Quote:
Originally Posted by No Worries
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Take a look at the hill slope between the two farthest switchbacks. This road is steep. Mountain riding is different from canyon riding, just like riding uphill is different from riding down. Even though the road is steep, not banked, and extremely tight, you have to have constant throttle through the curve.
Some riders come in too fast, hit the brakes and lose momentum in the curve, because they are so steep. That can often spell disaster. Much better to come in slow and go out fast. That's why I like to be in first gear. Insures a slow entry and fast exit.
One of the hardest maneuvers I've ever done is a U-turn on a steep, narrow street. These switchbacks are similar. You have to enter at 15mph, but depending on how leaned over the bike is, you can accelerate out smartly. By leaning way off the bike, the bike is more upright. That means I can start twisting the throttle sooner than a bike that is still leaned over.
And these are the lower switchbacks on Lookout Mountain. The upper ones are even tighter.