The ribbon cutting for the Kamloops All-Wheels Pump Track Facility on July 4, 2024. (Photo via Jon Keen)

A significant milestone for the cycling community in Kamloops as a grand opening ceremony was held for the much-awaited All-Wheels Pump Track at the Kamloops Bike Ranch.

Stakeholders from the Province, City of Kamloops, Tourism Kamloops, the Kamloops Sports Council and several user groups were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the track, which is located just off of Highland Drive.

The $1.2 million facility features three asphalt pump tracks – rated beginner, intermediate, and expert – allowing people of all abilities to use it.

“If you travel anywhere in the World and talk to mountain bikers, they know what the Kamloops Bike Ranch is, and now I would say (with this addition) we are kind of the pinnacle in Canada of what a municipal bike facility could be,” Project Manager Ted Morton said.

Most of the funding for the project – $999,541 – came from the Provincial Government through its Destination Development Fund. Morton says the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre and Tourism Kamloops chipped in with the rest of the money.

The all-wheels track also encourages skate boarders, scooter riders and any type of wheel vehicle to ride.

“The all-wheels portion comes from the fact that the facility can be used by many different types of wheels, whether that’s adaptive hand cycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, scooters, run bikes, BMX bikes, mountain bikes,” Morton told Radio NL in December when construction was beginning.

“Think of lots of rolling terrain, jumps, berms, rollers, and its all really about building your skill in a progressive and low-risk environment.”

The Kamloops Cycling Performance Centre started fundraising for this project eight years ago. They contributed $200,000 towards the costs, and President Cheryl Beattie couldn’t be happier now that the facility is officially open.

“Oh my gosh, yes. It’s amazing. It’s taken a long time to get to this point. My goal is for everyone to come here and just have fun,” Beattie said.

The Kamloops Sports Council and KPCC is still soliciting donations to enhance the site further. There are plans to add benches, picnic tables, and shade structures in the future.

“The Kamloops All-Wheels Pump Track Facility is more than just a set of tracks; it’s a community space where people of all ages can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors,” Duncan Olthuis, the Executive Director of the Kamloops Sports Council, said.

“This facility will undoubtedly become a beloved local landmark.”

Everybody has come out for the grand opening of the #Kamloops Pump Track facility. The City, Tourism Kamloops, The Mayor, Councillors, Kam Sports Council, KPCC Board Members and design contractors. $1.2M project opening. pic.twitter.com/H0kaBd9nA7

— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) July 4, 2024