Understanding cycling language

THE Namibian Model Pick & Pay Cycle Classic will be held in Windhoek on October 15.

Cycling enthusiasts are getting ready to take on the challenge, which will be determined over distances of 30, 60 and 100 kilometres. Getting in shape for an event like this means hours of training, mental preparation and following a balanced diet.That’s the easy part.Even more challenging is learning to speak and understand cycling lingo.The following will guide you along the rocky road of cleats and lines, and help you understand why attacking has nothing to do with drawing first blood.Attack: When a rider or group of riders decides to ride so fast that they ride away from the rest of the group.If you cannot catch up with this group again, the attack was successful.Bonk: When you experience a complete depletion of energy to such an extent that you ride at crawling pace or fall off your bike, you have probably bonked.Good hydration and snacking at regular intervals will help you avoid this.Cadence: The speed at which you travel, e.g.80 – 100 rpm (revolutions per minute).Cleats: The mechanism screwed into your cycling shoes to fit clipless pedals.Clipless pedals: Your shoes are attached to your pedals with cleats This offers you more pedalling power – especially when climbing.Drafting: Ride behind another bike to reduce wind resistance.Endo: Flying over your handlebars.This usually happens when you are speeding downhill and suddenly brake.Avoid this painful experience by ensuring that the bulk of your weight sits behind your saddle (sit on an imaginary saddle far behind the real one).First Blood: The first rider in a group who crashes and starts bleeding as a result.Granny gear: The smallest of your gears and the easiest to cycle in.It will become your best friend when you tackle those difficult climbs.Hammer: To stand up in your pedals and ride as hard as you can.Involuntary dismount: Otherwise known as a crash.Something you may see, but hopefully not experience first-hand, during the Cycle Classic.Line: The path you must take and stick to whenever you ride among a group of cyclists – especially during the Cycle Classic.Not sticking to your line can be extremely hazardous to cyclists around you and can result in crashing.Mojo: A charm or icon that is either attached to your bike or worn by yourself.Off day: Something you’ll hopefully not experience during the Cycle Classic.One of those days when you don’t feel or ride your best.Padded shorts: Be kind to your behind.Wear cycling pants or special padded shorts when you cycle.Peloton or Pack: The main group(s) of riders in a race.They are usually a team (think of Lance’s UPS Team in the Tour de France) that stick together to the end.Pinch flat: A flat tire caused by the tube being pinched between the rim and a hard object (like a stone).This usually happens when your tires are under-inflated.It’s also called a ‘Snake Bite’.Quick-release: A mechanism which can be found on your wheels or seat, allowing you to quickly remove or adjust the object without any tools.Recumbent Bike: A bicycle operated from a reclined position.Roastie: The scab that forms after you wiped out.Standing: When going up a hill, try getting off your saddle and pedal while standing for a minute.This gently sways your bike from side to side and gives you more leverage.Spinning: Pedalling fast at a high cadence Technical section: Part of a route that requires good bike handling skills.TITS: Time in the saddle (cyclists always want more!) Toe Clips: A Clip and Strap system that riders slide their feet into.You don’t always need special shoes for toe clips.Wipe-out: Falling hard on your own or crashing in a group.Zzzz: The well-deserved rest you’ll enjoy after the Cycle Classic.Courtesy Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour Media OfficeGetting in shape for an event like this means hours of training, mental preparation and following a balanced diet.That’s the easy part.Even more challenging is learning to speak and understand cycling lingo.The following will guide you along the rocky road of cleats and lines, and help you understand why attacking has nothing to do with drawing first blood.Attack: When a rider or group of riders decides to ride so fast that they ride away from the rest of the group.If you cannot catch up with this group again, the attack was successful.Bonk: When you experience a complete depletion of energy to such an extent that you ride at crawling pace or fall off your bike, you have probably bonked.Good hydration and snacking at regular intervals will help you avoid this.Cadence: The speed at which you travel, e.g.80 – 100 rpm (revolutions per minute).Cleats: The mechanism screwed into your cycling shoes to fit clipless pedals.Clipless pedals: Your shoes are attached to your pedals with cleats This offers you more pedalling power – especially when climbing.Drafting: Ride behind another bike to reduce wind resistance.Endo: Flying over your handlebars.This usually happens when you are speeding downhill and suddenly brake.Avoid this painful experience by ensuring that the bulk of your weight sits behind your saddle (sit on an imaginary saddle far behind the real one).First Blood: The first rider in a group who crashes and starts bleeding as a result.Granny gear: The smallest of your gears and the easiest to cycle in.It will become your best friend when you tackle those difficult climbs.Hammer: To stand up in your pedals and ride as hard as you can.Involuntary dismount: Otherwise known as a crash.Something you may see, but hopefully not experience first-hand, during the Cycle Classic.Line: The path you must take and stick to whenever you ride among a group of cyclists – especially during the Cycle Classic.Not sticking to your line can be extremely hazardous to cyclists around you and can result in crashing.Mojo: A charm or icon that is either attached to your bike or worn by yourself.Off day: Something you’ll hopefully not experience during the Cycle Classic.One of those days when you don’t feel or ride your best.Padded shorts: Be kind to your behind.Wear cycling pants or special padded shorts when you cycle.Peloton or Pack: The main group(s) of riders in a race.They are usually a team (think of Lance’s UPS Team in the Tour de France) that stick together to the end.Pinch flat: A flat tire caused by the tube being pinched between the rim and a hard object (like a stone).This usually happens when your tires are under-inflated.It’s also called a ‘Snake Bite’.Quick-release: A mechanism which can be found on your wheels or seat, allowing you to quickly remove or adjust the object without any tools.Recumbent Bike: A bicycle operated from a reclined position.Roastie: The scab that forms after you wiped out.Standing: When going up a hill, try getting off your saddle and pedal while standing for a minute.This gently sways your bike from side to side and gives you more leverage.Spinning: Pedalling fast at a high cadence Technical section: Part of a route that requires good bike handling skills.TITS: Time in the saddle (cyclists always want more!) Toe Clips: A Clip and Strap system that riders slide their feet into.You don’t always need special shoes for toe clips.Wipe-out: Falling hard on your own or crashing in a group.Zzzz: The well-deserved rest you’ll enjoy after the Cycle Classic.Courtesy Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour Media Office