A natural surface pump track is proposed for downtown Plainville. It will consist of multiple interconnected loops of curves (berms) and hills (rollers) designed for practicing essential mountain bike and BMX (bicycle moto-cross) skills. Riders launch themselves from a starting hill and, without using their pedals, leverage their momentum over the rollers to accellerate around the track.
Pump tracks can be used by all age groups, and, while intended for cyclists, can be use by scooters and other two-wheeled or narrow wheelbase rides like skateboards. Pump tracks are skill-building tracks, not stunt tracks, and are generally regarded as safe when standard cycling protections (helmet, pads & gloves) are worn.
The year 2020 saw many people driven to start, or resume, cycling as an outdoor activity due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing. Plainville was no exception to this trend. Youth, already on BMX-style bicycles popularly sold at big-box stores, began looking for greater challenges after roaming the town exhaustively. Adults took up mountain bikes and began to ride the streets, lacking the skills and confidence for more-challenging single-track riding.
BMX cycling has shown growing renewed interest nationwide during the last decade. With popular culture being slow to arrive in the Midwest, and the visible interest in BMX at Plainville, BMX cycling can be expected to remain popular for at least the next 15 years.
Mountain biking in its varied forms has become a mainstay in cycling culture. PFTrails plans to develop natural surface single-track trails at Plainville Township Lake and elsewhere, making a skills course a valuable asset to the Plainville community. Currently, the challenge is deciding upon which of the several vacant lots throughout the town to build the pump track. The size and shape of the lot will determine the overall size and complexity of the track, and so must be chosen before planning can be completed.
Pump tracks can be natural surface or paved. Natural surface tracks have the benefit of being easily amended — adding new features, increasing or decreasing relative challenge, etc. Natural surface tracks require more intensive maintenance, being subject to effects of weather and accelerated wear by users as compared to a paved track.
The pump track at Plainville is planned to have a natural surface of sandy-clay-loam soil with a thin layer of limestone screenings to improve durability. It will be three-to-four feet wide, depending on the size of the lot, with a gravel base to improve drainage. Natural stone will be used for retaining walls, and paving along the most heavily worn surfaces (deck of the starting hill, and edges of major berms). Any fencing, and the trailhead signage will be framed with synthetic lumber. A small shed may be built on site for maintenance tools.
Pump tracks are soil-intensive, requiring 200+ yards of sandy clay loam (40/40/20) specifically for its shaping and drainage characteristics. A smaller amount of gravel, and lesser amount of screenings will also be required for construction of the track, starting hill, and hill approach.
If space is tight, the natural backslope of berms may be replaced with a stone retaining wall. The deck of the starting hill is quickly and easily worn down if not reinforced with stone or other durable material.
Signage will need to be fabricated, and if space is tight, the starting hill may require a fence to prevent riders from accidentally slipping off the side.
At least two benches should be available for riders to rest and spectators to observe. The site selected may require landscaping to provide some shade to riders and spectators.
Construction and ongoing maintenance requires access to water, shovels, tampers, blowers and brooms. This equipment can be stored in a small (5×5) shed.
Naming rights are available for the pump track. Gifts may be made as Friends of the Trail at the link below. Sponsorship with recognition is available for many of the project components; please contact us directly to work out the specifics.
Thank you for your interest, and we hope to see you at the track!
