Fred?

[solveig]

This thread makes me laugh because:
Not only can I never make it back from a ride without a chainring blob (from getting out the door, getting the bike on the rack, or just leaning the thing wrong when I stop)...

but I ride with two mismatched shoes (one Sidi, black w/ red & yellow highlights, and one royal blue Specialized)...the result of 2 very different foot sizes and a puny budget that only allows purchasing on Ebay!



But my shoes make me smile every day!

[KnottedYet]

I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for!



(ok, someone post the next rhyming couplet)

[Mr. Bloom]

I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for!



(ok, someone post the next rhyming couplet)

White tube socks keep ma' legs clean.
Tucked in shirts keep some parts from bein' seen.

[silver]

I wear my visor to protect my face
And turn up the elastic when I race.

[KnottedYet]

I remember reading an article in Bicycling about 20-25 years ago where the writer was describing a "Fred" (not the term he used, though) he encountered on his ride who was wearing BLACK socks. Cuz then white sox were fashionable, so black socks were the faux pas.

Mr. Black Socks kicked the author's butt, so he was appropriately chagrined for judging someone based on their appearance.

[7rider]

I remember reading an article in Bicycling about 20-25 years ago where the writer was describing a "Fred" (not the term he used, though) he encountered on his ride who was wearing BLACK socks. Cuz then white sox were fashionable, so black socks were the faux pas.

Mr. Black Socks kicked the author's butt, so he was appropriately chagrined for judging someone based on their appearance.

I remember that article...or something like it. "In pursuit of Black Socks" stays in my mind. The author spent his entire lunch ride chasing him down -- "I think he was drafting off a truck" -- with no luck. A classic piece of pro-Fredism.

So...after skimming this thread....it seems that Fred is humanity. Fred is us. And if we can't poke a little fun at ourselves once in a while, what's the point?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Regina, that little bunny bottom in your avatar is TOO CUTE.

[Tater]

I am a Fred/Doris/Wilma or whatever you want to call me, but I don't care! I do what I do because it works for me.

- My helmet has a visor. I need all the sun protection I can get, if I have to look up a bit further to see from my position on the bike, fine. It also works well in the rain for keeping drops off my glasses because I cannot do contacts. My helmet also has a mirror!

- I will wear a Camelbak on rides longer than forty miles. Where I ride, I don't often have the option of stopping at a Kwik Mart for water, 'cause they don't exist.

- I wear black socks! I have a 'thing' about wearing white socks on the bike. Most likely because by the time I get home, they aren't white anymore. Black hides dirt, grime, and whatnot better.

I embrace my Fredness!

[Crankin]

This is why I only ride with groups that have a higher percentage of "Fredisms." Seriously, I don't think I commit any Fred like things with my attire, but I do have a carbon bike with a triple. So does my husband (he has gone from a double to a compact double to a triple). I wear a mountain helmet because it's one of the few that fits me, but I rip the visor off as soon as I get it. I have one reflector on the back of my bike, in case I'm out at dawn or dusk. Right now I have a fender on my bike (see my previous ride reports), but it will probably come off today.
On my ride Saturday, the chair person of the bike committee was wearing regular baggy shorts. His underwear was showing out of the top. Since I was sweeping, this was not a pretty sight. He rides a clunky hybrid, with a huge pannier. I'm pretty sure he could leave me in the dust on this bike, which is why I never say anything about Fred....

[Starfish]

[QUOTE=KnottedYet;183276]I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for! QUOTE]

Yes, my setup is quite dorky,
though I need it 'cause I'm porky.

Going long leaves me all smiles;
so aerobars shred headwind miles.

And strangely I still love to climb,
(with my pie plate it's sublime)!

So, despite a look that's sappy,
check my smile: it means I'm happy!