tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67535015510390259632024-02-06T20:26:55.605-08:00Bobbie's Roller Coaster And Theme Park ReviewsBobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-40155157475199021292018-06-19T18:47:00.000-07:002018-06-19T18:47:08.407-07:00TWISTED TIMBERSPlease see my review of Twisted Timbers posted on the CoasterCritic: http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/04/review-twisted-timbers/<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfCgkGFMhDpqz0kcI66gZjiU6TqLWQs5PYe1lnVfXhyPOlA8rIM06hywHin45880Y3M2AQcOP7o_z3PSy6ZN3lgiNjd8Ss_LFTTYLuQMTbveTDioyZxqbLJE1Uypr7Gp94mIekLhg3eM/s1600/Twisted+Timbers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfCgkGFMhDpqz0kcI66gZjiU6TqLWQs5PYe1lnVfXhyPOlA8rIM06hywHin45880Y3M2AQcOP7o_z3PSy6ZN3lgiNjd8Ss_LFTTYLuQMTbveTDioyZxqbLJE1Uypr7Gp94mIekLhg3eM/s320/Twisted+Timbers+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-14527844701179455042018-06-19T18:44:00.002-07:002018-06-19T18:44:37.949-07:00BANSHEE AT KINGS ISLANDPlease see my review of Banshee posted on the CoasterCritic: http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/05/review-banshee-kings-island/<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGA-IvvJl8GVVD82LiGl2S7wI9twfYXn_Ym4QDGz5sbSfpv-SFCwqa8DVBTlvKm2cPy35W8T_6M-_YjFIJrUfl9eumuR442a4ZnA3FUqq25vXe7UoT25yfCeN85M0c151gYgRHI7OP04/s1600/Banshee+main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGA-IvvJl8GVVD82LiGl2S7wI9twfYXn_Ym4QDGz5sbSfpv-SFCwqa8DVBTlvKm2cPy35W8T_6M-_YjFIJrUfl9eumuR442a4ZnA3FUqq25vXe7UoT25yfCeN85M0c151gYgRHI7OP04/s320/Banshee+main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-62021985994338148602018-06-19T18:42:00.001-07:002018-06-19T18:42:23.955-07:00WICKER MAN AT ALTON TOWERSPlease see my review of Wicker Man posted on the CoasterCritic: http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/05/review-wicker-man-alton-towers/<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQLW7TgpUXtrSgq-0C54lP5OJKm8qRpLqIY4DhIucZX3JkwaMr4hSM5_ZucSyR_FhZGqYsDeVRrbBRIjDrS1ignFnSPhJl4HSkBTJtOofk-MXjqYDB91sJUdOPTh9YnWzMUDU4O_ncBk/s1600/Wicker+Man+emerging+from+effigy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQLW7TgpUXtrSgq-0C54lP5OJKm8qRpLqIY4DhIucZX3JkwaMr4hSM5_ZucSyR_FhZGqYsDeVRrbBRIjDrS1ignFnSPhJl4HSkBTJtOofk-MXjqYDB91sJUdOPTh9YnWzMUDU4O_ncBk/s320/Wicker+Man+emerging+from+effigy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-12824855020379696512018-03-21T19:00:00.002-07:002018-03-21T19:00:56.460-07:00THE JOKER - SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE<br />
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">The
Joker – Six Flags Great Adventure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">This 4-D
free fly coaster from S&S rides has been installed at a number of Six Flags
parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s known as The Joker at all
parks with the exception of Six Flags Fiesta <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>, where it’s called Batman: The
Ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Of course they had to name it
Batman at Fiesta <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>,
as it seems that every Six Flags park must have a ride with Batman in the title.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve ridden the installations at Great
Adventure and Fiesta <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place>,
which are identical, so am basing my review on those and more specifically, The
Joker at Great Adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">The
Joker operates with five vehicles seating four riders in swivelling face-off
seats on either side of the track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(There’s a purple and a green side, representing The DC Comics villain’s
signature colors.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seats are tilted
slightly backward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the vehicles are
dispatched they ascend a 120-foot 90- degree chain lift hill and riders get contrasting
views depending upon which way they are facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The inclined seats rock while going up the lift hill, adding to the
anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reaching the top the
seats flip over for the first of half a dozen times, at seemingly random
intervals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As is evident from the
photograph, this is a multi-level ride with a series of dips and short
hops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because there is no way to
anticipate when the seats will flip, the ride is utterly chaotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two 90-degree “raven drops” which
feel like free falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The riders find
themselves facing almost straight down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">The
ride experience is disorienting and unpredictable with everything topsy-turvy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times it can be pretty intense and I find
that it varies according to weight distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most intense ride I had occurred when I
was riding with two people facing me while there was an empty seat beside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The combined weight of the two riders facing
me caused me to flip over harder than had I been riding four to a vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While The Joker is by no means an extreme
thrill ride, it’s a fun ride that wreaks havoc with the senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 ½ out of 5 stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information about rides at Six Flags
Great Adventure, visit </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSZlignrY6gkCVxh3iCtGaoZ-3Z_0jb3qOLKhtH38_yrMGNY2YOjRwtRv9chkEQBwD83J-Ls3X6LsoWSv7I2EfcXm_JSE8smZ8RWLACKHrcG1DvxDVV1obRBZqdVBoP7EHFwMrP5rPc/s1600/JOKERMAIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSZlignrY6gkCVxh3iCtGaoZ-3Z_0jb3qOLKhtH38_yrMGNY2YOjRwtRv9chkEQBwD83J-Ls3X6LsoWSv7I2EfcXm_JSE8smZ8RWLACKHrcG1DvxDVV1obRBZqdVBoP7EHFwMrP5rPc/s640/JOKERMAIN.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m-1504959169840683991gmail-msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-59407417611340992002018-01-08T18:09:00.002-08:002018-01-12T18:05:07.859-08:00KUMBA<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Overview<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Kumba is a steel B&M (Bolliger & Mabillard) “sitting
coaster” located at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Operating with four trains (only three are on the track at any given
time) seating four across in eight rows for a total capacity of 32 riders,
Kumba has been one of the park’s premier attractions since it opened in 1993. It features seven inversions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Fun Facts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Kumba was the first B&M coaster with interlocking
corkscrews and a dive loop. And it’s one
of only three in the world with a vertical loop encircling the lift hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Ride Experience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The ride begins with a right turn out of the loading
station. The train ascends a 143-foot
chain lift hill, navigates a pre-drop and drops 135 feet to the left. It then goes up into a 114-foot vertical loop
followed by a dive loop. The next
element is a zero-g roll which packs a punch.
