Bike Pump Track and Skills Park Proposal

for the Town of Randolph, Vermont

Prepared for Randolph Town Recreation

Carol Saberin
April 1, 2015

Carol Saberin

Research Proposal

Ms. Paige
Technical Communication
September 14, 2014

To: Alexis Paige

From: Carol Saberin
Date: September 14, 2014
Subject: Proposal for a feasibility study for building a bike park in Randolph, VT
Introduction
Randolph, VT is a great place for public and low cost recreational activities. It has a swimming
pool, a disc golf course, an ice skating rink, a wonderful playground and field spaces. A town
with such an athletic appeal would naturally progress toward the development of a bike park
which would consist of a bike coarse, including obstacles and a pump track, a skills section, and
a path to connect the areas. Many people in Randolph ride bicycles on the road or on the
mountain trails. A bike park would give all ages of riders a fun and safe place to congregate and
play.

Statement of Problem
Although Randolph has many wonderful places to bike on the outskirts, it doesnt have a central
location in town for all ages to enjoy with their bikes. A bike park would give new riders a safe

place to learn and an expert area for riders to enhance already acquired skills. Bike riding is a
healthy activity for individuals, groups, or entire families to enjoy together, therefore, greater
emphasizing its physical benefits while having fun.

Proposed Solution
One possible solution would be to build a bike park in Randolph that would integrate a skills
park along with a pump track. A skills park is made up of a series of small features for cyclists to
explore balance, rhythm and flow. A pump track is a series of rollers, bumps, and jumps that
allow the rider to maintain speed around the track. These areas can be designed with sections for
toddlers on balance bikes, young and old riders, as well as experienced riders. Cycling in a bike
park promotes core strength, balance skills, and endurance in a fun atmosphere.

Scope
Id like to identify the number of people who would benefit from a bike park and the cost to the
community of construction and maintenance.

1.
2.
3.
4.

What size park would meet the needs of the community?

How could the park get funded?
Who would build and maintain it?
Where would the park be located?

Methods
I plan to do a general discussion and survey on the Randolph, VT town website and Facebook
page. I will investigate sources of funding, primarily grant opportunities. I will visit established
bike parks and talk to community members about their experiences. I will also research
I.M.B.A.s (International Mountain Bicycling Association) publications and recommendations in
developing this community asset. Id like to draw design ideas from the Journal of the American
Planning Association, from the American Journal of Public Health, as well as other health,
safety, and bicycle publications. I will appeal to local community businesses to donate time and
material for this exciting community project.

My Qualifications
I have been involved in the recreation industry my entire adult life as a participant, a manager
and a supervisor. I am an avid bicyclist both on and off road. As a mother of six, I am familiar
with Randolphs recreation and the health needs of our community, especially the youth.

Conclusion
A bike park would give Randolph an opportunity to keep current with social and health
objectives. It would also provide an inexpensive intergenerational activity to enjoy. I am excited
about the opportunity to bring my passion to reality by continuing my research for this project.

Carol Saberin-Tener
1154 Bethel Mtn. Rd
Rochester Vermont 05767
April 1, 2015
Dear Kate,
Enclosed is my analytical report on the feasibility of getting a bike pump track and skills park in
Randolph, Vermont.
Bike areas can provide a safe and fun area for all level of riders to enjoy and progress their skills
while participating in a healthy activity. Although bike parks of this sort are a relatively new
phenomenon, the health and skills benefits are well reported. As an avid promoter of healthy
living I have appreciated the opportunity to do this project and believe the town of Randolph will
provide their residents with the prospect to enjoy this proposed facility.

Bike riding is a healthy outdoor activity enjoyed by all ages and skill levels
A designated space would allow for a safe and convenient place to ride and
socialize
A bike area is relatively inexpensive to build and maintain
The survey results show that there is great interest in a bike park in Randolph,
VT.

