The location: Northeast Portland, Oregon. We’re visiting our friend Paddy C’s backyard for what has become a 4th of July tradition, the yearly pump track party. The barbeque has been fired up, beers are flowing, and we are ripping circles over and over on the backyard track.
Paddy and his pump track
Back yard pump tracks are still a new phenomenom in the world of mountain biking. Since there aren’t that many still, they seem to be a viral kind of thing. Lots of us have built jumps, but most of our backyards aren’t quite big enough to handle a set of trails. After I rode the legendary Peacock Pit for the first time (Mark Weir’s track) my brother Izaak downloaded Lee McCormack’s Ebook pump track nation and built a track in his backyard. After our friend Rocker Dave rode Izaak’s yard he built a track in the back of Jim-Bob’s house. Then Rocker helped Pat build one in his backyard. And so the pump track love spreads.
The wizard rolls a turn
Every good pump track session starts with a bit of love for the dirt. Paddy got us started right with a bit of hose and water action, and the non-stop session began. As the afternoon ran on, more and more peeps show up, beers are drank, and good times are had.
Inga rolls the track representing the girls
This little guy couldn't get enough and rolled run after run.
There were plenty of hi-fives to go around
One of the best parts of Paddy’s track is the dirt quarter and wall ride half pipe. More pump tracks need wallrides. High mark contest anyone? I bonked my head on the branches above the wall a few times.
The author takes a shot at the high mark on the wall
Pat’s pump track is going on several seasons now, and the dirt is solidly packed. You know your pump track works when guys can skate it.
Rocker carves a turn on the track
Cedar Kyes takes a run on the little wheels.
We had some sweet trains on the track that continued until thighs were burning. When it was time to light some fireworks, it was mandatory to roll laps with sparklers in hand.
The yard was littered with bikes and camera gear.
It’s the middle of winter right now, and I’m finding myself really missing these days. Even more so now that I’m located back in the Bay Area, where pump tracks like this are even further far in between. (As far as I know-at least for now.)
The riding and partying went on long after dark, but didn’t stop.
Riding by spot light
I have some sweet footage from the session I’ll hopefully find time to piece together soon.
Review: Clik Elite Venture 30 Camera Backpack
New Bike Sightings: Sea Otter 2013
Old Meets New in Classic styles — Kitsbow & Giro New Road @Sea Otter 2013
Saddles from SDG: Sea Otter 2013
New thin pedal offerings found at Sea Otter 2013
Stuff We Like: Harbor Freight Tool Cart
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi there, I am a 49 year old teenager building a pumptrack on my front lawn! Right now I am riding it on a GT Peace single speed with a solid front fork. Can someone tell me what frames the guys and girls are using at Paddy’s pump track. I have looked up DMR bikes in the UK and they have some nice stuff but i would appreciate any help from anybody who can point me in the right direction as far as a suitable frame is concerned. I really dig the bikes at Paddy’s!