<<

TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

200 meter line bonk 200 meter line of the Marymoor The 200 meter line is black to contrast with the and it’s maintenance. He won track and is 200 meters before the finish line. This the first Seattle to Portland in line across the track, near the back rail gate is 1979, when it was a race and used for timing only. has ridden every STP since. aero Jerry has been at the forefront adj. abbreviation for aerodynamically efficient. in promoting & administering “That helmet is so aero.” the MVA & local cyclocross aero-bars . He is a venerated n. handlebar extension which places hands out leader of the community in the Seattle and over the front hub, similar to a skier’s tuck. hundreds join him on his annual New Year’s Day ANSI social ride. n. helmet standard set by the American bail National Standards Institute (ANSI). 1) or bail out. v. to jump off in order to avoid an Alpenrose imminent crash. Alpenrose Velodrome in Portland, OR. 2) v. to give up on a ride because of bad weather www.obra.org/track coming in. apex balustrade 1) n. the apex is the middle or sharpest point of a n. the outside railing around the velodrome. curve bars 2) v. to plan your line around a bend to touch the or handle bars. n. on & track bikes, refined inside of the lane at the apex, starting and leaving component which promotes , body the turn at the outside of the lane,to flatten out the geometry, muscle teamwork, stability, and comfort. required curve and increase allowable speeds. lap ATB n. the last lap of a race will be announced by ringing n. All-Terrain Bike or Biking. A synonym for MTB. a bell & display of the 1 on the lap cards. attack blocking n., v. a sudden attempt to ride ahead of a group n. getting in the way of rival riders, to help a of riders. teammate get ahead on a breakaway. Australian Pursuit band n. event where multiple riders are also Cote d’Azur. n. French origin. The blue band started equally spaced around the track. Riders designates “out-of-bounds” and is the inner edge are eliminated as they are caught from behind. of the track all the way around. No passing on the Often the event goes until only one rider remains blue band during races. as the winner, but can be run on time. bonk B.A.A.R. n., v. slang term for blowing up, hitting the wall, Best All Around Rider. often a competition with or otherwise out of stamina in midride. points per event. Could be called an . Can be caused by -- and is frequently blamed Baker, Jerry on -- insufficient water or calorie intake, but in A longtime cycling enthiusiast and in important truth is usually a result of insufficient training. part of the Seattle cycling community for many “Had I eaten more linguini last night, I’m certain I years. One of the instrumental folks in the creation wouldn’t have bonked.”

1 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

cluster bottom bracket or when the chainring is so worn that it holds onto n. the bearing assembly to which your the chain & lifts it up to meet the incoming part of arms attach. the chain. break chamois or breakaway. n., v. a splitting of the field, where pronounced “chammy”. The pad in the crotch of some riders race ahead, trying to avoid being cycling shorts. “Chamois time is training time.” reabsorbed by the larger and more aerodynamicly Championship Events efficient peloton. n. races that are part of World or Olympic bridge Championships. These events are not usually usually “bridging a gap” by making progress from part of “show” events during race series as one group to the next one in front. Takes a great formats may vary time schedules. Often these deal of energy, but is often worth it. are timed races against the clock. Burnaby chase Burnaby Velodrome (200 meter indoor wood v. when a chase group tries to catch up with a group track) in Burnaby (outside Vancouver), British of riders who have broken away from a pack. Columbia, . Harry Jerome chop Center. UCI racing and rules apply. Marymoor to move down the track, cutting off another rider. riders need International USA Cycling License A “hook” is a similar move, but up the track. to participate. www.burnabyvelodrome.ca Penalties include relegation or disqualification; campy possible suspension. adj., n. short for , a famed Italian road cleat bike component manufacturer. n. a cleat attaches to the bottom of a cycling cassette shoe. Older style cleats have a slot that fits over n. the assembly of gears mated to the rear hub of the back of the pedal, and in conjunction with a road bike. See also gear cluster. toe clips and straps, hold your foot on the pedal. cashed Now clipless have a specially designed adj. to be too tired to ride any farther; bonked. cleat that locks into the pedal. century clincher n. a 100 mile bike ride, or a metric century which is 100 or clinchers. n. tires which use a separate & km (60 miles). Takes about 3.5 or 4 hours, respectively, tube, the latter replaced after a puncture. Contrast on a road bike, if you’re in reasonable shape. with tubular type tires. chainring clip out n. a gear at the front, attached to the cranks. or click out. v. to disengage one’s shoes from the chainring tattoo pedals. n. the dotted-line scar you get from gouging your clipless shin on the chainring. See rookie mark. adj. misleading name for a pedal-and-shoe chainstay system where the clips or cleats clip onto the n. the bottom part of the frame that the rear soles of special shoes. Called “clipless” because passes through, low parallel to the chain. you can’t see the clips when you’re clipped in. chainsuck Contrast with toe clips. n. slang. condition when the bike chain gets cluster jammed between the frame and the chain rings, n. an assembly of gears. Usually described by

