The FRA’s rich heritage

As with all successful groups the FRA has a rich tradition and a passion for bike riding. However, all has not been plain pedalling. Surprisingly, the FRA name was not adopted until 2006 when it became clear that we needed an identity and a raison d’etre.

But let’s begin at the beginning. The origins can be traced back to the Tour Down Under of 2001 when the Gov and DKJ were seen drooling at the bikes on show and decided to do some more serious riding themselves. They were quickly joined by Jimbo, Clackers and Brownie.

Long Sunday (and occasional Saturday) rides of nearly 30 or 40kms soon became the norm. And these were ridden at close to breakneck speeds of up to 25kph. Some of these rides even included hills and the original riders could be seen on the infamous Mt Barker Road climbs to Devil’s Elbow and even as far and as high as Eagle on the Hill.

As the kilometres were clocked up the rides became longer, faster and higher. Not surprisingly, this attracted the attention of seasoned riders such as Mattie and BruceB and aspirants Darren and Lorne.  And then a turning point, as winter approached - Lorne introduced 'fat boys' Thommo and  Tony. 

This started a close association with the long established Adelaide legends – the Fat Boys.  Tony N got Heff & Marc interested in the weekday winter fun and a few more looking for organised rides and instituted the Wednesday and Friday early morning Unley to the coast routine.  The serious commitment was reinforced by the fact that these rides began in winter! 

And it wasn’t long before the elite athletes (and the rich and famous) began to join up – including Pales, the Cohenator, Pudds, John, Pfitzie, Shane, Darren, Carl, Chief and Byrnsie. As seasons changed the fair weather riders (with a strong bias towards doctors and lawyers) joined the group, including Jacco, BruceM, Peter, Chitts, Trotty, Rob and Jenks.

With the continued publicity from the TDU, road cycling took off in Adelaide amongst those looking for fitness, camaraderie and coffee. As a result the bunch gained new riders. And it wasn’t just limited to grumpy old men. Some new riders were even in their 30’s and some were women no less. Amongst others, Bronnie, Anthea and Felicity became regular riders.

It became clear that this bunch of riders was gaining a reputation and with that the mailing list blossomed. As the sophistication of the group grew so did the rides – variations were introduced, pace lines developed and the speed increased – but with this came the inevitable accidents. It was evident that education and discipline were required. The group is now strongly committed to safe, challenging rides – with an emphasis on enjoyment.

A couple of years ago, it became clear that if we rode together we should look like we belonged together and the need for team gear became obvious. This, on the face of it, simple task was set in train and admirably managed by DKJ. As designs were developed, sponsors were sought, and discussions took place. After only a few months (and months) of reflection and searching for suitable manufacturers the first team gear was delivered in August 2004. But as yet, there was no team name.

Traditions such as the annual Christmas lunch began – the day starting with a ride, followed by a sumptuous lunch and finishing with a cleansing ale – or two - and the much anticipated annual awards. The Christmas Eve ride was introduced – followed by the mandatory full-on breakfast. Carb loading became a feature of the group (but, after the ride?).

Investment in bikes soared and riders have even been known to compete on the amount of money they are prepared to invest in their equipment to secure those extra few grams of weight advantage – of course, completely oblivious to the real issue of what is finally perched on the saddle.

The group has entered most of the organised South Australian rides – such as the Coast to Coast, the TDU Challenge (aka Breakaway, Be Active, etc), Sea to Vines, etc. In addition to these, it has proudly had rider participate in interstate and overseas events – notably Round the Bay in a Day (Melbourne), the Argus (South Africa), Lake Taupo challenge (New Zealand), etc.

With the increased rider numbers and greater sophistication the coffee stop moved to Cibo at Hyde Park – now the official home and naming rights sponsor. And this sparked the development of the new team gear with support of a range of sponsors – the latest outfit is now proudly worn by riders.

But how did the FRA get its name? Does it stand for the Fit, Red Amigos or perhaps Famous, Raunchy Athletes? Even the Fat, Risk Averse. No, it was a much more accurate description than these.

As with the ‘Fat Boys’ who are uniformly thin, so the ‘FRA’ in its heyday was more inclined to ride inclines. But with the maturing of the group the wise old heads found better pastures and so it was that one day, Brownie and Bils discovered the verdant plains of Adelaide. And so began a legend of flat riding that even now captures the imagination of some riders - and the name, Flat Riders Association, came into being.

Needless to say, the group regularly returns to its roots and can now be seen frequently venturing into the beautiful hills that surround Adelaide, content with the knowledge that the 3 letters of the FRA brand now are the supreme identity. Perhaps, even moving on to higher levels as we are Forever Riding Adelaide.