Help, there’s gravel on my pump track

Lee,

The local pump track here was built with bad dirt and it has a lot of gravel in it. As the dirt erodes away the track fills up with gravel and it becomes tough to ride. Do you have any advice on how to help this situation? I have thought about taking a push broom and trying to sweep the gravel off. Please let me know.

Thanks,
Travis


Hey Travis,

Building a pump track with bad dirt can save money at first, but it makes the build more difficult, and it creates a long-term maintenance issue.

But it sure is better to have a track with bad dirt than no track at all — so you have have to work with what you have.

Yes, sweep the gravel off the track.

If you can:

• Sweep the loose stuff off the track.

• Separate the gravel from the dirt.

• Water the track.

• Sweep the loose dirt back onto the track.

• Moisten it.

• Wait until it’s no longer tacky.

• Ride it in.

Braaap!

Lee


Know more. Have more fun!

Join the leelikesbikes mailing list:





2 replies
  1. WD says:

    Even if you don’t have gravel on your track–those steps above (except for the separate the gravel part) should be followed before riding any track. It’ll ride better and last longer and most importantly will keep the locals/builders happy.

  2. leelikesbikes says:

    Yes! This will make many friends.

    My friend Dave Y used to show up everywhere with a broom and sprayer. He always swept and watered before he rode. Always. No matter where he rode. He was welcome everywhere.

Comments are closed.