DnvrFox

Met a guy on an old mtn bike today. I asked his age and he was 76 > 77. Wearing cotton twill pants with one leg rolled up, a pullover shirt, and he did have a helmet. No gloves or other "Bicycling" paraphernalia.

I had passed him before - he was going about 10 mph, but like the tortoise and the hare, I had to stop to make a cell call, and talk a bit with a friend at a rest stop, and he peddled right on by. It took me 6 more miles to catch up with him and talk to him.

He rides the trails several times a week, dressed just as he was, but said he also had to spend time in his garden, so he didn't get out as much as he would like.

Anyway, I kept thinking to myself - "This is THE real Fred." I have always claimed that the real Fred would have no clue that he was "THE REAL FRED." This guy had no clue.

A really nice guy!

10 Wheels

A Real Fred? No. Antique Fred

Wished you could have got a pic of him.

DnvrFox

So do I.

BTW, it was about 85 F and he had long pants and a long sleeve shirt.

10 Wheels

My grand pappy grew up on a farm in Kentucky.
Winter or summer he wore long Johns and flannel shirts.

gcottay

It must be an impostor. I wear shorts.

DnvrFox

There are a number of we 70+ folks who ride the trail regularly. I'm thinking about putting a sign up for us all to meet at the main shelter at a special time - just to say "Howdy" and to have our picture taken for the local paper. I think it might be inspiring to others in the community!

Then again, maybe I won't. I'm sure there must be some bureaucracy involved in putting a sign on a trail, etc., etc.

ahsposo 

I think your concept is correct. The "real" Fred doesn't care that he does anything but ride.

He/She (I mean this gender neutral not ..oh, never mind) is like a great folk artist. They do what they do and don't care or have a clue about "cycling" or "art".

I met a guy a few years ago, and I forget the circumstance, but I mentioned I liked to ride a bike. Oh, yeah he did too.

"Oh, I'll start out from the house about 6AM or so and I'll call the wife from a convenience store around noon or so and she'll come out and pick me up sometime that afternoon."

I got it from him he would just hop on his old curvy single speed Huffy and pedal up to 35 to 60 miles with no plan, water, cell phone, or anything till he got to someplace he could describe to his wife and they would make a rendezvous plan.

Power Tap that. Ride with GPS that.

Louis

Yeah, real freds wouldn't have any idea about "fredness", nor would they care.

Those are the only reasons why I'm not a fred. I DO have an idea and I DO care (well a little, anyhow).

cranky old dude

Fred won't show up.

leob1

No, the REAL Fred is the guy that stops his ride to make a phone call, and he doesn't even know he is the real Fred..

spooner

Isn't the old guy the cyclist and the storyteller the Fred?

DnvrFox

BluesDawg

Yep. Sounds like a real Fred to me. Blissfully unaware that there even is such a thing as a Fred.

NOS88

He may not be blissfully unaware. He might just be operating in a different reality.

I'm always amazed at the riders I meet that are "Freds" by either the definition of A) clothing, equipment, etc. doesn't match that of the "elitist roadie", or B) rides much better equipment and is much better outfitted than his or her skills would dictate. Some of them know that others think of them in less than friendly terms; they just aren't tuned in enough to that world to care. I find such individuals refreshing for the most part.

Daspydyr 

Like me, he is still riding the Fashion Train. Our train is coal fired, but we chug on down the tracks.

gash44

I do not get it. What difference does it make what he was wearing he was riding a bike and thats what really counts does it not. Why should he be labeled anything. He's a bike rider like the rest of us. Just because I dress in biking clothes does not make me any better a bike rider then any one else nor does it make the persons wearing regular clothes while riding any less of a bike rider. As far I am concerned it does not matter how they dress when riding as long as they are riding.

screenwasher

+1 gash44. I was in Quebec City for a week recently. I discovered the city and vicinity entirely on a rental bike, riding close to 200 miles in regular clothes and sandals. I saw people of all ages ride all over on all kinds of bikes in all kinds of clothing. Unless you are a racer or a wannabe, pricey flashy bike-specific clothing is hardly a prerequisite to enjoy riding a bike.

DnvrFox

Of course there is nothing wrong with it, and you are correct - it makes no difference. I was just commenting on the local "color."

It was not meant to be a "serious" or criticizing post, and I am sorry that it came across that way. As I said, I really enjoyed talking with the guy and learning more about him.

I enjoy meeting a variety of folks, and at times I express what I see and learn on this forum. As far as clothing, I wear just about anything.

Did not mean any offense to anyone.

Have a great day.

Bionicycle

For a “Fred” to be a “Real Fred”, it is said, that said “Fred” should be completely unaware of said “Fred’s” “Fred-like” behavior… If this is true… other than confused, I have know idea what I am then. Simply because I am keenly aware of what a “Fred” is (both definitions), and would find it extremely difficult to care any less about it.

So… am I a “Real Fred” since on any given day I may be out on my Mixte (I‘m a man BTW), with panniers, and up-right seating position; wearing cargo shorts, a pull over sport shirt, sandals on my feet, and facial hair (both beard and mustache) Also, wearing a Wal-mart sale Schwinn helmet with visor still in place, with the little stick on mirror on the side, and a small digital camera that looks more like a flashlight attached to the visor, and always a big smile on my face: and couldn‘t be paid to care any less.

I know all these things make me in the eyes of some, incredibly “Fred”. But, am I a “Real Fred”, since I am aware of my “Fredishness”? Or, am I simply a “Want to be Fred” much as many others view people riding CF bikes in full kits as want to be “Roadies/lance‘s” and therefore (second definition) “Fred”. So, in many ways everyone is “Fred”… But are they “Really”????

NOS88

Since it is a human made construct I believe it is open for modification and change like all other human made constructs.

Bionicycle

Ergo... they make it up as they go along to fit the needs of the group. So, why should anyone care?

gash44

As far as I am concerned you are not a Fred or anyone else for that matter. You ride a bike enjoy it with a smile on your face. In the end thats all that really matters. Just keep on enjoying the way you ride.

Bionicycle

Thank you... and I will. I'm just having a little tongue n cheek fun with the labels that some seem to insist on placing on others. I'm never really sure if it's the people coming up with the labels that are being labeled, or the one's being labeled that are... or if nobody really ever is.

gash44

+1

BluesDawg

The whole Fred thing is just one one those little sillinesses of bicycling talk. Nothing for anyone to get worked up about one way or another.