One of the biggest surprises I had in my investigation had to do survey which was conducted by
email and Facebook. I had expected most respondents would be teens; however, most
respondents to my survey were over 31.
I want to thank my R.O.C. Participants Kurt Engel, Cheyenne Valente, Reagan Papp, Mindy
McLaren Bill McLaren, Kinley Tener, and Mike Papp for their assistance in visiting then
discussing local pump tracks. I also would like to thank professional and competitive mountain
bikers Christina Mattsson, Jon Lam, Matt Ermo, Dylan Dudley, and Jon (Stompy) Sassord for
their advice and reflections on building, maintaining, and riding a specialized bike area. In
addition Id like to thank Green Mountain Bikes owner Doon Hyndryx for his commitment to
local cyclists and to promoting a lifelong sport. It was the he who provided bikes, helmets, and
tune ups for all our adventures. Last but not least Id like to thank Veronika for editing, and you
Kate, for allowing me to design this project.
Please feel free to contact me by phone 802-353-8692 or email carol.saberin@gmail.com if you
would like to discuss my report with me.
Sincerely,
Carol Saberin-Tenner

INTRODUCTION

A.) Definition: Pumptracks and bike skills parks are places to develop and improve bicycle
skills for all level of riders
B.) Need: Randolph does not have a safe, centrally located place for bicyclists to improve
and enjoy the sport with their family and friends.
C.) Audience:
Primary: Randolph Town Manager and Recreation Committee
Secondary: Bicycle riders and potential riders in Randolph Area
Tertiary: Business owners, Event planners and riders from surrounding areas.
D.) Method of Inquiry:
I plan to do a general discussion and survey on the Randolph, Vt. town website and
Facebook page. I will investigate sources of funding, primarily grant opportunities. I will
visit established bike parks with a few select residents and talk to community members about
their experiences. I will also research I.M.B.As (International Mountain Bicycling
Association) publications and recommendations in developing this community asset. Id like
to draw design ideas from the American Journal of Public Health, as well as other health,
safety, and bicycle publications. I will appeal to local businesses to donate time and material
for this exciting community project.
E.) Limitations to the Study: Time to experience bike parks as well as few current scholarly
articles, however there were plenty of current videos available.
F.) Glossary of definitions found at the back of the report.

G.) Scope of
1. Why Randolph needs pump track
2. Health and community Benefits
3. Survey Results and Interview Summaries
4. Funding
H.) Briefly Stated Conclusions
COLLECTED DATA
A.) Why Randolph should have a pump track and skills park.
B.) Health and community benefits
1. Physical fitness
2. Mentally engaging
3. Social gathering
C.) Survey results and interview summaries
1. Social media survey results
2. Pros interviews
3. Input from core group
D.) Funding
1. Grants
2. Fundraisers

CONCLUSION
A.) Summary
B.) Overall Interpretation
C.) Recommendations
1. Design Ideas
2. Location: Abandoned factory land on Beanville Road or Randolph Recreation Park
3. Bicycle Clinics and Opportunities: Mountain Biking skills, Bike maintenance, Bike
Train

INTRODUCTION

Definition
A pump track is a recreational and skill building bicycle track. It is generally made of
natural components such as trees, dirt, and grassy areas which include features such as rollers,
banked turns and single track trails. Pump tracks are developed to accommodate all levels and
ages of riders with gentle rollers and banked turns for the novice rider to more extreme jumps
and drops for the expert rider. Pump tracks are usually designed in oval or figure eight patterns
so that riders can maintain speed with a minimum of pedaling, just pumping.
Pumping is the motion of pulling and pushing the bicycle through the features to achieve a
nice flowing motion which creates momentum. It is this pumping motion that gives the pump
track its name.
Need
Randolph, Vermont does not have a safe, centrally located place for bicyclists to improve
and enjoy the sport with their family and friends. Randolph has a nice recreation area with Tennis
courts, Basketball courts, disc golf course, soccer and baseball fields along with seasonal outdoor
swimming pool and ice skating rink. Many participants of these activities ride their bikes to
commute to the recreation areas however some riders would just like to ride their bicycles for fun
in a designated spot. None of the recreation areas welcome bike riding on their respective turf. If
the town had a pump track or skills park families could enjoy biking together, youth could enjoy
the outdoors together and everyone could get fit and healthy while having fun in a safe area.

Audience
My primary audience is Mel Adams, the Randolph Town Manager as well as Kate
Sigurdson, the Randolph Recreation Director since they are the ones who must present worthy
ideas to the town for approval. The secondary audience would be the bicycle riders and future
bicycle riders in the Randolph area. These are people who will benefit from the bike area both
mentally and physically. Thirdly, I like to address the local business owners, event planners and
bike riders from surrounding areas because all these people could benefit financially or
healthfully from the development of a bike park.
Method of Inquiry
I did a general discussion and survey on social media respectively Facebook and Survey
Monkey. I investigated sources of funding primarily grant opportunities that are available in
Vermont. I visited established bike parks in Vermont and Colorado. I also invited Randolph
Residents to visit the parks with me and spoke with them about their experiences. I researched
I.M.B.A.s (International Mountain Biking Association), publications and recommendations in
developing this community asset. I gathered design ideas from a variety of sources including
person interviews with Professional riders, and bicycle safety publications. I have appealed to
local businesses and professionals and local riders to donate time and materials for this exciting
community project.
Limitations to the study
Ability to experience multiple established bike parks with groups of Randolph riders was
difficult due to weather and time constraints. There are very few scholarly articles; however there
were plenty of current videos available to review.