2 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

cog door their configuration: “My rear cluster is a 12-25.” dab Also known as a cassette. v. to put a foot down in order to catch your balance. cog “I made it without crashing, but I had to dab .” n. a single gear, usually at the rear gear. Also death grip many cogs comprise a cassette on road bikes. n. an overly tight grip on the handlebars caused col by fear of terrain, resulting in an endo or other n. the lowest point between two mountains. Also unfortunate mishap. called a pass. French origin. Cote d’Azur n. those things that move the chain and change also blue band. n. French origin. A blue band gears, one in the front and one in the back. Usually designates “out-of-bounds” and is the inner edge horribly mispronounced. of the track all the way around. derny components n. a used for pacing during n. the moving parts of a bike that are attached to some events or training. the frame. Components often come in a complete devil (or Devil Take the Hindmost) group or gruppo (Italian). also known as the Elimination or the Miss-&-out. Commissaire An an in pack riding & a test in tactics. or UCI International Commissaire (race official). Most often, each lap, the last rider across the start/ cow horns finish line is eliminated, as is asked to withdraw n. the starting hand grip portion of aero bars, from the competition. This is often down to three originally created from cut off drop style bars, sprinting for the win at the end. Sometimes turned upside down. described as “musical chairs on a bike.” crank arm DNF n. the metal arms of the drivetrain; to which the abbr. in results for “Did Not Finish” pedals attach. dialed in adj. when a bike is set up nicely and everything n. a massed start, high-speed bicycle road works just right. Learn to get your bike dialed. race event in which riders race around a closed disk wheel (also disc) circuit racecourse to compete for order of finish. n. refers to a solid wheel. Common for rear , are usually held on closed urban or but only used on the front wheel when there is not wind suburban public . Typical courses are to disrupt . Used to be more aerodynamic, as one mile in approximate length. Closest of road wheels spin, as well as move forward events to . Disqualification cyclocross abbr in results as “DQ.” A penalty that causes a n. a race run much like a criterium, except that rider or team to lose placing in a race and to be the racecourse involves dirt surfaces, , and ineligible for any subsequent heats in the race. a variety of other surfaces and obstacles, many of which must be overcome by running with the of French origin, referring to a rider who sacrifices bicycle. All cyclocross races are held on closed their placing to help a teammate. circuits on either park or vacant land, although door are often integrated into the racecourse. See to “shut the door” on another rider or close an more at www.SeattleCX.com opening in a group, blocking their movement

