How Does a Pump Track Work?

A pump track is a low-impact and fun way for mountain bikers to train. It’s basically a dirt trail that features numerous jumps, rollers, and dips which riders can ‘pump’ over using the up-and-down motion of a pedal stroke. Pushing with one leg and pulling with the other in quick succession causes riders to move higher on the hill. Once riders gain enough momentum, they can ride back down again while using the same technique to tackle another incline. 

The result is a fun yet challenging workout session that only requires an empty plot of land, some dirt, and determination. If you’re interested in building your own pump track but aren’t sure how, read on to learn more about this increasingly popular sport.

Why Build a Pump Track?

Riders of all ages, skill levels and genders can enjoy a ride on a pump track. They’re also relatively easy to build at home. All you need is some dirt, a bike, and the time to construct it. The benefits of building your own pump track are huge. For starters, they are low-impact and fun. Riders will feel like they’ve just had an awesome session at the gym following a ride on their homemade track. Pump tracks also require minimal maintenance - which means less time spent on upkeep and more time spent riding! You don’t have to be an expert mountain biker either - anyone who owns a bike can ride a pump track. This makes them perfect for beginning riders or those who only have access to one bike in the household. Building your own also gives you the opportunity to add personal touches like jumps or wood structures that make it more challenging or interesting for riders. If you want to build one with your children, they will not only enjoy riding it but gain valuable skills while taking part in an activity together with their parent or guardian.

How Does a Pumptrack Work?

Simply put, a pump track is a low-impact and fun way for mountain bikers to train. It’s basically a dirt trail that features numerous jumps, rollers, and dips which riders can ‘pump’ over using the up-and-down motion of a pedal stroke. Pushing with one leg and pulling with the other in quick succession causes riders to move higher on the hill. Once riders gain enough momentum, they can ride back down again while using the same technique to tackle another incline. The result is a fun yet challenging workout session that only requires an empty plot of land, some dirt, and determination. Building your own pump track may seem daunting at first glance but it’s actually pretty simple if you have access to an excavator or tractor because you need to dig all of the ramps by hand. This will take some time but once you have everything laid out you should be able to do it in 2 or 3 days depending on how big your track is. You want your ramps to be as steep as possible so they offer the maximum resistance when being pumped up and down repeatedly by riders. Remember: steeper angles = more difficulty!

Materials You’ll Need

To build a pump track, you’ll need to clear out an area and lay about six inches of compacted dirt. After this, you can create the structure by layering the dirt in ‘zig-zag’ pattern with a wide enough margin at the top to make bikeable turns. The final step is to compact the dirt until it becomes difficult for feet to sink into the surface. A light watering should help pack it down even further. The last ingredient is patience as it will take some time for your pump track to settle and become ready for riders.

Step 1: Level the Playing Field

Before you can begin to build a pump track, you need to clear the area of any sticks or rocks on the ground. Make sure the ground is level too. If it isn’t, use stakes and string to create a straight line with one end being your desired start point and the other end being your desired finish point.

Step 2: Lay the Base Layer of Crushed Stone

Start by laying down a layer of crushed stone. This layer should be about two inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the size of your bike tire. The stone base will provide traction for the dirt, but stay away from any stones with sharp edges that could tear up the tires. Next, you’ll want to pack down the dirt to make it as level as possible. This is important so that riders can maintain their balance when moving from one incline to another. Don’t be too heavy-handed though or you’ll end up with an uneven product! Finally, lay 3-5 inches of course sand over the entire surface and work it into the dirt with a rake or broom. This will keep your pump track from becoming muddy during wet weather or dusty during dry periods, making for a smooth ride even under adverse conditions.

Step 3: Add the Dirt Track

Now that the wood is set up, add the dirt to create a track. To make a pump track, you want to add a trail of dirt with a gradual incline. The idea is that riders can ‘pump’ over the bumps in the hill using the up-and-down motion of their pedal strokes. To start, comb out some dirt and pack it down so there are no large clumps. Then run your frame at an angle from one end to the other (or from side to side if you’re making a triangle) to create small dips spaced about six inches or so apart for jumps and rollers. If you want longer rollers or bigger jumps, leave more space between them. Make sure that all of your dips have at least one good side – this will allow riders to get back up after they go down it instead of sliding into another dip on their heads. Now it’s time to add the final touches by trimming off any excess dirt and packing it down with your hands before sprinkling sand on top (usually 3-6 inches). This will give riders traction when they ride over it and prevent it from getting too muddy when wet.

Step 4: Maintaining and Preparing for Use

The last step to building a pump track is maintaining and preparing it for use. You’ll need to have the land cleared of all sticks, stones, and other debris before you build the track. When you’re done building the track, check for any bumps or divots in the surface that could cause riders to lose their balance or slip off their bike. If there are any problems, you can fill them with more dirt or tamp down any loose spots with a garden roller. You will also need to prepare for rain and watering your pump track by adding a layer of sand atop the dirt. This will help keep the mud from sticking onto bikes and making it difficult for riders to stay on top of their bikes when they go over a bump or dip in the track. The final step is adding at least two inches of water atop your sand so it absorbs into the ground. This will help keep the surface damp but not muddy when it starts raining again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I build a pump track? When it comes to building a pump track, the process can vary depending on the materials you have access to. For example, if you want to use wood, you may need more than 700 feet of 2x6s. If you’re looking for an easier material, consider using rubber mats or old tires. You can also find pre-constructed pump tracks in many places. What tools do I need? A saw and a drill will help with cutting and drilling the necessary pieces of your track. You can also rent tools from a hardware store if you don’t have them at home already. You will also need a hammer for pounding stakes into the ground as well as stakes and string for marking out your trail. Lastly, it may be helpful to have some water on hand when constructing your track—especially in warmer weather!