This leads up into a cobra roll, the last element before the block
brake. After the block brake the train
navigates two interlocking corkscrews and flies through two tunnels before
returning to the loading station. Kumba means "roar" in South African congo language - and roar it does, with no sand or other dampener to mute the sound of the trains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Final Thoughts and Rating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Kumba offers a ride which is both thrilling and
wonderfully smooth. The elements flow so
fluently that there is no need to brace oneself or ride defensively. It features a great layout which was copied
to at least one later, floorless B&M coaster. In addition, the ride duration is 2:54,
which is longer than that of a number of operating coasters. Although this coaster is 25 years old it rides
as well as the supposedly new and improved models. I really got a kick out of it and ended up
riding repeatedly. Kumba rates a 4 on a
scale of 1 to 5. For more information
about rides at Busch Gardens Tampa, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/https://<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3vjvSduCYtGWxEkcvCCVs3rIVVsAUt5B5lo_YaUu2JcDjpuUT0-4Aitp4uNfZl933g63gzVo_5I-QT9JY5LoKy_7fGJ2cxjhAbdG2VkxRBRUs2Q5RNwx-YEHfGsrK3djItWgwVb5JDE/s1600/Kumba+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3vjvSduCYtGWxEkcvCCVs3rIVVsAUt5B5lo_YaUu2JcDjpuUT0-4Aitp4uNfZl933g63gzVo_5I-QT9JY5LoKy_7fGJ2cxjhAbdG2VkxRBRUs2Q5RNwx-YEHfGsrK3djItWgwVb5JDE/s400/Kumba+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qEOBr1PtxcocoVAaeuTfxFnToNncKFJD37E3uXL519V2ENm0o521VLtF6D6AmEFVLNlN8qE7Ph19sXkbK4NCsskFZz-UXAGGDu2htIokSlL2AaNFo7HvxzV61X1vNKGOj0O3617sLDU/s1600/Kumba+1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qEOBr1PtxcocoVAaeuTfxFnToNncKFJD37E3uXL519V2ENm0o521VLtF6D6AmEFVLNlN8qE7Ph19sXkbK4NCsskFZz-UXAGGDu2htIokSlL2AaNFo7HvxzV61X1vNKGOj0O3617sLDU/s400/Kumba+1-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-64009828759725182352017-11-19T18:42:00.001-08:002017-11-19T18:42:03.339-08:00STINGER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Stinger is
a Vekoma inverted boomerang located at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Dorney</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It was originally located at <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>’s Great
Adventure, where it was known as Invertigo.
With 7 cars seating two across in two rows for a total capacity of 28
riders, it differs from other boomerangs I’ve ridden in that it features
face-off seats so that riders are riding in opposite directions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The coaster
features the same elements as other Vekoma boomerangs – i.e., lift hill, cobra
roll, vertical loop and second lift hill.
Upon dispatch the train is pulled up a 131-foot lift hill, backwards or
forward depending upon which way you’re facing, drops 125 feet through the
station, enters a cobra roll, goes through a 72-foot vertical loop and reaches
the second lift hill, after which it drops and travels through the same
elements in reverse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To say that
Stinger doesn’t have the best track record is an understatement. This coaster has experienced a lot of
downtime due to malfunctions and one year was closed for much of the season. When it’s operating normally, however, it
provides an enjoyable ride experience, superior to that on most boomerangs. The elements are fun and I especially like
the face-off seats. It’s refreshing to
be able to look riders sitting across from you straight in the eye and maybe
even exchange a few words with them on the way up the lift hill. Stinger gets 4 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Dorney</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>
visit </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">https://www.dorneypark.com/https://www.dorneypark.com/</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUafVX42_H7GTotLGXXP8FBO3o1lpWyaQE43yKMbljvzOCvxOBt0p0o0PounogyQ7ysrQujCfTgAuFxOZzMibLJ2_WDi5UI9dHHCoXQ4G87Xd58yuh27u254vVPSTrBzQe3dz0JZuhDE/s1600/Stinger2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUafVX42_H7GTotLGXXP8FBO3o1lpWyaQE43yKMbljvzOCvxOBt0p0o0PounogyQ7ysrQujCfTgAuFxOZzMibLJ2_WDi5UI9dHHCoXQ4G87Xd58yuh27u254vVPSTrBzQe3dz0JZuhDE/s400/Stinger2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN1lQe2ywoEkK3Pw4Q3OkOK9hDRS2iH8FznznW7TXSe0ljQF76cfFSVbE1b4shNQELVBrOLfG99m2ss4eNiU-o3qMqJfPYs-Ds-mJM2iE-iT5zENge8CjKV59ZHsQl-RcfXQaL5ccU1E/s1600/Stinger3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN1lQe2ywoEkK3Pw4Q3OkOK9hDRS2iH8FznznW7TXSe0ljQF76cfFSVbE1b4shNQELVBrOLfG99m2ss4eNiU-o3qMqJfPYs-Ds-mJM2iE-iT5zENge8CjKV59ZHsQl-RcfXQaL5ccU1E/s400/Stinger3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-82223268795370504672017-10-14T18:31:00.001-07:002017-10-14T18:31:12.022-07:00FIRECHASER EXPRESS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">A double launch family coaster added to
Dollywood’s lineup in 2014, FireChaser Express is beautifully themed and
constructed. The theme is a volunteer fire station in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Smoky</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Operating with three trains containing 7 cars
seating two across for a total capacity of 14 riders per train, the ride begins
with a siren going off. The train is
then launched, negotiating a couple of twisty turns, before reaching the lift
hill. After ascending the lift hill it
navigates a couple more turns, goes over a camelback, swings right into another
camelback and proceeds through more twisting turns, travelling through a
tower. Additional turns follow and the
train enters a make-believe storage warehouse containing fireworks. This is an enclosed area in which riders are
treated to flames and the menace of “Big Bertha,” a firecracker pointing at the
train and throwing out sparks. This
results in a spray of mist resembling smoke.
