Sun City, in South Africa’s North West Province, has introduced the Sun Bike Park, a multi-wheel, asphalt pump track for skateboards, bmx, mountain bikes, dirt jump bikes and in line skates.
There is also a dedicated kiddies’ track for push bikes only. The asphalt surfaces offer more grip and make the track easier and safer to ride on.
The Sun Bike Park is open from Tuesdays through to Sundays, and riders can make use of their own wheels or hire bikes there.
The facility was designed with beginners and safety in mind, however the main pump track does require some prior experience to navigate the course on a bike or skateboard.
Professional riders, however, will be challenged as they can choose from various options throughout the track where they can do double sections and maintain their speed.
The track features a 360-degree bowl on the south side, making it a major feature. It is usually associated with skate parks as it allows riders to change their direction.
The track is also easy-rolling, meaning riders can use it in any direction.
Sun Bike Park involved a team of over 50 people during its construction and, due to its location on a steep slope behind the Valley of the Waves, excavation was quite a feat. The excavation project involved the removal of around 1 800 tons of material to level out the area, more than 1 500 tons of which was rock that had been excavated during the construction of The Palace of the Lost City.
Sun City’s General Manager, Raul De Lima said: “We wanted the track to ride well in both directions and this is typically difficult to do. However the team spent a lot of time on the shape of the rollers and the variation in elevation through the track to achieve this. We are really pleased with the end result and we have no doubt that the Sun Bike Park is going to be a hit with our guests, regardless of their ability.”
Sun Bike Park fees are as follows:
Adults: R80 (€5.4) full-day pass; Children under six: R40 (€2.7) full-day pass.
