The Coronavirus-enforced lockdown has prompted unprecedented numbers of people into the outdoors, mingling in the local parks, exploring pathways with the family and generally “getting out the house!”. While it is brilliant to see so many new cyclists and people enjoying newfound pleasure in the outdoors, it has left those living in the city with limited options when it comes to daily exercise – the local parks and canal paths are so busy it’s impossible to adhere to the 2-meter social distancing rule.

The sensible and most responsible thing is to stay at home entirely, as advised by our government. With this in mind, our founder Ramsay got to work in his back garden… building a pumptrack!

Responsible elbow-stoke with Mr Ducat

Let’s get digging! ⚒

With 2x British Pumptrack champion Mark Ducat living very close by, it was ideal to hook up for some socially-distanced input and assistance to get the earth moving. The whole process is documented on video, so if you’re interested you can watch all the episodes (so far!) on Ramsay’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to grab some popcorn! 🍿👌

The dry spring weather has baked the clay nice and hard for a fast-rolling surface, and thanks to the odd day or two of rain to help smooth out the bumps and fills the cracks, the track is now pumping in both directions and running sweet!

Can we have a shot? 🙏

Mark sending a gap on the pumptrack!

As we move into Phase 1 of lockdown easing, YES! We now invite you to come and ride the pumptrack!!!

From Saturday the 30th May, locals will be able to book a slot on the track to come and get some exercise and have some fun in a socially-distant and responsible manner – one person, or one family/household at a time. Wee kids and big kids are all welcome!

It is FREE to use – book your 25 min slot online at the bottom of this page. Participants should be aware of the rules of lockdown and only visit as part of their daily exercise – this is a non-commercial, community-orientated activity and participants are responsible for their own safety.

Dates will be released a couple of days in advance as the track is weather-dependent, so please check back for future dates – we intend to run it any day that the weather allows, for a few hours, usually around lunchtime.

The Rainbow 🌈

We’d like to share our thanks to the invaluable NHS and all the keyworkers for keeping the country as healthy as possible, saving lives and keeping everything ticking over while the rest of us stay at home – that’s the main purpose of the rainbow as popularised during the pandemic – we hope your efforts are rewarded with greater recognition in our society.

We believe it also represents many other things – a beacon of energy and positivity for humanity in such unusual times, as well as representing marginalised groups, such as the LGBT+ community and ethnic minorities, but also shines a colourful light in the eyes of racism and promotes justice and fairness for all.

Lockdown Life

We’ve found there to be many positive aspects of life during the lockdown, as confirmed by the discussions around us of newfound calm and peace, working from home, increased family time and much more – far too many to list – but it’s a perfect opportunity to highlight a couple of causes while riding the #backyardpumptrack in Glasgow:

Common Weal

A forward-thinking group that campaigns for social and economic equality, for wellbeing and the environment, for quality of life, for peace and justice. They roughly represent many points and principles we think are more important than ever as we move forward from a global pandemic – now is the ideal time for people to discover that things could be done differently if we work together and act positively.

Please consider donating to their cause if you enjoy a ride on the pumptrack.

#PumpForProgress #EverythingMustChange

https://commonweal.scot/

Endura

We are proud to partner with a Scottish company that takes it’s responsibilities seriously – Endura recently adapted their manufacturing facilities to design and produce much-needed PPE for the NHS and beyond, casting aside their profit margins for the greater good.

#PumpForProtection #AllTribesOneClan

endurasport.com/blog

Much Love ❤

A massive thanks to everyone who helped make this project possible during lockdown – from the passers-by on Cleveden Road regularly poking their head over the wall to give encouragement and praise, to supportive neighbours who have joined in the fun.

Also to friends and family staying supportive when being sent all-too-regular updates and to industry partners and social media friends for sharing and commenting on the project. Now let’s get pumping! 🤙

#RidingItOut

Backyard Pumptrack – Lockdown Series

Watch the whole process from start to finish with over 20 episodes to enjoy – grab some popcorn and don’t forget to subscribe, comment and share 🙏

Bookings

[ssa_booking type=backyard-pumptrack]

Wednesdays only until mid-July when we’re expecting to resume some sort of ‘normality’ again and our public facilities will start to re-open… hopefully! We will add new humpday-pumpday dates here post-summer holidays and the weekend kids club will be up and running by then too.

One booking per person or household per day. Track must be dry so may be called off if it’s been too wet.

By booking, you agree and understand this is a FREE, non-commercial, community-orientated event and you are responsible for your own safety and actions.