View Full Version : Bike Skills/ Pump Track Park at Northbridge
chuckie
21-07-10, 12:19 PM
I havent posted this exciting news over here yet, but some of those on RB will already know about this
For the past 10 months we have been campaigning with Willoughby Council to upgrade an old run down BMX track at Northbridge (North Sydney) to a legal Pump track and off Road cycling skills park
This council has been very co-operative (Most of the council members are cyclists themselves)and it looks like work will commence in the later half of this year.This council has worked with Mountain bike and BMX riders before buildinga legal dirt jump park in castlecove
The plan for this area will be the pump track, different sized table tops, berms, some small wooden 'shore' features. basically enough for riders of all ages, all skill levels to progress their skills. The Council is also keen on running clinics there as well.
There is a small amount of bushland behind the track which we have proposed could be made into a short DH/XC loop
we are thinking something like this
http://www.hoots.ca/images/uploads/projects/Burnaby_two.jpg
This will be carried out in stages with the pump track first. The council met last week with a professional Trail building company and the final design should be completed within the next 2 weeks.
The facility has been included in a masterplan upgrade for that area, and will include shaded picnic and BBQ areas as well. Imagine having a summer brap on the pushie around the track and smelling the BBQ in the background
The Rotorburners have been great with their support by sending the council emails of support for the track. We had over 40 emails sent which council said they couldnt ignore
I want to keep this moving quickly now ,so if any of you feel like shooting the council a quick email to show your support and involvement for the Bike skills park/ Pump track it would be greatly appreciated. Email the following with how you see it would benefit yourself and the community
Adam.Cole@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au - Parks & Facilities Mgr
Julie.Whitfield@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au - open Space Mgr
Hopefully this could be used as a case study of how councils can provide off road cycling facilities in small urban areas instead of just building skate parks everywhere.
I will keep you all updated as we progress, but the more support from riders the better
Thanks
Mark
30/10/10
Heres a vid of stage 1 of the pump track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbnXJf8aOWw
Chris made it around 6 times without one pedal, more rollers will be added this week
Emailed with expression of enthusiasm from a local resident and rate payer.
Thanks for your hard work on this, Mark.
T.
Clifton
21-07-10, 04:07 PM
This sounds awesome, will send an email tonight!
Sounds good. I'll get an email off asap.
hellotreacle
21-07-10, 06:08 PM
Just sent my supporting email to adam - nice work. Don't think you could ever get too much support for projects like this.
Yes! Emailing now. Throw a thread on here if you need people to dig once it's approved. I miss stuff on RB more often than not.
From Adam Cole...
Hi All
Please find attached the 1st Draft of the concept plan for the Northbridge Bike Skills area (including a "Pump Track") and indicative photos. The plan is fairly basic at the moment and will be developed further after the consultation process. If you could take the time to a have a look at the plan and comment I would be most grateful as we want this to be an all-age beginner to intermediate skill level facility.
Email him if you want to get the proposed design and make a comment the plans.
chuckie
05-08-10, 12:54 PM
Thanks to all that have contributed, looks like this will become a reality in the next 2 months, feel free to keep emailing letters of support as this will help speed things up...
we were hoping to get this done for Bike week as the council were thinking of running clinics there
The design looks really good with basically a figure 8 pump track that can be used in both directions, beginner and intermediate drops, table top jumps, rock garden section, etc
will be the perfect environment to practice these skills....then take it to the trails
Thanks to all that have contributed, looks like this will become a reality in the next 2 months, feel free to keep emailing letters of support as this will help speed things up...
we were hoping to get this done for Bike week as the council were thinking of running clinics there
The design looks really good with basically a figure 8 pump track that can be used in both directions, beginner and intermediate drops, table top jumps, rock garden section, etc
Sounds great. There may be an opportunity to tie in some beginer classes with DECCW and Cycling Australia's progam, where they offer vouchers for classes focusing on basic cycling skills and confidence levels. Not sure when the program ends, but all the council needs to do is book the classes (which dont cost them anything) and promote it (which they would be doing as part of bike week and the opening of the park).
