It’s all about fun, fitness – and of course, the flow.
After less than two months of construction, Orange County’s first asphalt pump track opened to the public on Saturday, April 26, in San Clemente, allowing people riding bikes, skateboards and scooters to weave along the winding, bumpy course.
The 18,000-square-foot track at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park replaces a plot of dirt formerly used as a dog park next to the popular skate park and pickleball courts. The track spans more than 500 feet, and there’s also a smaller track for beginners or warm-ups.
Saturday’s celebration drew city officials, supporters, pro athletes and everyday users to get a glimpse at the much-anticipated course, which is near the entrance to world-class mountain biking trails and the skate park users can enjoy following their pump track session.
The first official lap was to be taken by current UCI Pump Track World Champion Ryan Gilchrist.
The pump track was built with funding contributed by Shimano, Inc.; the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation; and the Orange County Mountain Bike Association. Like the nearby skatepark, it will be maintained and operated by the city.
The company that built the track, American Ramp Company, has completed several asphalt pump tracks in Southern California, including in Temecula, Corona, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Inglewood.