The existence of a “NO FREDS” tee shirt was brought to the attention of The FRED Society by a long time Long Beach California member.

Rather than jumping to any definite conclusions, the Head Fred decided to try and locate the source of this offensive outer wear. After browsing through several bicycle stores, he stopped in at a little shop in the Los Angeles area. There it was, the scurrilous garment displayed along side all the neat and expensive cycle accessories. To say the least, the Head Fred was irked. A salesperson was asked why they chose Fred as the chosen name to bash? No one knew. “It just is.” said sales person Shawn.

From all the travels to the bike stores, it became quite evident to the Head Fred that Freds were NOT the most favored topic of conversation among the professional and semi-professional cyclists. It seems that a cyclist out on the highways and byways, who does not measure up to the “pros” conception of professionalism in cycling are labeled a Fred! One of the many long list of infractions Freds are accused of is flooding the bike lanes on weekends and hindering the progress of the “real” cyclists. One thing which sets you apart, and labels you a “for-sure Fred” is if you wear an oversized helmet, with mirrors and reflectors attached. David R of Seal Beach can attest to this. He didn’t realize he was a ‘Fred’, until a passing cyclist shouted “FRED!” as an obscenity in his direction.

Whomever dreamed up the “NO FREDS” concept must have thought they were attacking a pretty docile and unconcerned group. They couldn’t have been more incorrect! We Freds will persevere and one day, the roadways will be free of negative Fred references.

Here's an email response from Fred H. of Oklahoma, 3/20/02: To the HeadFred and all other Fred's out there. "My name is Fred. I'm from Oklahoma City and have been a road bicyclist for many years now. While my name is Fred, no one has ever used the noble name as an insult for less able cyclist here. Of coarse it helps that the most respected cyclist in the state(Fred Camp) has been ridding for more years than I've been alive, and I'll be 42 this April!

Just thought you would be interested to know that not all cyclist are like the ones dawning the "No Freds" tees and that there is a place in this great land of ours where a Fred can ride his or her bike unscathed by the small minds of wanna-be elitist.

Note from the Freditor: Thanks for the thoughts Fred. All the Fred here at FredQuarters agree, the roadways should be open to all that ride friendly and responsibly.

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