What's Thundercross Park like? [Archive]

Jay GTI

5th November 2011, 09:44

yeah definately, just stay away if its wet

In fact if it's rained during the week, I call first to check conditions, it slops up real quick out there (all clay base). James is a good dude, but he's running a dairy farm at the same time, so he doesn't always get the chance to look after the trails as much as he'd like and it can get a bit chopped up at times. Overall it's a great park, more than enough for the average rider to keep busy with.

I've taken a couple of groups of road riders out there to pop their dirt cherries on the hire bikes, nothing out there that was too difficult for them, although there were a couple who were nervous about some of the decents, but they are easy once you do them a couple of times. It's big, open farmland though, so there's generally another way around if you see something you don't like.

What's cool is it never gets particularly busy out there, so there's always somewhere to park and you won't feel like you're always getting in the way of faster guys...

nzspokes

5th November 2011, 11:36

In fact if it's rained during the week, I call first to check conditions, it slops up real quick out there (all clay base). James is a good dude, but he's running a dairy farm at the same time, so he doesn't always get the chance to look after the trails as much as he'd like and it can get a bit chopped up at times. Overall it's a great park, more than enough for the average rider to keep busy with.

I've taken a couple of groups of road riders out there to pop their dirt cherries on the hire bikes, nothing out there that was too difficult for them, although there were a couple who were nervous about some of the decents, but they are easy once you do them a couple of times. It's big, open farmland though, so there's generally another way around if you see something you don't like.

What's cool is it never gets particularly busy out there, so there's always somewhere to park and you won't feel like you're always getting in the way of faster guys...

Cheers. Not heading up this weekend but maybe in a few weekends time. Will be taking a few mates for some newbie fun.

honda_power

5th November 2011, 13:44

i think the owners a prick, the place is poorly maintained, track signage is poor and the mx track is an absolute joke, but each to their own

dafydd roberts

5th November 2011, 17:48

i think the owners a prick, the place is poorly maintained, track signage is poor and the mx track is an absolute joke, but each to their own

Hmmm :lol:

nzspokes

5th November 2011, 21:07

i think the owners a prick, the place is poorly maintained, track signage is poor and the mx track is an absolute joke, but each to their own

Thanks for your input.

Jinxycat

6th November 2011, 09:23

a mate went last weekend, under 100cc no longer free, he signed in and didn't want the money blowing all over his lawn was going to find the guy in the corse of the day, he was found about 10 min later and accused of trying to ride for free, guy was really rude!!

nzspokes

6th November 2011, 10:05

2fitty

6th November 2011, 10:37

dont be put off from going, the owner can be a bit feral sometimes from what ive heard and is quite often not at sign on as it is a working dairy farm, Ive been there loads and have never had any dramas, the loops dont always get the attention they need but still a great place to ride especially for the learners. and the fact that the misses rides for free is a bonus too.

Maha

6th November 2011, 10:39

Theres always the Dome Valley as an alternative Rob.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lO9axQfMUic" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

nzspokes

6th November 2011, 11:20

Theres always the Dome Valley as an alternative Rob.

Yes, a mates going to take me up after xmas. Thundercross is heaps closer to me.

L Rider

6th November 2011, 15:02

We go there alot over summer - great place for the whole family to ride. Learners paddock/track has been perfect for myself & also my 2 kids to learn to ride in. My boy (just turned 8) can now do half the B loop (cuts back in at the fence/gate near the learners) on his SX 50 quite easily.

Most times the owner is there when we arrive to 'sign on' but odd times he's not he's just come up to us when over that way & had a chat & collected our $$ - no drama's. He's great with the kids.

Since we've been going the only one's it was free for is young kids on 50cc and also ladies.

jt119

6th November 2011, 17:05

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIVvUPb6lHk

flyingcr250

6th November 2011, 17:12

Migt have to give dome a go this summer....

Jay GTI

6th November 2011, 17:25

Migt have to give dome a go this summer....

The MX track is fun but the enduro loop is pretty tame and I got bored of it by the 3rd time around. Still worth a go though.

Jinxycat

6th November 2011, 17:31

So he was riding without paying and then got upset the owner was rude?

he was there with his kids and wasn't trying to get away with anything, i guess we all have bad days.

noobi

6th November 2011, 18:04

The MX track is fun but the enduro loop is pretty tame and I got bored of it by the 3rd time around. Still worth a go though.

