SILVIS, Ill. — Silvis officials unveiled the Quad Cities' first pump track on Saturday.
A pump track is designed specifically so that by pumping with their body, a rider's momentum up and down hills and turns can carry them through the course.
"This is a unique track," said Silvis city administrator Nevada Lemke. "It's not your typical bike track. So we just ask that people be aware of using the track and using safety equipment. And to have adult supervision for those younger children just to make sure everybody is safe, and has the appropriate gear and uses the amenities safely."
One young biker, 10-year-old Elijah Shelton, said he came to support his friend's family.
"I came here to support my friend Rett," said Shelton. "His dad works for the council. If it wasn't for him and [Paul DePauw], [the pump track] really wouldn't be here."
And Elijah is also thankful that he has a new track to practice on nearby because when he is not playing football, he's biking. He's already competed at competitions across the country.
"It's just crazy because you never know who you're going to go up against unless you've been doing the sport for a while," said Elijah.
And taking the time to do things right is what Silvis officials have been doing since the idea for a pump track was brought up years ago.
Lemke said while the track's construction was fairly quick, it was a different story when it came to finding the perfect location.
"'There's not a lot we can do with [the track's current location]. There's not a lot of infrastructure so it's not buildable, necessarily very easily, for a business," said Lemke.
Which meant that it was perfect for a public park for all riders to use, not just BMXers.
Andy Wright, 31, is one of those riders that encourages riders of any age and skills level to join.
"I always loved riding my bike as a kid and pushing my boundaries on a bicycle," said Wright. "It's refreshing probably for them to see someone a littlie older enjoying it also and it doesn't just have to end when you get your driver's license."
Lemke said the track will be open seasonally from sunrise until dusk. And it will be closed during inclement weather.
The track is located at 1306 S. 19th Street in Silvis.