Thunder Valley National Spectator Advice

TAB72
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TAB72
Edited Date/Time 6/13/2022 8:11pm
Howdy,

Flying to Denver to watch my first motocross national in person since I was about 10 years old at Lake Whitney in Texas. Seeking tips and advice from previous attendees. A few initial questions would be:

1). Is it a good idea to lug a lawn chair? From watching on TV, it seems like a hill or mountain on the west side provides a natural 'stands' so to speak. Is that a good place for viewing or should I plan on walking to different locations to soak it all in?

2). Anyone know how reliable Uber is in the Denver area? Curious if it's hit or miss with gas prices and possible labor shortage. Thinking I could come out about even on cost when factoring in rental car and parking. In addition, I read some negative feedback about the parking there.

Reason this is on bucket list - I'm now 50, pro motocross is 50, and June 11, 2022 is the 50th anniversary that my dad's good friend, the late Wyman Priddy, won his first and only National - so I have no choice but to go!

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Tim
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Racerman967
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Racerman967 6/7/2022 8:30pm
6/7/2022 8:30pm
Uber and Lyft are very reliable here. And yes the hillside is the best viewing location. Although there are quite a few places where you can sit or for a chair on the hillside. Hydrate a lot it will be hot and elevation at the track is 6000 feet. Altitude sickness is real. Great facility, by the triple of the Thunder Valley sign are great locations.
1
disbanded
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disbanded 6/7/2022 9:04pm
6/7/2022 9:04pm
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And of course, the MxDN in 2010. Three when I was a proud resident of Texas, eight while a proud resident of Colorado. My 12th visit will be this Saturday.

Yes, bring a chair if you can, unless you plan on seriously roughing it. Even then, it's a good idea to have a camping-style chair that folds up and straps around your shoulder. But you might have to do some searching for a flat spot. The farther out you get, the more the slope rises. There are some good spots if you search way up on the hill.

Try to hike up to the Thunder Valley sign if you want a true test of the elevation.

I always ride my KTM690 to the race for the free parking, but still try to strap a camping chair to my bike because the day gets very long. Some people like to grab a spot early and camp in the same spot all day. I've done that, and it's great if you get a good spot early, or up high, or a place where you can see the entire track, but I personally like to experience each moto from a different location. I stay mobile, but again, with a camping chair on my back. I can always take a seat whenever I find a good spot. I like to start at the top of the starting line in the infield, then follow the crowd across to the other side to the downhill where Stewart crashed because of the photographer. I was there for that by the way... It's actually the same exact spot that Eli Tomac destroyed his shoulders and I was also there for that. In my opinion, the first corner from the infield is an experience not to miss.

Then you can run over to the big tabletop in the back, then to the mechanics section, then over to the finish line. That's why I personally think the infield is the best.

Otherwise, find a spot on the hill where you can see the entire track. Have fun! Wear sunscreen!
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SLAPAHO
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SLAPAHO 6/7/2022 9:06pm
6/7/2022 9:06pm
Don’t run across the track during a moto.
5
Splat03 6/7/2022 9:14pm
6/7/2022 9:14pm
+1 for the hydration. There isn’t any shade at TVMX. People from a more humid climate don’t realize how much water they sweat off because it evaporates so much faster than “normal”.
General parking is pretty far from the track(1/4 mile-ish) and a gradual uphill walk combined with the pretty steep hillside at the track. Plan plenty of time to get there, park and walk while allowing rest. You’ll feel the altitude even if you’re in great shape.
The track is close to town and right off the highway. It’s only 45-60 minutes from the airport and the route takes you right through town so hotels, restaurants, etc are easy to find.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters are playing Red Rocks that night right down the street. Beautiful amphitheater.
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stangkag
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stangkag 6/7/2022 9:15pm
6/7/2022 9:15pm
disbanded wrote:
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And...
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And of course, the MxDN in 2010. Three when I was a proud resident of Texas, eight while a proud resident of Colorado. My 12th visit will be this Saturday.

Yes, bring a chair if you can, unless you plan on seriously roughing it. Even then, it's a good idea to have a camping-style chair that folds up and straps around your shoulder. But you might have to do some searching for a flat spot. The farther out you get, the more the slope rises. There are some good spots if you search way up on the hill.

Try to hike up to the Thunder Valley sign if you want a true test of the elevation.

