Falmouth's brand new pump track set to open this weekend

Falmouth is set to have one of the best mountain bike pump tracks of its kind in the south west following an official opening at Trescobeas Park on Saturday at 11am.

Councillor David Saunby will be at the park on Saturday to open the pump track, a looped trail of smooth dirt mounds for cycling around, at speed, without pedalling: The name comes from the pumping motion used by the cyclist’s when riding around the tracks.

Mr Saunby, who pushed for the project as the Cornwall Councillor for Trescobeas ward, said: “A cycle track had previously existed at Trescobeas Park but because it was not of a high standard, the dwindling band of cyclists who used it had resorted to creating their own jumps and routes within it, rendering it eventually too narrow and unfit for purpose.

“Our aim was to open up the track and create multiple routes; to make it accessible for riders of mountain bikes and BMXs with differing levels of ability, and to provide a facility that is fun to use, challenging and worth travelling to. Most pump tracks in the south west are fairly compact and one-directional in layout, which is why we hope this new facility will be widely used.”

Martin Beck of Your Ride, which designed the track, said: “Whether you are a child on your first bike or an experienced adult cyclist who is up for a challenge, the Trescobeas track incorporates different lines, varied height jumps and well-sculpted bends so that all ages and abilities can practice their skills at the same time.

“The track will also provide learners with the confidence to navigate the kind of obstacles now found at cycle trial centres like Cardinham and Lanhydrock, and unite people of different ages and backgrounds with a common interest. I hope that other town councils from across the south west will follow Falmouth’s lead and see the value of providing their communities with facilities of such quality.”

Falmouth Cycles will provide bikes and tuition at the launch, as well as running fun competitions, and the Falmouth branch of Sainsbury’s has offered to provide free refreshments.

Sheila Rollison, secretary of the Lambs Lane and Ashfield Members Association, said: “It is well documented that fresh air and exercise is vital for good health and wellbeing, so we welcome this new bike track in Trescobeas Park with open arms. We hope that those who use it will take ownership and use the track responsibly so that its quality can be maintained for the enjoyment of as broad a range of people as possible.”

Source: This is The West Country