bloh uhp
verb, noun
To reach a point of exhaustion and be unable to continue cycling
Example usage: I was pushing too hard and ended up blowing up halfway through the ride.
Most used in: Cycling circles in the UK, Australia and USA.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists and endurance riders.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 6/10
What Does 'Blow Up' Mean in Cycling?
In cycling, the term 'blow up' is used to describe the phenomenon of suddenly being unable to maintain the same level of intensity or effort as previously. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as fatigue, lack of energy, dehydration, or even psychological factors.
When a cyclist experiences a blow up, they usually have to slow down and recover from the sudden decrease in performance. This can be a significant setback, as it can take some time to get back to the same level of intensity.
Blow ups are common in cycling and can happen to even the most experienced cyclists. According to research, around 80% of cyclists experience blow ups in their cycling careers. For experienced cyclists, blow ups can be attributed to physical fatigue, while for novice cyclists, psychological factors such as fear or lack of confidence can also cause blow ups.
In order to prevent blow ups, cyclists should focus on proper hydration, nutrition, and rest. Additionally, they should also pay attention to their mental state and take necessary steps to stay motivated and confident.
The Origin of 'Blow Up' in Cycling
The term 'Blow Up' is widely used in cycling to refer to a situation where a rider exhausts their energy and can no longer continue. It's believed to have originated in the 1890s when British cyclists would race for long distances.
At the time, the riders were largely untrained and would often tire quickly. This led to the phrase 'blowing up' being used to describe the situation where a cyclist would suddenly tire and have to stop. In the early days, it was mainly used to describe amateur riders, but today it is used by professional cyclists too.
The phrase has been in use since the 1890s and is likely to have originated in the UK, where cycling was popularised by the likes of Thomas Stevens, who was the first person to cycle around the world in the 1880s.
Today, the phrase 'Blow Up' is used in cycling around the world and is used to refer to any situation where a cyclist has to stop due to exhaustion or fatigue.
