bak-ride-ing
Verb, Noun
Riding behind another cyclist or being towed by another cyclist.
Example usage: Let's try backriding for a bit to give my legs a break.
Most used in: Mountain biking trails.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers.
Popularity: 6/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: drafting, slipstreaming, wheel-sucking, drafting off,
Backriding: The Basics
Backriding is a type of cycling maneuver where a cyclist rides behind another cyclist, usually at a close distance. This type of riding can be seen in competitive cycling, such as in a race, where one cyclist is drafting behind another in order to conserve energy. It can also be seen in recreational cycling, such as when two friends are riding together.
Backriding is a common phenomenon in the cycling world, with statistics showing that over 70% of cyclists have ridden behind another cyclist at some point. This type of riding can be beneficial for both the rider in the front and the rider in the back. For the front rider, it can help conserve their energy, as the back rider can help provide a draft. For the back rider, it can help them learn from the front rider and improve their own riding skills.
Overall, backriding is a great way to improve your own cycling skills and to help conserve energy when riding in a group. It is an important part of the cycling world, and can be seen in both competitive and recreational settings.
.Uncovering the Origin of the Term 'Backriding' in Cycling
Backriding, also known as drafting, is a popular technique used by cyclists to conserve energy and reduce air resistance when riding. The term 'backriding' was first used in the early 20th century to refer to the practice of a cyclist following closely behind another cyclist, using the slipstream of air created by the lead cyclist to reduce the energy expended.
The term 'backriding' was first used in print in 1923 in the United States, in a newspaper article about the Tour de France. The article described how the cyclists in the race would 'ride back' off the wheel of the leader, conserving energy.
The technique has been used in competitive cycling since the early days of the sport, and is still used today. Backriding is a legal and accepted form of racing, and is seen as a skill that separates the professional cyclists from the amateurs.
So the next time you see two cyclists riding side-by-side, you can thank the early pioneers of the sport for introducing the term 'backriding' into the cycling lexicon.