3 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

double butted hammer double-butted Am , Pan Am Championship, or n. tubing with a higher wall thickness within the current calendar year. at both ends, to reduce the weight of the tubing for a field given weight. See single-butted, triple-butted. n. the clump of riders near or at the front in a on wheels may be double-butted thickness. road race. “We made a break on that big ascent, down tube and at one point the rest of the field was over a n. the part of the bicycle frame that connects the minute behind.” and the bottom bracket. fieldsprint downstroke n. a sprint for the finish line involving a large n. when the rider is pushing down on the pedal. group of riders. draft flick 1) v. to ride behind a windshield, such as another v. to make others in your draft go around. rider or a motor . “When I was you float I barely had to turn the cranks!” to pedal with light pressure, using little energy 2) n. the area sheltered behing a moving object. forcing the pace “You know, it’s kinda hard to stay in your draft at v. to increase the speed of the race to the point high speed if you don’t ride in a straight line.” that other riders have trouble keeping up. dropouts forks n. the U-shaped slots that accept the wheel axle. n. what holds the front wheel to the bike. drops n. the dropped section on dropped handlebars. n. the part of the rear gear cluster that allows the Used in massed start events, bike to coast without the pedals turning, or what echelon you find in the parking lot after a big race. n. a diagonal paceline, which modifies the single- funny bike file formation for a crosswind. adj. a 1980’s term for pursuit style bikes that had Elimination two different sized wheels. also known as The Miss-n-out or Devil Take the gear cluster Hindmost. An an exercise in pack riding and a n. an assembly of gears. Usually described by test in tactics. Most often, each lap, the last rider their configuration: “My rear cluster is a 12-25.” across the start/finish line is eliminated, as is Also known as a casette. asked to withdraw from the competition. This is gnarly often down to two or three sprinting for the win at adj. an 1980’s term for a tight race situations. the end. Sometimes described as “musical chairs granny gear on a bike.” n. the lowest gear available on a bike, or a third Elite and smallest front cog, which is only found on A rider is one who satisfies any of the following conditions: road/mtn bikes. a) has a racing age of 23 to 29, b) has a racing age half-wheel of 19-22 and is a member of a UCI Pro team, c) has a v. constatnly staying slightly ahead (about a half- racing age of 30 years or older and has been a member wheel) of another rider of any UCI Team at any time in the current year, d) has hammer a racing age of 30 years or older and has competed in 1) v. to ride fast and hard. Also to “put the hammer any elite UCI World Cups, World Championships, Pan down.” 2) n. a hammerhead.

4 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

hammered jump hammered thinner air results in lower aerodynamic drag, adj. exhausted. which more than offsets the added difficulty of hammerhead . Innovations in equipment and the n. a rider who hammers, or simply can ride faster rider’s position on the bike have also led to than the one commenting. dramatic improvements in the , but handicap have also been a source of controversy. an event where riders are started from various hub points around the track giving advantages in n. located at the center of the wheel attached to distance to the slower riders, in an effort to even the rim by the spokes. out the competition. Individual pursuit hanging on Two riders compete over a fixed distance (Elite v. riding in the slipstream of another rider, but being Men : 4 km, Elite women : 3 km) They start from lazy and refusing to take your turn in at the front. two opposite points on the track. The winner is head tube the rider who catches up with his rival or who n. the short frame tube that attaches the top tube records the best time. A time trial track event in to the down tube, and holds the in place the World Championships. headset interval n. the bearing assembly that attaches the fork to to ride hard for a certain distance or amount of the head tube. time, often followed by some rest period, as part hook of a training regimen. v. an abrupt motion up the track by a rider, so as Invitational to interfere with the forward progress of another An invitational race is one in which only riders who rider, either intentionally or by accident [relegation are invited by the organizer may compete. or disqualification; possible suspension]. Italian Pursuit hooks Same format as event, but often with n. the dropped section on dropped handlebars. many more team mates than three riders. Each Hour Record rider takes a full lap pull, then peals off allowing In addition to regular track racing, tracks are the team time to be found on the last rider. also the venue for many cycling records. The jam most famous is the hour record, which involves v. to ride at a quick pace, often to chase down or simply riding as far as possible in one hour. The start break away attempts. “We jammed to bring history of the hour record is replete with exploits them back before the final sprint.” by some of the greatest names in cycling jamming tool from both road and track racing (including, n. a tool once used in events that was among others, , , in the waist of cycling shorts. The partner would , , , grab the shorts where the tool is located on the , and Tony hip to perform a seat sling exchange. Rominger). Originally, attempts were made jet at with reputations for being fast v. to accelerate quickly; to go very fast. (such as the Velodromo Vigorelli in ). More jump recently, attempts have moved to high-altitude v. a quick acceration. The group did a couple of locations, such as , where the jumps after the paceline warmup.”

