What Is A Pump Track?

The pump track is a type of artificial freestanding terrain that’s built for mountain bike riders. These tracks combine a dirt jump, BMX track, and quarter pipe all in one. They are made from packed earth and have numerous berms and small hills which riders can ascend using a pumping motion with their legs instead of the more traditional striding action. There are many variations on the same theme but most pump tracks have a series of bermed turns, some jumps, lots of rollers, and other features that force riders to use their wheels to climb rather than their legs. They’re almost impossible to ride in the traditional down-and-uphill style because you almost always want to be going up at any given moment (otherwise you’ll just keep hitting your head on the ground).

Why Build A Pump Track?

Pump tracks are a great way to get people into mountain biking. A rider doesn't need any expensive gear or a mountain bike to enjoy a pump track. All they need is a bike that they can pedal and they're set! Because of this, some people may be more willing to try out the hobby (especially if it's their children). Pump tracks are also great forteaching children how to ride a bike because the pump track is an obstacle course designed for BMX bikes. It's important for kids with bikes to learn how to ride both on and off-road. The pump track is one of the best ways for them to do so because it won't be as difficult as riding on dirt trails. The final reason why you may want to build a pump track is so you can have more fun at your next party or event! These tracks are perfect for private functions. You could even rent out one if you wanted your own private looping course at home. 

How To Build A Pump Track

If you want to build your own pump track, you’ll need a rough patch of ground that is at least 40 - 50 meters long. You’ll also need a few tons of soil, some tubes and various tarmac, and a roller. Before you start building it, the first thing to do is to use the roller on the ground until it’s totally flat. Then start by building two berms on either end of where the track will go. Next, lay out the tube at one end and make sure it goes in straight. Place three or four large piles of dirt on top for riders to pump up as they come off the first part of the track (this will be like a small hill). On top these hills, create more berm-type features so that riders can pump up and descend them. Keep adding features like this all along the track until you have about 15-20 of them. 

Why Is A Pump Track Good For MTBers?

A pump track is a good tool for mountain bike riders because it can be used as an introduction to BMX or dirt jumping. It’s a great way to practice new moves and skills without having to worry about any serious injuries. A pump track also lets you practice skills that are more difficult in the mountains, like the bunny hop, for example. These sorts of skills might take years to learn in the real world but you can practice them in a controlled environment with plenty of time to work on your technique. Lastly, a pump track is fun! There’s always something new to try and it takes just as much skill as riding uphill on dirt trails. It doesn’t matter if you have a brand-new mountain bike or have been riding for decades-a pump track can provide hours of entertainment for all levels of riders. 

The Problem With Pump Tracks

The problem with pump tracks is that they require a lot of space and are often expensive to build. The berms and hills also make them difficult to ride in the traditional downhill style because you almost always want to be going up at any given moment. So if you have a lot of room and can afford the expense, pump tracks can be a great way for mountain bikers to enjoy their sport in your backyard. If not, it might be worth looking into other options like dirt jumps or BMX tracks. 

Conclusion

A pump track is a bike-specific training course that many mountain bikers use to improve their skills. A pump track is built using banked turns and berms that are covered in dirt and sand, with a small gap in the track. This gap allows riders to "pump" their bikes up and down, keeping momentum to navigate the curves. A pump track is a great way to get creative with your trail building. It’s not just a simple bike course—it’s also a form of exercise. And as a result, it's not just for mountain bikers. If you’ve got the space and you know how to build trails, it’s worth considering adding a pump track to your project.