I always ride my KTM690 to the race for the free parking, but still try to strap a camping chair to my bike because the day gets very long. Some people like to grab a spot early and camp in the same spot all day. I've done that, and it's great if you get a good spot early, or up high, or a place where you can see the entire track, but I personally like to experience each moto from a different location. I stay mobile, but again, with a camping chair on my back. I can always take a seat whenever I find a good spot. I like to start at the top of the starting line in the infield, then follow the crowd across to the other side to the downhill where Stewart crashed because of the photographer. I was there for that by the way... It's actually the same exact spot that Eli Tomac destroyed his shoulders and I was also there for that. In my opinion, the first corner from the infield is an experience not to miss.

Then you can run over to the big tabletop in the back, then to the mechanics section, then over to the finish line. That's why I personally think the infield is the best.

Otherwise, find a spot on the hill where you can see the entire track. Have fun! Wear sunscreen!
Any idea what time races start? I may have free tickets but have to work til 3pm and it's about 3 hr drive.
disbanded
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disbanded 6/7/2022 9:21pm
6/7/2022 9:21pm
disbanded wrote:
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And...
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And of course, the MxDN in 2010. Three when I was a proud resident of Texas, eight while a proud resident of Colorado. My 12th visit will be this Saturday.

Yes, bring a chair if you can, unless you plan on seriously roughing it. Even then, it's a good idea to have a camping-style chair that folds up and straps around your shoulder. But you might have to do some searching for a flat spot. The farther out you get, the more the slope rises. There are some good spots if you search way up on the hill.

Try to hike up to the Thunder Valley sign if you want a true test of the elevation.

I always ride my KTM690 to the race for the free parking, but still try to strap a camping chair to my bike because the day gets very long. Some people like to grab a spot early and camp in the same spot all day. I've done that, and it's great if you get a good spot early, or up high, or a place where you can see the entire track, but I personally like to experience each moto from a different location. I stay mobile, but again, with a camping chair on my back. I can always take a seat whenever I find a good spot. I like to start at the top of the starting line in the infield, then follow the crowd across to the other side to the downhill where Stewart crashed because of the photographer. I was there for that by the way... It's actually the same exact spot that Eli Tomac destroyed his shoulders and I was also there for that. In my opinion, the first corner from the infield is an experience not to miss.

Then you can run over to the big tabletop in the back, then to the mechanics section, then over to the finish line. That's why I personally think the infield is the best.

Otherwise, find a spot on the hill where you can see the entire track. Have fun! Wear sunscreen!
stangkag wrote:
Any idea what time races start? I may have free tickets but have to work til 3pm and it's about 3 hr drive.
1pm to 5pm
1
1
stangkag
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stangkag 6/7/2022 9:32pm
6/7/2022 9:32pm
disbanded wrote:
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And...
I've been to 11 nationals so far at Thunder Valley, including the very first race in 2005, back when they were still holding night races. And of course, the MxDN in 2010. Three when I was a proud resident of Texas, eight while a proud resident of Colorado. My 12th visit will be this Saturday.

Yes, bring a chair if you can, unless you plan on seriously roughing it. Even then, it's a good idea to have a camping-style chair that folds up and straps around your shoulder. But you might have to do some searching for a flat spot. The farther out you get, the more the slope rises. There are some good spots if you search way up on the hill.

Try to hike up to the Thunder Valley sign if you want a true test of the elevation.

I always ride my KTM690 to the race for the free parking, but still try to strap a camping chair to my bike because the day gets very long. Some people like to grab a spot early and camp in the same spot all day. I've done that, and it's great if you get a good spot early, or up high, or a place where you can see the entire track, but I personally like to experience each moto from a different location. I stay mobile, but again, with a camping chair on my back. I can always take a seat whenever I find a good spot. I like to start at the top of the starting line in the infield, then follow the crowd across to the other side to the downhill where Stewart crashed because of the photographer. I was there for that by the way... It's actually the same exact spot that Eli Tomac destroyed his shoulders and I was also there for that. In my opinion, the first corner from the infield is an experience not to miss.

Then you can run over to the big tabletop in the back, then to the mechanics section, then over to the finish line. That's why I personally think the infield is the best.

