Navigating
Switchbacks
DOWNHILL
Slow down for the corner. It's a lot faster
to make the corner without dabbing no matter how slow you have to go to do it.
Stay on the uphill side of the trail as you
approach the switchback. This will allow you to make the widest arc as you turn and
prevent you from hitting anything at the apex of the switchback.
As you approach slowly, put your weight back
and put your outside pedal down.
As you enter the corner, look at the exit
where you want to go. DO NOT look at the 100' drop-off that you will fall down if you
don't make the corner!
With your weight on your outside pedal and
slightly back, the next step is to commit to the corner. Lean hard into the corner until
you are almost falling to the inside. When this happens, ease off the brakes and let the
your bike roll under yourself. This is actually really easy to do once you get started.
If you have a hard time with this last step,
you can quickly modulate the brakes to adjust your balance. It works really well.
When you have passed the apex of the corner,
you can let off the brakes, start accelerating, and prepare for the next switchback.
You should never skid around a switchback.
You have less control and you rip up the trails.
UPHILL
For uphill switchbacks, you take the same
line as for DH switchbacks.
Approach the switchback with your bike on the
extreme DH side of the trail so you can make the widest arc possible. Keep your weight
centered.
Lean hard into the corner and pedal your bike
under yourself so you don't fall to the inside. The trick is to commit to the lean.
By the time your bike is under you, you are
around the switchback.
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