From the “Gasoline and Fireworks Emporium” the train is launched backwards
through more turns and another fire tower before returning to the station.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">This is a really fun ride with some nice
elements although I must say that the fireworks storage area felt somewhat
claustrophobic. It also felt very hot
and I would imagine that on a hot day the heat would be intense enough to feel
suffocating. The launches are tire-propelled,
something of a rarity, as there are less than half a dozen at the time of
writing this that use that type of launch.
FireChaser Express gets 3 ½ out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at
Dollywood, visit <a href="http://www.dollywood.com/">www.dollywood.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLGnoWAHLCMM3l-_P0XBLLUed-wUVpOmqLZOkJ21cmvYzlcTuvJlJw7k2WGMY9Ah0LnyLxh3VqXlXgrGu-GWnCwLxmWlSfl1X6LAnjKH5OZIB_2AQVHQ5NYIkJjw-1hy2Ad1iUJjNv8w/s1600/Firechaser+from+Wild+Eagle+Photobucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLGnoWAHLCMM3l-_P0XBLLUed-wUVpOmqLZOkJ21cmvYzlcTuvJlJw7k2WGMY9Ah0LnyLxh3VqXlXgrGu-GWnCwLxmWlSfl1X6LAnjKH5OZIB_2AQVHQ5NYIkJjw-1hy2Ad1iUJjNv8w/s320/Firechaser+from+Wild+Eagle+Photobucket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-78556936813910640652017-09-27T18:39:00.001-07:002017-09-27T18:39:50.459-07:00LIGHTNING ROD - DOLLYWOOD<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Themed after a 1950’s hot rod, Lightning
Rod is the world’s first launched wooden coaster and recent (as of 2016)
addition to RMC’s (Rocky Mountain Construction) impressive portfolio. A
terrain coaster, it’s built on a mountain and hidden from view except for the
lift hill, overbanked turn at the end of the ride and small section of track
leading into the turn. So for anyone
riding it for the first time, there’s an element of suspense in that you don’t
know what you’re letting yourself in for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">With six cars seating two across in two
rows for a total of 24 riders, the train makes a right turn out of the loading
station and approaches the lift hill, where it is launched. (The restraint consists of a lap bar and shin
guard, the same restraint system on other RMC creations.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The launch is an
unusual one in that coasters are typically stationary when launched whereas
this one is already in motion. Also
unusual is that the launch becomes progressively faster instead of remaining at
the same speed. Upon reaching the top of
the lift the train takes a short, deceptive drop before rising and dropping a
breathtaking 165 feet at a 73-degree angle.
It then takes riders on a fast-paced course of steeply banked turns,
veering left (breaking wave turn)/ right/ left/ right/ left/ right. In the midst of this is the so-called “twist
and shout” element, which has riders breezing through a section of crazily
twisted track. The quick changes of
direction, interspersed with airtime hills, make it almost impossible to
anticipate what’s coming next. On one of
the turns riders are thrown somewhat forcefully to the left. The latter part of the ride features a double
up and quadruple down leading into a 180-degree overbanked right turn
(publicized as a “non-inverting half loop”), from which the train descends and
veers right before hitting the brake run.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The ride is short but absolutely amazing. What makes it amazing is the combination of
velocity, novelty and unpredictability.
There was so much being thrown at me that I found it difficult to
process. It offers good airtime with
some nice lateral G’s. From start to finish,
Lightning Rod is electrifying. 5 out of
5 stars. For more information about
rides at Dollywood, visit <a href="http://www.dollywood.com/">www.dollywood.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctyutq6CB9PHmLdQWwWKF_cN6VvU5YlY0LYTkowxyohahR3usDKLC2om8wBFN0_3iB5JC1hOd5qj3bk6XBlNcLeclNqvNYfQ6jaYyr_Crumla4IYgLSlxJYW8ynNzCO0tAaNJDu6Ul9M/s1600/Lightning+Rod+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctyutq6CB9PHmLdQWwWKF_cN6VvU5YlY0LYTkowxyohahR3usDKLC2om8wBFN0_3iB5JC1hOd5qj3bk6XBlNcLeclNqvNYfQ6jaYyr_Crumla4IYgLSlxJYW8ynNzCO0tAaNJDu6Ul9M/s320/Lightning+Rod+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvZZefG9ueDMpkDP4uJbituQZfGCvjXJbzEJX-hDuvJ24Ng7TzXlS79W4_FFenChMzao0UFoTArMp4TU3WvboeL5JqBiUh-4MOnvqa9JiMv9IjBCWjO2fZ1TtsIC0OKmgbHu149fvCcc/s1600/Lightning+Rod+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvZZefG9ueDMpkDP4uJbituQZfGCvjXJbzEJX-hDuvJ24Ng7TzXlS79W4_FFenChMzao0UFoTArMp4TU3WvboeL5JqBiUh-4MOnvqa9JiMv9IjBCWjO2fZ1TtsIC0OKmgbHu149fvCcc/s320/Lightning+Rod+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x1qRUDk-1u_Rkwf7cT8NISW116MBjS0gdJybAFP9Tm0Axdppzhs7F_k6G8RnCbLOb4fnQQqVay1_HcFIug75MrZHN-bKEJ5HRgJxMKSxWHKqRNtqlX2dAQPNlhDN91T2_btGd2Lf0_8/s1600/Lightning+Rod+Loading+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x1qRUDk-1u_Rkwf7cT8NISW116MBjS0gdJybAFP9Tm0Axdppzhs7F_k6G8RnCbLOb4fnQQqVay1_HcFIug75MrZHN-bKEJ5HRgJxMKSxWHKqRNtqlX2dAQPNlhDN91T2_btGd2Lf0_8/s320/Lightning+Rod+Loading+Area.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ_aXDGmx061Nkh6qAeArcZxBrvCCkf8NBMHaTXBxf_Zs0GtKHTJYYnQDob8p4IdheYhi4Jw7NdaQCZfsPsf3akQ59KXlroIe-feO1DerTXXD5laMY0VGcY6uKp2hqSl5Gxw7CNe1ESQ/s1600/Lightning+Rod+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ_aXDGmx061Nkh6qAeArcZxBrvCCkf8NBMHaTXBxf_Zs0GtKHTJYYnQDob8p4IdheYhi4Jw7NdaQCZfsPsf3akQ59KXlroIe-feO1DerTXXD5laMY0VGcY6uKp2hqSl5Gxw7CNe1ESQ/s320/Lightning+Rod+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-7914778826579350702017-08-23T19:01:00.000-07:002017-08-23T19:01:15.821-07:00THI3TEEN<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thi3teen is a roller coaster/dark ride with some innovative
elements. With five cars seating two
across in two rows for a total capacity of 20 riders, the train makes a turn
out of the loading station before ascending a 60-foot lift hill and navigating
a series of small twisty airtime hills.