Otherwise, find a spot on the hill where you can see the entire track. Have fun! Wear sunscreen!
stangkag wrote:
Any idea what time races start? I may have free tickets but have to work til 3pm and it's about 3 hr drive.
disbanded wrote:
1pm to 5pm
Thanks bud, next year I'll have to request off in advance and i might be able to comp you a ticket if you want! Just started working at Yamaha shop two weeks ago so better not ask to get off early quite yet! Ps got any plans of going to Kingston Peak this year?
disbanded
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disbanded 6/7/2022 9:39pm
6/7/2022 9:39pm
stangkag wrote:
Any idea what time races start? I may have free tickets but have to work til 3pm and it's about 3 hr drive.
disbanded wrote:
1pm to 5pm
stangkag wrote:
Thanks bud, next year I'll have to request off in advance and i might be able to comp you a ticket if you want! Just started...
Thanks bud, next year I'll have to request off in advance and i might be able to comp you a ticket if you want! Just started working at Yamaha shop two weeks ago so better not ask to get off early quite yet! Ps got any plans of going to Kingston Peak this year?
Oh hell yeah man, on both the ticket and the Kingston Peak ride!
Joey_Bridges
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Joey_Bridges 6/8/2022 2:47am
6/8/2022 2:47am
SLAPAHO wrote:
Don’t run across the track during a moto.
Or bring your drone.
2
MotoCoUSA
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MotoCoUSA 6/8/2022 5:45am
6/8/2022 5:45am
Moving around the infield is the best way to go about it imo. Can see pretty much the whole track, but to be fair you can see pretty much the whole track from a lot of spots. Infield is cool cause you can move around in short distances and get close to a lot of different sections. Have fun!
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 6/8/2022 5:49am
6/8/2022 5:49am
Dress like your on base camp of Mt. Everest. Bring an oxygen tank, tent, and Sherpa’s for the hills.
stremme12
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stremme12 6/8/2022 5:55am
6/8/2022 5:55am Edited Date/Time 6/8/2022 5:58am
The parking really isn't that bad. I've taken a rental car before and got in and out just fine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Last year was very hot. Out of all the tracks I've been to Thunder Valley seems to be the worst as far as not enough bathrooms or drink stands. There were only a handful of places to purchase water last year. Lines were 30-45 minutes most of the day. They don't allow coolers which is ridiculous if you're going to just have a handful of places to get water. As far as the view and track it's great but facility wise they skimp on a lot. If it were me I would bring in a frozen gallon of water so you don't have to miss moto's waiting in line half of the day.
MotoCoUSA
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MotoCoUSA 6/8/2022 6:04am
6/8/2022 6:04am
stremme12 wrote:
The parking really isn't that bad. I've taken a rental car before and got in and out just fine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Last...
The parking really isn't that bad. I've taken a rental car before and got in and out just fine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Last year was very hot. Out of all the tracks I've been to Thunder Valley seems to be the worst as far as not enough bathrooms or drink stands. There were only a handful of places to purchase water last year. Lines were 30-45 minutes most of the day. They don't allow coolers which is ridiculous if you're going to just have a handful of places to get water. As far as the view and track it's great but facility wise they skimp on a lot. If it were me I would bring in a frozen gallon of water so you don't have to miss moto's waiting in line half of the day.
You can bring coolers, they don’t care. I usually just put drinks and ice in a backpack lined with plastic bag. Much better than lugging a cooler up the hill and around.
stremme12
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stremme12 6/8/2022 6:48am
6/8/2022 6:48am Edited Date/Time 6/8/2022 6:49am
stremme12 wrote:
The parking really isn't that bad. I've taken a rental car before and got in and out just fine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Last...
The parking really isn't that bad. I've taken a rental car before and got in and out just fine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Last year was very hot. Out of all the tracks I've been to Thunder Valley seems to be the worst as far as not enough bathrooms or drink stands. There were only a handful of places to purchase water last year. Lines were 30-45 minutes most of the day. They don't allow coolers which is ridiculous if you're going to just have a handful of places to get water. As far as the view and track it's great but facility wise they skimp on a lot. If it were me I would bring in a frozen gallon of water so you don't have to miss moto's waiting in line half of the day.
MotoCoUSA wrote:
You can bring coolers, they don’t care. I usually just put drinks and ice in a backpack lined with plastic bag. Much better than lugging a...
You can bring coolers, they don’t care. I usually just put drinks and ice in a backpack lined with plastic bag. Much better than lugging a cooler up the hill and around.
Got turned away with a small cooler 2 different years. Website event rules for the National stated no cooler either.
MotoCoUSA
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MotoCoUSA 6/8/2022 6:56am
6/8/2022 6:56am
stremme12 wrote:
Got turned away with a small cooler 2 different years. Website event rules for the National stated no cooler either.
really? weird. I know the rules state no coolers but Ive never had an issue. Ive been going the past 11 years and never once been turned around or told anything.

also, +1 on the need for more porta-jons they are seriously lacking every year.
1
TooTallJason
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TooTallJason 6/8/2022 7:11am
6/8/2022 7:11am
Last year it said no coolers on the ticket. This year the only item it says that are prohibited are awning structures.

