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Falmouth Town Council to launch one of best pump tracks for cyclists in the South West

One of the best pump tracks for cyclists in the South West is to be officially opened in Falmouth’s Trescobeas Park by Councillor David Saunby at 11am on Saturday 18 June 2016.
A pump track is a looped trail of smooth dirt mounds for cycling around, at speed, without pedalling. The name comes from the pumping motion used by the cyclist’s upper and lower body when riding around the tracks, which are used for competitive time trials.

“A cycle track had previously existed at Trescobeas Park but because it was not of a high standard, the dwindling band of cyclists who used it had resorted to creating their own jumps and routes within it, rendering it eventually too narrow and unfit for purpose,” explains Councillor David Saunby who, as Falmouth Town Council’s elected representative for the Trescobeas ward, has driven this project through. “Our aim was to open up the track and create multiple routes; to make it accessible for riders of mountain bikes and BMXs with differing levels of ability, and to provide a facility that is fun to use, challenging and worth travelling to. Most pump tracks in the South West are fairly compact and one-directional in layout, which is why we hope this new facility will be widely used.”

The track was designed by Your Ride from St Ives, which also offers cycle training across the county.

“Whether you are a child on your first bike or an experienced adult cyclist who is up for a challenge, the Trescobeas track incorporates different lines, varied height jumps and well-sculpted bends so that all ages and abilities can practice their skills at the same time,” adds Your Ride’s Martin Beck. “The track will also provide learners with the confidence to navigate the kind of obstacles now found at cycle trial centres like Cardinham and Lanhydrock, and unite people of different ages and backgrounds with a common interest. I hope that other town councils from across the South West will follow
Falmouth’s lead and see the value of providing their communities with facilities of such quality.”

At the launch event on Saturday 18 June, Falmouth Cycles will provide bikes, tuition and fun competitions to participate in whilst the Falmouth branch of Sainsbury’s has kindly offered to provide free refreshments.

The Lambs Lane and Ashfield Members Association (LLAMA), is also fully behind the facility as LLAMA Secretary, Sheila Rollison confirms: “It is well documented that fresh air and exercise is vital for good health and wellbeing, so we welcome this new bike track in Trescobeas Park with open arms. We hope that those who use it will take ownership and use the track responsibly so that its quality can be maintained for the enjoyment of as broad a range of people as possible.”

“This new track has been constructed by Falmouth Town Council’s Grounds team, led by Simon Penna, and incorporates materials sourced from local quarries, providing added value for local taxpayers,” concludes Mayor of Falmouth, Grenville Chappel. “By working strategically with local partners and maximising the resources at our disposal, Falmouth Town Council is constantly seeking ways to deliver more services for local residents rather than fewer, and we have achieved just that with this new community resource.”