Ghajnsielem Pump Track

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features, designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping”- generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. Pump tracks can be ridden by cyclists of all ages and skill levels. You don’t need a special kind of bicycle to ride a pump track, BMX bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes.

“PEACEFUL SPRING”

In early 2020 the GCF crew was approached by a member of the Ghajnsielem community who had interests in helping the local council set up a pump track, a first for Gozo (& Malta). After identifying the area, we set about to design the layout, taking into consideration those who will be making use of it, as well as maximising as much as possible the use of the space. Upon approval of the layout we made the necessary arrangements to start the works. A project of this size needed heavy machinery which in turn sped up the process of the build.

Just like every project or build we embark upon, the magical words “How hard could it be” were uttered. The most important aspect of a project like this or any kind for that matter is the attitude of those around you. Case in point the GCF crew. It can be equally exciting as well as daunting having a complete blank canvas as opposed to adapting to a current landscape. The guys really stepped up for this build, we’ve all had experience building ramps in the past, make shift skateparks, mini ramps, trails, but building a pump track from scratch was a first.

Having designed this together, discussing with Paul (Ghajnsielem Community member) as well as the crew we were able to come up with a design that was accessible to all, challenged those who already have prior experience to riding these sort of setups but wasn’t intimidating for beginners. With Gozo only being a 20minute boat ride away from main land Malta we also wanted to attract visitors from Malta, we saw the potential of growing the two wheel community in Gozo and wanted this build to accommodate everyone.

From How hard could it be? to where do we start from? 

Total build time spanned across 4 weekends, with 6am starts, 10+hour days, pushing through the 30+ degree weather. Reading this alone sounds like a lot of hard work, which it was, but it didn’t feel like work. The crew’s motivation and excitement levels where increasing not diminishing with every hour of work as we has a clear vision of what was to be built. This made the entire process a lot easier and more fun.

R.U.S.T is a Gozitan Association responsible for the maintenance and representation of BMX in GOZO. Together with the Ghajnsielem community, and the help of the local council and outgoing mayor, we (Goodcleanfun crew), set up this entity, where BMX workshops are provided for those interested in improving their skills on their bike & the newly built track. Upon completion of the track and the announcement of BMX school, we have seen a steady weekly increase of attendees as well as followers of this new facility. So much so that within the first month of BMX we had to add an extra lesson to accommodate the demand as well as following the current pandemic protocols in order to provide a safe space.  These open spaces promote a healthy life style, being out doors, exercise and most importantly sportsmanship. BMX is not a team sport, (Nor a sport for that matter, but more on that next time)  but what is unique for this culture is that the individualism allows the riders to push each other to progress, further strengthening the community. For more information regarding BMX school, activities and general use of the pump track follow Ghajnsielem Pump Track on Facebook.

By utilising this open space, the Ghajnsielem Local council has provided a safe environment for their youth to practice, thus giving them an opportunity to improve their skills with the potential of even taking their racing skills to the international circuit.

2020 was a strange time, with the pandemic causing world wide concerns and disrupting everyone’s schedule we didn’t think that it would be possible to celebrate our hard work. But with a little bit of careful planning and the community’s co operation we managed to host the Quarantine cup for the members who attend BMX school, thus limiting over crowding. Come race day excitement levels where at an all time high, with each group pedalling their hearts out, each doing their best to cross the finish line first. As you can see from the photos race day was a huge hit and was only made possible thanks to dedicated locals, The local council, and most importantly Paul & Maureen Zerafa the beating heart of RUST and anything BMX related in GOZO.

These facilities inhabit public spaces and our mission is to help create such spaces which are not only functional for two wheel use but are also visually appealing to those who would like to enjoy some fresh air while observing the riders practice their passion.

Goodcleanfun’s aim from day one has been to help improve the facilities within the islands. When such spaces are designed by those who make use of them the results are extremely positive. Positioning of ramps, transition radii, and materials used are just some of the main ingredients that create such a place. But other than the technical side of such a project, the visual aesthetic is important too. These facilities inhabit public spaces and our mission is to help create such spaces which are not only functional for two wheel use but are also visually appealing to those who would like to enjoy some fresh air while observing the riders practice their passion.