THE Limestone Coast’s cycling scene is abuzz after the Mount Gambier Pump Track officially opened.
The first of its kind in Australia, the Velosolutions designed and built facility has been inundated by riders eager to test their skill on the unique circuit ahead of this weekend’s Red Bull Pump Track World Championship qualifying event in the Blue Lake city.
Mount Gambier Mountain Bike Club member and Daktari manager Nick Brooks has hailed the City Council-backed project a success.
“There has been a lot of enthusiasm and buzz around the track,” he said.
“I think it shows that even if people did not know it was something they would want, now we have it they are really happy.”
With people of all ages enjoying the track, Mr Brooks urged users to know their limits and treat the facility with the same respect they would with any other BMX or mountain bike trail.
“You have young kids on balance bikes giving it ago as well as the over 50s,” he said.
“We have only heard of one broken wrist on the track, but that is like anything.
“As long as people ride within their capabilities there are no problems.
“You have to get into the swing of it and learn how it all works.
“But like anytime children are riding a bike, parents should always encourage them to wear the proper safety gear.”
Mr Brooks said it was more challenging than he expected.
“Globally pump tracks are a fairly new phenomenon,” he said.
“The really early tracks Velosolutions built were far mellower than what we have.
“We are seeing similar stuff to what they have in a few other locations now, so it has really evolved since the early days.”
Mr Brooks said there was scope for a “tamer” pump track to be built at the reserve to cater for younger riders and ease congestion.
A qualifying round of the Red Bull Pump Track World Championships held at the Hastings Cunningham Reserve site this weekend.
Riders from across the region have joined internationally known names preparing for the event.
“We (the Daktari team) are all going to race it,” Mr Brooks said.
“Bodi Turner is a multiple Australian BMX champion and was on the national team.
“Mike Fenwick was a junior world champion and they are both coming.
“There will be a mix of BMX racers and mountain bike riders, it will pretty competitive.”
