Fred?
#51
Tractorlegs
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We are all Freds to somebody. Everyone is a Fred to me. We are all proud of our Fred heritage.
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Trikeman
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There's a guy who's a legend among bicyclists. (I don't even know if he really existed or not, to tell the truth) In the early 1900s he went on a cross country bicycle trip and had all sorts of adventures. I'll bet he was one tough cookie. I've heard that his first name was Fred and that 'utility' type bicyclists are referred to as such out of a sort of deference to this guy.
But, really, I don't believe this.
But, really, I don't believe this.
You can believe it. Fred passed away this spring at the age of 100 but many new Fred’s live on. He was quite an interesting guy to read about. I attached a few links to get you started. Attached is a picture to give you a feel for the original Fred look.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)
https://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html
.
#53
Senior Member
My spandex is off brand, and I commute on an inexpensive road bike wearing a full backpack, so I guess that make me a little Fred. Nothing to be ashamed of. Those that use it in derision are usually over arrogant posers.
#54
Prefers Cicero
Here we have the problem of multiple Freds. As others have pointed out, historically the term "Fred" referred to a commuter or tourer or utility rider, who might be underestimated or mocked by roadies when in fact he is as fit and skilled and knowledgeable as many roadies, or even more so. However the term has been corrupted to also refer to newbie, wannabe roadies who have naïvely overbought expensive equipment, but lack the skills or knowledge or fitness to match.
Last edited by cooker; 09-25-12 at 09:03 AM.
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You can believe it. Fred passed away this spring at the age of 100 but many new Fred’s live on. He was quite an interesting guy to read about. I attached a few links to get you started. Attached is a picture to give you a feel for the original Fred look.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)
https://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)
https://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html
.
It's interesting.
Both my clothing and equipment sort of look like that. Though updated, of course.
It doesn't surprise me and I'll bet you other freds look similar.
There's just no way around it; we are the coolest bicyclists.
Also, I didn't really doubt Fred's existence so much as I doubted that the posers called us fred out of admiration for him and for us. That seems very dubious.
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i have lights,fenders,a rack,a computer a pump and a couple water bottles on my bike. i love my bike and i love riding it.....so yes i am a fred and i am proud
#57
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It's interesting.
Both my clothing and equipment sort of look like that. Though updated, of course.
It doesn't surprise me and I'll bet you other freds look similar.
There's just no way around it; we are the coolest bicyclists.
Also, I didn't really doubt Fred's existence so much as I doubted that the posers called us fred out of admiration for him and for us. That seems very dubious.
Both my clothing and equipment sort of look like that. Though updated, of course.
It doesn't surprise me and I'll bet you other freds look similar.
There's just no way around it; we are the coolest bicyclists.
Also, I didn't really doubt Fred's existence so much as I doubted that the posers called us fred out of admiration for him and for us. That seems very dubious.
To me I do and ride however it feels right to me and don’t really care what others view it as. I tend to admire a guy like Fred Birchmore. Can you imagine taking off on your bike in 1935 and riding 25000 for something to do exciting for a couple years. I try and keep that image of “Fred” in the back of my mind and in that context being Fred does make you the coolest of bicyclists.
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One great thing about us "Fred's" I'll have to say is at least we don't need a road support crew following us around if we get a flat. We just fix it. They need a tech crew, and someone to give 'em a drink of water (they don't need the extra weight to low down their roll).
And "YES!!!", Fred's of the world need to unite!!!
And "YES!!!", Fred's of the world need to unite!!!
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If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#59
Tractorlegs
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You can believe it. Fred passed away this spring at the age of 100 but many new Fred’s live on. He was quite an interesting guy to read about. I attached a few links to get you started. Attached is a picture to give you a feel for the original Fred look.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)
https://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)
https://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html
.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#61
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
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The path of the righteous commuter is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish cager and the tyranny of evil roadies. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the newbie commuter cyclist through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the builder of ridiculously bright DIY bicycle lights. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brother commuter. And you will know I am a Fred when I lay my vengeance upon thee...
