A NEW community pumptrack has opened in South Cumbria.

Allithwaite pumptrack was officially opened on April 15 by Lee Rayton, of Ride_Repair Cyles, The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge's Lynne Whitton and Jonathan Thorburn, the pumptrack coordinator for the Allithwaite Playing Fields Committee.

The original gravel track was designed and built by local volunteers in 2013 on Allithwaite Playing Fields but after three years of fundraising, Clark and Kent contractors have now completed the refurbishment and redesign works.

The Westmorland Gazette:

The track is now open all hours for all ages.

A pumptrack is a specialist, all-weather bike track allowing downhill mountain bike enthusiasts and BMX riders to make a circuit of humps and bumps, using the gravity designed into the track, giving the experience of much longer downhill riding.

They encourage cycle participation and develop cycle skills and rider confidence in a safe, controlled environment.

The improvement work was made possible via generous donations.

In October, Jonathan took on the 60-mile iconic Cumbrian Cracker cycling sportive on a Raleigh Shopper to raise funds for the project.

He said at the time: "This track will have numerous rollers, beams, and swoopy banked turns which will encourage young people to challenge themselves. 

"Learning to cycle helps children develop coordination and balance, strengthen their bones, build stamina and improve their cardiovascular development. 

"The movement experienced on a pump track is intense which is perfect for building strength and fitness. 

"Young people who learn to cycle in our area can use this skill to help them address rural isolation and the lack of transport by using their bikes to further their horizons.

"A pump track can also offer relief from social isolation, they are a fun place to meet and socialise with friends whilst exercising."

The committee thanked the following:

  • Ben Jinks groundworks
  • The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge
  • The Bradley Park Fund (Grantscape)
  • The Orstead Walney Extension Fund (Grantscape)
  • The Lottery Community Fund
  • Hadfield Trust
  • Freida Scott Charitable Trust
  • Cumbria Community Foundation 
  • Moto
  • Tesco
  • Bay Villa Trust 
  • Christy & Co
  • Lower Allithwaite Parish Council
  • Russell Armer Fund
  • Arthur John Brogden Lodge No 1715
  • Allithwaite Cavendish Arms 
  • GoFundMe donors and other public donations