Theres tracks in there which are un marked / hidden which are much better than the main track. Just need someone to show you where they are.

nzspokes

6th November 2011, 18:11

The MX track is fun but the enduro loop is pretty tame and I got bored of it by the 3rd time around. Still worth a go though.

Tame is what we are after. We are old and break easy. :baby:

Jay GTI

7th November 2011, 08:22

Tame is what we are after. We are old and break easy. :baby:

It would suit you fine for sure, but flyingcr250 might find it a bit boring, as he's pretty good from what I can tell.

Interested in those hidden trails though...

roadkillnz

7th November 2011, 20:19

nzspokes

7th November 2011, 20:24

Would you spend a day there? Or is it a half day thing?

jt119

7th November 2011, 20:39

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aBZqzM6wcw

noobi

7th November 2011, 20:54

Would you spend a day there? Or is it a half day thing?

Easily if you were dirt noobs, maybe not if you're pro like flyingcr.

flyingcr250

7th November 2011, 21:12

It would suit you fine for sure, but flyingcr250 might find it a bit boring, as he's pretty good from what I can tell.

Easily if you were dirt noobs, maybe not if you're pro like flyingcr.

Hahahahahaha funny stuff

I can give you some lessons if you want dale

nzspokes

7th November 2011, 21:12

Easily if you were dirt noobs, maybe not if you're pro like flyingcr.

Cheers, Full day would be better. :niceone:

Take out some lunch and have some good learning time.

nzspokes

7th November 2011, 21:23

Personally I quite like the place.

Like others said before, avoid when wet if you're after an easy ride. There's B tracks which might suit you fora nice easy ride. A for when you feel more adventurous.

A little ill-maintained at times, but hardly a big deal.
Here's some footage showing bits if B but mostly A, after some heavy rain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZEmXlTeuNg

Good tyres and low pressure reccommended if you do go in the wet.

Cool vid.

ive been told my back tyre is old and hard so would struggle with wet. So will wait for a dry day and race me mates. My good mate has a bike thats pretty much the same power as mine so there will be some fun had.

jt119

7th November 2011, 21:37

Hahahahahaha funny stuff

I can give you some lessons if you want dale

are you putting on a free bbq with them ill be in

noobi

7th November 2011, 21:39

Hahahahahaha funny stuff

I can give you some lessons if you want dale

101 ways to puncture a front tyre?

IIIRII

8th November 2011, 11:21

Or "how to mix fuel"

:)

flyingcr250

8th November 2011, 19:54

are you putting on a free bbq with them ill be in

101 ways to puncture a front tyre?

Or "how to mix fuel"

:)

Haters...........

nzspokes

4th December 2011, 19:33

Question on gear for Thunder cross, do you need to have proper gear to ride there? My mate wants to come along and hes not got all the "right" gear just long sleves and jeans. Is that ok to ride there?

roadkillnz

4th December 2011, 21:54

You can hire all the gear at the place. Last time I took a niece there, it cost $10 to hire all the gear.
Since that infamous accident, I suspect he'll probably be cautious about letting someone ride around without much gear, though he's not around the track that often. But for the sake of $10, it'd be worth it.

nzspokes

10th December 2011, 17:28

Can anybody tell me the quickest way there?

1vanvan1

10th December 2011, 17:49

Can anybody tell me the quickest way there?

By Helicopter.

barty5

10th December 2011, 19:03

Can anybody tell me the quickest way there?

down m/way to mercer get off there turn right over state h/way 1 stay on that road till you get to junction end off a couple a long straights turn left will take good 15 20 min from there keep eye out for trig station where road goes into a V take the left then bout 1 k on your right.

nzspokes

10th December 2011, 19:12

Cheers, will it be ok if it gets a bit of rain tomorrow?

barty5

10th December 2011, 19:16

Cheers, will it be ok if it gets a bit of rain tomorrow?

should be ok its been rather dry rain just makes it more fun and more of a challenge

nzspokes

10th December 2011, 19:18

should be ok its been rather dry rain just makes it more fun and more of a challenge

So rideable for 3 beginners? :shutup:

Bikes going well now apart from some tuning needed to.

barty5

10th December 2011, 19:30

So rideable for 3 beginners? :shutup:

Bikes going well now apart from some tuning needed to.

b loop will be fine A loop can be hard when wet but always fun there are a few short cuts on it to get back if need be

nzspokes

10th December 2011, 19:34

b loop will be fine A loop can be hard when wet but always fun there are a few short cuts on it to get back if need be

Weve been told if it gets a little rain after a dry patch its really hard to ride due to it being clay?