5 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

junior measurement line junior sportsmen in the 1920-1930’s. adj. related to age group designation. Juniors are lead out ages 10 to 18. n., v. a rider intentionally sacrificing his chances junior gears of winning a sprint, so that a teammate can ride in The maximum chaingear ratio for Junior riders is based his draft until ready to begin the sprint. on age and discipline. All tests for line compliance shall be done using the “roll-out method.” n. the desirable path or strategy to take on a For track the limits are: section or . Ages 17-18: Unrestricted lug Ages 15-16: 6.78 meters (22’3”) (48x15) n. metal reinforcing piece into which the tubing for Ages 13-14: 6.36 meters (20’10.5”) (48x16) expensive road bikes is brazed, allowing lighter tubing. Ages 10-12: 6.00 meters (19’8”) (48x17) The seat lug reinforces the connection between the top The gear limit for a rider is determined by the age of tube and the seat tube, for example. the rider and the discipline, and applies in all events mass start/ massed start in that discipline – even when other entrants may events where multiple riders (groups) are on the not have the same (or any) limit. Note that the gear track, starting in the same portion of the track ratios listed are merely suggestions – the distance without holders rolled out is the governing standard. Madison This endurance team race requires a perfect An Olympic and event starting understanding between the two/three team-mates. from the paramutal-betting sprint event from ,with The is drawn up on distance and the points 6 to 9 riders square up against one another in a won by the riders. With a maximum of 18 teams, massed sprint event of 2km. With riding for around generally run over 50 km, this is a spectacular 1400 m. behind a pacer/, gradually increasing event. The team members can take over from in speed from 30 to 50 km/h. If the number of entrants each other as and when they like, by touching warrants, there may be qualification and/or repêchage hands or hips. While one of the riders is in the rounds leading to a final race. Normally the pacer rides race, the other one goes round at slower speed. a derny or motorized pacing bicycle; a tandem may be The event named after Madison Square Gardens used when practicable. arena in NY City, where the race originated at the kick turn of the 20th century. a final burst of speed during the final sprint portion Major Taylor of a race Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor the turn of the Kilo century American and World bicycle racing or Kilometer (same style event is 500 meters champion. Pioneer in integrating modern era for women). A long sprinted time trial. This is an sports. Born in Indianapolis, IN, where a velodrome , from a standing start. The was since built in his name in the 1980’s. rider credited with the best time is decided the mechanic winner. A former Olympic sprint event, now part n. a bike mechanic, especially at a professional of Omnium at Worlds. bike race in Europe. See also tech and . Kramer, Frank (1880-1952) measurement line Kramer, turn of the century sprint & World also Pole Line. n. is black to contrast with the track. Champion (16 time winner). One of the richest The official length of the track is to be measured

