Tail-wined
Noun, Adjective
A wind blowing in the same direction as a cyclist's motion.
Example usage: Riding with a tailwind made the ride a lot easier.
Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.
Most used by: Recreational and professional cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Drafting, Slipstreaming, Echelon, Paceline,
What is a Tailwind?
A tailwind is a wind that is coming from behind a cyclist and provides a boost to the speed of the cyclist. It is the opposite of a headwind, which is a wind that is coming from the front and slows down the cyclist. Tailwinds are a great benefit for cyclists, allowing them to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.
Tailwinds are often caused by atmospheric pressure or changes in the terrain. For example, when descending a hill, the air pressure will be lower and a cyclist will experience a tailwind. On the other hand, when ascending a hill, the air pressure will be higher and the cyclist will experience a headwind.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, cyclists can experience a speed increase of up to 10% when riding with a tailwind. This can be a huge advantage for competitive cyclists, allowing them to cover more ground in less time.
Overall, tailwinds are a great benefit for cyclists, providing a speed boost and allowing them to cover more ground in less time. The next time you're out on the bike, take advantage of any tailwinds you may encounter!
.A Brief History of the Cycling Term 'Tailwind'
The term 'tailwind' has been used since the early 1900s to describe a favorable wind behind a cyclist. The first known use of the word comes from American cyclist Marshall W. “Major” Taylor, who used it in his autobiography in 1912. Taylor was an African-American cyclist who won the world 1-mile cycling championship in 1899.
The term has been used in cycling ever since and has become a part of the cycling vernacular. Tailwinds are beneficial to cyclists as they can propel them forward and help them reach their destination more efficiently. The opposite of a tailwind is a headwind, which is a wind that opposes the cyclist's motion.
Today, the term 'tailwind' is used in many other contexts, such as sailing, aviation and running. It is an important term in the cycling world and is widely recognized among cyclists.
