SWITCH-bak tuhrn
Noun, Verb
A switchback turn is a sharp U-turn on a mountain trail.
Example usage: 'I had to make a switchback turn to get around the tree blocking the path.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and off-road trail riding.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers and off-road trail riders.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Hairpin turn, U-turn, Zigzag turn,
What is a Switchback Turn?
A switchback turn is a specialized cycling maneuver used to safely and quickly turn a bike around in a confined space. It is a useful skill for mountain biking and other off-road activities. The maneuver consists of leaning the bike to one side, then quickly switching the direction of the turn by leaning the bike to the other side. This allows for the bike to turn quickly and safely in a tight space.
Switchback turns are often used to navigate tight turns on narrow trails, and can be used to avoid obstacles or sharp corners. They can also be used to quickly change direction while descending a hill. The maneuver is often used in mountain biking events such as cross-country, downhill and enduro racing.
The switchback turn is an important skill for mountain bikers to master. According to a survey of mountain bikers by the National Outdoor Leadership School, the ability to execute switchback turns is considered the most important skill to master in order to safely and quickly navigate a mountain bike trail.
The Cycling Origin of the Term 'Switchback Turn'
The term 'Switchback turn' has been used in the cycling world since the late 19th century, originating from the mountainous regions of Switzerland. The term describes a tight, hairpin-shaped turn on a steep mountain road, which cyclists must navigate in order to ascend or descend a steep incline.
The term was first recorded in print in 1894 in a guidebook to Switzerland's cycling routes, which included a map of the region's switchback turns. Since then, the term has become a staple of the cycling lexicon, and is commonly used to describe tight turns on a mountain road, regardless of geography.
Today, the term 'Switchback turn' is used to describe a tight, hairpin-shaped turn found on mountain roads, and has become a part of the cycling lexicon. It is a reminder of the challenging roads that cyclists must navigate in order to ascend or descend a steep incline.
