The building of the pump track involved uncounted hours of planning, negotiations, and construction labor. Please follow these guidelines to help preserve the pump track in a good condition.
Note it will feel awkward at first, but once you get use to it, it's a lot of fun and a really good workout. Pedaling and braking destroys the rollers and berms. Especially when you "catch" a roller by pedaling over it.

Guidelines for Use

• No motorized vehicles
• All riders must wear a helmet    
• Control your bike & ride within your limits
• Ride at your own risk
• No skidding
• No pedaling (if at all possible)
• No braking (if at all possible)
• Lower your seat
• Body position should be more upright as you approach the roller
• Push down as you come over the roller
• ( easier on a hard tail bike but can also be done on a full suspension bike )
• No Riding in wet weather, it will destroy the track
• No Vehicle parking in the grass, use the parking lot.
• Leave no trace (don't litter)

What is a Flow Park? (a.k.a Pump Track)

• Dirt track with rollers and berms
• Ride with or without pedaling by “pumping” for momentum with track contours
• Intended  for Mountain or BMX bike usage
• Ideal for building bike handling skills
• Built with organic materials and existing land
• No user fee

A pump track is a continuous loop that can be ridden on a bike without pedaling. Tracks consist of a series of rolling bumps (rollers) and banked corners (berms) that allow the rider to gain momentum and reach speeds of up to 20mph! Basic pump tracks are an oval shape with a berm at each end and rollers in between to make the straights. More advanced pump tracks will be irregular shapes with lots of different lines and sections with several berms in a row or even rollers that can be jumped over.

Pump Tracks were originally developed by professional racers to improve their skills and overall racing times but now it has turned into a fun activity for anyone who can ride a bike to enjoy. It is a safe and fun way to exercise on your own or with friends.  It is a full body workout - very tiring! The most amazing (and unique) thing about riding a pump track is that you never pedal your bike. By “pumping” at the right time, you translate gravitational force and vertical downward thrust into horizontal momentum. Think about how a child is able to go higher and higher on a swing, without ever pushing off from the ground. Same phenomenon.

Rollers

A roller is a small mound that you ride over on a pump track. They vary in height and length depending on the track. Ideally you want rollers to be long and low so when you are traveling at speed over them you are able to maintain control. By using your body to absorb and compress the bike into the ground as you ride over the roller you can pick up speed.

Berms

A berm is a curved bank of earth that allows you to maintain your speed while riding around a corner. The bank of the berm allows you to lean into the corner and maintain speed as your center of gravity is over the wheels.

Benefits of a Flow Park

• Healthy, physical activity
• Great, low risk environment for cyclists of all ages and skill levels
• Healthy gathering area for community integrated into Gateway Park land and environment
• Affordable and accessible location near families
• Educational signage and information planned for biking activities
• Close to public biking trails like the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail
• A community effort: supported by donors, Greenville Rec, Upstate SORBA, Trail Dynamics and Sunrift Adventures.
• Sustainable:  little environmental impact, builds physical health, and easily maintained and supported by Upstate SORBA volunteers.

How To Ride Instruction

This brief instructional video from bikeskills.com will help you learn pump track fundamentals as well as add skills and control to all your mountain biking. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear any time you ride a bike and especially when you are learning a new and/or applying a new skill