Viva la difference...

I suppose the type-1 Freds who tick me off -- the ones I really think of as Freds -- are the reverse snobs. You know, the ones who look down on roadies and racers and dirtbags, who see everyone outise of the bell-and-basket set [thanks Wabbit!] as being poseurs. They're the ones who yess "hey, slow down, enjoy the view" when you're out on a training ride on the Lakeshore road.

The great thing about cycling is that it's an activity that encompass all kinds of philosophies and worldviews, from the most V02max-obsessed racer to the guy in sandals with a re-painted CCM Targa at a Crtitical Mass demo. There's room for guys like D*Alex, Wabbit and me, and for LBM and Cycletourist. We probably won't be on a lot of rides together, but that's cool.

The bottom line is that a self-righteous Fred is no better than an obnoxious velosnob.

[And yes, I get cheesed when a Fred does everything in his power to keep me from passing -- including putting my life at risk. It has happened.]