SKIN-ing UP
Verb, Noun
The act of walking up a hill or mountain on a bike, rather than riding.
Example usage: 'It was too steep to ride up, so I had to skin up the hill.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling areas.
Most used by: Cyclists who prefer to challenge themselves with steep terrain.
Popularity: 7
Comedy Value: 3
Also see: Climbing Out Of The Saddle, Grinding, Pedaling Standing, Powering Up,
What Does 'Skinning Up' Mean in Cycling?
The term 'skinning up' is used in cycling to describe the practice of a cyclist pushing his or her bike up a steep hill or mountain. It is a practice used by mountain bikers, cyclocross riders, and road cyclists who are looking for a more adventurous route. By pushing their bikes up the hill, cyclists can avoid the more difficult terrain that comes with a full ride up the mountain.
The term 'skinning up' is also used to describe the process of preparing a bike for a race, such as a cyclocross race. This involves removing any components that are not necessary for the race, such as mudguards, lights, racks, and other accessories. This helps to lighten the bike and make it more aerodynamic, thus making it faster.
Skinning up is an important part of the training for many cyclists. It is a great way to build strength and endurance, as well as to practice balance and technique. In addition to this, it can help to increase the cyclist's fitness levels and improve their overall performance.
In the United States, mountain biking is the most popular form of cycling. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, mountain biking accounts for up to 40% of all bicycle trips. Skinning up is a popular activity among mountain bikers, as it allows them to explore more difficult terrain while avoiding the more difficult ride up the mountain.
Skinning up is a great way for cyclists to challenge themselves and to explore more difficult terrain. It is an important part of the training for many cyclists, and can help to improve their overall performance. So, the next time you're out on your bike, consider skinning up to take your cycling to the next level.
Where Did the Term 'Skinning Up' Come From in Cycling?
The term 'skinning up' is commonly used in the cycling world and refers to the act of climbing a steep hill or mountain, usually on a bike. The phrase has been used since at least the mid-20th century, when it was first mentioned in a British cycling magazine in the 1950s. It is thought to have originated in the UK, although the exact origin of the phrase is not known for certain.
The term is thought to come from the idea of 'skinning' a hill, which is a metaphor for the process of climbing a steep slope. The term suggests a feeling of effort and determination as one 'skins' up the hill, a reference to the physical exertion required to make the climb. The term has since become popular among cyclists all over the world, and is a widely used phrase to describe the process of climbing a steep hill or mountain.
So the next time you hear someone talking about 'skinning up' a hill, you'll know that they are talking about the process of climbing a steep incline on a bike. The phrase has been used for decades and is still popular among cyclists all over the world.
