Definition: A washout happens when a rider’s front tire loses grip in a turn and slides out from under them. This usually occurs when the surface is loose, wet, or slippery, or when the rider leans too far at high speed. Because the front wheel controls balance and steering, losing traction there causes a sudden fall, often toward the inside of the corner.
Washouts are common in mountain biking and cyclocross, where dirt, gravel, mud, or leaves reduce tire grip. Riders lower the risk by entering turns at the right speed, keeping their weight balanced, and braking before the corner instead of during it. Smooth steering and proper tire choice also help maintain control.
Example: During a downhill trail ride, a cyclist hit a patch of loose gravel in a corner, the front tire slid out, and the rider washed out onto the dirt.
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