The Council will be covering the local media outlets when the park opens, but work with them to make sure the Aussie cycling mags are all invited to come check it out too (Councils love things like this which make them look good, and from a cyclists perspective I think its great to give kudos where its due, plus hopefully it encourages other councils to follow suite).
chuckie
05-08-10, 11:06 PM
yes, the council came to me asking who they could work with to run these clinics. I believe they required a company that had its own insurance
I believe they are already working with Cycling Australia on their road bike clinics. Do you know if Cycling Australia can facilitate MTB clinics?
yes, the council came to me asking who they could work with to run these clinics. I believe they required a company that had its own insurance
I believe they are already working with Cycling Australia on their road bike clinics. Do you know if Cycling Australia can facilitate MTB clinics?
You would think they would be able to run clinics, as i think mtba runs them?
I think nobmob have run clinics in the past and they're localish.
Update from Willoughby City Council
Thank you for your submission regarding the Northbridge Park North Master Plan.
Council considered the report on 28 June 2010 where it was resolved:
That:
1. the amended Master Plan for Northbridge Park North be adopted in principle as the guiding document for the future recreation and landscape uses in the Park.
2. the 1998 Plan of Management for Northbridge Park be amended as per the statutory process to reflect the new Master Plan and current legislative requirements.
3. Funding to be considered in the priority Improvements Program for 2011-2016 for ongoing improvements to Northbridge park.
4. the Northbridge Progress Association and those who provided submissions be thanked and updated on Council?s resolution of the Master Plan.
The amended Master Plan is available for viewing on the Council?s website ? www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/environment/parks and playgrounds/Northbridge Park.
Patricia Santi l Administration Assistant l Willoughby City Council
Tel: 9777 7702 Mon/Tue/Wed
9777 7781 Thu/Fri
email: Patricia.Santi@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au
After following this for a while I've just realised I have no idea which park it is they're talking about. Can anyone point it out on google maps or describe it?
After following this for a while I've just realised I have no idea which park it is they're talking about. Can anyone point it out on google maps or describe it?
Map (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=park&fb=1&gl=au&ei=xFFqTJzPJoiiuAPW3OywAQ&ved=0CB4QtgMwAA&radius=0.66&sll=-33.809997,151.218953&sspn=0.012498,0.019205&split=1&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=park&hnear=&ll=-33.811209,151.219962&spn=0.012498,0.019205&z=16) It's the intersection of Sailors Bay Rd, Kameruka Rd and Neeworra Rd.
Northbridge Park Masterplan (http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Northbridge%20Park%20Masterplan%20-final.pdf), because the link before didn't work for me so this was the new one that was sent out.
From Chuckie (http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?188738-Willoughby-Council-NSW-Northbridge-Pump-Track-upgrades-Need-MTB-ers-support!&p=2243374&viewfull=1#post2243374).
Ok guys,
* gonna need a roll call for volunteers soon for some dig days...
*also need to elect a committee that will be responsible for working with the council, upkeep and general maintenance
* interested bike shops and business parties in sponsoring the facility
* Anyone got access to soil?
Sounds like a good opportunity for anyone local and/or willing and able.
Again from Chuckie. (http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?188738-Willoughby-Council-NSW-Northbridge-Pump-Track-upgrades-Need-MTB-ers-support!&p=2246113&viewfull=1#post2246113)
ok, Nicho and I met with council today
good news is that he said we should be able to kick off by the end of this month
yes there will be a trail building company building this, but to keep costs down volunteer help was proposed to assist the builder. Thanks to those that have offered their help, we will be in touch shortly
There is also talk of a potential future Mini DH track, short XC loops and another skills/ pump track in the municipality
As stated we need some people local to join the Committe
The Committee will need to meet quarterly, and also be responsible for the jumps at Castlecove, and any future off road cycling facilities
PM me if interested
Sounds very promising.