Scope of Inquiry

Why Randolph needs a bicycle pump track and skills park

Health and community benefits
Survey results and Interview summaries
Funding

Briefly Stated Conclusion

Randolph has invested in hiring a Recreation director in the past year as an example of
the towns commitment to recreation and healthy living. I believe the Town of Randolph would
benefit from a bike area including a pump track and skills park. The bike area would be a great
place to build community, to engage youth and adults in a healthy activity, and promote free
healthy experiences in the town.

COLLECTED DATA
Why Randolph should have a bicycle pump track and skills park:

In these days of fast changing societal norms and internet intelligence, it is important to
continue to provide recreational and athletic opportunities to all citizens in a community. A pump
track is a bicycle track built to improve skills and balance in all riders. It is generally made of
natural components such as dirt, trees, and grassy areas. A bike pump track and skills park is the
perfect way to incorporate a traditional sport with a nontraditional or extreme sport into a
communitys recreation plan because it will appeal to all ages. A pump track and skills park can
encourage bike riding as well as bring guests into town, who in turn may provide Randolph with
additional tourism dollars through food, gas, and bicycle equipment purchases. As a full size
pump tracks dimensions are typically only 50x50 feet, a skills park is an easily obtainable
addition to any community; its less general maintenance than a typical field of grass and
generally cost less than $5,000 to construct. Although some may think riding on a pump track is
dangerous, preparedness and taking precautions are critical to a safe,fun biking experience, as
professional biker Bob Howell addresses in his article, Crash Course, in which he compares
the risks of road riding vs. those of mountain biking:
Unlike road-riding deaths and injuries, which are often caused by cars and other unavoidable
hazards, the vast majority of mountain biking injuries are entirely preventable. Competent riders
on well-maintained bikes who ride within their skill level are virtually in charge of their
environment. Theyre safe. But how do you develop the skills and consciousness to become
such a rider?(34)
Establishing responsible bike riding skills is essential to safety, and a good way to learn that is
to practice in a skills park or on a pump track. A rider can start slowly and build endurance
and balance. Randolph already has a great free disc golf course where people of all ages can
enjoy an activity in the center of town. The availability of more places to play will continue to

encourage adults to exercise more regularly, give kids a healthy outlet for their energy, and
perhaps build a lifelong habit of healthy living.
Physical Fitness:
The benefits of regular physical activity are well known. A toddlers body will naturally
move with the bike over rollers and banked turns, as an example of early physical development,
whereas older riders will take more time to become one with the bike. Bicycles are especially
suited to healthy living because they are affordable, useful, and fun. I.M.B.A. professional biker,
Martha Kennedy believes, mountain biking is a great low impact way of getting aerobic
exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. She also believes that commuting to work is a great
way to eliminate the time needed for going to the gym and that every rider can easily integrate a
riding program into any lifestyle(128). Riding on a pump track builds strength, as every muscle
is used, while also requiring mental focus. A pump track and skills park in Randolph will be one
more step in helping to develop a healthy community both physically and mentally. Other recent
additions toward healthy weekly community activities include table tennis and contra dancing, as
well as the seasonal activities of swim team water aerobics, disc golf, and snowshoeing hikes.
Mentally Engaging:
Most kids if given some time and a safe environment will pedal for hours. Chemicals called
endorphins are released while exercising and contribute to ones positive mental state at all ages.
Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain which then reduce pain and trigger positive
feelings in the body. Manufactured in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of the body
endorphins are released in response to brain chemicals. The excitement and adrenaline
experienced when improving or enjoying skills can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
When riding on a pump track a person becomes fully mentally engaged with controlling their
bike. After physical exercise people often feel greater clarity in their thought processes. Regular

