UL-trah dis-tuhns
Noun
A cycling event of extreme distance
Example usage: I'm training for an ultra-distance race next month.
Most used in: Long-distance cycling events.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Gran Fondo, Audax, Randonneuring, Ultra-cycling,
What is Ultra-distance Cycling?
Ultra-distance cycling is a term used to describe a type of cycling event that covers distances longer than the traditional road race. These events can range from hundreds of miles to over a thousand and usually take place over multiple days. The most popular ultra-distance cycling races are the Race Across America (RAAM) and the Tour Divide.
The Race Across America (RAAM) is a 3000 mile race from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States and is considered one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world. The Tour Divide is a 2,745 mile race along the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. Both races involve riding for days on end, with little to no sleep, and navigation of difficult terrain.
Ultra-distance cycling is a test of physical and mental endurance. Participants must be able to endure long days in the saddle and have the mental fortitude to continue on when exhaustion sets in. Statistics show that only a small fraction of cyclists are able to complete ultra-distance cycling events, and those who do are considered among the toughest athletes in the world.
The Origin of the Term 'Ultra-Distance' in Cycling Events
The term 'ultra-distance' was first used to describe cycling events in the late 19th century. It was initially used to describe the long-distance cycling events that were popular in Europe, particularly in France. This included the Paris-Roubaix race, which was first held in 1896, and the Bordeaux-Paris race, which was first held in 1891.
The popularity of these races meant that the term 'ultra-distance' quickly became part of the cycling lexicon. It was used to refer to any race that was longer than the traditional road races, such as the Tour de France. It was also used to describe the events that were becoming increasingly popular in the United States, such as the Race Across America, which was first held in 1982.
Today, the term 'ultra-distance' is used to refer to any cycling event that is longer than the traditional road races. This includes events such as the Race Across America, the Transcontinental Race, and the Tour Divide. These events have become increasingly popular in recent years, and have helped to popularize the term 'ultra-distance' in the cycling world.