Im real keen either way.

noobi

10th December 2011, 22:07

Weve been told if it gets a little rain after a dry patch its really hard to ride due to it being clay?

Im real keen either way.

If it rains, it'll be slippery in the sheltered areas, no two ways about it, if it rains a lot, it'll be slippery everywhere.
However, I don't think its going to rain much tomorrow.
Try not to get those nice new white boots filthy :blink:

nzspokes

11th December 2011, 17:25

Well we went. Great fun. I did 9 laps of the b loop. Started doing some of the side trails. :niceone:

The old XR did well with me bouncing on her.

Im stuffed now.:baby:

nzspokes

25th December 2011, 19:46

How much harder is A loop over B loop? I did a couple of the A loop bits that come of B and they seemed OK.

barty5

25th December 2011, 23:10

How much harder is A loop over B loop? I did a couple of the A loop bits that come of B and they seemed OK.

Just longer with some steeper hills and a little bit of tighter stuff

nzspokes

26th December 2011, 16:04

Just longer with some steeper hills and a little bit of tighter stuff

Cool, I will give it a shot. Nothing on the B was to steep so A could be a challenge.

And this time I have a bike that idles and has a front brake of sorts. :Punk:

nzspokes

22nd January 2012, 07:00

What tyre pressure would you run there?

roadkillnz

22nd January 2012, 07:39

When dry I run about 12 psi, when wet 10, when really wet and wondering if I'll ever make it back to the car park I drop it down to 6-8 on the back. There's no gravel sections and no major jumps, so haven't had a pinched tube yet.

What tyre pressure would you run there?

flyingcr250

22nd January 2012, 10:09

I run 14-15 during the summer (there are some good jumps out there if your going fast enough), and 12 during the winter, but i hardly go oit there in the wet season

roadkillnz

22nd January 2012, 16:06

I run 14-15 during the summer (there are some good jumps out there if your going fast enough), and 12 during the winter, but i hardly go oit there in the wet season
Some cool jumps alright, and mostly nice natural terrain style. The section just before riding the spine of the hill on the A look is great fun. Though never had issues when running 10psi doing jumps. Though probably not jumping as much as you. The jump at the very beginning near the car park has quite a lip to it, I tend to take it easy on that one, but that's because I'm wuss :)

Some footage from Thundercross for anyone interested. This was soon after, and then during a Thunderstorm, we were basically the only ones stupid enough to go there that day lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZEmXlTeuNg

Adriaan

22nd January 2012, 17:20

I went down a couple of weeks ago for the first time. At first I was dubious after hearing mixed reports about the condition of the tracks etc etc.

I arrived and met a guy named Nick. Turns out it's his dads land and he's now taken over the maintenance on the place. So instead of doing an annual upgrade and maintenance on the tracks. He's out there every day on the tractor by the looks of it.

There were also some people having problems with their bikes and one even had a broken chain. Nick was all too happy to lend a hand and a new chain. He even offered me some bolts from his collection after i lost a couple en route. haha.

I was impressed. So here's to Nick and the good work he's doing. $30 for the day... not bad at all. I'll happily be back as soon as I can get away from work.

cheese

22nd January 2012, 19:11

Might head out in a few weeks. Not been out there in ages.

LittleJohn

22nd January 2012, 20:10

We went out the today. Haven't been there for a year or so. B loop and learners track was all good. Brooklyn got around the B loop on his 65 no worries. Went out on the A loop. It was all good, just a couple of wet spots with some major ruts, but there are ways around them.
Overall awesome day.

flyingcr250

22nd January 2012, 21:10

Might head out in a few weeks. Not been out there in ages.

