Riding in the wet season
Pump Track at Saris Foundation Bike Park, Aldo Leopold Park, Madison, WI
When wet and muddy conditions make singletrack trails unsuitable for riding, pump tracks offer an excellent alternative for mountain bikers to hone their skills. South-central Wisconsin boasts several top-notch pump tracks that cater to riders of all levels. Here are some notable options:
Middleton, WI
One of Wisconsin's largest pump tracks, featuring over 15,000 square feet of space, 6,000 square feet of asphalt surface, seven berms, 21 rollers, and a wood wall ride feature.
Palmer Urban Mountain-Bike Park (PUMP)
Janesville, WI
A 35-acre mountain bike/BMX park with flow and progressive trails, including a dirt pump track and a skills area suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.
Madison, WI
Madison's first pump track is in an 11-acre park that offers a reservable picnic shelter, multipurpose field, basketball court, playground, and bicycle adventure trail.
Benefits of Using Pump Tracks During Wet Conditions
Pump tracks are purpose-built circuits of rollers, banked turns, and features designed to be ridden by generating momentum through up-and-down body movements, known as "pumping," rather than pedaling. This design makes them ideal for skill development, especially when traditional trails are off-limits due to muddy conditions. Here's how pump tracks can enhance your mountain biking skills:
Skill Development: Riding a pump track requires precise bike handling, balance, and coordination. Regular practice can improve your ability to navigate technical features on traditional trails.
Fitness and Endurance: Continuous laps on a pump track provide a cardiovascular workout, building the strength and stamina necessary for longer trail rides.
Technique Improvement: Mastering the art of pumping—using body movements to maintain momentum—can translate to more efficient riding on singletrack trails, allowing you to conserve energy and maintain speed.
By incorporating pump track sessions into your routine during wet seasons, you not only preserve the integrity of traditional trails but also continue to progress as a mountain biker.