It then ascends a second lift hill which leads to the “Crypt,” in which
riders are in for quite a surprise.
Shrouded in darkness, riders see flashing lights and other visual
effects. The train suddenly and
unexpectedly drops, not once but twice.
It then propels the riders backwards out of the crypt while traversing a
backwards helix before returning to the station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While the size of the drops and speed of the ride are quite modest and
unremarkable, the entry to and exit from the crypt are indeed remarkable. When the train dropped in the crypt, my
reaction was yikes! The experience of
being propelled out of the crypt backwards was delightful and somewhat
awesome. While Thi3teen is not an
extreme thrill ride by any stretch of the imagination, it gets high marks for
it uniqueness. 4 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
visit </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com</a> Video courtesy of East Coaster General.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qbnr6pOCLmI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbnr6pOCLmI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-2055564829931499422017-08-23T18:58:00.001-07:002017-08-23T18:58:38.170-07:00WOODEN WARRIOR<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">This
wooden family coaster at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Quassy</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Amusement Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> is
deceptive in that it delivers more thrills than its modest proportions would
suggest. Built by The Gravity Group (The
Voyage, Ravine Flyer II), it was the first coaster to feature Timberliner
trains. With six cars per train seating
two across for a total capacity of 12 riders, the train veers slightly right
and ascends a small lift hill before making a right turn and dropping 36 feet. It then ascends and drops several more times
before entering a tunnel that leads to the turnaround. Once out of the tunnel the train navigates a
succession of short drops before returning to the loading station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">OK, so
it’s not a blockbuster but it happens to be very good. The airtime is phenomenal! If you’re looking for a good roller coaster
ride, this is it. Wooden Warrior is a
shining example of why bigger is not necessarily better. I’m only sorry that the ride is so
short. Of note is that the restraint is
markedly different from anything I’d previously encountered. It’s a pivoting lap bar that extends outside
the train and swings back inward over the rider before locking in place. Wooden Warrior gets 4 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Quassy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Amusement
Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>, visit www. Quassy.com/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_E4-GGOMT-kRKM1es1xwoxj4oYNwBC7bdkv2QLWPa_AnPTkZ92M0o3lMfi84CI9Yl1O1HxrUmzF8epfd3IYCq1yRNwci7nm14Mj-WunJv9I7WQWGV_X7or45dBizrptWw7tbv7P-Fys/s1600/Wooden+Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_E4-GGOMT-kRKM1es1xwoxj4oYNwBC7bdkv2QLWPa_AnPTkZ92M0o3lMfi84CI9Yl1O1HxrUmzF8epfd3IYCq1yRNwci7nm14Mj-WunJv9I7WQWGV_X7or45dBizrptWw7tbv7P-Fys/s320/Wooden+Warrior.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ03l6JvQUYYlJASkHxd27iCplu-5jgshM_SvZsANAMmlCWmPhZ8kJh9VChmnZP4QzjlHG7luxSs40Mo4ghtlOTqMGV-DQumO0xVTrMvFKYAItqveEFcmtbJVEUXCDU_4iTKkoEYEw8BA/s1600/Wooden+Warrior+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ03l6JvQUYYlJASkHxd27iCplu-5jgshM_SvZsANAMmlCWmPhZ8kJh9VChmnZP4QzjlHG7luxSs40Mo4ghtlOTqMGV-DQumO0xVTrMvFKYAItqveEFcmtbJVEUXCDU_4iTKkoEYEw8BA/s320/Wooden+Warrior+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-91948426934033201972017-08-02T18:20:00.001-07:002017-08-02T18:21:12.691-07:00WICKED CYCLONE<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Wicked
Cyclone is Rocky Mountain Construction’s makeover of Riverside Cyclone at Six
Flags New England. What RMC did was to
transform a boring, moribund coaster into something exciting and vital. With two trains comprised of 6 cars seating
two across for a total of 24 riders, the ride begins with a right turn out of
the loading station and ascent of a 109-foot chain lift hill. The train then plummets at a 78-degree angle
and goes up into a 120-degree left overbanked turn. This leads into a bunny hop and 200-degree
zero-g stall. The remainder of the ride
consists of several more overbanked turns, a double down, two zero-g rolls and
the first ever double reversing bank airtime hill. These elements are interspersed with a
number of small airtime hills.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
three inversions are awesome – pretty intense - and the small hills offer great ejector
airtime. From start to finish there is
not a dull moment. This coaster races
through the elements in such a way as to leave the riders breathless and
euphoric. And I really liked the restraints, consisting of only a lap bar and
shin guard, which resulted in a glorious feeling of freedom. Wicked Cyclone is
both novel and fabulous. 5 out of 5 stars. Video courtesy of Six Flags New
England. For more information about
rides at Six Flags New England, visit </span><span style="color: #006621; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.sixflags.com/newengland">https://www.sixflags.com/newengland</a> Video courtesy of Six Flags New England.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg9jy5v7I7lkmkNXF9CuK1N8eoXtLI8ADr7ud5hfMss9m2zM06lbOHuaCDZ_KkLK9XBa3hB6Ts01SIC9O9Y3H_8VWBWgGTySueSoPZi5HJM6Osu3h0jFrv-0nuZjKySpPKvrhmjCKGIY/s1600/Wicked+Cyclone+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg9jy5v7I7lkmkNXF9CuK1N8eoXtLI8ADr7ud5hfMss9m2zM06lbOHuaCDZ_KkLK9XBa3hB6Ts01SIC9O9Y3H_8VWBWgGTySueSoPZi5HJM6Osu3h0jFrv-0nuZjKySpPKvrhmjCKGIY/s320/Wicked+Cyclone+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBhfpFuELtB_jYzfP1ardd28EiEm42zLqTv5mlQpT8APcn8AV0QutlqV0vZ3ksITp27J8IiDGszYcWQySOlBR3qav4I3nTSuNOMvl1ZeWKheIy_2LopnTWRoZw30rOOUvIKsz1iD809k/s1600/Wicked+Cyclone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBhfpFuELtB_jYzfP1ardd28EiEm42zLqTv5mlQpT8APcn8AV0QutlqV0vZ3ksITp27J8IiDGszYcWQySOlBR3qav4I3nTSuNOMvl1ZeWKheIy_2LopnTWRoZw30rOOUvIKsz1iD809k/s320/Wicked+Cyclone+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RgfGeAjGfd4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RgfGeAjGfd4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-60277859869266607252017-08-02T17:44:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:44:48.232-07:00THI3TEEN<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Thi3teen is a roller coaster/dark ride with some innovative
elements. With five cars seating two
across in two rows for a total capacity of 20 riders, the train makes a turn
out of the loading station before ascending a 60-foot lift hill and navigating
a series of small twisty airtime hills.
