Local businessman, Rob Lavoie, is working with others in the community to build a pump track in a lot behind Gorham Middle School. According to Greater Portland New England Mountain Bike Association (GP NEMBA), a pump track is a closed-loop trail circuit made of a series of banked turns and “rollers,” which are best understood as smooth, raised bumps. The loop is designed to be ridden by “pumping” your bike with your upper body while minimizing pedaling.

Riders of all abilities from young children on balance bikes to experienced adults enjoy pump tracks because they allow each user to improve bike handling skills. Novice riders learn handling skills that are independent of pedaling, developing the “bike-body separation” that is essential to effective, efficient trail riding. Experienced riders gain speed and perform tricks on the rollers.

Lavoie, a member of the GP NEMBA, has served on the Gorham Conservation Commission (GCC) for the last eight years. In becoming a member of these groups, he hoped to form relationships and help build trails on both public and private land in the community.

“There is no track in Southern Maine and I felt our popular trail network in Gorham was a great place to build one,” he said. A pump track park can enhance a community in many ways by providing another opportunity for Gorham’s community members and visitors to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and healthy manner. Perhaps most importantly, pump tracks are places where families can go together, fostering both a love of bicycles and outdoor recreation.

The group received approval from the Town for the parcel of land next to Gorham Middle School. GP NEMBA and GCC felt would be an ideal location for the pump track. The location is a high traffic area with the athletic fields and existing trail systems. Gorham currently has a trail network that is 21 miles long.

The cost of the pump track is $17,000 and the group is looking at different alternatives to fundraise for the project. GP NEMBA is having its Spring Social at the new Sebago Brewing Tasting Room in Gorham on May 2 where they will accept donations as well as gather ideas on how to raise funds. At this time, the group has raised approximately $10,500 with donations from a local church, Gorham Savings Bank and the GP NEMBA.

Lavoie said they will be happy to accept monetary donations from individuals and businesses, however, in kind donations such as materials and equipment would be helpful as well. All funds raised over the amount to build the track would go into a maintenance fund.

Lavoie added, “It’s a community thing for me and I’m invested in our community. Doing anything outdoors is far better than being inside.”

For more information, email PORTLANDNEMBA@gmail.com or visit the Greater Portland NEMBA Facebook page.