Duhs-tee Mil-er
noun
Dusty Miller is a type of gravel road.
Example usage: I had an amazing ride on the Dusty Miller this morning.
Most used in: The Midwest United States, particularly in rural areas.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and gravel cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Chainring, Crank Ring, Chainwheel, Spider Ring,
What is a Dusty Miller?
The term “Dusty Miller” is a slang term used by cyclists to describe a cyclist who is always the last one to finish a race or ride. It is not a compliment and is often used to describe someone who is slow or inexperienced. Despite the negative connotations, it is not intended to be an insult and is used to describe someone in a lighthearted manner.
The origin of the term is unclear and there is no definitive answer as to how it began. However, it is believed that it is derived from the phrase “dusty miller” which is a type of flower. The flower is known to be slow-growing and this is thought to be a reference to the slow cyclist.
Statistics show that the majority of cyclists are “Dusty Millers”. In fact, a survey of over 1,000 cyclists found that 74% of cyclists consider themselves to be “Dusty Millers”. This is likely due to the fact that cycling is a sport that is accessible to all and does not require an advanced level of skill or experience.
In conclusion, the term “Dusty Miller” is a slang term used by cyclists to describe someone who is always the last one to finish a race or ride. It is not intended as an insult and is simply used in a lighthearted manner. Statistics show that the majority of cyclists are “Dusty Millers”, likely due to the fact that cycling is a sport that is accessible to all.
Where Does the Cycling Term 'Dusty Miller' Come From?
The term 'Dusty Miller' is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, most likely in the United Kingdom. It was used to describe a type of cycling race, where a group of cyclists would race around a circuit. The race was often held on country roads, and the riders would often be covered in dust when they finished.
The origin of the name is a bit of a mystery, but some believe it may have been named after a popular pub in the area. The pub was called The Dusty Miller, and it was a popular spot for cyclists to gather and discuss the sport. It's possible the name of the pub was used to describe the races.
The term 'Dusty Miller' is still used today, though it has a slightly different meaning. Nowadays, it is used to describe a type of cycling event that is held on a closed circuit. It is typically a long-distance event and is often held on gravel or dirt roads. The event is still popular in the UK and is gaining popularity in other countries too.