It then ascends a second lift hill which leads to the “Crypt,” in which
riders are in for quite a surprise.
Shrouded in darkness, riders see flashing lights and other visual
effects. The train suddenly and
unexpectedly drops, not once but twice. (These are the first freefalls of this
type to be included on any roller coaster.) It then
propels the riders backwards out of the crypt while traversing a backwards
helix before returning to the station.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>While the size of the drops and speed of the ride are quite modest and
unremarkable, the entry to and exit from the crypt are indeed remarkable. When the train dropped in the crypt, my
reaction was yikes! The experience of
being propelled out of the crypt backwards was delightful and somewhat
awesome. While Thi3teen is not an
extreme thrill ride by any stretch of the imagination, it gets high marks for
it uniqueness. 4 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
visit </b></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com</a> Photos courtesy of Alton Towers.</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48VjamoCqce_hDh9ICZglK6xlN6FF0XAgYM8-4p73Gs166V1BgQzi0mvNukskPAXx3vkOHd7DeLlWfizEc4xig2WIcjTkB5xkZHsEAoEeqg6Hq96mloo4F3FaSRYMVMyYVfGsKHtrxyE/s1600/thirteen-ride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="982" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48VjamoCqce_hDh9ICZglK6xlN6FF0XAgYM8-4p73Gs166V1BgQzi0mvNukskPAXx3vkOHd7DeLlWfizEc4xig2WIcjTkB5xkZHsEAoEeqg6Hq96mloo4F3FaSRYMVMyYVfGsKHtrxyE/s320/thirteen-ride.JPG" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aYeYqgS-_N-Pb6yuWKnvwvjVhBUa5CGVost7T99W98nUOt9k180Okz-xBPPz5LB0yWQPHUYGSYxyDnK64kMZYZYK1khdxKvzyy9OVMHbA7BwdeGgwNOzwdOrxQTiXSfRNKw-7ka8EYg/s1600/thirteen-visual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1029" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aYeYqgS-_N-Pb6yuWKnvwvjVhBUa5CGVost7T99W98nUOt9k180Okz-xBPPz5LB0yWQPHUYGSYxyDnK64kMZYZYK1khdxKvzyy9OVMHbA7BwdeGgwNOzwdOrxQTiXSfRNKw-7ka8EYg/s320/thirteen-visual.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-74015881073356214222017-08-02T17:16:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:16:57.405-07:00RITA<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Rita is an Intamin
accelerator coaster located in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Dark</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place> section of AltonTowers
theme park. With five cars per train
seating two across for a total of 20 riders, it features a hydraulic launch and
is themed as an abandoned drag racer.
Upon dispatch – after a recording saying “Hold on tight, you must
escape!” - it accelerates from 0 to 60
mph in 2.5 seconds. The train proceeds
to navigate a series of sharp turns – right, right, left, left, right, left –
and small airtime hills before hitting the brake run and returning to the
station. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Of note is the fact
that Rita’s track is red in some spots and green in others. This is because the green sections of track
blend in with the trees. (Zoning
regulations at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>, which is heavily
wooded, prohibit the erection of attractions visible above the tree line.) I found this to be a really fun ride,
especially the launch, but nothing exceptional. 3 out of 5 stars. . For
more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>, visit <a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nBdt7ROmJl7obJsmgj67TiITukapU-eUl6MlkumkL603FnqXX0OzMUJoYELsVrILGm9K3w92jeMut8kQSqIjpcOb5NcdDKB49RejYACf_2TgI1lkPDvCRhq6P4kk8UserHw0lmh6n-4/s1600/Rita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nBdt7ROmJl7obJsmgj67TiITukapU-eUl6MlkumkL603FnqXX0OzMUJoYELsVrILGm9K3w92jeMut8kQSqIjpcOb5NcdDKB49RejYACf_2TgI1lkPDvCRhq6P4kk8UserHw0lmh6n-4/s320/Rita.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrgPKJq6SbhnkZPXLjx3aOIisyU7HD0qvCwRvhUKWcwr2J145lgys9baf_xBKjP4BrGLyGwbQyPWJ7HBTAgF3w1htmRIqGf0a2ouAzRkuaxkXnkI2n45B6NzwlTx_MwGUvrBTFBWk7YU/s1600/Rita2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrgPKJq6SbhnkZPXLjx3aOIisyU7HD0qvCwRvhUKWcwr2J145lgys9baf_xBKjP4BrGLyGwbQyPWJ7HBTAgF3w1htmRIqGf0a2ouAzRkuaxkXnkI2n45B6NzwlTx_MwGUvrBTFBWk7YU/s320/Rita2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-3026976258174998762017-08-02T17:12:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:12:53.261-07:00NEMESIS - ALTON TOWERS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nemesis at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>
is an inverted coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. It consists of two trains with eight cars
seating four across, for a total of 32 riders.