exercise has proven to reduce stress and depression while boosting self-esteem. Improved selfesteem is known to be psychologically beneficial and raises confidence in social settings.
Social Gathering:
Many kids enjoy planning, designing and building trails, jumps or features for skateboards,
bikes, sleds and skis, which encourages creative thinking and can lead to positive reinforcement
from peers. These activities are a great way to be active and provide real world learning
experiences while promoting confidence. Randolph town has an opportunity to build another hub
for social interaction among bike-minded folks. A pump track and skills park can be a great
social gathering place for people of all ages. Toddlers can enjoy it on balance bikes rolling up
and down the berms, novice riders can experiment and experience balance and control while
experienced riders can improve their skills and test their personal limits. Elderly riders can enjoy
the freedom of biking in a safe place away from traffic and with their younger family members.
A specialized and risk-appropriate area will encourage greater use and perhaps lead to special
events and the formation of bike clubs or groups. Any time youth and adults can gather and
interact in a healthy way, stronger community ties are built. One example, in the summer at the
community pool there are opportunities to share potlucks and have friendly competitions
amongst all ages.

Survey Results
Figures 1-3 represent the riders in Randolph while Figures 3 and 4 represent their views.

Ages of survey participants What is your skill level?

<15

16-30

31<

Beginner

intermediate

expert
17%
58%

23% 18%

25%

59%

Who do you mostly ride with? Are there enough places to ride safely in Randolph ,VT?
Family

YES

Friends

NO

Alone

yes

Would you like Randolph to have a bike area including a pump track and skills park ?

no
maybe

0.00%

Interview Summaries R.O.C. and the Pros

50.00%

100.00%

100% of Randolph area youth bikers, adult bikers, and bicycle professionals who have
ridden on a pump track or skills park and were asked about their experiences said they were fun,
exciting, and that Randolph should definitely have one so they wouldnt need to travel to enjoy
riding on one. The skill level of these riders ranged from beginner to expert and ages 10-60.
The riders all agreed there should be a park that incorporates all skill levels. The popular
and fun Pine Hills Bike Park in Rutland, Vermont is more of a woods trail system for mountain
biking, and even the Rutlands Recreation Director Cindi Wight believes they need a pump track
and skills park. The park at Bolton seems to cater to more experienced riders while the one in
Pittsfield, VT (built solely by 2 local Pittsfield teens) is designed for younger and less
experienced riders. It was agreed that the park in Frisco, Colorado, takes all levels into
consideration. However, the Randolph one would not need to be as large in the beginning.
The participants of ROC agreed on the following wish list for the Randolph Bike Area:

Clear signage regarding safety rules and skill area zones

Nonsmoking Bike park for clear breathing
No pets zone
Picnic tables for viewers, picnicking, and resting
Surveillance cameras
Clinics: How to, Basic Bike Maintenance, Improve your skills , and Learn some
Tricks

All participants said they would be willing to volunteer time to build and do regular maintenance
on area.
I interviewed local professional riders about Randolph having a specified bike area including a
pump track and skills park. All agreed they would use it and they believed it would be well used
by the community. The closest public full scale park is approximately an hour away although
there are some closer small private backyard facilities in nearby towns. The pros also believed
they all experience natural highs which Dodson expresses as peak experiences which are highly

intense, significant, and fulfilling experiences and are often considered turning points which lead
to a change in self-concept and identity (Dodson317)happen to all mountain bike riders.
Matt Ermo and Stompy Sassord both believed a full bike area could be built for less than
$5000.They said with proper building, including erosion control and drainage, ongoing
maintenance would be very moderate. Both have been involved with building and riding on
similar tracks. Due to Vermonts climate the area would probably be useable mid-April till
November most years (Ermo & Sassord).
Christina Mattsson and Jon Lam, competitors from Killington, VT believed the benefits
of having a bike park far outweighed the dangers. One danger, collisions could easily be
preventable with a proper build (Lam). The other major danger of falling off a bike can happen
anywhere. Matt agreed with the other pros that a pump track can be enjoyed with and by all ages.
Matts daughter 3yrs old has enjoyed a pump track on her balance bike this past summer.(Ermo)
Also, Jon Lam spoke of his wife in her mid-50s, a new rider, who has enjoyed a couple pump
track days (Lam). The park would allow friends and families of different skill levels to play and
exercise together. One nice thing about biking is that you can do it individually, socially or
competitively so it appeals to lots of different personalities (Mattsson).