chuckie
08-09-10, 02:17 PM
Ok, if all goes well, work will commence on Tues 28th
Should maybe take 5 days to build at most, with the right Volunteer help
If there are any people able to assist that week please let us know
Again this will be a great little skills park where everyone of all levels can ride
Will include
* Pump Track - Learn to use the terrain (rollers and berms) for gaining momentum without pedalling. this will be a killer workout
* Beginner and Intermediate Dirt Jumps - want to learn to jump or style it up in the air? these will all be table tops so no scary gaps. They will be multi leveled so different level riders can use them
* Skills Section - this will prob be a series of rollers, with rhythm sections and berms. Perfect introduction for beginners and hit them faster if you are an advanced rider
so volunteer help would be greatly appreciated!!
Map (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=park&fb=1&gl=au&ei=xFFqTJzPJoiiuAPW3OywAQ&ved=0CB4QtgMwAA&radius=0.66&sll=-33.809997,151.218953&sspn=0.012498,0.019205&split=1&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=park&hnear=&ll=-33.811209,151.219962&spn=0.012498,0.019205&z=16) It's the intersection of Sailors Bay Rd, Kameruka Rd and Neeworra Rd.
Northbridge Park Masterplan (http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Northbridge%20Park%20Masterplan%20-final.pdf), because the link before didn't work for me so this was the new one that was sent out.
Very belated thankyou.
Who do I get in touch with to volunteer to dig?
Very belated thankyou.
Who do I get in touch with to volunteer to dig?
chuckie
chuckie
09-09-10, 11:57 AM
Thanks Babau
Guys, Can you rock up andy day from Tues 28th? I believe work will carry on to at least the weekend.
I will confirm closer to the time but lets aim for that
Shovel, gloves and bucket would help as well
Thanks
Mark Chan
starship303
09-09-10, 01:31 PM
Not been on RB for ages, but how did i miss this thread??
Anyway, brilliant work Chuckie, Nicho & Co in getting this moving so well. I am actually moving to the south side next week after living on the lower north for 4 years, but i will still try and lend a hand for this Northbridge project, though can only do weekends unfortunately. I have no tools myself but could possibly borrow some off my old man who lives on the northern beaches.
Will be in touch, and well done again Mark!
*
Although I can't attend this, ANYONE who wants cheaper shovels and gloves etc, please PM me.
Thanks Babau
Guys, Can you rock up andy day from Tues 28th? I believe work will carry on to at least the weekend.
I will confirm closer to the time but lets aim for that
Shovel, gloves and bucket would help as well
Thanks
Mark Chan
Yep, sweet. Mind throwing a post on here a few days before work is due to start to remind us all?
I'll be making the 100+km trip on Tuesday to help out while I can.
Clifton
22-09-10, 06:43 PM
Imma try and come out, maybe tuesday arvo. Pretty busy with uni at this time..
I believe they also want people from Tuesday - Sunday with more really needed on Friday - Sunday.
chuckie
29-09-10, 10:02 PM
Hey guys
thanks to the brilliant volunteers that have chipped in and Trailblazin Bros, work is progressing quickly and its lookin really really good!
heres a teaser of whats been done in 2 days!!
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=184358
This berm is art thanks to Oli
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=184357
we could still use some more help so if you have some time to spare between now and the weekend we would appreciate you dropping by for a few hours!! Really want to get as much done as we can before the public holiday
ask Taibo, he's and expert on the compactor now
Those of you that have already contributed, thankyou!!
I'll drop by after Uni on Friday. Do I need to bring anything?
chuckie
29-09-10, 10:16 PM
I'll drop by after Uni on Friday. Do I need to bring anything?
If you have a Matic and a shovel, that would help...but if you dont doesnt matter...there will be something you can do
Just did this for 2 hours.
Moved sfa dirt and watered some mounds. Not firing on all cyclinders with a severe lack of sleep over the last couple of days... Running on redbull. Not the best.