Ill prob head out next weekend since theres no trailrides on

nzspokes

29th January 2012, 19:42

I did A loop today. :Punk:

But fell off a few times and got owned in one uphill rut. Wheel spinning up it and hit something that gave me traction. Instant backflip. :facepalm:

But good day. Think the old bike needs a strip down now and some bits rebuilt. A front brake would be good. :confused:

2fitty

1st February 2012, 18:28

rode there in the weekend also, tracks are in good shape, mx track has had a bit of treatment since last time i was out and definately not for the novices ok to roll over but cant half ass any thing. be warned the carpark toilets are ruff and basically unusable, the movie trainspotting comes to mind. dont say i didnt warn ya.

Jay GTI

1st February 2012, 18:51

Been there a few times since Xmas, toilets get worse each time... :laugh:

Apart from a bike refusing to start (dry break on tank not connected properly by dealer repair muppet), last Sat was very good. Very little bog, but not too much dust either.

Finally got the missus off the learners loop and on to the B loop, she loved it... until the last downhill section where she thought she'd let go of the front brake and grab some throttle for no particular reason and scared the crap out of herself.

Nick has put some effort into the MX track, but I agree it's a bit too expert in places. Lots better than it used to be though...

nzspokes

1st February 2012, 21:27

Jay GTI

2nd February 2012, 07:45

I tried the MX then bailed out of it incase I got in the way of somebody. Not beginner friendly but its not expected to be. Would be fun to get some training to know how to ride it.

You should trek up to Dome Valley one Sunday, they also have a small MX track that is way more beginner friendly, you can practice your basics on that, then try again at Thundercross.

nzspokes

2nd February 2012, 07:59

You should trek up to Dome Valley one Sunday, they also have a small MX track that is way more beginner friendly, you can practice your basics on that, then try again at Thundercross.

Sounds like a plan. Wont be for while, got lots on for a bit and the bike needs work. But that would be cool.

Jay GTI

2nd February 2012, 09:20

Sounds like a plan. Wont be for while, got lots on for a bit and the bike needs work. But that would be cool.

Let me know when you head up, I'm keen to get up there again (Sat reminded me of how crap my jumping skills are).

flyingcr250

2nd February 2012, 19:25

Might head out to thunder on saturday or sunday, the jumps out there arent too bad,

Jay GTI

3rd February 2012, 07:55

Might head out to thunder on saturday or sunday, the jumps out there arent too bad,

On the loops they're ok, especially the 2 on the A section of the B loop, couple of nice ones with friendly landings out there.

The ones on the MX track would be fine, but most are either blind, doubles, or drop-offs, which for the timid jumpers (like me) they look a lot more scary than they are and so the psychological barrier is more of an issue than the jumps themselves.

flyingcr250

4th February 2012, 13:33

On the loops they're ok, especially the 2 on the A section of the B loop, couple of nice ones with friendly landings out there.

The ones on the MX track would be fine, but most are either blind, doubles, or drop-offs, which for the timid jumpers (like me) they look a lot more scary than they are and so the psychological barrier is more of an issue than the jumps themselves.

Well i was out there today, and hes changed some of the jumps, say good bye to the nice fun mx track and say hello to the scary huge sx track, and he reckons its only gunna get bigger:confused:

2fitty

4th February 2012, 15:17

that'l be why hes turned the learners track into a natural terrain mx track and has moved the learners track to the side, so he can go nuts on the main mx track

Adriaan

4th February 2012, 17:16

that'l be why hes turned the learners track into a natural terrain mx track and has moved the learners track to the side, so he can go nuts on the main mx track

Whats the natural track like ??

flyingcr250

4th February 2012, 17:34

that'l be why hes turned the learners track into a natural terrain mx track and has moved the learners track to the side, so he can go nuts on the main mx track

Didnt know there was a natural track up there

2fitty

4th February 2012, 21:39

its ok, good learning track, pretty much the same as before but with a few more corners and natural jumps, think hes not long made it as the track wasnt worn that much when we were there. good for practicing without having to worry about those step downs and doubles.

honda_power

21st February 2012, 08:28

anyone been out recently?? just seen some photos of a fmx ramp and some decent jumps on the mx track... maybe starting to sort their shit out? may have to go for another look

Crabby

21st February 2012, 16:32

James's son Nik has taken over running of the park and has done a lot of work and a mate was out there on saturday while I was out buying a new trailer so I can go this weekend.

