Glossary
Tar Snakes
Tar snakes are the ribbons of black sealant poured into pavement cracks, which is exactly what they look like from the saddle.
What are tar snakes? Tar snakes are the ribbons of black sealant poured into pavement cracks, which is exactly what they look like from the saddle. They matter because the sealant is slicker than the surrounding asphalt, and much more so when it is hot and soft or wet. Riders treat a patch of them mid-corner the way they treat any low-grip surface: get the braking done early, be smooth, and avoid changing anything while crossing them.