6 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

miss-n-out over geared on this line. [400m for Marymoor Velodrome] frame geometry, and even weight and material of miss-n-out components. These requirements were established also known as The Elimination or Devil Take the in 1957 in an attempt to prevent any racers from Hindmost. An an exercise in pack riding and a test in having equipment-related advantages. tactics. Most often, each lap, the last rider across the NORBA start/finish line is eliminated, as is asked to withdraw n. National Off-Road Bicycling Association. As from the competition. This is often down to two or three part of USA Cycling, they organize most of the sprinting for the win at the end. Sometimes described larger races. as “musical chairs on a bike.” OBRA moto Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. Association or Motor Official. n. a race referee or official who that conducts racing at Alpenrose Velodrome in uses a during the bicycle race event. Portland, OR. www.obra.org motorpace off the back (OTB) also known as “Staying” (hence the name “stayer’s adj. when a rider is dropped, or cannot keep line” on the track) Popular in Europe, the event is up with the pace of the windshield (such as a a team event with a cyclist and a motorized pacer. peloton or another rider) and falls behind. Also be done for specialized training. off the front MTB adj. when a rider takes part in a breakaway, where n. the activity of . Or a mountain one or more riders scoot up ahead of the main bike itself. Also v. “MTBing”. peloton in a race. NTC omnium n. abbreviation for National Track Calendar for n. a set of races in which riders compete for points USA Cycling. Championship events across the in each event and final placings are determined USA. The Marymoor Gran Prix is on the NTC. by total points in all events. Riders do not have NCCA to participate in each event of the omnium unless n. abbreviation for National Collegiate Cycling specified in the event regulations. Different Association . The NCCA is a standing committee numbers of points may be given in different of USA Cycling. The NCCA administers, develops, events. The scoring scheme shall be specified in promotes and governs collegiate bicycling across the official race announcement. the country. Rules for NCCA bicycle road races omnium (World Championship event) are the same as for USCF bicycle race events. International-style Omnium: this is a different event nipple from conventional , with different scoring, tie- n. the nut at the end of a that nobody knows breaking, and the requirement that riders must compete the real name for. in all events. The following rules apply: NJS (a) The events are (in the order listed): 1. Flying lap Nihon Jitensha Shink-kai (lit. Japan Bicycle time trial 2. Miss-N-out 3. Individual pursuit 4. Points Promotion Association), or Japan Keirin Association, race 5. 1000m time trial. Any rider failing to attempt to often abbreviated NJS, is the council responsible start in one of the events shall not be allowed to take for fostering Japan’s and regulating part in the subsequent events but shall be considered keirin racing in Japan.In addition to licensing keirin DNF in the final classification. racers, the association sets specifications for overgeared frames and parts such as wheel size, spoke count, adj. a condition where the rider is using a gear

7 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

over geared Relegation combination which is too high or “hard” given the by 20 to 30 riders during sprints (in all 10 laps of circumstances. Generally results in bogging down 250 m track) and according to the laps won [extra or needless fatigue. points awarded for each lap gained]. out of the saddle Presta standing up on the pedals, off the bicycle seat n. type of tire valve which is taller, lighter and paceline skinnier than “Shraeder” tire valves, which n. A single file of riders, each of which takes his incorporate a -in lock into the valve. turn battling the wind at the front. prime pack n. from Latin, “prima” meaning first, hence the n. the largest group of riders in a massed start event. pronounciation as “preem.” A prize given to the peanut butter wrench first rider to cross the line, often at any point in originally made by Campagnolo, this wrench is the race. A special bonus, above and beyond the used for crank bolts and 15mm wheel bolts, but prizes for winning the race. has a flat handle - that could spread peanut butter pull on your sandwich. v. to ride at the front of a group of riders, where peloton there is no protection from wind resistance. n. , from French, the large, aerodynamicly efficient, pull off and extremely fast pack of riders near the front in v. to give up at the front of a group, and return to a road race, also known as the field. a position in the formation that is sheltered from picking a line wind resistance, such as the back of a paceline. v. planning the path of the bike by anticipating pull through other competitors moves in a pack. v. to take the front position in a paceline after the pick up previous leader has “pulled off” and left for the rear. a change of partners in the Madison event. quick-release piano n. bolts with levers attached, for easy adjustment n. to ride slow enough so as to be able to “ the and removal of wheels and seat height piano.” Easy ride. randonee pinch flat n. a form of cross country bicycle race event. It is n. flat tire caused by the tube being pinched run as a very long recreational event, lasting two between the rim and a hard object, usually due to or three days. under -inflated tires, a.k.a “snake-bite” rear triangle poser n. the triangle formed by the chain stays, seat or poseur. n. derogatory term for people with $$$ stays, and seat tube bikes that never see much time on the track. Reed, Jennie potato chip 2012 Silver medalist n. a wheel that has been bent badly, but not and 2008 Elite Women’s taco’d. Keirin World Champion from Kirkland, WA. Started racing (World Championship events for men & women, the at Marymoor Velodrome. and part of Olympic Omnium) Relegation This is a speciality where the final ranking depends n. a penalty consisting of a loss of position, points on the number of points won and accumulated or time, depending on the type of race. It may be

