Hi, Is this still the same or worst/better? A post from 2003 all what I could find. (See below) "THOMPSONS TRACK. 20kms west of the city of Tauranga on SH2 turn left, its signposted. Runs across the Kaimai ranges, 20kms long to Shafts bury Road sth of Te Aroha on the Waikato side. I did this one from Waikato side. Track is fine to top and then ya go down about 3kms and track turns into a big muddy bog with drop offs and ruts. had the back wheel under water at one stage and the cylinder heads on me PD. Took four hours with the help op a couple of chook chaser riders. I had three days off work cause I was so sore after this from all the pulling and yanking. not even 2 wheel drive 4 wheelers make it thru sometimes."
It wont be any better because it's not maintained (harvesters getting to the pines up there notwithstanding). I've been up a few times from the western side and each time got stopped by wet clay. I wouldn't bother unless its the height of summer and took something you can pick up and drag around. From memory there's a few clips on youtube, might give you an idea.
I don't have any recent intel but on the Eastern side that track has been trials/extreme enduro grade for a long as I can remember. The western side used to be much easier but I think it has deteriorated a lot in recent times. Cheers Clint
That was back when we had rainfall With this dry spring I reckon this summer will be a great time to do it :)
Thats me in the 1st post. I'd do it again. Only difference i'd make is get a lift to top from the westerm side. Have some big mud tyres on my mountain bike, yup my mountain bike which weighs about 8 kilos. And get picked up at the carpark on the eastern end.
