Today begins Stage 5 of the Tour de Georgia, the longest and most challenging legs of the tour. This stage will cover 133.4 miles through the most rigorous-and most beautiful-terrain on the tour, the mountains of North Georgia. Cyclists will make three epic ascents today: Burnt Mountain, Woody Gap and Crown Mountain, before making the mother of all ascents, Brasstown Bald. Brasstown Bald, in Hiawassee, is Georgia's highest peak, rising 4,784 feet above sea level and has awe-inspiring views of four states. The cyclist who makes the ascent to the summit of Brasstown Bald first earns the title KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!
The Tour de Georgia is in its sixth year and is rated as the United State's highest-ranked professional cycling event, along with the Tour of California. The six stage event covers 600 miles in six days as cyclists ride through Georgia's unique geography, from the beautiful coastal community of Tybee Island to the spectacular mountains of North Georgia. Two of cycling's greats have won the Tour de Georgia on their way to winning the Tour de France: Lance Armstrong in 2004, and Floyd Landis in 2006.
For complete coverage of the Tour de Georgia, visit their Website.
Here are some interesting -- and colorful -- cycling terms:
Big Ringing It - The chain on the big chain ring, going for maximum speed.
Bonk - Total exhaustion caused by lack of sufficient food during a long race or ride.
Domestique - A team rider who will sacrifice his individual performance to help a designated teammate. Duties can include giving up one's bike for another rider, supplying refreshments to teammates, and catching breakaway riders. French for "servant."
Hammer - To ride hard. Also, to "put the hammer down."
KOM - King of the Mountain. Award for the Best Climber.
Peloton - The main field, or pack, of riders in the race. Peloton is French for a group moving forward.
Popped - Blown. Had it. Knackered. Stuffed. Lots of words to describe the legs just going all weak. Loss of power.
Wheel Sucker/Wheelsucking - Someone who sticks to a rear wheel ahead of him or her and refuses to go to the front.
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