The Pumptrack Project
History
The seeds of the pumptrack were planted in 2018 when we were wondering what we could do to improve the cycling facilities in the island and in particular how we can rejuvenate Delancey Park. The club had received funds from the defunct Admiral de Sausamrez trust on the condition that the funds were used to benefit the park and the community,
The idea of using the funds to build a pumptrack was mooted within the club and a small group was formed to explore the possibility of using the derelict tennis court area. Various options were explored, including modular tracks, dirt tracks, asphalt track and even tracks formed with prefab cardboard sections.
Slow progress was made, but it was established that the funds that had been donated wouldn't even pay for the most basic design. The project lost some momentum and stalled until after lockdown,
The club formed a new committee to restart planning, met with the St Sampsons constables and the leaseholder of the park, ESC and gained their support to push forward with the project. New plans were drawn up and a planning application submitted which was approved in September 2023.
We are now in the fundraising phase with a target of £250,000 and we hope to be able to sign contracts with our preferred constructor in the summer of 2024.
Pumptracks
A pumptrack is a circuit constructed on a flat area of land built in such a way the riders generate momentum by “pumping” their bikes around a series of tight bermed bends and rollers. Riders generally do not need to pedal and should be able to free wheel around the whole of the track.
Pumptracks teach riders bike handing skills, balance, how to gain momentum using their body, promotes increased fitness and improves riders technical skills.
Pumptracks are designed to be ridden by any bike, from balance bikes, BMX, Scooters to full size Mountain Bikes!
The Plans
With Delancey Park the de-facto home of cycling in Guernsey; The Velo Club paid for the installation of the tarmac racing circuit as a Millenium project and Delancey Flyers, our kids racing development program, is also based at the park. It was only natural that the Club would look to the Park as the ideal location for the pumptrack. We have engaged DRP to produce our initial plans for Planning approval but as we move forward with the project our preferred constructor, Velosolutions wlll use their experience to design a world class facility for the whole community to use.
Fund Raising
All of this isn't cheap. We've already used the funds that donated by the Admiral De Sausmarez Trust to pay for the planning application and audio survey and the current indicative price from Velosolutions is around £200,000 we are also raising an additional £50,000 to cover future maintenance costs. As well as applying for grants we are also holding fund raising events and we currently have a raffle for a Brand New Fiat 500 Hybrid from Le Mont Saint Garage. Tickets are on sale from Club members and various locations around the Island including Adventure Cycles, Ian Browns CycleShop and Cycleworld.