Anyones who's done anywork towards this deserves a huge pat on the back. The place is looking awesome. Will journey out there inthe furture.
chuckie
01-10-10, 05:09 PM
champion!! thanks for your efforts mate!
champion!! thanks for your efforts mate!
Half ass effort :p
I assume you weren't there unless your names not actually chuckie?
Olly? The young tall guy doing the Berms n shit at the end is doing a FANTASTIC job.
chuckie
01-10-10, 05:17 PM
No I was not there today, was there almost whole day yesterday and will be there on the weekend as well
yes Olly is pure genius...if you want to learn how to make real berms, come down and get involved...
and my real name is not actually Chuckie
Only one BMUer has been out there?
chuckie
01-10-10, 05:23 PM
yep Tai...and I thought they were cycling enthusiasts
the Rotorburners have been good
did you get out there today?
Yeah compacted another table top and gave olly a hand on the pump section out the back...I love that compactor!
I might be out there again tomorrow with j@se
I think I may have met tai (afternoon)?
Tai?
Work went nuts during the week so I couldn't get out. On my way today, though. Will be there by about 11, 11:30.
Wish I lived in Sydney.. I love digging trails.. :(
Ive got a sunday evening deadline. If i can get it out of the way, might get some time in Sunday arvo.
The trails are looking awesome. Real attention to detail from the guys.
The trails are looking awesome. Real attention to detail from the guys.
Have the front three jumps been complete yet?
chuckie
02-10-10, 08:14 PM
almost there...they were running the compacter over them when I left today at 3.30pm...huge turn up of volunteers today!!
if we can get a few there tomorrow there is no reason we couldnt finish it up tomorrow...
saw first riders on the pump track section this afternoon...it works both directions!!
pump track rollers
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=184563&d=1286007970
back of pump track
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=184569&d=1286011341
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=184568&d=1286011313
I'm in one of those photos. I'M FAMOUS!
Yeah the front three aren't finished yet. We compacted them a bit, but they need shaping and finishing. It was getting too wet to work by about 4 so pretty much everyone packed it in.
Clifton
05-10-10, 07:56 PM
Wow that looks awesome, great work to all the builders!
I'm in one of those photos. I'M FAMOUS!
are you the one wearing the vest?
are you the one wearing the vest?
I'm the one in black in the first photo. NOT wearing a vest just cause I'm a rebel like that.
I'm the one in black in the first photo. NOT wearing a vest just cause I'm a rebel like that.
Is it because you are hardcore? :p
Pump track looks sick BTW!! Great effort by every one.
I'm so much harder than the core. The core wishes it was as hard as me. Also, gnarly.
I've heard the word gnarcore used a few times on pink bike, does that describe you good enough?
That looks like the builders have done a really good job, with probably the shittest kind of dirt for jump building. But hey, you take what you can get.
Being that I'm relatively new to sydney, is this a long drive from the CBD? I live near the moore park supacenta and would love to come and dig/ride.
Also, is it smooth enough for BMX's?
That looks like the builders have done a really good job, with probably the shittest kind of dirt for jump building. But hey, you take what you can get.
Being that I'm relatively new to sydney, is this a long drive from the CBD? I live near the moore park supacenta and would love to come and dig/ride.
Also, is it smooth enough for BMX's?
Catch a train to st leonards and ride there. It's ~4k and a fairly easy ride. From what I saw when I was there it's pretty smooth so bmx will be fine. I'll ve heading there with my bmx soon so will let you know.
Sweet. St Leonards is just over the bridge isn't it? Not far at all. I got some time off coming up, going to hit this up for sure.
Sweet. St Leonards is just over the bridge isn't it? Not far at all. I got some time off coming up, going to hit this up for sure.
Maybe pm/MSG me when your heading out, if it's November or later.
Yeah St Leonards is 10-15 minutes from CBD on the train.
