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Noun, Verb
A group of cyclists riding in a line behind the leader.
Example usage: 'Let's do an official back ride and I'll take the lead.'
Most used in: Areas with lots of cyclists, like cities or bike trails.
Most used by: Cyclists who participate in regular group rides.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Paceline, Drafting, Slipstreaming, Wheel-sucking,
What is an Official Back Ride?
An official back ride is a type of cycling event where cyclists ride in formation, typically in a single line or double line. The purpose of an official back ride is to promote cycling safety and awareness. Official back rides are typically organized by cycling clubs, organizations, or local governments.
During an official back ride, cyclists must follow certain safety rules, such as wearing helmets, obeying traffic laws, and not riding more than two abreast. Cyclists must also maintain a steady pace and stay in the designated formation. The number of cyclists in an official back ride can range from a few dozen to over a thousand.
Official back rides can be a great way to increase public awareness of cycling and encourage more people to get out and ride. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cycling is the number one form of transportation in the U.S., with more than 37 million people riding their bikes on a regular basis. Participating in an official back ride can be a fun and rewarding way to help promote cycling safety.
.Uncovering the Origin of 'Official Back Ride' in Cycling
The phrase “official back ride” is often used in the context of cycling, but what does it actually mean and where did it originate?
The term is believed to have been first used in the early 2000s in the United States. It refers to a cyclist riding behind another cyclist, usually in a pace line formation, and drafting or using the slipstream of the lead cyclist to conserve energy and reduce wind resistance. In this formation, the lead cyclist is called the “official” because he or she is the one setting the pace for the group.
The term “official back ride” is now widely used in cycling circles to refer to the practice of riding in a pace line formation and drafting off the lead cyclist. It is also used to describe a specific type of competition, where a group of cyclists take turns riding in the lead position and the cyclist who spends the most time in the lead is declared the winner.
So, the next time you hear someone talking about an official back ride in the context of cycling, you'll know exactly what they mean.
