[Monkey Face]

...They come along like clockwork, a tic to match your track,

Is this supposed to be "tack?" If not, I'll mind my own beeswax...

:o|

[NicknamedBob]

Is this supposed to be "tack?" If not, I'll mind my own beeswax...

The "tic" involved is a periodic interval marking one side of the track you're on. Like a ball rolling down a chute.

"Tack" wouldn't have been any more appropriate. It's a very mixed metaphor, but it suits our royal pleasure.