Rockland Bike Park is the vision of Madison area cyclists to evolve Rockland Preserve into a family-centered hub for healthy adventures. Rockland Preserve is home to 15 miles of the Singletracks of Rockland, which is the best singletrack mountain bike network in Connecticut and is a great place to observe nature, history, or hike, among other activities.
We plan to fundraise, build, and maintain several stages of development at the Route 79 entrance to Rockland Preserve. We have envisioned a master plan of a pump track, a bike skills area, and a natural element playground. We have a fundraising goal of $50,000 to cover materials and labor for the job. Much of the labor will be donated and this is a completely community organized project. We are not asking for tax dollars to complete this park. This is a crowd-funded and crowd-built project for the families in Madison and surrounding towns to have a place to meet and develop healthy habits.
One element of our plan is to install a pump track. A pump track is a continuous loop of multi-level dirt that allows cyclists to generate speed without pedaling. The pump track derived its name from the pumping motion of the upper and lower body used by cyclists for balance while they bike on such a track!
Why a Pump Track at Rockland Preserve?
Besides being a fun activity that gets kids outdoors, riding a pump track is an excellent form of exercise that can be performed by anyone on any non-motorized bike. A pump track can be used recreationally, as cross training for other sports, or as a way for youngsters to increase bike-handling skills away from traffic.
Basic Anatomy Of A Pumptrack
Small loop of trail
Trail consists of berms and rollers
Users “pump” their bicycle to generate speed, not pedal - Focus is on skill development & fun
What is a Skills Area?
A skills area is a dense area of bicycle challenges that work to improve balance and skill. It is safe and appropriate for various ages and skills. Many of the challenges at the skills area are already familiar to singletracks users including skinnies (log rides), rollers, table tops, and rock challenges.
What is a Natural Element Playground?
The natural playground at Rockland will share a theme with the bike adventures at Rockland by being integrated to the wild and natural landscape. It will encourage the youngest North Madison area children to think creatively and become active. We are still dreaming of ideas, but here are a few from other playgrounds.
Thank you to our Donors. These individuals and organizations have supported efforts to build Rockland Bike Park. All donations of at least $500 will be included on our donor board placed onsite at the Rockland Bike Park. Please reserve your space!
Bikerag Mark Savaikis William Kurtz Elizabeth Krajewski Cliff White Martin Piekarski Brian Holdt, Airline Cycles Keegan Construction Buckley Associates, Inc William Kurtz John Bianchi Sean Colvin Richard Hale Susan Engelhardt Jason Engelhardt Anthony Pellegrino Susan O'Rourke Area Marketing Associates Glenn Duzy Daniel Flickinger Matthew Waterman David Kahn Anonymous Elizabeth Krajewski Tatia Winecoff Howard & Susan Rashba Joseph Locke Ken Roe North Madison Wine and Spirits Brian M Holdt The Liquor Emporiam Guilford Savings Bank
Chain Gang $50 - $499
American Lecithin Company Patrick Ahlberg Spencer Meyer Mark Bolling Helen Savage Ryan Lucero Glenn Vernes Lou Blasi John Puziss Robert Makas Aaron Rashba Barb Lombardi Betsey Doane Brian Campanelli Jon Northway Kimberly Edwards Diana Grabsch Lisa Culmone John Biehn Dave Danenberg Richard Kabara Andrew Keating V. Xaypanya Keith Coughlin Cody Blanton Christian Beisel John Beihn III Brian M Holdt Ken Roe Roy Decker Christopher Hageman Tom and Kathy Faillas
Chain Gang $50 - $499
James Ricci Rocky Progano Jon Martin Suburban Sport, Inc. Anthony Parent Edward Desplaines Douglas Kalwat
