Black Duck Valley Dirt Bike Park Open Easter 2010
Posted on April 6, 2010
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Black Duck Valley is once again open to the public and I was fortunate enough to spend two days riding and camping over the Easter long weekend 2010. The tracks are exactly the same as they were when the park closed down in December 2008.
It seems that the park has seen little use since it closed going by the grass growing over the tracks
Black Duck Valley - Circle Track
If you haven’t been to Black Duck Valley before there are two tracks to cater for complete beginner and junior riders, another two for intermediate junior riders and one for advanced junior riders. Then there are three more tracks that cater for senior riders from novice to advanced.
Track one is for advanced riders only and includes an awesome 90ft table top that launches you high into the air. I hit this one in 3rd gear in the meat of the power on my CRF450 to clear it. As well as a bunch of other fairly big table top jumps there is also a set of three fairly short table tops in succession which are pretty cool once you get the correct rhythm.
Track two attracts riders from novice to advanced probably due to its wide sweeping corners and fast flowing open straights with a mix of step up, step down and an 80ft table top jump. The first step up jump on this track is awesome and the 80ft table top lies at the end of the main straight which gives riders ample time to set up before tackling the ramp.
Track four is a tight track packed with table tops which will have you jumping more than you’ll be on the ground. This is a fun track once you get a decent rhythm going with a couple of medium length table top jumps mixed in.
There are a few payment options if you want to pay a once off registration with a yearly subscription fee which will save you heaps if you go to the park regularly. You can also pay on the day now, which is sure to attract more people to the park once again.
Yearly subscription will cost you $360 a year after a once of registration fee.
1.$1100 Upfront ( 1 payment )
2.$360 Upfront ( 1 payment ) Followed by 10 monthly payments of $80 ( total cost $1160 )
3.$100 Upfront ( 1 payment ) Followed by 11 monthly payments of $100 ( total cost $1200 )
Alternatively you can pay on the day based on your age.
Under 8yrs $10
8-12yrs $20
13-18yrs $40
over 18yrs $50
Camping costs $10 per night for a registered family or single member.
The facilities haven’t changed. They still have 3 hot showers at the top camping area. Flushing toilets in both camping areas and cold showers in the bottom camping area, but from what I’d could see the cold showers didn’t appear to be hooked up anyway.
Drinks, ice and firewood are available from reception. They don’t however, carry any spare parts so it might be worthwhile to pack some spare levers and stuff if you plan on staying a few days. They do have a tyre changing machine if your stuck.
There is a renewed focus on safety at Black Duck Valley. You must complete an induction before you are permitted to ride on any of the tracks at the motorcycle park. It is also made clear that you are not covered by insurance if you participate in any activity associated with a dirt bike, including unloading the bike from a trailer. I initially wasn’t concerned with this as I knew the problems the previous owners had with liability but thinking about it now, I have a Motorcycling Australia (MA) licence which includes insurance at MA affiliated clubs. Clubs like Fort Lytton have their own public liability insurance, but Black Duck Valley still can’t get it?
In contrast to this it is also made clear that the park wants to create a place were you’ll be coming back for years. A relaxed environment were you do not exceed your abilities, do not attempt ramps that are beyond your ability and keep a moderate pace.
On Easter Sunday 2010 there were over 50 riders spread over all of the tracks. There was a person delegated to each track to keep an eye on the riders and also to assist in the event of a crash. I did see the flashing lights on the patrol vehicles go off a couple of times and delivered riders back to their campsites with fresh ice and assistance.
What else would you expect, after all it is all about dirt bike riding. A big thumbs up to the guys making a visit to Black Duck Valley again a reality and lets hope they get enough support to continue and improve the park into the future.
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[...] already got $320 dollars back based on what I'd pay based on day rates. I've written about the tracks at black duck valley on my blog I'm mostly interested in the motocross tracks which are the same as they were the [...]