Crankworx pump track opens to public

(Photo by clint trahan/Crankworx)

It's the Pump Track where international biking super stars Anneke Beerten, Sarah Walker and our very own Keegan Wright got the crowd chanting on their feet at Crankworx and it's now opening for everyone to use this weekend.

The Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park Pump Track starts on a bridge where two riders go head-to-head in a race format on a series of dirt rollers, berms, and jumps, allowing riders to continuously pump the terrain to maintain speed without pedaling, before the track corners back on itself and finishes under the bridge.

The Pump Track was designed and built by Empire of Dirt and since Crankworx Rotorua in March, they have made alterations to allow public access including additional drainage and modifying the entry points. Access to the Pump Track will now be available as part of a Skyline Gravity Park Bike Lift Pass or Season Pass.

Mountain bike operations manager Jamie Mead said he was excited to have the Pump Track open this weekend and he's even bought his own pump track bike to get out there and perfect the skills.

"Because the track is located near the car park, this area will likely become quite a social meeting point for riders, warming up for a day of riding on the other trails or racing a mate at the end of great day on Gravity Park trails.

"It's only a short course but it definitely gets the heart pumping."

Crankworx Rotorua Women's Pump Track Challenge presented by Rockshox winner, Anneke Beerten, from the Netherlands, said she really enjoyed the track.

"I prefer tracks like this with a lot of pumping and not a lot of corners, so this is really awesome."

Mr Mead said having the Pump Track open year round would help riders to develop their skills and hopefully mean more Kiwis would be on the starting blocks at Crankworx 2016.

"It's also great for the kids who started to nail the course at the Kidsworx Pump Track Skills Sessions and race in March - they'll now be able to keep practicing ready for the competition in 2016," he said.

The Pump Track opens tomorrow at 9am, weather permitting, and Gravity Park staff will be on-hand to help riders out and to give some tips. The 8.5km of Downhill trails also open at 9am.

Access to the Pump Track is part of a Skyline Gravity Park Bike Lift Pass or Season Pass. Options which include unlimited gondola and mountain bike park access include: Half Day: Adult: $55/Child $30, Full Day: $75/$40, 3 Day $175/$95, 10 x Anytime: $399/$299, as well as three month, six month and full year pass options. See here for more details: http://www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/Mountain_Biking/.