Switchbacks!!

In this area, just the mention of the word "SWITCHBACK" brings certain pictures to the minds of people. If they are local mountain bikers than almost certainly they will think immediately of the top of Turkey Pin in the Sherando Recreation Area. The almost seemingly never-ending steep section of that trail is feared and hated at the same time being loved respected by the people who look at the switchbacks as a challenge.

Also numerous roads in area have switchbacks that Roadies love to hate. Whether you’re climbing Rt. 56 from Vesuvius or Reeds Gap you know a switchback when you see on. Of course on the road switchbacks cause a mental dilemma to most road riders. They are faced with the difficult decision of whether to hammer the steep line up the inside of the switchback or spin around the gentler slope of the outside of the corner. Usually for me this is more of a survival decision. Usually I will take to outside to keep forward motion. The opposite of forward motion sometimes happens if I decide to take the inside lines. Also as in the case of the Blue Ridge Extreme Century Ride two years ago when I had overeaten at each rest stop the inside vs. outside choice changed to a vomit vs. no-vomit choice.

Switchbacks, whether you love them or hate them, they will always be out there in the world waiting for you to let your guard down. I found this beauty on Hite Hollow Rd. outside Craigsville, VA yesturday.