more. You know the story so far.
What we will not accept is fat-bashing. I've posted a couple of times that we will not tolerate that. The brief discussion about him taco'ing wheels because he's fat had to stop. Discussing his unique means of truing those wheels is fair game. Taking a jab at he and his "lady-friend" (I have no idea who she actually is to him) needing external apparatus to engage in sex because of their weight is unacceptable. I will admit that I think naming the image "fatty" was extremely tasteless, but where do we draw the line? Regarding the images with the bubbles, I think it's a jab at the fact that (again), he's taking peoples money for this amazing "weight loss journey" (his words, not mine) and has done nothing but sit around and eat a lot of really bad food, that's really expensive. Kobe beef burgers? Really?
The mod team is watching this thread very carefully, and trying to walk the fine line between maintaining the positive tone that this forum has always maintained and allowing an open and honest conversation. With that said, if there is something you feel crosses the line, please feel free to report it to the mod team. Clicking the little triangle with the exclamation point at the bottom-left of each post will put the post into the mod que for evaluation.
First, I've posted several times that this thread is very unique to the C/A forum. This forum is a very positive, supportive place for people to come and be open and honest with their journey and get support from like-minded people who have been there, done that...and succeeded. However, this thread is less about FGAA's weight than it is about the spectacle that he has deliberately made of himself. Is there a weight aspect to it? Absolutely. Will we discuss that? Yup. However, he has chosen to make himself a national story. He's even gone and hired a publicist! He's taken people's money, and done nothing but spend it without delivering on his stated goal. I'm not going to rehash any more. You know the story so far.
What we will not accept is fat-bashing. I've posted a couple of times that we will not tolerate that. The brief discussion about him taco'ing wheels because he's fat had to stop. Discussing his unique means of truing those wheels is fair game. Taking a jab at he and his "lady-friend" (I have no idea who she actually is to him) needing external apparatus to engage in sex because of their weight is unacceptable. I will admit that I think naming the image "fatty" was extremely tasteless, but where do we draw the line? Regarding the images with the bubbles, I think it's a jab at the fact that (again), he's taking peoples money for this amazing "weight loss journey" (his words, not mine) and has done nothing but sit around and eat a lot of really bad food, that's really expensive. Kobe beef burgers? Really?
The mod team is watching this thread very carefully, and trying to walk the fine line between maintaining the positive tone that this forum has always maintained and allowing an open and honest conversation. With that said, if there is something you feel crosses the line, please feel free to report it to the mod team. Clicking the little triangle with the exclamation point at the bottom-left of each post will put the post into the mod que for evaluation.
08-08-15, 10:06 AM
#752
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It feels like Groundhog's Day, waiting for FGAA to emerge to find out if he's going to ride, or if we just get more days of excuses.
We'll see. I wonder if new plan might be to just appear a few miles ahead and then post progress in leaps instead of as they go. That way a posed shot or two at the beginning and end would be all they have to do.
We'll see. I wonder if new plan might be to just appear a few miles ahead and then post progress in leaps instead of as they go. That way a posed shot or two at the beginning and end would be all they have to do.
08-08-15, 10:43 AM
#753
Senior Member
PJ - good post there.
Do we know if he and his wife are riding today? It would be a good start for them to even just ride around Newport and post some pics or video of that - to show that yes, they can ride, they are trying. I've been very doubtful of this as many here have - not because I don't think he/they can ride. I just don't think they ARE riding or really have any desire or intention to do so.
Heck, if they made it 200 miles over the next month I think it would be a big achievement for them. Maybe even enough to give them new direction and determination in life.
Do we know if he and his wife are riding today? It would be a good start for them to even just ride around Newport and post some pics or video of that - to show that yes, they can ride, they are trying. I've been very doubtful of this as many here have - not because I don't think he/they can ride. I just don't think they ARE riding or really have any desire or intention to do so.
Heck, if they made it 200 miles over the next month I think it would be a big achievement for them. Maybe even enough to give them new direction and determination in life.
08-08-15, 10:57 AM
#754
SuperGimp
SUPPOSEDLY this is "go go go" day. Thursday was supposed to be, then yesterday, now today. He said it a bunch, there's going to be some sharpening of the pitchforks on his facebook page if he fails to deliver. Again.
More like Groundhog day - the movie, where every day features FGAA not riding his bike. He hasn't said ONE thing that rings true about his riding. I still hope he makes it but I don't believe he'll even try.
