Glossary of Terms: (In no particular order)
Weedhopper: This is a new rider who isn't used to group riding or the ride banter. This rider may be strong but usually squirrelly.
Squirrelly: If someone in the paceline calls you this, it is not a compliment. This usually means you have trouble holding a line and/or pace. Ropey is a similar term...it means you swerve too much.
Young Jedi: This is someone who is new to cycling but is strong and with good rudimentary bike handling skills...the Force is with him, although he may do some foolish things...just like Luke Skywalker, he will eventually learn to be an excellent cyclist. Note: if you are new, you want to be called Young Jedi, not Weedhopper. However, a Weedhopper can be promoted to Young Jedi.
Hold a Line: The importance of holding your line in a paceline cannot be overemphasized. It is crucial to maintain as straight a line as possible on the machine, especially through corners. Remember those following your wheel. So if someone asks (yells) for you to hold your line, he's requesting that you pay close attention to keeping your bike in a straight line.
Hammerfest: Generally, any sustained paceline above 25mph.
Sufferfest: Generally, any Hammerfest with a headwind, climb or both.
Cat and Mouse: A playful game where one or more cyclists (mouse) accelerate ahead of the group (cat). Once the cat catches the mouse, then another mouse jumps out and the chase starts all over again. Great training technique and alot of fun.
Sprint: A short intense acceleration of no more than 200 to 300 yards. Every sprint must have a finish line. First one across the line wins, even if the line is invisible.
Unannounced Sprint: A great way to frustrate your competition. Randomly pick roadsigns, intersections or other pronounced features that you know you can be first to cross and create a sprint. Make sure you throw up your hands or pound the air with your fists so everyone knows you just won a sprint. Yelling out the word "YES!" as you cross the line is also a way to demoralize your arch rival.
Peloton: The biggest portion of the riders riding together. Also know as the bunch, the group or the pack.
Quad C: (Or, Quadski) Cycling's Crusty Climbing Curmudgeon. (see Coolio)
Clydesdales: Generally, the good natured big dudes at the front pulling the entire peloton down the road. Very stable, hold their line kind of guys. (everybody wants their wheel...nice draft. In fact, if nobody wants to follow your wheel, then you can be sure you are not a Clydesdale.) They are always waving and greeting folks on the side of the road. Their popularity is surpassed only by David "Two Wheel" Mayo who seems to have everyone throwing him roses and cheering him on wherever he passes by. He can even run red lights and folks get out of their cars to applaud and throw money. I even saw a group of fans one Wednesday running alongside him wanting his autograph...unbestinkingleivable!!! (Sorry I got sidetracked) Where was I...Uhhh, yes Clydesdales;
there are some strict requirements to be a part of this elite group within the peloton. First is size; minimum is 6' 225 lbs. Secondly, must have a nice smile, quit wit, charming and enjoy long walks on the beach. Most Clydesdales watch Dancing with the Stars. (It's a wishful thinking thing) Lastly, must be an absolute beast on the bike...I'm talking rompin', stompin' raw Clydesdale pulling power...(Uh, except on the uphills...see Cycling's Crusty Climbing Curmudgeon above under Quadski)
Back Spackle: The wet, usually dirty racing stripe up your back from the road spray emitting from your rear tire as you ride on wet roads.
Face Spackle: What you get when riding behind somebody that is giving himself a good back spackle.
Coolio: The only rider with his own definition. (It's because he's so misunderstood.) The little harmless climber is solely responsible for keeping Krispy Kreme in business in the Pensacola area. In fact, when it was rumored that Coolio may be moving out of the area, they offered him a reported six figure offering to stay. Check out the Weedhopper Training Matrix for more clarity.
Coolio: The only rider with his own definition. (It's because he's so misunderstood.) The little harmless climber is solely responsible for keeping Krispy Kreme in business in the Pensacola area. In fact, when it was rumored that Coolio may be moving out of the area, they offered him a reported six figure offering to stay. Check out the Weedhopper Training Matrix for more clarity.
Sultans of Speed: This elite group within the peloton is reserved for those among us that are able to sustain a pace of 25mph or more for a prolonged period of time. (The length of time depends on a number of factors including but not limited to wind, terrain and road surface as well as the presence of weedhoppers and squirrellys). An SOS can also be any rider who can sprint above 35mph. These two types of riders make up the elite group known as the Sultans of Speed.
Dirty Cycling: These are race tactics that originated on the dark side of cycling. They include things like leading out a sprint right through a pothole, pacelining directly into a puddle so as to give the rider following your wheel a good face spackle and of course, the insidious practice of chariot racing. The latter of which is so malicious that it has been banned in 37 of the 50 states and Washington, DC. (If you are unfamiliar with the use of chariot racing please view the movie Ben-Hur...and buy a bullwhip.)
Suicide Pull: Go to the front and hammer for as long as your legs stay attached and your lungs are still in your chest...when one or the other blows, you're done. i.e. Suicide Pull. (Don't let those who pass you laughing bother you. So what if they win. You showed them how to do the Suicide Pull)
Suicide Pull: Go to the front and hammer for as long as your legs stay attached and your lungs are still in your chest...when one or the other blows, you're done. i.e. Suicide Pull. (Don't let those who pass you laughing bother you. So what if they win. You showed them how to do the Suicide Pull)