Upon dispatch the train veers slightly right out of the station before
ascending the chain lift hill and plunging 104 feet to the left into a
corkscrew. It then enters a downward
helix and goes up into a zero-g roll.
This is followed by a vertical loop and corkscrew. It traverses what might best be described as
a horseshoe configuration before entering the vertical loop. After the final corkscrew the train speeds
through an underground tunnel before returning to the station.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>While limited as to
the number of elements, Nemesis offers a very intense ride. The inversions flow nicely and don’t give the
riders much of an opportunity to catch their breath. And although rough in spots, Nemesis is
enjoyable enough to merit repeat rides.
4 out of 5 stars. For more
information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>, visit <a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BMXq3JgzPexJ6E1KgYWw5px_kyiLcNCm39mt2H8JwMVfQVIodedVaUMfTRYekiOXrjs9wPV6BK3JeRgQFpPEZI3AzX529MTJ2GY41q83sIWUGDGWHWLdGr_Ewnn7T2HNcRJyeIwNpIo/s1600/Nemesis+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BMXq3JgzPexJ6E1KgYWw5px_kyiLcNCm39mt2H8JwMVfQVIodedVaUMfTRYekiOXrjs9wPV6BK3JeRgQFpPEZI3AzX529MTJ2GY41q83sIWUGDGWHWLdGr_Ewnn7T2HNcRJyeIwNpIo/s320/Nemesis+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9BeRcgNloGJmJnM70uLPvJdg8nJdJA-NHRbbMNoYKJj49aZQgCBhcZK2vybFMs_3DDSWW5LYnmCJzzoqHuGjeaF8YhvXtTrfi7cPlMmPoUe4kxSdil9XGlRVV1DYDdvB00brcAHTjc/s1600/Nemesis+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9BeRcgNloGJmJnM70uLPvJdg8nJdJA-NHRbbMNoYKJj49aZQgCBhcZK2vybFMs_3DDSWW5LYnmCJzzoqHuGjeaF8YhvXtTrfi7cPlMmPoUe4kxSdil9XGlRVV1DYDdvB00brcAHTjc/s320/Nemesis+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHUHi1EI57Mdx5BAVkBe3pG2TOCOBXqPlvG-36Ji6mdZGFmxkb7lIF8xkkwIqWB48aVfrf208rqEDHS_oGDJLmUG4fCoGmJ1N_Ul4wWwtu4sQsuSXrkqqqgYgjk-DObwJmRI7d8SaTFs/s1600/Nemesis3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHUHi1EI57Mdx5BAVkBe3pG2TOCOBXqPlvG-36Ji6mdZGFmxkb7lIF8xkkwIqWB48aVfrf208rqEDHS_oGDJLmUG4fCoGmJ1N_Ul4wWwtu4sQsuSXrkqqqgYgjk-DObwJmRI7d8SaTFs/s320/Nemesis3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-40864966072774733202017-08-02T17:08:00.000-07:002017-08-02T17:08:18.333-07:00THE SMILER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As of 2017, The
Smiler at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place>
holds the world record for most inversions on a roller coaster. A Gerstlauer Infinity coaster, it features
four trains with four cars seating four across for a total of 16 riders. The restraint is an over the shoulder
harness. The queue leading up to the
loading station is ominously dark although the loading station itself is
brightly lit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Upon dispatch the
train takes a 180-degree left turn and propels the riders through a heartline
roll in the dark before emerging from the station and ascending the first of
two chain lift hills. From the top the train veers to the right and downward,
entering a corkscrew followed by three consecutive dive loops. It then ascends into a sidewinder and
traverses a corkscrew, coming to a stop at the second lift hill. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">There is a about
a 10-second pause at the bottom of the second lift hill, an opportunity for
riders to catch their breath. The lift
hill is a vertical one and after reaching the top of the hill the ride really
kicks into high gear, going through a corkscrew, sea serpent inversion, cobra
roll and two corkscrews before returning to the station.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The inversions
themselves are nothing unusual but the sheer number of them is rather amazing
and results in a pretty awesome ride experience. Prior to riding The Smiler, the maximum
number of inversions I had experienced on a coaster was 7. I did wonder whether
14 inversions might be a bit much, but it works and is easily doable. Of all the roller coaster inversions I’ve
experienced, a heartline roll is undoubtedly the most intense. For The Smiler to feature a heartline roll
prior to reaching the lift hill made for a great start. (I’d ridden only one other coaster with a heartline
roll before the lift hill, Hydra at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Dorney</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.) The vertical lift hill is a great way to
start the second half of the ride and the inversions that followed were pretty
intense, particularly the combination of cobra roll and sea serpent. While rough in spots, The Smiler proved to be
enjoyable enough to merit repeat rides.
And it should be noted that Smiler has a single rider queue, which
enabled me to get on in less than 10 minutes.
4 out of 5 stars. For more
information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>, visit </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #006621; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nABKoQdrTIMAH6b_7vDptk3X177Fcmavf7rGVu4uaY-IlaourkQ6qEk_oyvdRFQUiT110j3CEccv8g03ZoCwdEUcj4PnRe-4xl9ghf6mVA-pDeOgOwhO0sHfSo9GWkfY02HXlXDDG5s/s1600/Smiler+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nABKoQdrTIMAH6b_7vDptk3X177Fcmavf7rGVu4uaY-IlaourkQ6qEk_oyvdRFQUiT110j3CEccv8g03ZoCwdEUcj4PnRe-4xl9ghf6mVA-pDeOgOwhO0sHfSo9GWkfY02HXlXDDG5s/s320/Smiler+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a75B-YoakmICmUSBWHza-KV8f8M7VqIHpLPZu4OmKkNsibgGytTFt9ciH7vp4yoKLxRrzRgl8DAx_jiWWhVkWSqckzP8L4hIMinXyjk_1u5WumluR56IdF4LsgTweP1O4QTbS-Z2bqY/s1600/smiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a75B-YoakmICmUSBWHza-KV8f8M7VqIHpLPZu4OmKkNsibgGytTFt9ciH7vp4yoKLxRrzRgl8DAx_jiWWhVkWSqckzP8L4hIMinXyjk_1u5WumluR56IdF4LsgTweP1O4QTbS-Z2bqY/s1600/smiler.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOsw4CGnLGVhU6gL6T5npxVHuMO6Sup3FUhhRoBqp3QH2iEVmIj7KQCF4D-2jF_RLTrI3RKQfIlA-DzWsODZrJBe0CT251lRqUZgrs3cEMAc-eHV9BBc3mE3LwGqxO-Qsuqkx0aAy-r8/s1600/SMILER3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOsw4CGnLGVhU6gL6T5npxVHuMO6Sup3FUhhRoBqp3QH2iEVmIj7KQCF4D-2jF_RLTrI3RKQfIlA-DzWsODZrJBe0CT251lRqUZgrs3cEMAc-eHV9BBc3mE3LwGqxO-Qsuqkx0aAy-r8/s320/SMILER3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-25088690125644118842017-08-02T17:04:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:04:44.798-07:00OBLIVION<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Oblivion at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place>
has the distinction of being the first dive coaster ever built. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (as
is the case with all existing dive coasters), it stands 65 feet tall at ground
level. The train consists of two rows
seating 8 across for a total of 16 riders.