More like Groundhog day - the movie, where every day features FGAA not riding his bike. He hasn't said ONE thing that rings true about his riding. I still hope he makes it but I don't believe he'll even try.
08-08-15, 11:51 AM
#755
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Looks like he's on his way. Perhaps 
https://www.facebook.com/18227596853...type=1&theater
Still hoping its legit on some level as it would be a fascinating read. Reminds me of decades ago when my brother and I decided to ride the length of France. This was pre-internet days and I went woefully unprepared. I started the ride on a Raleigh steel-framed road bike with: A regular backpack, a regular tent strapped to the pack, a regular sleeping bag strapped to the pack, and youth. I made it about 5 miles off the ferry before ditching everything at the side of the road and carrying on. My shoulders were already bleeding from the pack straps twisting from side-to-side as I rode. We bunked down in fields and 'Romany' campsites from then onwards and had the time of our lives. We eventually made it to the South of France, but we changed so much over those weeks - both in respect for distance and each other. Great days and I hope FGAA has similar stories to tell one day.
https://www.facebook.com/18227596853...type=1&theater
Still hoping its legit on some level as it would be a fascinating read. Reminds me of decades ago when my brother and I decided to ride the length of France. This was pre-internet days and I went woefully unprepared. I started the ride on a Raleigh steel-framed road bike with: A regular backpack, a regular tent strapped to the pack, a regular sleeping bag strapped to the pack, and youth. I made it about 5 miles off the ferry before ditching everything at the side of the road and carrying on. My shoulders were already bleeding from the pack straps twisting from side-to-side as I rode. We bunked down in fields and 'Romany' campsites from then onwards and had the time of our lives. We eventually made it to the South of France, but we changed so much over those weeks - both in respect for distance and each other. Great days and I hope FGAA has similar stories to tell one day.
Last edited by JackoDandy; 08-08-15 at 12:13 PM.
08-08-15, 12:27 PM
#758
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08-08-15, 12:28 PM
#759
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Give him a break.....Riding across the USA is still a One day at a Time Bike Ride.His route will change.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
08-08-15, 01:15 PM
#760
Just Keep Pedaling
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Fat Guy Across the U.S.
Glad to see some basic evidence of movement. However. I would have thought one of his Newport "friends" might have posted something about the two of them getting out on the road with a pic.
08-08-15, 01:24 PM
#761
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I'm new here, but I didn't see it that way. The forum is clearly supportive and not judgmental about big people riding, and the thread is distancing the community from one guy who appears to be a con, which also serves the larger purpose. It is not empowering, supportive or helpful to any overweight rider to have someone practically making himself a caricature of a lazy fat guy claiming that he works out and is dieting. Or to put unrealistic expectations out there for those who are inspired to start. Reading his Facebook page or fitness group, overweight and obese people are talking about getting their bikes down or buying one. They're following him, but how will they feel and what will they do when they expect to lose 60 pounds in 2 weeks as he claimed? Or when they find out it's not a matter of showing up at Dunkin Donuts without a drop of sweat to post "just made 5 miles!" That it hurts and chafes and their rides will be short and their diets won't include cigarettes and an appetizer menu. He's setting a lot of people up to fail or to believe that they're in worse shape than him when they're not. And eventually to feel suckered for having believed in him and to lose faith in themselves. He's reinforcing the worst stereotypes and the stigma that makes it harder for the next guy to get on the bike or tie on the sneakers. When he ends the con and makes his final excuse so he can go home because he just can't go on, he's going to be sending the message to a lot of people that they can't either, and that's absolutely despicable.
I guess the only question I would have is why is this in the C/A forum -- perhaps that is where it started but at this point, this isn't about his weight -- this is more of a general discussion about a news story. It could just as easily go in the "touring" forum since the story is more about the quest -- to ride cross country -- that it is the weight. If it was "560 pound man buys a bike and goes on bike ride to save marriage" -- it wouldn't be a news story. The fact that he is trying to do it cross country is what is making it so "epic".
I don't fault the mods -- it has to go somewhere. And when originally posted here, I'm sure no one knew that how this was going to evolve -- it was originally posted to inspire C/As, but it has moved beyond that... and as a result, in my humble opinion, the whole thread should be perhaps moved to the forums for freakshows and trolls...
I think the influx of new posters (and I realize I am one -- however, I came to this forum to ask a question and which is how I heard about FGAA -- not the other way around) and many of which are not necessarily clydes/athenas -- or even cyclists -- having this thread in THIS forum next to all the other advice and personal information shared by some of us (like my weight and "seat" issues), leaves us exposed to segments of the population that MAY be more prone to fat-shaming. Trolls come here to read about FGAA and then see the other threads and it just potentially provides them with more ammunition for fat-shaming.