8 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

repechage seat stay assessed against a rider, a team, or both. the center line unless the entire road is traffic repechage controlled. A rolling enclosure is the typical traffic (French: repêchage, lit. re-fishing), meaning control used to run a road race. “to rescue” or “to save”, is a practice amongst rolling start ladder competitions (Sprint & Keirin) that Where a massed rolling start is used, there shall allows participants that failed to meet qualifying be one or more neutral laps to ensure that the standards by a small margin to continue to the pack of riders are sufficiently together to provide next round.These heats give a second chance for a fair start in the judgment of the starter. non-qualifiers in the initial heat to advance to the rookie mark next round of competition. n. chain grease on a rider’s leg. “Give that guy extra Relief Rider points for his rookie mark!” See chainring tattoo. n. the “resting” rider of a Madison team riding high rooster on the track above the blue line. A rider makes a n. a spray of water flung off the back wheel as the change from racing rider to relief rider, a rider must bicycle rolls through water. Particularly pronounced draw even with the teammate. The relay may be on bikes without fenders. made by touching, pushing, pulling, or by merely saddle drawing even with the partner. n. the bike seat. road pitch (width) Schraeder refers to the - 1/8” is track width vs. n.kind of tire valve found on , and most mountain 3/32” road width (Pitch is a mis-nomer). Most bikes. Tubular road tires, and clincher mountain and sprinters & Six Day riders use track width, which road tubes, use the system. is deemed a bit more durable, while endurance schwag & time trial racers use road width to save weight. or swag. n. the stuff that manufacturers & vendors road rash donate to be given away at bike related events. n. large abrasions on a rider’s legs and body caused by a crash, particularly on . Scratch is an individual race over a set distance roadie (15 km for men, 10 km for women). The number n. a rider who prefer to ride or race on the roads. of participants is limited to 24. There is a flying rollers start after a rolling start lap. mechanical device with three cyclinders attached seat tube to rails with a drive belt, allowing a bicycle to ride n. the part of the frame that accepts the seat post, atop them. The perfect stationary warmup and and attaches the top tube to the bottom bracket cool down option when the track has other races on and you need to get prepared to race. n. the post that attaches your seat to the frame at rolling enclosure the seat tube n. a type of traffic control where escort seat sling form a caravan leading and following a group A madison exchange that involves grabbing the of racers. The enclosure sets aside a moving shorts to transfer momentum between partners. part of the roadway in the direction of the race seat stay for exclusive use of bicyclists. Racers inside the n. the two frame members through which the rear enclosure are not required to follow the normal wheel passes, that meet the chain stays at the rules of the road. Racers are not allowed to cross rear dropouts

9 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

sew-ups stoked sew-ups A race where tactics are very important. After n. also known as tubulars, lightweight tires and a selection over 200 m. with a fliying start, the rims with the tread directly on the tube, which is riders race one another to qualify over 2 or 3 laps, glued right onto the rim. Opposite of clincher tires, depending on the length of the track. The losers which have a separate tube inside. may still qualify. From the quarter finals onwards, the riders race against one another over two legs. n. the lever that activates the Sometimes we see track stands, where the idea is Show Events to get your rival to make the pace, which puts him at n. races that are for purposes of a disadvantage when it comes to the explosion into spectators. Most of these races are not part of the final sprint. World or Olympic Championships. Spinter’s Line single-butted The sprinters line shall be red and shall be placed n. tubing with a higher wall thickness at only one with its outer edge 90 cm from the inner edge of the end, such as a seat tube on a quality frame. See track. Forms the “spinter’s lane” with pole line. double-butted, triple-butted. spuds singletrack n. “SPD” ( Pedaling Dynamics) n. trail just wide enough for one person, horse, or clipless pedals. bike -- the mountain biker’s holy grail. Contrast squirrel with dual-track or doubletrack. adj. an unstable or nervous rider who does not sitting in hold a straight line v. to be a lazy sot who doesn’t take their turn at stage race the front of a paceline. Can be used as a tactic to n. these combine several different types of one’s opponent. races into one multiple part bicycle race event. Six Day Stage races commonly include road races, time a predominently european winter indoor track trials, and criteriums. These races are usually racing circuit. Often called a circus with a scheduled over a period of two or more days. madison bike race in the middle, that often Order of finish is determined by lowest combined includes sprint racing, musical concerts, etc.. on elapsed time or combined points depending on the nights of racing. See some videos online at the scoring format. www.sixdaystv.nl (dutch) Stayer’s Line slicks n. Blue line in the middle of track. Named after the n. bike tires with no tread Stayer’s Race, common in Europe, where racers snake bite are paced by motorized bikes or . n. a double puncture of an inner tube, caused by Stayer’s event hitting an obstacle too hard or by under-inflation n. a popular european Six-Day race event with of tires. Also see pinch flat. derny’s (motorized bicycle) that pace riders around SNELL the track. www.stayer.de n. a standard; spin n. the piece of metal that attaches the handlebars v. smooth pedal motion. Opposite of push. to the fork. Sprint (also Match Sprint - Olympic / World stoked Championship discipline for men & women) adj. an alternate term for the word psyched. In

