Thunderbolts Survive & Thrive Guide: Camping
Welcome to Thunderbolts Adventure 2024! If you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer enticed by the scenic beauty and the promise of camaraderie, we've got you covered. Each week leading up to the event, we'll be rolling out weekly blogs to address your FAQs and equip you with all you need to conquer one of Australia's toughest multi-day gravel adventures.
Historically, Thunderbolts was a strictly self-supported ride. These days we still expect you to come fully prepared as if you were riding solo, but we provide a level of support that is there to get you out of a bind if you need it. Armed with the right tips and tricks, you'll breeze through the journey, rather than enduring it like a trooper.
This week, we're talking about Camping.
One of the highlights of this event is camping Saturday night at the rodeo ground in Moonan Flat. With a population of just 131, a pub, a cafe and a church, it’s a great place to unplug and marvel at the serenity. Public toilets and hot showers are available in the rodeo grounds. Be forewarned: it does get pretty chilly at night, so make sure you pack accordingly.
For accommodation, you have three options:
Book Accommodation: Unfortunately, if you're reading this in 2024, you're too late. Move on to the next options.
Rent a Tent: Roma Orchard offers a limited number of tents and mattresses for $75 each. These two-person tents are perfect for sharing with a friend. Pro tip: Pack your sleeping bag, clothes, and extras into a tent-sized bag and drop it off before your Saturday morning ride. Lighten your load and thank us later as you tackle that 18km climb on day 1. Act fast; only two tents remain as of Feb 20th. To book a tent contact Mariah at Roma Orchard on 0400 557 721 or email admin@theorchardlodge.com.au.
Bring Your Own Tent (BYO): Simple enough. Pack one tent bag to be transported by Graveleur to Moonan Flat. You’ll have to set up your tent upon your arrival on Saturday, and pack it down Sunday morning. Everything else must be carried on your bike. We'll cover on-bike bag management in detail later. Remember, no oversized 60L backpacks or swags. One sack per rider, containing all essentials. Some riders have been smart and able to fit their sleeping bags into their tent bags to reduce what they need to carry on their bike. Also - be prepared for a chilly night with appropriate gear.
Please keep your tent bag as close as possible to these dimensions.
Quick Tent Purchasing Links:
Budget-friendly options: Anaconda offers tents starting from $50, while Kmart has a highly-rated 2-person tent for $14.
Mid-range selections: Wildearth provides a variety of reputable brands and gear.
Top-tier gear: we recommend browsing Sea to Summit's ultralight range of tents, sleeping bags, and mats.
Have questions? Drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we'll assist you as best as we can!
