How To Design A Pump Track, Step-By-Step

When most people think of a pump track, they picture a dusty, sand-covered track with berms and awkward natural features. While these elements are often present in the finished product, designing an effective pump track requires much more than just throwing some bogs into the woods. Here’s what you need to know in order to design a pump track that riders of all abilities can enjoy -- from beginner to pro.

What is a Pump Track?

A pump track is a cycling track with many features like berms, jumps, and rollers that riders can use to build momentum. The track is laid out so that the rider can pump their bike for more speed and flow. The goal of the berm is to have the tires roll over it without slowing down or pushing off. The term “pumping” refers to using your body weight on the pedals to drive the bike forward. This article will walk you through how to design a pump track step-by-step, but if you’re looking for more information about why and how to build this type of course, check out our other blog post: Pump Track 101: How To Build A Pump Track.

What factors do you need to consider when designing a pump track?

A pump track is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to tailor your design to the needs and desires of the people who will be riding it. Here are five factors you must take into account when designing your pump track: 1) Terrain 2) Length of Track 3) Features of Track 4) Directionality of Ride 5) Level of Difficulty.

Select the location of your pump track

Before you start designing your track, the first thing you need to do is identify a location. If your property has a nice flat field or empty lot, this will be the perfect place for your track. However, if you don’t have any of these features on your land, it’s time to plan some sort of trip out to find a suitable spot. Your location will shape the design of your pump track in many ways. You may have to deal with hills and valleys that require more planning and skill than if you had a level surface. The location will also affect the cost of building the track because not all locations are equally affordable. For example, locating your pump track near an active water source could increase construction costs because it requires proper drainage systems before it can be built on. The most important thing is to find a ground that is safe and accessible during all seasons so that riders can enjoy the pump track year-round!

Decide how you will drain your pump track

Before you do anything, you need to decide how you will drain your track. You can use manmade features like berms or natural features like ditches and hills. These features are necessary for the water to drain from the surface of the track and not pool in low spots. When designing a pump track, you need to know what type of terrain it will be built on. If you are building a new course, then look at the natural features of the land and design accordingly. If you are using a preexisting course, then work with what is available to make an effective track. You also need to decide if your pump track will have jumps or not. Jumps are good for riders who want more speed and elevation off the ground as they ride. They require more work when it comes to designing them though as they have complex designs that must be taken into account when determining where they should go on your course.

Create berms and rollers that are appropriate for your skill level

. A basic pump track will feature berms and rollers, but the size and spacing of these features are important. For example, if you're designing a pump track for beginners, you'll want to make sure the berms and rollers are easy to ride. This could be done by making them short or adding more space in between them so riders have time to catch their breath. The same goes for advanced riders. A pro might want challenging features that require more skill and speed. It's also important to think about the berm's angle when designing a pump track. If you're designing a beginner-friendly course, make sure the berm is on an angle of about thirty degrees so it's not too steep for beginners. If you’re constructing a pro-level track, keep the angle closer to forty-five degrees to challenge riders with more advanced skills.

Add jumps and other features for intermediates and experts

While most ride it for the berm turns, intermediate and expert riders need to know that other features are important too. Adding jumps and other features is crucial for keeping these riders engaged.

Final thoughts

This article is all about designing a pump track. Before you get started, keep in mind a few considerations that will make your design process easier: - The dimensions of the track should be between 3 and 5 feet wide. - The elevation change should be no more than 6 inches. - The surface should be flat and level with the exception of small berms that riders can easily hop over or ride down. - It’s best to plan out your design on paper before building it so you can see how it will look in advance. Satisfy these criteria and you’ll have created a pump track that riders at all levels are sure to enjoy!