Way to identify FS 2022 participants

[komorebi]

I’m volunteering again to coordinate the identifier for Freezing Saddles 2022.

I’m open to suggestions about what the identifier should be. One new suggestion I’ve heard this year is custom wool socks. I’ve listed some options in the poll, and I’d welcome other ideas. Please vote by Sunday, December 5.

The poll is open to everyone who is thinking about (1) participating in FS2022, or (2) spectating from the sidelines.

P.S. If you were a participant in FS2018, FS2019, FS2020, or FS2021 and have lost your (highly collectible!) identifier, I still have extras available. $1 for each zipper pull, $2 for each ankle band, $5 for each gaiter. PM me to arrange details.

Topic

[Steve O]

I see a lot of people voting for socks. I love socks as much as the next cold-footed person, but I’m struggling to understand how they will work as an identifier when we are out on the trails in the dark. I guess you could hang one from your helmet or something. But it still might be hard to see in the dark.

[bentbike33]

@Steve O 211711 wrote:

I see a lot of people voting for socks. I love socks as much as the next cold-footed person, but I’m struggling to understand how they will work as an identifier when we are out on the trails in the dark. I guess you could hang one from your helmet or something. But it still might be hard to see in the dark.

Maybe we can get a custom version of these.

[dbb]

@bentbike33 211712 wrote:

Maybe we can get a custom version of these.

The cost would actually be half that shown as a prudent rider would only wear one, on their non-chain side. If one insists on riding with the pair, spraying the right one with chain cleaner or lube would put the inevitable contact to good use.

[Judd]

Custom bike safety flag is only 9 bucks: https://www.nationalbanner.com/Custom_Bike_Safety_Flags.htm

[sjclaeys]

@Steve O 211711 wrote:

I see a lot of people voting for socks. I love socks as much as the next cold-footed person, but I’m struggling to understand how they will work as an identifier when we are out on the trails in the dark. I guess you could hang one from your helmet or something. But it still might be hard to see in the dark.

There goes Evil Steve again, not accepting the will of the people!

[Fast Friendly Guy]

@Judd 211715 wrote:

Custom bike safety flag is only 9 bucks: https://www.nationalbanner.com/Custom_Bike_Safety_Flags.htm

Judd, Good idea and clearly recognizable, but there’s something we need to consider……it makes getting on and off the bike a real problem; it’s hard to get a leg over the top bar and saddle without hitting the flag with calf or ankle. I had trouble keeping my balance, trying to lift my leg over the bar in different ways. Just sayin’.

or having I know from my Halloween Hello Kitty flag

[ALClayville]

I like the sock idea. I’m always on the lookout for more socks, especially if they are warm.

[Judd]

@Fast Friendly Guy 211729 wrote:

Judd, Good idea and clearly recognizable, but there’s something we need to consider……it makes getting on and off the bike a real problem; it’s hard to get a leg over the top bar and saddle without hitting the flag with calf or ankle. I had trouble keeping my balance, trying to lift my leg over the bar in different ways. Just sayin’.

or having I know from my Halloween Hello Kitty flag

Pointless prize for the person who gives up going for a ride the most times because they can’t get their leg past the safety flag.

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[SFrank]

Hi Everyone, I am Sharon. I just officially signed up for FS22! I have participated at a distance for several years…and biked every day during FS21, but I was not local, so I was unofficial. I am now living in Arlington, so I can finally join with all my local friends. Let’s do this!

[GP_Slowride]

@Steve O 211711 wrote:

I see a lot of people voting for socks. I love socks as much as the next cold-footed person, but I’m struggling to understand how they will work as an identifier when we are out on the trails in the dark. I guess you could hang one from your helmet or something. But it still might be hard to see in the dark.

I agree with this. I usually wear socks under tights or pants so nobody would see them.

Maybe something like the tags that Safety Pizza sells? They are easier to spot than zipper pulls, socks, etc. Or something like this with custom printing/colors? Blue Lug makes a variety of smaller ones.

[Kristen_H]

Those tags look good and would be visible to all.

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[Kristen_H]

How about a different color gaiter. They are always useful.

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[ToddHull]

Reflective toe covers
Reflective stickers for your helmet
Reflective armband
Headband
Helmet cover

Liked last year’s gaiter.

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[Meh]

Ok, newbie question – what is the primary intent of the identifiers, beyond waving and saying hello?

[komorebi]

Remember to get your votes in by Sunday, December 6! Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday.

@Meh 211801 wrote:

Ok, newbie question – what is the primary intent of the identifiers, beyond waving and saying hello?

The identifiers:

1. help you identify other FS participants, either from this year or from previous years
2. serve as a conversation starter, when people ask you why you have a bright green zipper pull/ankle band/gaiter/whatever
3. establish your bona fides as a Rule 9 badass
4. all of the above!

[Author]

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