2) n. a person who has a mishmash of old gear, does't care at all about technology or fashion, didn't race or follow racing, etc. Often identified by chainring marks on white calf socks. Used by "serious" roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable "freds" drop the "serious" roadies on hills because the "serious" guys were really posers. This term is from road touring and, according to popular myth, "Fred" was a well-known grumpy old touring rider, who really was named Fred.
I had such a great ride in today, and all I could think of was this thread...lol-
A little background on me- I'm 45, and have been an avid cyclist since i was 15. I love bikes- all types, shapes, weights....I consider myself a bicycling lifestylist. If I'm not commuting, I'm hitting the dirt on my fatbike, or going to the grocery store with my trailer, or hopping on my road bike for a club ride; I love and do it all. While not car free, I am proud that I use a bike more each week than I use my car.
When I commute, I am absolutely a Fred. Hi vis everything, ankle reflectors, flashing lights everywhere........as much as I feel like a geek, I made a promise to my wife and son that I would always do what I can to be as visible as possible. Here's what I wore today as it hangs behind me...
And my "Fred Sled"- 40 some pounds of pure joy. I absolutely love this bike-
So.....lol
On todays ride to work, I was doing a bridge crossing, and approaching the only sizable climb of my ride. (probably a 1/2 mile, at an average of 6%) I was buzzed by a guy in a full kit, riding a carbon wonder bike. I didn't think much of it until I was buzzed by another guy, and then finally, a third. All in full kits, and two were wearing aero TT helmets. After the 3rd rider passed me, it dawned on me that I had crossed paths with these 3 before, on the same hill, a couple of months ago.
So....you know those riders that pass you, and once you're behind them, you can tell that based on their crappy pedal stroke, bike handling, and beer belly that they probably aren't that fast, despite the 10k of gear they're sporting? Yep, that's the 3 Amigos. Last time they did the same thing; they blew by me on the flat road, and as soon as the road turned up, they appeared to struggle, so I passed them.
Today, was the same scenero, but instead of simply passing them on the hill, I smoked them. I didn't say a word as I passed, however, I did give each individual a friendly ding of my bell as I flashed them a peace sign. When I got to the top of the hill, I did a subtle fist pump, and proceeded to fly down the otherside. I caught the stop light at the bottom; I went straight, and the 3 Amigos made a right, most likely to go ride through the canyon.
Going back to some of the original thoughts and questions that were posed by the OP, why did I do it? I'm a pretty mellow dude; what made me get competitive and make a point to blow past these guys?
I came up with a couple thoughts, but what it all gets down to is this; When I ride my commuter, in hi-vis clothing, and look like a Fred, I generally get no respect from cyclists, unless of course, they are Freds themselves. (If I'm on my Seven, in a kit, it's a different story) My experience, based on where I ride, is that if you're going to be taken "seriously" you need to be in a full kit, on a carbon wonder bike, that costs more than your buddies carbon wonder bike. When such a rider passes me, It gets under my skin, so as a matter of personal pride, and to represent Freds everywhere, I drop the hammer.
I can only imagine what the 3 Amigos chatted about after they made their turn. They may say what they will, but they just got schooled by a dude with fenders....lol.
Can't wait for the mellow ride home this afternoon.
