We are fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of cycleways and shared paths through the Hills and Hawkesbury to enjoy whilst on a bike. Many of the shared paths wind through our reserves and through bushland providing an opportunity to get close to nature and to enjoy some fresh air whilst appreciating the view.
For us we have two places that we love to ride our bikes – through Crestwood Reserve as well as the shared path along the creek line and the bush trail through Fred Caterson Reserve. However, in recent times with improved riding skills and confidence on a bike we have been exploring pump tracks as well!
Not for the faint-hearted and described as a micro roller coaster, a pump track is a purpose-bult track for cycling which includes a challenging series of jumps, banked turns and features that are designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping”, that is generating momentum by up and down movements instead of pedalling.
Initially used by BMX riders, pump tracks have become increasingly popular with all bike riders, skateboarders and scooter riders. You only have to drive past a pump track in the afternoon to see hordes of kids using these tracks and supporting and helping each other to improve their skills.
There are many pump tracks across the Hills and Hawkesbury particularly as the demand for pump tracks continue to grow. We are yet to explore all of them but so far two current favourite pump tracks are at Turon Avenue Reserve in Baulkham Hills and Beaumont Hills Park underneath the metro via duct at Beaumont Hills.
Turon Avenue Reserve pump track is part asphalt, part dirt and caters for beginners as well as those more experienced riders. It is one of the biggest pump tracks we have seen meaning there is plenty of room for everyone to have a go. The pump track is co-located with a playground making it an excellent afternoon activity especially with neighbourhood shops around the corner for treats and hot chips after all that activity.
Beaumont Hills Park which was delivered by the NSW Government’s Parks for People program also has a pump track that is much smaller and much smoother than the pump track at Turon Avenue Reserve, but is equally as good.
Coupled with the shared pathways as well the street-style skating and informal sports courts for basketball, Beaumont Hills Park is a great place to ride a bike in general. At this point in time it is easiest to park in the Ettamogah Carpark and cross Windsor Road into the park.
In our household going to a pump track is now a regular after school activity and can’t wait to try out more of the pump tracks on offer across the region.
For more information on pump tracks including the locations of these facilities go to the Hills Shire Council website or the Hawkesbury Council website and search for pump tracks.
