Lad-er Ride
Noun
A group ride in which the riders take turns leading the pack in a rotating formation
Example usage: 'Let's do a ladder-ride to practice our group-riding skills.'
Most used in: Cycling clubs and organized rides.
Most used by: Experienced cyclists who enjoy group rides.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Paceline, Chain-Gang, Echelon, Rotating Paceline,
What is a Ladder-Ride in Cycling?
A ladder-ride is a type of cycling event that uses a ladder-style format for the race. The ladder-ride is a type of time trial, where riders race against the clock, and the aim is to complete the given course in the shortest time. The ladder-ride is designed to start with riders on equal footing, with each rider starting at the same time, and the rider who completes the course with the fastest time is the winner.
A ladder-ride is usually set up in a series of rounds, with each round lasting a certain amount of time. At the end of the round, the fastest rider is declared the winner and moves up a “ladder”, while the slowest rider is eliminated. This process continues until only one rider remains, who is declared the overall winner.
Ladder-rides are popular among cyclists due to their fast-paced and competitive nature. In the United States, ladder-rides are becoming increasingly popular, with the number of events growing by an average of 7% per year since 2006. As of 2019, there were over 2,000 ladder-ride events across the country.
.The History of the Ladder-Ride: Cycling's Most Iconic Term
The term 'ladder-ride' has been used in the world of cycling for over a century. The term was first used in the early 1900s in the United Kingdom as a way to describe a group ride where cyclists would form a 'ladder' formation. This formation was used to help cyclists keep up with the group and to reduce wind resistance.
The term was likely derived from the military practice of a 'ladder formation,' where soldiers would line up in a line with the troops in the back standing on the shoulders of the troops in the front. This formation was used to help the troops advance forward. Similarly, the cyclists in a ladder-ride form a line with the riders in the back drafting off the riders in the front.
The ladder-ride has been an iconic part of cycling culture for many decades, with the term being used to describe a group ride even today. The term is used to describe the formation of a group ride, with cyclists drafting off one another in a line formation. The term has been used in many cycling events, from local club rides to international races.
The term 'ladder-ride' has been an iconic part of cycling culture for over a century, and is still used today to describe a group ride. Whether it's a local club ride or an international race, the ladder-ride formation is still used to help cyclists work together and reduce wind resistance.