Prior to dispatch, the riders see a video designed to scarify. The train ascends a 65-foot chain lift hill
and upon reaching the drop, hangs over the drop for about five seconds before
plunging 180 feet at a an 89-degree angle into an underground tunnel. From there it rises up into a right
overbanked turn before returning to the station.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The ride is short
but sweet. The drop is awesome although
I would have welcomed a second drop with hang time such as can be enjoyed on
later B&M dive machines. However, considering
that Oblivion was innovative and the first of its kind, I can’t complain. Also, it features a single rider queue, which
enabled me to get on quickly. 4 out of 5
stars. For more information about rides
at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place>,
visit </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #006621; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.altontowers.com/</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsEQbYWxl7-gve28HOq28ahH_-tJK9J-F-NLGGSbD2yXroW8Ws7NWj6PACnvZkIqiJNNqSXg_QM7OOvMBxuvC_6J-lXK9vZlb-I2c04U6AM0MfzlLZfahfrbpyYsQGmO_E3mLoN7c3FI/s1600/Oblivion+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsEQbYWxl7-gve28HOq28ahH_-tJK9J-F-NLGGSbD2yXroW8Ws7NWj6PACnvZkIqiJNNqSXg_QM7OOvMBxuvC_6J-lXK9vZlb-I2c04U6AM0MfzlLZfahfrbpyYsQGmO_E3mLoN7c3FI/s320/Oblivion+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJAg37thyvMoTuYkaDfTuWFoXLHM1BkuIw3GiojLpXn8wJN91AU_hRo2C73iloAreftMwq8tixZKyXvjH7UPgbINwHQz__ddJOpYEXRs986AqqWO2TfCDCpMQDX5ak0BQmgBsypj7JCs/s1600/Oblivion+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJAg37thyvMoTuYkaDfTuWFoXLHM1BkuIw3GiojLpXn8wJN91AU_hRo2C73iloAreftMwq8tixZKyXvjH7UPgbINwHQz__ddJOpYEXRs986AqqWO2TfCDCpMQDX5ak0BQmgBsypj7JCs/s320/Oblivion+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOciBltesIACQJQlAyTh3XshtqEGML5xhEneLDregmv1ly7Q_7PSQYyPfK8h6yW1yMq9hjELP3bibUXJ7D1tZNfuxrqZU86EqM1CZT-_BpkNJj6F3VM8Cm_OtyKgrUx-9LDCfvaa-zboQ/s1600/OBLIVION3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOciBltesIACQJQlAyTh3XshtqEGML5xhEneLDregmv1ly7Q_7PSQYyPfK8h6yW1yMq9hjELP3bibUXJ7D1tZNfuxrqZU86EqM1CZT-_BpkNJj6F3VM8Cm_OtyKgrUx-9LDCfvaa-zboQ/s320/OBLIVION3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #006621; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-42892330969672063112017-08-02T16:57:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:00:36.147-07:00GALACTICA<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>The space-themed Galactica,
formerly known as Air, enjoys the distinction of being the first flying coaster
to be manufactured by B&M (Bolliger & Mabillard). It operates with 3 trains containing 7 cars
seating 4 across for a total capacity of 28 riders. There are 2 ride queues so that riders can
board from either side of the loading platform.
Once the riders are harnessed in (with over the shoulder restraints and
restraints to hold the ankles in place) the train is pronated so that riders
are positioned face down. Upon dispatch
the train makes a right turn and ascends a chain lift hill before dropping to
the right, racing ahead and flipping the riders over onto their backs. This is followed by an upward turn – after
which riders are once again in a face down position – flight under a bridge and
360-degree in-line twist.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Air was renamed
Galactica after VR (virtual reality) headsets were added to the ride. This would have been interesting to
experience but the VR gear was not operating during my visit to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>
so I rode Galactica without any enhancements – not that it needs any. The fly-to-lie and lie-to-fly transitions
were seamless, very smooth, and overall the ride was delightful. 4 out of 5 stars. . For more information about rides at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
visit <a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">https://www.altontowers.com</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe-btzHchVwW8wVVf6AmCrc1vHCpZCJfEaimRZalItkv6rGxQj9XB66YF6vQeb-SoDK6fk8UAf18hbjVLxwhYabGuJ7eZAOhf39RJjmJ-NxPp9HMY3ncqEHf2-3uhAYZoIRiU-0R8YbU/s1600/Galactica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe-btzHchVwW8wVVf6AmCrc1vHCpZCJfEaimRZalItkv6rGxQj9XB66YF6vQeb-SoDK6fk8UAf18hbjVLxwhYabGuJ7eZAOhf39RJjmJ-NxPp9HMY3ncqEHf2-3uhAYZoIRiU-0R8YbU/s320/Galactica.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB72RmwJgCzDB27tRuURLtFB5xphOpGMXxqRGga76LXfXWJrhJr2okv9vHGPH8sFaI-BLsKJON6r4BdFqAp96ApO22AnAqv5LJylvv2MKMBSfgtbWRqfK6iVarWLs3dOWzb5m1uO7asBs/s1600/GALACTICA+WITH+SIGN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB72RmwJgCzDB27tRuURLtFB5xphOpGMXxqRGga76LXfXWJrhJr2okv9vHGPH8sFaI-BLsKJON6r4BdFqAp96ApO22AnAqv5LJylvv2MKMBSfgtbWRqfK6iVarWLs3dOWzb5m1uO7asBs/s320/GALACTICA+WITH+SIGN.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-32373601166231305062017-08-02T16:54:00.001-07:002017-08-02T17:01:41.300-07:00GOLIATH - SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>A giant inverted
boomerang, Goliath is an imposing sight with its twin towers that stand 191.6
feet tall. The ride begins with the