Topology wise you'd probably be better off getting the train to Chatswood and riding from there. Distance would be roughly the same but you're already up on the ridge rather than having to climb up from St Leonards. It's not exactly a taxing ride, but climbing on a BMX is hard work.
I've heard the word gnarcore used a few times on pink bike, does that describe you good enough?
It's insufficiently hard and gnarly. I transcend language.
chuckie
31-10-10, 12:45 AM
Heres a vid of the pump track stage 1 being tested by Chris Southwood and Brad Hodder
Chris did 6 laps without one pedal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbnXJf8aOWw
More rollers and tweaks will be added this week, to get it even faster
Can't watch the vid, it says it's "Private" :(
chuckie
31-10-10, 07:31 AM
sorry fixed now...
starship303
01-11-10, 08:53 AM
Popped in to check out this northbridge pump track on the way home from my trail ride on Saturday. Looks pretty good. I lowered the fork on my Intense and tried a few lines but couldn't really flow it for a complete loop. The tricky bit is the large jump/'berm' towards the dj section (where the two guys start from, in the second part of the vid as posted by chuckie). Its just a little tricky as its quite a flat berm, and you need to almost stop to turn and start the loop again, though this is probably just a reflection of my lack of skill moreso than the flow of the track. Someone with more pump skills than myself may find it easy to link it all up. :rolleyes:
Nice work anyway guys. Will definitely head back there at some point to hone my skills a bit more.
Took a couple of pics whilst there...
the DJ section
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4431/301020101104.jpg
the pump section
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2876/301020101105.jpg
more pump
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6534/301020101106.jpg
*
chuckie
01-11-10, 09:24 AM
yeah that start ramp/berm is being fixed up, and some more rollers & the jumps on Wed, thanks for the feedback
witnessed some good riders making it around easily on the weekend, so my technique sux as well, but thats the whole idea, to get better isnt it? it really highlights what skills are lacking.
Thanks for the feedback, glad you liked it mate
stage 1, so its only gonna get better
Lemontime
01-11-10, 09:24 AM
Soooo keen to ride this!
Clifton
01-11-10, 09:47 AM
Looks awesome, makes me wish I still had my Last :(
Looks awesome!! Great job by all the builders!
chuckie
28-04-11, 10:57 AM
if any of you can lend us a hand with repairing the Northbridge Pump track on Sat May 14th it would be greatly appreciated. The rain has really hammered it and we need to fix the surface so it rolls fast again. If we get enough people (and soil) we will be able tweak the track and add more jumps, ...berms and pumps.
Anyone who has rode there will tell you how much fun this place is and how much it will do for you riding skills & fitness no matter what skill level you are, or what size wheels you ride (MTB & BMX). A few hrs either in morn or lunchtime would help us out so much and a great way to meet other riders and get involved. The BBQ will go in soon, so it will be an area where teh whole family can hang out and ride.The council are guaging community support and have offered us other potential areas to look at as well, so we would like to show support in numbers as well. If you could let us know it would be greatly appreciated...Thanks, Mark
Can't make it man :(
Still haven't ridden it either!
starship303
28-04-11, 01:37 PM
if any of you can lend us a hand with repairing the Northbridge Pump track on Sat May 14th it would be greatly appreciated. The rain has really hammered it and we need to fix the surface so it rolls fast again. If we get enough people (and soil) we will be able tweak the track and add more jumps, ...berms and pumps.
Anyone who has rode there will tell you how much fun this place is and how much it will do for you riding skills & fitness no matter what skill level you are, or what size wheels you ride (MTB & BMX). A few hrs either in morn or lunchtime would help us out so much and a great way to meet other riders and get involved. The BBQ will go in soon, so it will be an area where teh whole family can hang out and ride.The council are guaging community support and have offered us other potential areas to look at as well, so we would like to show support in numbers as well. If you could let us know it would be greatly appreciated...Thanks, Mark
Mark,
I can possibly help you out, though I will need to confirm closer to the date. I also don't have any suitable tools...
Cheers,
PS- whats the story if its raining? Postponed?
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