Shaping up after the flooding

After the rain and flooding a couple Sundays ago, the track is starting to shape up now.

Its quite a process. I really wish I had planned out drainage before I had the dirt. The only problem with that is that my original plans for the rollers, berms, and everything else, was completely off, and so the drainage still wouldn't be right.

Keep in mind, I read alot about pump tracks. I read Lee's book. I drew out several plans, worked with my buddy, and put lots of time into planning and thought about the construction. It is just not an easy process. That is part of why I am writing this. Pump tracks seem like an easy process, but its more work than you would think. I am happy I did is still. When you get a section dialed and smooth and fast, it really feels great.

I added a new roller tonight. I had a friend over this weekend to help dig, and we added a step up type roller, as well as one more. The track has a total of 16 rollers, two good berms, and one big, great 180 degree plus turn. I have about 11 or 12 rollers to fine tune, as well as 2 big berms left.

If you are thinking of building a pump track, do it, it is worth all the work.

My boy takes his first pedal

Here are the before and after photos from the rain storm.

My son, 2yrs, 9 months, and about 15 days, rode a bike under his own power, without training wheels for the first time today. This photo is of him on the runner bike at the pump track.

What a feeling!! He has had the runner bike from Strider since his first birthday. He has had the Specialized 12" pedal bike since Christmas, but really took no interest in pedaling. Well, last evening, I gave him a push and he started cranking and pedaling across the lot. It really was exciting. He loves his Strider on the pump track, so now I have to get him out with the pedal bike and teach him to pump.

Anyway, it really was great to see. We went to the BMX track last night, and he wanted to get on the "pump track" there. I hope to have him race before he turns 4.