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"Surely one can love his own country without becoming hopelessly lost in an all-consuming flame of narrow-minded nationalism" - Fred Birchmore
"Surely one can love his own country without becoming hopelessly lost in an all-consuming flame of narrow-minded nationalism" - Fred Birchmore
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Fred is Dead. RIP Fred
https://athens.patch.com/articles/ath...re-dies-at-100
[h=1]Athens Native and Wonder Fred Birchmore Dies at 100[/h]On Sunday morning, Athens Centenarian, Kiwanian and world traveler Fred Birchmore died.
An Athens native, he was a fixture at the Athens YMCA after he retired from real estate in 1973, working out almost every day almost until his death. A native of Athens, Mr. Birchmore had both an undergraduate, a master’s and a law degree from UGA.
He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Willa Deane, and their four children, Fred, Jr., Belinda, Becky and Danny.
“He was in great physical condition his whole life, and was really addicted to exercise and working out,” said fellow Kiwanian Larry Dendy. "He once said the reason he did all of these things was that he had to burn off his energy."
There are many tales of his physical prowess. When he was in his 20s, Mr. Birchmore rode a bicycle—named Bucephalus, for Alexander the Great’s horse—around the world and wrote a memoir about his adventures. A gymnast in his youth, as an adult he walked on his hands up the stairs in the Southern Mutual Building, where he had his office; up the stairs near Sanford Stadium; and up the steps of the Washington Monument. He traveled the world, including taking a trip to Machu Picchu when he was well past retirement.
Bummed I was going to go to his birthday and get my copy of his book re-signed and he ended up in the hospital that day.
https://athens.patch.com/articles/ath...re-dies-at-100
[h=1]Athens Native and Wonder Fred Birchmore Dies at 100[/h]On Sunday morning, Athens Centenarian, Kiwanian and world traveler Fred Birchmore died.
An Athens native, he was a fixture at the Athens YMCA after he retired from real estate in 1973, working out almost every day almost until his death. A native of Athens, Mr. Birchmore had both an undergraduate, a master’s and a law degree from UGA.
He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Willa Deane, and their four children, Fred, Jr., Belinda, Becky and Danny.
“He was in great physical condition his whole life, and was really addicted to exercise and working out,” said fellow Kiwanian Larry Dendy. "He once said the reason he did all of these things was that he had to burn off his energy."
There are many tales of his physical prowess. When he was in his 20s, Mr. Birchmore rode a bicycle—named Bucephalus, for Alexander the Great’s horse—around the world and wrote a memoir about his adventures. A gymnast in his youth, as an adult he walked on his hands up the stairs in the Southern Mutual Building, where he had his office; up the stairs near Sanford Stadium; and up the steps of the Washington Monument. He traveled the world, including taking a trip to Machu Picchu when he was well past retirement.
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I just love that cyclists invented a term like this You will see me with a backpack (because i like carrying things when i ride including books) fenders, cheap bike, mirror, flashlight headlight, regular clothes and i will never ever ever ever shave my legs or anything else!
#65
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I'm Fred as he11 and proud of it
Bought 20 year old steel bike used for $35 - check
Fenders - check
Rear rack - check
Seat bag - check
Flashlight mounted to handlebars - check
Grateful Dead T-shirt - check
Wool hiking socks - check
Dewalt safety glasses - check
Beard - check
Hairy legs - double check
Yep - I'm good to go
Bought 20 year old steel bike used for $35 - check
Fenders - check
Rear rack - check
Seat bag - check
Flashlight mounted to handlebars - check
Grateful Dead T-shirt - check
Wool hiking socks - check
Dewalt safety glasses - check
Beard - check
Hairy legs - double check
Yep - I'm good to go
Last edited by Myosmith; 09-29-12 at 04:53 PM.
#66
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Here is a real one:
Fred Tipps, 55 y/o Marine (no Colon)
2200 miles on a Next bike, camping the whole way.
NM to FL to see his sister.
https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...9VanHornTX.jpg
I had the pleasure to buy him lunch in Santa Fe Texas.
Fred Tipps, 55 y/o Marine (no Colon)
2200 miles on a Next bike, camping the whole way.
NM to FL to see his sister.
https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...9VanHornTX.jpg
I had the pleasure to buy him lunch in Santa Fe Texas.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
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I have met the Fred and he is us. Fred and Fredrika are the cyclists you see in about 80% of TV commercials these days.