BICYCLING-TRAIL/MOUNTAIN

            This list of definitions is not meant to be comprehensive but rather an aid to help fiction writers make their character’s dialog sound “authentic.” Some are occupational slang.  Recording studios for example hate “clams” (sour notes). Others are basic terms. To a sailor a hold is where cargo is stowed aboard a ship. To a gambler a hold is the bet percentage held back by a casino.

            A popular “great outdoors” sport is riding a sturdy ATB (All Terrain Bicycle) over rough trails. Or maybe no trail at all.  So if you’re going to gonzo just be sure you have good knobbies before you settle on the saddle!

                                                                                                        Michael McKeever

BICYCLING-TRAIL/MOUNTAIN:

ATB:               All Terrain Bicycle: sturdy bike for riding across rough terrain.

cables:             control wires between handle bars and either derailleur or brakes.

cadence:          peddling rhythm.

coaster brake: brake that engages when bike is pedaled backward.

dab:                 keeping bike upright by moving foot from pedal to ground.

derailleur:        on rear wheel hub, shifts chain between sprockets.

fat tire:            wide tire.

feathering:       slowing bike by pressing and releasing brake cables.

gonzo:             riding fast over rough terrain.

knobbies:         heavy tread tires for riding across rough terrain.

racing tires:      hard, thin tires.

saddle:             bicycle seat.