Local bicyclists often bemoan the lack of mountain bike trails near Lakeport; many cherished bikes have gathered dust, not dirt. But soon enough, those knobby bike tires will have some local lines.
Westside Community Park committee members gathered Wednesday to address the installation of a new “pump track,” which would likely begin construction in late April of this year.
Pump tracks mark a new trend in the cyclist community. They consist of several small, man-made mounds and berms of dirt, which are designed to be ridden in a small course. The “pump” aspect of the name refers to the unique way riders propel themselves around the course: by pushing the bike into the flowy mounds and divots to build speed.
Most non-road bikes can successfully ride the course, especially those with suspension, which helps the rider exert force into the flowy track. Pump tracks are usually the size of an outdoor skate park and provide several loops and lines for variation.
Richard Neils, a contractor, proposed the idea to the Westside committee after the recent construction of a pump track in Santa Rosa, his place of work.
“Most of these pump tracks can be built in a week,” he said. “It’s a promising feature and it’s not too huge.”
Specialized Bikes engineer Andrew Lanoue currently has potential design plans and renderings. He will construct the track with world-class mountain bikers Andrew Taylor and Greg Watts. Neils estimates the total cost of the design and construction will amount to around $4,500.
“These guys are well known in the area,” Neils said, emphasizing the mountain biking community’s respect for the trio. “These guys just want a little something for their time.”
Several concerns came up about the track’s upkeep, especially considering proper drainage and rule enforcement.
“The challenge is keeping people off of it when it is mucky,” said WCP chairperson Dennis A. Rollins. “What we don’t want is for this to become a mud pit.”
Neils said local community service could aid in the construction of the track; with luck, a sense of ownership will keep cyclist from deliberately or accidentally abusing the features of the course. That, in addition to some basic signature and fencing, could keep the course in good condition. Some areas of the course may need tarping during rainy seasons, as the downpours can wear down the courses features.
The committee will address specific logistics at their next meeting in February, as designer Lanoue will attend with further renderings of the tentative design.
Neils said he believes the track, as well as its upkeep, will pose a “learning experience” for cyclists in the area, as well as a unique activity that will draw in non-locals.
“Some kids aren’t on sports teams,” he said. “(The track) is a good way to capture those kids, there’s nothing wrong with this sport.”