10 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

swag track pitch other words, to be excited. its rival or records the best time. swag tech or schwag. n. the stuff that manufacturers and n. a bike mechanic, especially at a professional vendors donate to be given away at bike related bike race in Western Canada. See also mechanic events. When you race, go to bike shows, help and wrench. put on events, write bike articles, you are often tempo rewarded with swag. 1) adj. to ride “tempo” or race pace. sweep 2) n. Tempo race where points are awarded; 2 for to ride in third or fourth position in a paceline and first and 1 for second. Rider with most points after cause hesitation to chasers wanting to over take a predetermined amount of laps is the winner. the lead from behind this spot. This person is ti the “sweeper.” n. pronounced “tie,” it’s the periodic-table swingoff abbreviation for , and just about the only n., v. abruptly disengaging from a formation to chemistry-class vestige that a rider should sprinkle move from the wind-battered lead position to into the conversation. “Sheila’s running ti pedal sheltered rear when your stint at the front is over. spindles, a ti seat post, and a ti wedding band.” t-town time trials refers to Trexlertown, PA, where the Lehigh Valley n. bicycle race events in which individuals or small Velodrome is located. This East coast track is often teams of riders ride the same route and distance to host to national & international events. Track separately for elapsed time. Time trials are generally was helped greatly by Rodale Press, publishers started at preset intervals and held on an out-and- of Bicycling Magazine. back or circuit course, and are generally 15 or 40 taco km, but dozens of lengths are sanctioned. v. to bend a wheel over on itself, in the shape of a toe clips taco. “I taco’d my wheel, and it cost me a hundred n. a clip-and-strap system that connects a rider’s bucks.” Worse than a potato chip. feet and toes to her pedals. Toe clips usually don’t take a flyer require special shoes. accelerate off the front of a group, often in an top tube attempt to establish a breakaway n. the part of the frame that attaches the head tandem tube to the seat tube n. bicycle built for two riders. Tandem Sprints were a former Olympic Sprint event for men. n. for track races, only a bicycle with a single cog tea party fixed wheel and without derailleurs, brakes or n. when a whole group of riders stops and chats, quick releases may be used; However, in pursuit and nobody seems to want to ride on. Could be a and time trial events that are not championships “pizza party” too.... waiting to “order and have the or selection events, brakes, , quick pizza delivered” before any action starts. releases, and derailleurs may be installed on the bicycle so long as only one gear is functional. Olympic & World Championship event. Teams (4 male, track pitch 3 female) of riders compete over a predetermined refers to the bicycle chain width - 1/8” is track distance. They start from two opposites points of the width vs. 3/32” which is road width. “Pitch” is a track. The winner is the team which catches up with misnomer. Most sprinters and Six Day riders use

