Review Date
December 31, 2011

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 1 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: dgw2jr ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I checked out Loud Thunder for the first time today and I must say the trails are pretty much done for. I would say the only way you could ride out there is if you had a 6-inch full suspension downhill specific mountain bike and even then you won't have any fun. The trails are sunk 2 feet deep in some places where it seems the equestrians struggle with the grades when it is wet. Erosion seems to have already taken a heavy toll on these trails.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sunderbruch, Sylvan Island, Illiniwek, Scott County Park

Review Date
November 20, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Reviewed by: BillM ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I ride or run (or both) these trails once a week. I had a very difficult time with the trails when I first started. My problem was that I was out of shape and I did not have the skills to handle the technical portions. I have become fit and have improved my skills and I have to say that these trails rock. In mountain bike country these trails would probably be considered moderate due to some of the steep but short climbs. Once you learn the trails well enough to ride the downhills at a decent pace, the uphills aren't as bad. As for the horse dung, I have never really thought of it is as a problem. It's better than dog or goose crap in my book. The horses do tend to tear the trails up in the spring when it is a little wet. As for Dan from Naperville, you probably have a problem with having to wash the dirt off your bike after a ride too. I'm sure there are no "road apples" on your paved bike paths in Naperville, so maybe you should just stay there. The guy from Fort Wayne (the real arm pit of the universe) has to realize that the trails are closed so idots like him don't go out and rut it up after it rains.

Recommended Route:
If you are a a beginner start with the 1.5 mile trail. The main trail is about 5 miles with an additional 1 optional mile loop. Counter Clockwise is earier. There is a section of no very steep uphill going counter clockwise with a root that I can not negotiate yet.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sylivan Slough (spelling?) Scott County Park.

Review Date
September 28, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: pete ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I rode this with my wife and we had a great time. If you are a stud and want a good hard quick workout, the 5 mile loop will do you well. If you are a beginner, you can always walk if need be. The hills are pretty stout but I would be more concerned with some of the downhill areas. They have a few sharp turns at the bottom. We rode ccw. Have fun, be safe. The rating of 3 is because the skill of the rider will determine the difficulty.

Review Date
August 28, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: kkdstoll ,  Cross Country Rider , from North Liberty, IA

Summary:
I ride at Sugar Bottom Recreation area for the most part (great trail system). However when Sugar closed for the season 12/1 I head to Loud Thunder. This also is a great trail system (despite previous reviews) Much more technical than Sugar, with lots of steep hills (ravines), this trail is well worth the 1 1/2 hour drive. The horse@#$! is not a problem in the late fall and winter when I ride, although there are a few spots that are rough (the practice loop) due to horses.

Recommended Route:
The gate is closed after Thanksgiving so park at the lot on HWY 92. Ride in past the closed gate to the horse corral, trailhead is at the south end of the open field past the corral. Clockwise is a little more difficult.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sugar Bottom Recreation Area (ICORR rules!) Sockum Ridge in Washington, IA

Review Date
July 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Ryan , from Gurnee, IL

Summary:
The course was tough. As many other riders have noted, there are a lot of road apples on the course. If the prospect of getting a little smelly bothers you , then stay away. The downhills and uphills are great because of the steepness and all the switchbacks, however the creek crossings are terrible. The horses have left such deep imprints where the creek is at that it is nearly impossible to cross while still on your saddle. Consequently, you get stuck starting a really steep uphill from a dead start. It's not worth the drive to do this trail exclusively, however it is worth the ride if you are in the area.