Racing -Even if you never do it, it's important. Why? Because racers develop the equipment that you're going to be riding next year. Because competition makes us a sport, not an activity. Folks who decry the power of racing always seem a little silly. How do the big events keep them from enjoying their local trails? Besides, don't knock it till you've tried it: a race year is a great antidote to off-road stagnation.

Rag Dolly - to wreck in such a way that one's person is tossed like a flimsy scrap of cloth. "Did you see me rag dolly back there? I think I pierced my ear on a tree branch."

Rapidfire -And it's cousin, Hyperglide. People hated Shimano for making a parts group that pretty much required total commitment: there was little mixing and matching other brands if you wanted your gears to work. For a while, product managers looked for alternatives - cheaper ones, cooler ones, better ones - and though Grip Shift survives, it's clear that the reason Rapidfire and Hyperglide are now universally accepted is because they work so well.

R&D - Ripoff & Duplication, or Research & Development.

Recumbent -Write your letters, you mutants, we don't care. Recumbents are dumb. They're for helmet-mirror wearing dorks. A school bus should run you over. But don't let our misinformed biases stop you from being proud of what you are.

Redsocks - hikers who always block the best singletracks, so named because they're always wearing those funny red socks. Also known as HOHAs.

Repetition - each hard effort in an interval workout. Also, one complete movement in a weight-training exercise.

Retrogrouch - someone who is slow to accept new technology, instead preferring to use what has proven to work well..

Rey, Hans -Even though he has the unfortunate nickname of "No Way" Rey, Hans is one of the most skilled bike riders you'll ever meet - and a nice guy, too. That's probably why, as the Earthquake Jakes and Insane Waynes of the world vanish into peaceful oblivion, Hans is still well known, well-liked, and well paid.

Rhoid Buffing - going down a hill so steep that your butt touches the rear wheel.

Ride On! - a parting phrase used by riders with out much else to say.

Rigid - a bike with no suspension.

Roadie - a rider who prefers riding on paved surfaces.

Road race - a mass-start race that goes from point to point, covers one large loop or is held on a circuit longer than those used for criteriums.

Road rash - any skin abrasion resulting from a fall.

Rock-Ectomy - removing rocks, dirt, gravel from one's person after a yard sale. "Some betty stopped by and performed a rock ectomy on my knee after the wreck, I think she digs my scene." 

Rocket fuel - the mandatory pre-ride coffee.

Rock shox -Though clipless pedals and Rapidfire (see below) are strong contenders, the winner for most important off-road product has to be Rock Shox. Paul Turner didn't invent mountain bike suspension - but he perfected it and marketed it. He made it essential, not just because it was cool, but because it worked. Think how you rode then - and how you ride now. Better now, isn't it? Say thanks to Turner.

Rockwell - an unintentionally performed hardness test rendered by a trial side object on your anatomy or possesions. Requires the use of a number to rate the event. "I 50 Rockwelled on that last buster." "No way, dude, it was at least a 60!"

Rollers - an indoor training device that works like a treadmill for bikes. Also, a series of short hills.

Rookie Mark - chain grease on a rider's pant leg. "Give that guy extra points for his rookie mark. It's even on the wrong leg!"

Roost - to go fast or accelerate quickly. Or, to stop suddenly.