11 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

track racing upstroke track width (1/8”), which is deemed a bit more n. tubing with two butts of thicknesses, such durable, while endurance and time trial racers use as 0.9/0.6/0.8 mm. See single-butted, double- road width (3/32”) to shave some weight. butted. track racing true dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. v., adj. The ability of a wheel to spin with no lateral The first World Championships were held in 1895. wobble, or the act of effecting this condition with a Track cyclists are powerful athletes, generally swift kick or a spoke wrench. with far more muscle bulk than “road racers”, as tubulars there are no mountains/hills to climb and carry the n. also known as sew-ups, lightweight road tires weight over. and rims with the tread directly on the tube, which trackstand is glued right onto a flat rim. Opposite of clincher n. a maneuver where the rider stops the bike and tires, which have a separate tube inside. attempts to remain standing still, balancing in one tuck spot. Often seen in Match Sprint competition, n. a time trial event riding position, generally a where a rider stops and balances. They would like contorted one with the head and torso low, back to try to entice their opponent to take the lead. flat, and arms close in for aerodynamics. trail tweak n. the distance between a line drawn straight up 1) v. to slightly injure a part of the body or the bike from the center of the bottom bracket to the nose in a crash. “I tweaked my wrist when I fell.” of your saddle, generally 30 to 50 mm. The seat 2) v. to make a minor adjustment. “My real wheel tube angle determines this, being less for sprinting was rubbing but I tweaked the chain tension and frames, more for touring frames. it went away.” tri-spoke UCI refers to a 3-spoked wheel. Often of composite n. acronym for Union (carbon fiber) materials. Cycliste Internationale, the Team sprint international sanctioning This spectacular event is run with teams of 3 riders, organization for bicycle over 3 laps of the track. Each rider does a lap before racing, under the handing over. The last rider finishes alone. At the World International Olympic Championships, the eight teams with the best times Committee (or IOC). qualify ; four of them are eliminated after head-to-head www.uci.ch races. Finally the two teams with the best times race off UIV to decide the winner. Formerly called Olympic Sprint. n. acronym for Union trials Internationale des n. the art of hopping onto large objects on your Velodromes. The global bike, for those who don’t go fast and rely upon organization responsible skill and balance. Not to be confused with Time for the organization of Trial events. professional and U25 tricked out amateur 6-day racing. adj. when a bike has the latest & hottest www.uiv.dk. components. upstroke triple-butted n. when a rider pulls up on the pedal.

12 of 13 Velodrome.org TERMINOLOGY & SLANG

USAC WSBA

USAC event where riders are assigned handicaps n. acronym for USA according to ability over a series of heats. The Cycling, Inc. The national finals are run over a distance of 2000 meters. organization responsible wheelie for the governance of n. lifting the front wheel off the ground, or the act professional and amateur of riding on the rear wheel only, usually with some bicycle racing in the combination of pulling on the handlebars, pedaling United States. www.USACycling.org harder, and balance. USADA wind up n. acronym for US Anti-Doping Association. The accelerate up to top speed national organization for clean under the wipe out US Olympic Committee and related national v. to crash. sports governing bodies. www.usada.org wrench USCF n. a bike mechanic, especially at a professional bike n. abbreviation for the United States Cycling race in the US. See also tech and mechanic. Federation. As a member association of USAC, WADA the USCF oversees the conduct of road, track, and n. acronym for World Anti-Doping Agency which cyclocross bicycle racing in the United States. exists to promote, coordinate, and monitor at USPRO the international level the fight against doping in n. acronym for the United States Professional sports in all its forms. www.wada-ama.org Racing Organization. The USPRO serves as the WSBA governing body for professional racing and is an The Washington State Bicycle Association is the affiliate organization of USAC. governing body of racing in the state of Washington. The main n. where the pump is attached to fill the tube with objective of the WSBA is to air. Valve stems come in two types, Shraeder - improve and promote bicycle (standard American style, like the valve found on racing for all it’s member you car tire), or Presta valve(tall and skinny with clubs and individuals. www. a screw in seal) WSBAracing.com velodrome the place where we all go to experience the greatest racing on earth! Banked, bicycle racing facilities often made of concrete, asphalt or wood. wall n. a track that looks like it has banking that goes straight up, because it practically does. Generally used for grades steeper than 45%. Wheel race n. a popular event in , often during the Christmas Carnivals. The Austral Wheel Race is the oldest running track event still in existence, starting in 1889. The wheel race t is a handicap

13 of 13 Velodrome.org