Kamloops Pump Track (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

KAMLOOPS BIKE RANCH

Kamloops’ new pump track opens with ambitions of hosting world class athletes

Jul 4, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Years of hard work and dedication came to fruition on Thursday (July 4), as the Kamloops pump track officially opened to it’s first riders at the top end of the Kamloops Bike Ranch.

“Coming out of COVID we saw a huge spike in recreation and use and it’s really cool to see the government and the province put money down and say, ‘We are invested in this. We want to see it.’ For everyone to dream big and have the vision and not be afraid to trust us and make it happen,” said Project Manager Ted Morton. “A big thanks to VelSolutons for helping and supporting us through the project.”

The dream of the pump track became a reality thanks to the Kamloops Sports Council’s work in securing a just-shy-of-$1-million grant to build the facility.

“We applied for the Destination Development Fund through the sport tourism branch of the Province of British Columbia and we were successful in getting that grant and we can’t thank the province of British Columbia enough. Without them, we wouldn’t have this facility here. They were a huge part of this,” said Duncan Olthuis of the Kamloops Sports Council.

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

3h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

9h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

Dec 12, 2024

There are three sections to the pump track, starting with a beginner track and moving up to expert, a track that was built to the highest standards in the hopes of attracting the world championship to Kamloops.

“We tried to get (the World Championship) in 2025 but it was just too tight of a timeline. I think for 2026, it’s a huge possibility to bring that sort of thing. Kind of a new sport to Kamloops and back to the ‘Canada’s Tournament Capital’ and, one day, the ‘World’s Tournament Capital’,” added Olthuis.

While the pros may one day take to the track and the air in Kamloops, for now the track will be home to aspiring world class athletes and kids looking for a fun way to spend their summer vacation.

“I might go on this a couple times. I might ask my Grandma to bring me up here. It’s really fun and other kids and go on it. There are three levels about it — that’s what I love about it,” said Preston Brearley Morin.

One of the hallmarks of the new track is how it is set to help extend out the biking season in Kamloops.

“It was amazing and probably the best moment was to see Remi, the little four-year-old come off the track and give his dad a big ol’ fist bump. That’s why to do it, right? Just that little smile,” said Morton. “And then even seeing one of my friends, Peter, (say) ‘Can I borrow your bike and do a couple of laps’ and then a huge smile, out of breath… yeah, that’s why you do it.”