08-08-15, 01:44 PM
#762
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I live in Newport and he has not been seen riding and I stopped in at Newport Bicycle and I don't think they are too proud of him. Maybe less skeptical than me. Getting over the bridges is all of a 5 mile ride and you can put your bikes on the bus for a $2.00 fare. He could hire the local cab company that uses minivans for about $20.00 and carry the trailers too. Total fraud if you ask me.
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08-08-15, 01:55 PM
#763
Senior Member
The problem is, while there may be evidence of movement, there is no evidence of movement via bicycle.
There is a picture of the bikes, a selfie of the two of them with no bikes, and a picture in a restaurant. Nowhere is there a picture or video of them actually riding. Nobody from this town where he's become a minor celebrity in the past few weeks has seen him ride, or ridden with him. Nobody rode out on their big re-start with them today.
Why is that?
The simplest answer is they aren't riding.
You can fool some of the people some of the time.
There is a picture of the bikes, a selfie of the two of them with no bikes, and a picture in a restaurant. Nowhere is there a picture or video of them actually riding. Nobody from this town where he's become a minor celebrity in the past few weeks has seen him ride, or ridden with him. Nobody rode out on their big re-start with them today.
Why is that?
The simplest answer is they aren't riding.
You can fool some of the people some of the time.
08-08-15, 01:58 PM
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Why is he concerned about security? Is he afraid some bicyclists are going to come along and force him to ride.
08-08-15, 02:04 PM
#765
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Boy, the natives on facebook are getting really restless now... The picture posted of the restaurant (as someone pointed out) Angie is wearing a different shirt (a black shirt, and not the high-vis yellow they were supposedly wearing yesterday). Also, questioning why she is eating pulled pork and they're at a BBQ place instead of eating something healthier... they are starting to get suspicious...
08-08-15, 02:49 PM
#766
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A year ago, I was 420 lbs and took a 4 mile ride on my 5 year old racing bike that hadn't been ridden in 4 years. I had to stop 3 times. This morning, I did 64 miles in under 4 hours rolling time for a 16.1 MPH rolling average. I had 4 stops and otherwise was pedaling with almost no coasting. I WANT this to not be a scam. I really want to see him get started, fall in love with riding and get his life together. I'm just about 100% convinced that's never actually been the goal.
08-08-15, 03:07 PM
#767
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Well, when you finally do get your bike and excitedly post a pic of yourself sat on it, hopefully nobody posts a 'comical' rendition of of your picture with a caption balloon stating your'e on your way to '31 Flavors' for a cone, or titles the picture 'shamuGoesForACone.jpg' or similar. Apparently that's fine to do now on the forum.
We've opened the door on fat-shaming so if its done to FGAA, why not you supposed 'newbs' who will 'eventually' post riding pics and stories - after major projects of course.
You dont see the irony?
We've opened the door on fat-shaming so if its done to FGAA, why not you supposed 'newbs' who will 'eventually' post riding pics and stories - after major projects of course.
You dont see the irony?
GH
08-08-15, 03:38 PM
#768
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First of all: I had no idea my file name would show up on the page. Secondly, I probably would not have thought about it anyhow. Thirdly, the guy calls himself fat, so fatty is nothing more than a play on his name. I.E Pat-Patty, Ralph-Ralphie. However, I did not make the extension of his name when I named the file. I am considered, by all definitions, obese. I know this, no one need tell me, but if they do, I should not be offended by their statement. I let myself get to this point. I should be offended by my lack of self respect, if I were offended in some way although I am not, and stop whining about someone telling or calling me fat, fatty, beef, or any other derogatory terms. I guess if I had to narrow it down to one bullet point: If one does not want to be categorized as obese. do something about it but until you do, don't kill the messenger.
08-08-15, 03:51 PM
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I didn't expect changing clothes, but I think they went a short distance after crossing the bridge and found a place for the night. Someone saw them and posted a pic, so hopefully they did bike some distance for that encounter. They were actually astride the bikes, so maybe by "conditioning" he meant learning to ride a bicycle for real.
It's interesting that overnight he went from impossible-to-follow updates with an "aw shucks, did it wrong" shrug, to now posting well-composed camera phone shots and linking the restaurant in the post. By contrast, he didn't link businesses before. Not even for his "bicycle family," the shop that gave him the bike. New publicity company maybe? Maybe the wife doing it?
