Brad DeMott’s pre-work routine is different than that of most people.
If weather conditions are favorable, the 62-year-old grandfather of nine will show up early enough to squeeze in a bicycle ride lasting anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. In that time, the man better known as “Freddie” is usually able to cover between 25 and 35 miles in distance.
An avid cyclist most of his life, DeMott, manager of the Gray Goat Bicycle Company stores in Indianapolis and Franklin, remains attracted to the sport’s combination of exercise and tranquility.
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“I’ve been cycling pretty much my whole life, but bike camping and touring led to racing,” said DeMott, who resides with his family in the Shelby County town of Marietta. “I bought my first race license in 1981. I don’t do as much racing anymore. I’ve been cutting back because there’s not much for 60-plus-year-olds.
“But I’m sure in my life I’ve done over 100. I used to travel more. I’ve raced in Wisconsin, Colorado, Virginia. With cycling, it’s about a healthy lifestyle, the fitness aspect. It’s faster than running and easier on the body as long as you don’t crash.”
DeMott, a 1974 graduate of Franklin Community High School, became passionate about cycling while building bicycles for a friend at a shop on the southside of Indianapolis.
Besides the aforementioned rides before starting a work shift, DeMott takes part in group rides each week. He rides any one of three different bicycles, but he owns close to 40. Most are reminders of DeMott’s past, as they are ones he previously rode for training and/or racing purposes.
His nickname goes back decades as well. DeMott said people have called him “Freddie” since the late 1970s. He said most cycling people don’t know his given name is Brad.
“(Cycling) is kind of my addiction now. I pretty much have to ride to keep the head clear,” DeMott said. “I’ve always averaged 5,000 to 6,000 miles a year, but I’m down from that this year. I’ve cut back the last couple years. It’s not like I have to train, because I’m not racing, but I still want to ride. It’s still a daily thing.”
He even cycles during the winter as long as the snow isn’t too deep or the ice too plentiful. DeMott says cyclists have been known to invest in accessories such as cleated cycling shoes, helmets, gloves and eye goggles at a cost ranging from $300 to $800.
Indianapolis resident Chris Bowman is one of DeMott’s riding partners. The two met in the early 1990s on what’s referred to as Taco Bell Trail, the rural roads east of the Martinsville Taco Bell. Bowman appreciates DeMott’s unwavering dedication to cycling and is a captive audience any time advice is given.
“I’ve probably known him since 1992 or 1993, and he’s just got really good riding skills,” said Bowman, who continues to race. “He’s raced mountain bikes and road bikes. He’s just a good bike handler. Racing-wise, he always says to give a little more because everyone is suffering just as much as you are.”
DeMott knows. After all these years, whether competing or not, Freddie remains fast.
