Garry Jones said:
I am translating the website of a large Swedish cycling event into
English.In the event there are nine places where you can choose to dismount and
pick up food and drink. But these are more than simple "rest stops" as
you can also get a massage and they have professional mechanics and tons
of spare parts at these places. If you break down on the course one of
the official cars will transport you to the nearest one of these places
for service.The current English word Swedes use to describe these places is "depot"
because it sounds like and is similar to the correct Swedish word
"depå". However in a search on the Internet I could not find any cycling
event from the English speaking world that calls these places "depots".So feedback please, what should I call these places? Can I get away with
"depot"? Or is there a better word?"Rest Stops"
"Service Stations"
"Feeds"
"Feeding Stations"
"Controls"
"Refreshment Stops"Any other idea?
Controls is probably not right as no one is actually "checked" as in
Audax rides. These are places you can cycle into if you need
refreshments, service or a break, if not, you simply ride on by.This particular recreational ride advertises itself as the "largest
cycling event in the world". This is in regards to number of
participants (17,000) multiplied by distance (186 miles) of event. Does
anyone know of a larger event anywhere in the world?Thanks for any answers
Garry Jones
English Cyclist ResIDING in Sweden
"Depot" is not an inappropriate word to use, neither would be "service
station." After all, major electronic/computer suppliers use the word
"depot" when their techs tell a consumer to return a product for
warranty service (they say, send it to the "depot"😉.
I suggest "service centre/center" and indicate the level of service as
full, partial, or basic.
Personally, I like "full service depot," "service depot," or "pit stop."
Sky
h m a r d i s "a ht" u i u c "daught" e d u