Building a Pump Track: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting

When it comes to riding your bike, the possibilities are seemingly endless. On any given day, you can hop on your ride and take it anywhere from a quick jaunt around the block to an all-day excursion in the great outdoors. But what happens when the road ends and there’s no trail in sight? That’s where a pump track comes in! Also known as a roller track or skills park, a pump track is essentially an outdoor dirt track with banked turns, man-made jumps, and various other features that allow riders to increase their performance and practice advanced skills. These tracks don’t require much maintenance once they’re built, making them an ideal option for those looking to get more out of their leisure time. In this article we will teach you everything you need to know about building a pump track.

What is a Pump Track?

A pump track is a dirt course with banked turns, berms, and features designed to simulate the feel of riding on a bike in low gears. This type of track typically has jumps and other obstacles that riders must “pump” over for higher speeds.

Who Can Benefit from a Pump Track?

A pump track is a perfect project for those looking to do more with their leisure time. Pump tracks are perfect for practicing and improving skills, as well as just spending some time outside. The track can be used by novice riders who are looking to improve their bike handling skills, or by experts who want to hone their speed and jumps. A pump track is also a great idea for those looking to keep an active lifestyle in the summer months when bike riding opportunities are limited. When the snow melts in the spring and fall, the pump track can provide entertainment and exercise in the off-season too! We’ve tried to cover all of your bases here, but if you have any additional questions about building a pump track, we’d be happy to answer them!

How to Build a Pump Track

If you’re interested in building your own pump track, there are a few things to consider before getting started. First, it’s important to identify the area you want to build the track in. A pump track needs plenty of space, so be sure to find a location where you have at least 10-20 feet on either side of the track. You should also consider what type of soil conditions you will be working with and how much time you will be able to spend on building the pump track. If possible, try to find ground that is somewhat level but not heavily compacted like pavement or concrete. This will make it easier for water drainage and also provide more grip for your tires when riding. After selecting a site, mark out an area that is about 75 feet long and 15 feet wide (or about 11m x 4m). The entire surface should be flat and free from any large rocks or roots that could get caught up in your bike’s tires. Then you can start digging out the shape of the banked turns and other features that will be included in the design. Keep in mind that man-made jumps typically range from 3-6 feet high (1-2 meters), so make sure you have enough space allocated for any jumps you want to include! Once all of your desired features are outlined, use some string or PVC pipe as a guide while filling in dirt around them. You can then use clay to flatten out any bumps.

The Costs of Building a Pump Track

Pump tracks are relatively inexpensive to build. The total cost of materials for a 20’x40′ track can range from $400-$500 and should include: - 2 rolls of 3 inch thick blacktop - 1 roll of 4 inch thick blacktop - 2 rolls of low-tack duct tape - 1 roll of red duct tape or spray paint (optional) - 12 dump truck loads of dirt, sand, or clay Costs for labor will depend on the size and skill level desired. If you have a professional build your pump track, expect to pay anywhere from $5-$10 per hour in labor costs. If you build the track yourself, use this guide to calculate your hourly labor rates. Materials could cost between $1-$2 per square foot, depending on the material and type of terrain. For example, if you wanted to lay your track over grass then costs would be around $0.50 per square foot. If you wanted to lay it over rock then it would be more expensive at around $2 per square foot because it will take longer and more effort to get down into the ground with a shovel or pickaxe.

Tips for Building Your Own Pump Track

1. Decide on your dimensions The first step to building a pump track is figuring out how big you want it to be. This will depend on how many people you want to use the track at once, as well as the types of bikes they’re riding. For example, most mountain bikes have 26” wheels, while BMX bikes have 20” or 24” wheels- so you would need more room for BMX riders than for those on mountain bike. You should also consider the space available in your yard and how much time you plan to spend riding, too. 2. Know what type of surface you want Pump tracks are typically made up of dirt and/or gravel, while some are built with asphalt or concrete. When deciding what kind of surface material to use, think about where the pump track will be located- if it is near a swimming pool or drainage ditch, using an asphalt surface may not be advisable. If it will be located in dry dirt or gravel, then asphalt may not be necessary either. It is best to experiment with different surfaces before making a commitment- this way you can see if one type works better than another for your particular situation! 3. Determine the size of jumps There are two major types of jumps: "humps" (similar to speed bumps) and "drops" (similar to stairs). Humps allow beginners to practice basic skills without being too daring right away; drops help cultivate

Conclusion

If you're looking for a way to get your kids outside, have a great time and get a little exercise, consider building your own pump track. The process doesn't have to be complicated, and it can be done for less than $500 in many cases. The best part is that pump tracks can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. Best of all, regardless of the size of your lot, you can build a pump track for your family and friends to enjoy.