There is a mad new MX track, which has some insane doubles and step downs.
FMX compund is down at the bottom carpark
The old kids track on the top of the hill towards is now a natural terrain mx track as stated
The kids track is moved to the side of that natural terrain track
A&B loop have received some serious loving too apparently.

Heading out this sunday 21/2/12 with a bit of a crew.

del-solider

21st February 2012, 16:55

Have seen the pics on facebook and looks like a HEAP of work has gone into the place!!

Track looks like there are some nice huge jumps on it and the fmx area looks cool.
Heading out on Sunday to check it all out an to attempt the big step up :banana:

roadkillnz

21st February 2012, 17:01

anyone been out recently?? just seen some photos of a fmx ramp and some decent jumps on the mx track... maybe starting to sort their shit out? may have to go for another look

Here's some footage from 2 Saturdays ago... Mostly the A loop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFKcmhX5fIE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Jay GTI

21st February 2012, 17:53

flyingcr250

21st February 2012, 18:27

As there is now an abundance of seriously scary jumps (not including the FMX stuff I'll never go anywhere near), I have asked Nik if he can knock up a couple of learner-sized jumps for us less experienced in the ways of getting air. Hopefully he'll be able to get onto that one, I need the practice...

The old track was fun and not too bad for learners, but the new jumps are too big for the sort of rider that frequents thunder park i reckon, maybe the bigger jumps could have been as a deviation to the main track, good on him for making the effort and fixing the place up, hes probably done more work over the last two months than his old man did over 10 years, i think now he needs to make some new tracks on the enduro loop too

Jay GTI

21st February 2012, 19:41

i think now he needs to make some new tracks on the enduro loop too

He's onto that already apparently.

nzspokes

17th February 2013, 19:50

Sooo, Im going up next weekend. Anybody been there lately? Is it running well with all this dry weather?

Any new tracks or changes? Not been there since last march I think.

nzspokes

18th February 2013, 20:32

Anybody been there lately?

Yamaha_rider

19th February 2013, 13:06

We went late last year, it was abit muddy then, but right now it will be very dry and dusty, when we were there he was making a small enduro type track up from the car park, he said he wanted it done by summer, so i am guessing he'll be done now, i don't think he has done much else:niceone:

nzspokes

9th March 2013, 11:46

Went a couple of weeks back and its great. Little slippery with dust is all.

Probably head out tomorrow.

nzspokes

10th March 2013, 06:17

Oh and make sure you take bog paper, those shitters don't have any.

Yamaha_rider

10th March 2013, 11:57

Oh and make sure you take bog paper, those shitters don't have any.

Yeah...i found that out the hard way:eek5:

nzspokes

10th March 2013, 12:18

Yeah...i found that out the hard way:eek5:

You didn't need those socks anyway?

Yamaha_rider

12th March 2013, 11:37

You didn't need those socks anyway?

Darn...i never thought of using my socks:(

nzspokes

19th September 2013, 07:00

Anybody know if thundercross is open yet and condition?

cheese

19th September 2013, 20:19

I could be wrong, but I thought that the park has closed up for good? Farm was being sold off?

scott411

19th September 2013, 20:29

I could be wrong, but I thought that the park has closed up for good? Farm was being sold off?

heard it was for sale again as well, not sure its closed tho, had heard James is back and taken over from Nick,

nothing updated on the FB site for a while

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thundercross-Valley-Bike-Park/207691962593330?fref=ts

nzspokes

19th September 2013, 20:45

heard it was for sale again as well, not sure its closed tho, had heard James is back and taken over from Nick,

nothing updated on the FB site for a while

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thundercross-Valley-Bike-Park/207691962593330?fref=ts

Yeah thats why I asked here as nothing on FB. Hope it does stay open as I like it there.

flyingcr250

19th September 2013, 21:46

pretty sure its open, i think JT119 was out there the other week.

oldguy

19th September 2013, 22:33

It is open, mates went out 2 weeks ago, said the tracks a mess from the cattle, well it is a working farm.

Jay GTI

20th September 2013, 09:01

It is open, mates went out 2 weeks ago, said the tracks a mess from the cattle, well it is a working farm.

Shame, Nick was putting a lot of effort into developing it and keeping it in good condition. But yeah the facebook page has been silent for a while now, which would indicate something's up.