red lin-ing
Verb
The act of cycling at or near the maximum sustainable effort for a prolonged period of time.
Example usage: 'I was red-lining it up the hill, but I couldn't keep up the pace.'
Most used in: Long distance cycling events.
Most used by: Serious cyclists looking to push their limits.
Popularity: 7/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Anaerobic Threshold, VO2 Max, Over-geared, Maximum Effort,
What is Red-Lining in Cycling?
Red-lining is a term used in cycling to describe the point at which a cyclist is pushing their body to its maximum effort. It is the point at which they can no longer sustain their speed or intensity and must slow down or stop. This is generally considered to be a dangerous point as it can lead to injury and exhaustion.
The term “red-lining” has its origins in the automobile world. In cars, red-lining refers to the practice of revving the engine to its maximum RPMs (revolutions per minute). In cycling, it can be thought of as pushing the body to its absolute limit. It is often seen in competitive cycling, such as in races or time trials.
Statistics show that when cyclists red-line, their performance can suffer. Studies have found that when cyclists red-line, their average speed decreases significantly. This is due to the fact that the body is no longer able to sustain its maximum effort and can no longer perform at its peak level. Additionally, red-lining can lead to exhaustion and injury, as the body is pushed beyond its limits.
In conclusion, red-lining is a term used in cycling to describe the point at which a cyclist is pushing their body to its maximum effort. It can lead to decreased performance, exhaustion, and injury, and should be avoided. By understanding this term and knowing when to stop pushing, cyclists can ensure that they are pushing their bodies safely and effectively.
.The Origins of 'Red-Lining' in Cycling
The term “red-lining” is derived from the process of “red-lining” in the banking industry. The practice of “red-lining” was first used in the 1930s in the United States, where banks would draw a red line on a map to indicate areas where they would not lend money. This practice was based on the demographic characteristics of the area, such as the race or income of the residents.
The term “red-lining” was first used in the context of cycling in the early 2000s. It was used to describe a type of cycling where riders would ride as fast as they could, pushing their bodies to the limit. This type of riding was seen as risky, and thus the term “red-lining” was used to describe it.
The term “red-lining” in cycling has since been used to describe any type of riding where riders push themselves to the limit. It is often used to describe races and other competitive events where riders are pushing themselves to their maximum potential.
