Pumptrack Nationals

Photo: Helen Brumby

I shot down to Taupo for a day late in November, to try my hand (and pinky) at the Pumptrack Nationals. After 4 weeks off the bike I wasn't expecting big things, but I was hoping for maximum fun. Megan rode shotgun again, and we managed to arrive in time for one quick lap of the track as a warmup and preview. We really needed an hour or so to get the track dialled to a level where we wouldn't make silly mistakes.

Photo: Helen Brumby

The format was four timed laps (one at a time), two going clockwise and two going anticlockwise. Thankfully, there was a decent break between laps as everyone got their turn meaning my lack of fitness was less of an issue than my lack of ability. I had heaps of fun trying to push my bike through a couple of the tight turns and keep enough momentum up to make it over the next big roller. The track is very challenging - the faster you go the harder it is. I was using my 20" BMX, as I figured the 29er would be a bit too big to throw through the turns on a pumptrack. And BMX is FUN!

Despite my lack of practice, I stayed on the track and on the bike (no crashes!), and was in 2nd place at the end of the heats. Megan was close behind in third place. The final was a doozy - I have no idea how many laps it was... something like 2 and a half, using the figure eight option through the middle of the track about three times. Thanks to the marshall's helpful directions everybody got through it okay. It was a leg-burner though, with some people running out of steam and slowing down in the last half lap or so. I got through it and managed to retain my second placing. First place was a local woman who was riding really well.

Photo: Helen Brumby

I picked up a nice little prize of some bright pink ODI lock on grips and a tyre for a spot prize. Thanks to Matt W at WideOpen for swapping the tyre for a 20" one that I can use on the BMX. All in all it was an awesome day out and great value for 15 bucks. Can't wait for the next one!