CONCLUSION
Randolph Town and Randolph Recreation department should consider funding

and supporting this project. There is a clear desire among local cyclists, and a bike park will
attract new people to this fun, healthy sport. A community friendly and safe location will be key
to its success. One such area is by the Ice Rink or Pool (Figure 1.7)

Figure 1.7 Google Earth 9.19.2013

The health and fitness of Randolph residents as well as the prospect of economic growth make
the potential bike park a worthwhile opportunity. With all of the electronic distractions in
todays world it is important to encourage healthy outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by
everyone. Biking is such an activity. It is affordable and fun and can be enjoyed most of the year.
Biking on a pump track and skills park engages the brain and gives opportunities for building
healthy bodies and minds. It is a place where endorphins can be released as muscles are getting
developed. Everyone needs a place they can explore alone or with friends to gain skills and
confidence. A bike park can be such a place.
A basic elongated figure eight style track or triangle design as is Figure 1.8 would probably work
best for Randolph with gentle rollers for pumping. It could have extensions built out in semi

circles to attract different level of riders with larger berms, bumps, and drops. The skills park
could be a small oval with a see-saw feature, a berm, uneven surfaces and even small logs for

Figure1.8 Pump Track Design Source: Steve Wentz (leelikesbikes.com) N/A

riding over or around depending on skill level.
There are many sources of funding available, and it is apparent that the community wants a bike
park and could benefit from a bike park. I strongly believe Randolph should pursue obtaining
one. A few community groups could be invited to partner with the recreation department and
operation. One of these groups could be the Boy Scouts of America, or R.A.S. T.A. Building a
pump track is an affordable and worthwhile project that Randolph should undertake.

Glossary

Bike Rodeo is a clinic to teach new riders particularly children the skills and precautions
necessary to ride a bike safely.
Bike Train is based on the same concept as a walking school bus, they provide a way for
children to bike to school safely.
Endorphins Chemicals released from different parts of the body which reduce pain and stress
and create joy.
I.M.B.A. International Mountain Biking Association. They train instructors and provide
educational material as it relates to the sport of mountain Biking.
Pump Track A pump track is a recreational and skill building bicycle track. It is generally made
of natural components such as trees, dirt, and grassy areas which include features such as rollers,
banked turns and single track trails. Pump tracks are developed to accommodate all levels and
ages of riders with gentle rollers and banked turns for the novice rider to more extreme jumps
and drops for the expert rider. Pump tracks are usually designed in oval or figure eight patterns
so that riders can maintain speed with a minimum of pedaling, just pumping.
Pumping is the motion of pulling and pushing the bicycle through the features to achieve a
nice flowing motion which creates momentum. It is this pumping motion that gives the pump
track its name.
R.A.S.T.A. Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance, A non-profit organization for the enjoyment of
non-motorized ways to enjoy VT trails by ways of hiking, skiing, and biking.
R.O.C. Randolph Outdoor Club, Currently comprised of Kurt Engel, Mindy and Bill MacLaren,
Reagan and Mike Papp Cheyenne Valente and myself. We have monthly outdoor activities to
explore activities in and around the Randolph Area
Skills Park a bicycle park for all levels to explore balance and control on a bicycle

Swag giveaways, promotional products

WORKS CITED

Dodson, Kimberly J. "Peak Experiences And Mountain Biking: Incorporating The Bike Into The
Extended Self." Advances In Consumer Research 23.1 (1996): 317-322. Business Source
Premier. Web. 17 Nov. 2014
.

Ermo, Matt. Mountain Bike and snowmobile competitor and track designer Hancock Vt.
Personal Interview.15 October 2014
Goldberg, Joseph. "Depression and Excercise." 19 February 2014. WebMD. 4 November 2014.
Howells, Bob. "Crash Course." Sharon Faelton et al. Mountain Bike Magazines Complete Guide
to Mountain Biking Skills:Expert Tips on Conquering Curves,Dips,descents,Hills,Water
Hazards and Other All-Terrain Challenges. Emmaus: Rodale Press, 1996. 34.
Lam, Jon. IMBA Professional Guide and Competitor. Killington, Vermont. Personal Interview
10 October 2014.
Lightcap, Seth. "Pumpin':An Introduction to the World of Pump Tracks." 23 October 2009.
http;//adventuresportsjournel.com. 11 November 2014.
Martha Kennedy, Michael Kloser,and Yuri Samar. Fat Tire Rider Everyones Guide to Mountain
Biking. Brattleboro : Vitasse Press, 1993. Print.
Mattsson, Christina. Professional Competitor and Mountain Bike Enthusiast Killington
Vermont Personal Interview 14 November 2014
Sassord, Jon (Stompy). Professional Designer and Mountain Bike Competitor. Stockbridge Vt.
Personal Interview 1 November 2014
Spencer, Danial. "Understanding Local versus Tourist Visitors to Recreation Areas." Managing
Leisure (2013)1-15: Business Source Premier. web.15.November 2014