The newest addition to the San Juan College mountain bike park opened on April 13 after Velosolutions and American Ramp Company started the construction on March 18.
The construction was expected to last four to six weeks, according to a SJC news release.
Approved by voters in the November 2022 bond election, $500,000 was allocated out of the $7 million bond for the bike track, said Ed DesPlas, executive vice president.
A total of $400,000 was used for the construction of the pump track. Combining a grant of the same value, $100,000 will be used toward installing bathrooms at the north end of the park.
“Right now, the track is a major focal piece of the park,” DesPlas said.
In comparison to the trails and the dirt pump tracks, the asphalt track can be used by skateboarders and scooter riders as well.
Chris Conley, Farmington Area Single Track president, said the nearest pump track outside Farmington is in Bernalillo, New Mexico and Pueblo, Colorado.
Conley said the biggest difference in having an asphalt track to the dirt is consistency.
An effective pump track builds skill while testing your physicality, while not requiring the biker to use their peddles, he said.
The new pump track has attracted a diverse group of bikers from toddlers to older individuals at all times of the day, Conley said.
According to Velosolutions, their tracks are designed for all wheels in all weather conditions.
The track will be regularly observed for any maintenance and was designed with drainage pits and contoured tracks that will allow for water to be absent on the asphalt, said Jon Betz, director of human and health performance.
The track has much more to come with light installations for further use in the day and padding for the sides of the track to ease falls, DesPlas said.
“The SJC Bike Park Pump Track is another positive addition to the outdoor recreation offerings in our area,” Mayor Nate Duckett said in the SJC news release, “The track aligns with the community’s strategic priorities in creating a place where outdoor lovers and active families thrive.”
