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Małopolska Pumptracks
Since pumptracks in recent years have been popping up like mushrooms in the municipalities of the Małopolska (let's indicate for example the one in Piwniczna or Polanka Wielka), and more will be built in the near future, I’ve attempted to give a brief overview of the locations where we can already ‘pump up’ in Małopolska on specially prepared tracks.
If you don’t know much about the topic: pumptrack is a closed, oval track consisting of tight bends and crumbs, usually with a ground structure covered with asphalt or paved. It may also include modular objects, usually consisting of ready-made plastic or steel elements. Such portable constructions are often used at the Małopolska region cycling events organised under the Joyride and Małopolska Tour brands.Of course, all tracks with a smooth surface (asphalt / synthetic) are also suitable for skaters, skateboarders and scooter riders.
Pumptrack allow cyclist to move basically without pedaling. By ‘pushing’ the bike on jumps with arms and legs (hence the expression of ‘pumping’) and using the gravity and centrifugal force, the cyclist speeds up and to overcomes the circle. From lap to lap you can get a pretty good speed, which makes staying on track a real challenge. Therefore, remember about the helmet (obligatory for everybody) and some knee and elbow protectors (if you're a beginner). You can go on the track with virtually any type of bike, even a child’s cross-country bike will do, however to achieve optimal fun, a bmx or mtb bike is recommended. We encourage everyone to try it, because such it looks easy if you’re just watching, but if you do it properly you can get a really good workout. It's therefore a good way of developing fitness, balance and skills to cope with similar obstacles on natural or prepared flow / singletrack paths.
Of course, all tracks with a smooth surface (asphalt / synthetic) are also suitable for skaters, skateboarders and scooter riders. The strangest fun I’ve seen on these tracks was racing remote-controlled RC cars, so you’re only limited by your own ingenuity.
In the Małopolska region, first pumptracks were established about 2012 in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Myślenice, and they were earthworks. The facility built in 2015 in Nowy Sącz, consisting of as many as 4 tracks, remains the largest asphalt object of this kind.
The following list includes facilities that, to my knowledge, are already in operation or are currently under construction (the tracks themselves are ready, but, for example, the accompanying areas are still being developed), so I didn’t have the chance to test them all and measure their lengths. This list is expected to grow further in the coming years (including sites in Nowy Targ, Wadowice, Przylasek Rusiecki), so it’ll be updated on an ongoing basis. The fact that a pumptrack in Zakopane was created as part of the Małopolska Voivodeship Citizens’ Budget project, and that the so-called City Sports Centre under the flyovers at Turowicza Street is to be built as part of the City of Kraków Citizens’ Budget, proves that these tracks have become truly popular.
List of pumptracks in the Małopolska region
Legend to the map
black – asphalt pumptrack
orange – ground pumptrack
blue – modular pumptrack with synthetic surface
Czarny Groń
Location: Rzyki, Rekreacyjna Arena Czarnego Gronia
during construction
Gorlice
Location: Sportowa Street
135 meters in length
Imbramowice
Location: Imbramowice 218
90 meters in length
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Location: 16 Mickiewicza Street
300 meters in length
Kasina Wielka
Location: BikePark Kasina
150 meters in length
Kłaj
Location: near the train station
200 meters in length
Kraków Park Lotników
Location: Park Lotników Polskich
250 meters in length
Kraków Ruczaj
Location: Lubostroń Street
200 meters in length
Kraków Ruczaj
Location: Agatowa Street
60 meters in length
Libusza
Location: near the church
37 meters in length
Limanowa
Location: city park
during construction
Maków Podhalański
Location: Wolności Street
46 meters in length
Maniowy
Location: 21 Reymonta Street
45 meters in length
Myślenice
Location: Zdrojowa 146-148 Street
150 meters in length
Nowy Sącz,
Location: Aleja Piłsudskiego Street
153 meters in length (beginners), 115 meters in length, 210 meters in length (advanced)
Olkusz
Location: Olkuski Park Rekreacyjno-Krajobrazowy „Silver Park”
150 meters in length
Piwniczna-Zdrój
Location: piwniczańskie błonia
during construction
Polanka Wielka
Location:Polna Street
240 meters in length
Sękowa
Location: near Orlik Sękowa
37 meters in length
Stryszów
Location: LKS Chełm Stryszów
120 meters in length
Tarnowiec k. Tarnowa
Location: near Orlik w Tarnowcu
200 meters in length
Wojnarowa
Location: near primary school
170 meters in length (during construction)
Zawoja
Location: parking "Babia Góra Trails"
250 meters in length