Seconding the infield, unless you just want to sit in one spot all day.
TAB72
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TAB72 6/8/2022 1:33pm
6/8/2022 1:33pm
This has been very helpful. I'm planning to bring a folding-camping chair and a backpack with water and umbrella.

With the 450 Moto #1 gate drop scheduled for 2:15, I'm assuming rush hour for admission will start around 1pm. Do you think a planned ETA of 12-12:30 is safe or would you recommend earlier than that?

Thanks for all the replies thus far!
BikePilot
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BikePilot 6/8/2022 6:41pm
6/8/2022 6:41pm
Honestly while the track is great its not great as a spectator event unless you get vip tickets. Expect long lines for anything, very little water, no available toilets, and minimal food. I live here and don't go anymore unless I'm flagging or in vip. Bring cash as there is poor cell service and vendors' credit card readers usually crap out. Parking is also inconvenient for cars. I usually ride the street bike which will get you primo parking right up front.
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stremme12
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stremme12 6/8/2022 7:04pm
6/8/2022 7:04pm
TAB72 wrote:
This has been very helpful. I'm planning to bring a folding-camping chair and a backpack with water and umbrella. With the 450 Moto #1 gate drop...
This has been very helpful. I'm planning to bring a folding-camping chair and a backpack with water and umbrella.

With the 450 Moto #1 gate drop scheduled for 2:15, I'm assuming rush hour for admission will start around 1pm. Do you think a planned ETA of 12-12:30 is safe or would you recommend earlier than that?

Thanks for all the replies thus far!
Go early and watch practice. Majority of good viewing spots will be taken an hour or two before the Motos.
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Press516
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Press516 6/8/2022 7:25pm
6/8/2022 7:25pm
Yep very helpful... Got the camp chairs and frozen water bottles in the backpack ready to go. Planning for infield viewing.

We're from AZ, so heat is expected and understood.
mb60
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mb60 6/8/2022 8:42pm
6/8/2022 8:42pm
Once you get to the top of the hill you can see everything below. Lot's of walking at this track if you make it to the top.
Great track if it stays moist and the racing is always good. Go early watch practice and hang out in the pits after the races.
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MX45
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MX45 6/8/2022 8:46pm
6/8/2022 8:46pm
worst sunburn I've ever had was at Thunder Valley.
The sun just beams you at that elevation.
Falcon
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Falcon 6/9/2022 8:27am
6/9/2022 8:27am
Go up, young man. The best views are from the top of the track, on the west side. I also found some good close-up spots at the inside of the 1st turn (right under the scoring tower, if they still let you go there,) and down in the valley near the lowest spot. Lots of hiking, though!
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plowboy 6/9/2022 8:36am
6/9/2022 8:36am
As disbanded said, the view from the fence at the first corner is unbelievably cool at the start of every moto. I usually roam around to check out different sections. Sunscreen and water. There may be an afternoon storm rolling over the mountain. Have fun...I will.Cool
Press516
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Press516 6/11/2022 5:46am
6/11/2022 5:46am
We've got chairs, an umbrella for between motos, a backpack full of frozen water bottles and a new bottle of sunscreen. The last few days have been overcast in Denver, but I have a feeling it will be full sun today.... A quick look out the window and it's clear blue sky.

Still deciding on infield or up on the hill.... I guess we won't know until we get there.
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bichwolf
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bichwolf 6/11/2022 6:10am
6/11/2022 6:10am
Don't miss Red Rock, you're right there.
crf250pilot
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crf250pilot 6/11/2022 8:27am
6/11/2022 8:27am
SLAPAHO wrote:
Don’t run across the track during a moto.
It’s ok I have a press pass.
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Splat03 6/11/2022 9:02pm
6/11/2022 9:02pm
How was the race? Hope everyone had a great time!
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Bill_Carroll
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Bill_Carroll 6/11/2022 9:57pm
6/11/2022 9:57pm


Spent the Day with an Amazing TPJ Racing team. Teddy and group are awesome folks.
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TAB72
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TAB72 6/13/2022 8:11pm
6/13/2022 8:11pm
Splat03 wrote:
How was the race? Hope everyone had a great time!
The race was great. Only thing that could have made it better was the #3 finishing 1-1, but we all know that's coming soon! The temperature was quite pleasant compared to the 110° heat index that ambushed me exiting the airport back home. I spent most of the afternoon hiking around all parts of the track, infield and outfield - my lungs thought I accidentally left the choke on.

I appreciate all the responses on here. Glad I went. Thinking about trying another one this summer. Open to suggestions on the remaining rounds (can't do Red Bud though). Thanks again!
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