By David Nguyen

Nick was pleased to join Northwest Trails Alliance Director Tom Archer, representatives from BikePortland, and the Hazelwood community at the official grand-opening of Ventura Park's Pump Track, the first track of its kind in Portland.

The hilly dirt track lets people ride in a loop without pedaling, and provides Portlanders a mountain biking experience without having to drive outside of the city. 

The pump track is a part of our E205 Initiative, which focuses on improving the parks system in East Portland neighborhoods.

One local mom shared her family's experience with the track.  She told us, "I am so excited that there is a safe and cool place for my family to get exercise and for my son to gain bike skills."

The pump track recently won a "Best of the City 2012" award from Portland Monthly magazine for "Best Park Addition," and is managed and maintained by Northwest Trails Alliance.

A new era has begun: City of Portland officially opens first pump track

Jonathan Maus in BikePortland.org

Portland Has a Pump Track Now!

Sarah Mirk in the Portland Mercury blog