He's still being dodgy and dishonest though. He posted to imply drinking lots of water and eating butternut squash. It wasn't until he was being challenged a bit that he finally got defensive and said, " I ate half an all fresh product bbq sandwich with Cole slaw. I think that is just fine considering I'm on the 21 day plan with beach body and it's about excercise and the correct portion amounts of food."
I don't even care what he says he ate, just either say it honestly up front or don't talk about it. I can honestly say I had broccoli florets for lunch, yet still I'm lying if I let you think that's the whole story, much less that it's how I diet. It's that kind of sketchy thing that still makes this feel off. If you've ever dealt with untrustworthy people, they have a habit of "technically not lying" to manipulate others. Whenever they're caught, they're terribly affronted by your accusations and it's your fault you believed them. You just assumed that! I never said that! You better go look before you accuse me!
He did that just a day ago with the lady he deleted about cigarettes. "I was honest about smoking from the beginning." Technically that was true. He had admitted to being a smoker before anyone knew or cared who he was. "Butternut squash for me" was a similar not-lie to imply a bit healthier fare than he ended up admitting to. Whether that admission was honest will forever be unknown.
It's interesting that overnight he went from impossible-to-follow updates with an "aw shucks, did it wrong" shrug, to now posting well-composed camera phone shots and linking the restaurant in the post. By contrast, he didn't link businesses before. Not even for his "bicycle family," the shop that gave him the bike. New publicity company maybe? Maybe the wife doing it?
He's still being dodgy and dishonest though. He posted to imply drinking lots of water and eating butternut squash. It wasn't until he was being challenged a bit that he finally got defensive and said, " I ate half an all fresh product bbq sandwich with Cole slaw. I think that is just fine considering I'm on the 21 day plan with beach body and it's about excercise and the correct portion amounts of food."
I don't even care what he says he ate, just either say it honestly up front or don't talk about it. I can honestly say I had broccoli florets for lunch, yet still I'm lying if I let you think that's the whole story, much less that it's how I diet. It's that kind of sketchy thing that still makes this feel off. If you've ever dealt with untrustworthy people, they have a habit of "technically not lying" to manipulate others. Whenever they're caught, they're terribly affronted by your accusations and it's your fault you believed them. You just assumed that! I never said that! You better go look before you accuse me!
He did that just a day ago with the lady he deleted about cigarettes. "I was honest about smoking from the beginning." Technically that was true. He had admitted to being a smoker before anyone knew or cared who he was. "Butternut squash for me" was a similar not-lie to imply a bit healthier fare than he ended up admitting to. Whether that admission was honest will forever be unknown.
Last edited by CatBee; 08-08-15 at 03:52 PM. Reason: fixed a word
08-08-15, 03:54 PM
#770
meandering nomad
This sounds like time for a BOLO (Bicyclists On the Look Out) social group ride. Where in Rhode Island is Eric Hites riding? Just don't spook him, he's legitimately concerned about security. However, he just posted an update from Eddie's BBQ in Narraganset, RI. Progress?
Last edited by billew; 08-08-15 at 03:58 PM.
08-08-15, 03:55 PM
#771
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You can fool some of the people some of the time.[/QUOTE]
yeah, but like I told you, you can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on
yeah, but like I told you, you can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on
08-08-15, 04:22 PM
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Exactly. I responded to Jack's post quoting me but I've deleted it as apparently it's being reposted by Mr. Hite's cheerleaders and I am being lambasted all over again. He's posting that I am "bitter." He does not elaborate what it is he believes I am bitter about. I have been a favorite whipping girl of his.
Last edited by Perisphere; 08-08-15 at 04:36 PM.
08-08-15, 04:27 PM
#773
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No, you didn't. This forum is a place for people who are seeking supportive attitudes toward their weight loss. We do not appreciate fat-shaming here. We are perfectly aware of our issues and don't need anyone mocking us on our journey.
Nobody has "earned" a right to be a dick towards us.
Nobody has "earned" a right to be a dick towards us.
08-08-15, 04:30 PM
#774
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Houston, we have liftoff: https://www.facebook.com/Angie.Marie.Hites/videos/10207743543172352/?pnref=story Granted, it's only a few yards, but by god he's actually pedaling.
08-08-15, 04:34 PM
#775
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Houston, we have liftoff: https://www.facebook.com/Angie.Marie.Hites/videos/10207743543172352/?pnref=story Granted, it's only a few yards, but by god he's actually pedaling.