Lactic acid - a by-product of anaerobic exercise that accumulates in the muscles, causing pain and fatigue.

Las Vegas -The stinking armpit of Satan. Howard Hughes' rotting, frozen corpse, stuck in a cryogenic bath beneath the MGM Grand. And Interbike, the annual industry hog wallow under fluorescent lights. Magazines would have you believe this is the coolest place to be on earth in September. What a lie.

LBS- acronym for Local Bike Shop.

Leadout - a race tactic in which a rider accelerates to maximum speed for the benefit of a teammate in tow. The second rider then leaves the draft and sprints past at even greater speed to win the race or prime.

Lesbians -The word is rarely spoken, but everyone makes reference to it when talking about women racers. Is it a cruel stereotype or something to be proud of? Both.

Lid - helmet

Lost - Happens to the best of us. In fact, many times it's the best thing that could happen - because getting lost equals finding adventure. And if you're hungry, just look for the nearest stranded Argentine soccer team and chow down.

LSD - long, steady distance. A training technique that requires a firm aerobic pace for at least two hours.

Lycra -Is it finally dead? Wool put the first nail in the coffin of this wearable form of plastic. Then, looser fitting shorts and jerseys closed the casket door. But guess what? Synthetic fabrics still have their advantages - and Lycra's still absolutely fabulous.