Building the Pony Pee Pump Track
There was rain. And mud. And pony piss. But I’m proud to say Giant Bicycles’ temporary pump track at the Keystone Stables is ready to rock. A tale of logistics, precipitation and teamwork.
Step 1: Logistics
I spent a lot of time gathering resources, doing design and getting the plan together. Projects like this have very little to do with pump tracks and bike riding; they’re about business and process. But that’s no fun, so let’s move on.
But first, I must thank Zach Lewis for helping with the design, and for proving that any two bumps are jump-able.
Step 2: Place the dirt
Thursday was a crazy, rainy day. I of course rocked a t-shirt, shorts and running shoes. The only thing that kept me warm was constant action: spotting Bobcat driver Ernie, pulling out rocks, digging drainage trenches.
Step 3: Shape the dirt
We had an all-star crew of seven diggers. Everyone got paid, got fed and got to rip a sweet track.
![]() We re-tarped the track and went to Good Times for burgers. |
Step 4: Ride, baby, ride!
Every new track starts off soft and slow. The more you ride it, the harder — and faster — it gets.
![]() Andy works some clockwise action. |
![]() This section has flow! |
![]() Brandon claims this double. |
![]() And the final touch. Super pro. |
![]() The sun shines. Brandon rips. Life is good. |
Several spots were still gooey at the end of the day. Please, please, please be sunny and dry for the next few days.
We left the track tarped and, hopefully, hardening. A bunch of Giant dealers will rip it Monday evening.
Stay tuned.
— Lee
You are getting better and better at this Lee. That is a really fast build time, and it looks like a terrific pump track, I like the shape a lot!
Many hands do indeed make light work. When do you have to go back up and tear it down? Did you payroll all those folks so they would be under your insurance or did you just letter rip?
Lee,
You sure now how to throw a hell of a pump track party. The track turned out great for the time we had and i feel ya on the “lets hope that the sun was able to bake in some of those burms.” this should be one great event on monday let us know how it turns out.
Monday night, late:
The track was perfect and super fast! We had an awesome time.
I was too busy riding/teaching to shoot, but I think I can get some photos. Stay tuned.
That is awesome to hear Lee Mac. So glad the track was dry and fast I am sure you killed it, wish i could have joined ya.
I gave it my best. The Wife was there, and I love to throw down for her!
Something primal about that.
BTW:
My P.3 got barred, so I rocked a Giant STP, cruiser and 20. They were all really nice.
And I rode Jeff Lenosky’s STP. Super-extra sweet! Light and stiff in all the right ways.
that sucks that the P3 had to sit the sidelines but I am sure you were still able to trow down on the STP.
how much dirt did this track take to build?