Lake Fairfax Getting a Pump Bike Track

Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park is about to get a new outdoor amenity: a pump bike track near the Lake Fairfax soccer fields.

A pump track is a continuous loop of dirt berms and “rollers” (smooth dirt mounds) that you ride without pedaling. The name comes from the pumping motion used by the rider’s upper and lower body as he or she rides around the track, say Fairfax County Park Authority officials.

Pump tracks are suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels, and almost any bicycle will work, including BMX bikes, mountain bikes, and kids bikes.

The pump track is being built by MORE (Mid-Atlantic Mountain Biking Enthusiasts).  Funding for the project was provided through a grant from PeopleForBikes.org and donations raised from The Bike Lane, The Bike Lane Race Team, and the Capital ‘Cross Classic.

Lake Fairfax will hold a ribbon cutting for the track on Oct. 8.

There are some other improvements heading to the park:

Stream Restoration — A new pedestrian bridge is scheduled for construction as part of the Colvin Run restoration project now underway.

This project will restore 1,700 feet of Colvin Run below the Lake Fairfax dam, and almost 500 feet of tributaries. It will also provide better access to the stream for recreation and environmental education but protect banks from excessive foot traffic that can kill vegetation and cause erosion.

Project construction is scheduled to run from Sept. 16, 2016 to May 26, 2017. During this time the stream below the lake dam will be fenced off. Road and bridge construction will require Lake Fairfax Drive across Colvin Run below the dam to be closed from Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2017.

Campground Improvements: Lake Fairfax’s campground is getting a new bathhouse that meets modern-day standards for efficiency and accessibility. The restroom near the picnic area is also being replaced.

The current bathhouse closed Aug. 15 and will reopen on May 26, 2017. The picnic area restroom is also now closed and will reopen in May 2017.