train being pulled up a vertical lift hill, almost to the top of the first
tower, before plummeting 177 feet through the loading station and ascending
into a 110-foot cobra roll. This is
followed by a 102-foot vertical loop and ascent up the second tower. As is the case with other Vekoma boomerangs,
the train then repeats the ride in reverse, once again ascending the first
tower before dropping into the station.</b></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Boomerangs
are notorious for giving riders the sensation of being about to pitch forward
into nothingness during the initial ascent, and the fact that this one features
a vertical lift makes it more forceful than most. I found the vertical lift unnerving and held
onto the restraints for dear life. This
was pretty intense stuff. Otherwise the
ride was unremarkable, a case of been there done that. Goliath gets 3 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at Six Flags
New England, visit </b></span><span style="color: #006621; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.sixflags.com/newengland"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>https://www.sixflags.com/newengland</b></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AT0nBw8Rzuxnd1Ecotj6iYZ0yoNu7K3CEb0_hEh9SVkh3hSgvo4wJOQ9ktuVzCIuWAGEwdedO4BlhDbRL07aw02PqBW4q7zIQEu4tyLv6BmfnNmEUHKap_McUERYe0FQcjYrg3dD7xM/s1600/Goliath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AT0nBw8Rzuxnd1Ecotj6iYZ0yoNu7K3CEb0_hEh9SVkh3hSgvo4wJOQ9ktuVzCIuWAGEwdedO4BlhDbRL07aw02PqBW4q7zIQEu4tyLv6BmfnNmEUHKap_McUERYe0FQcjYrg3dD7xM/s320/Goliath+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-5-lo4IPJc8K1DcR8VzGoMJ-JY9VuBBFZ6IT4lWXXsS_i6rhhffEk-0q4x6r-VyE0OnBwHBDSqO5rgLq0Ah0h09lxdOizgauiiFgxHptLXKFWXdlhJDV1vqYbQ3VnwG7IlIw3nVvbHA/s1600/Goliath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-5-lo4IPJc8K1DcR8VzGoMJ-JY9VuBBFZ6IT4lWXXsS_i6rhhffEk-0q4x6r-VyE0OnBwHBDSqO5rgLq0Ah0h09lxdOizgauiiFgxHptLXKFWXdlhJDV1vqYbQ3VnwG7IlIw3nVvbHA/s320/Goliath+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-12033318783187403062016-11-03T18:52:00.003-07:002016-11-03T18:52:57.520-07:00SIDEWINDER HERSHEYPARK<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This Vekoma boomerang has been operating since
1991. With 7 cars seating 2 across in 2
rows for a total capacity of 28 riders, the train is pulled up a 116-foot catch
car lift hill before being released and propelled through the loading station
and up into a cobra roll followed up a vertical loop. It then ascends a second lift hill and goes
through the course in reverse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">As all Vekoma boomerangs feature the same three
inversions, I can’t say that this one is in any way novel or remarkable. What I can say is that whereas I would have
expected a coaster of this vintage to be rough, the ride was much smoother than
anticipated. Also the soft restraints
were welcome although a bit heavy. And at 5.2 the maximum G-force is pretty
good. Sidewinder offers an enjoyable
enough ride. 2 ½ out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at
Hersheypark, visit <a href="http://www.hersheypark.com/">www.hersheypark.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6BoMsegZNLyAb8cifEzZRMEn8x6ujZPTGWLZq3-6dFndrTmubDdYkXWeV-qG1k3v3MN0A4vfDwmqaZREW4nC0GHXgqqvNvv_OmQhyanFTP688WTtTx8_KG2PZJpRL7sdiGhm45fDbFE/s1600/Sidewinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6BoMsegZNLyAb8cifEzZRMEn8x6ujZPTGWLZq3-6dFndrTmubDdYkXWeV-qG1k3v3MN0A4vfDwmqaZREW4nC0GHXgqqvNvv_OmQhyanFTP688WTtTx8_KG2PZJpRL7sdiGhm45fDbFE/s320/Sidewinder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqyjugPeDdq_9cpZ65WxAjNJTnJg42yue65ev2S-6n4YbUQ-zag2JDjD9-l7ef2KWEpZMOmNNH8MEfussf20gnEc3APRi9QalKeaGHnTu_sDfPjfDRbBj7PClQdMt_d2z3DauxYRpkSo/s1600/hershey1030166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqyjugPeDdq_9cpZ65WxAjNJTnJg42yue65ev2S-6n4YbUQ-zag2JDjD9-l7ef2KWEpZMOmNNH8MEfussf20gnEc3APRi9QalKeaGHnTu_sDfPjfDRbBj7PClQdMt_d2z3DauxYRpkSo/s320/hershey1030166.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-2561803631844439132016-10-27T19:07:00.001-07:002017-12-12T18:34:50.433-08:00TEMPESTO<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This LSM coaster from Premier Rides necessarily has a
one-train operation, as the train is launched backwards and forward from the
station. With a total capacity of 18
riders (3 cars seating 2 across in 3 rows), the train is launched forward at
the beginning of the ride and rises just short of the twist at the top. It then launches backwards onto a curved track with a stall at the top before
again launching forward and navigating the twist at the top.
This is followed by an inline twist.
The train banks right and goes through a non-inverting loop before once
again racing forward through the loading area and rolling backwards. It reaches a maximum speed of 62 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I must admit that I didn’t have high expectations of
this ride but it certainly exceeded my expectations. The launch was a blast and the layout of the
track resulted in some interesting surprises.
The reversals of direction were somewhat disconcerting in a good way;
the inline twist was fabulous.
Tempesto is a welcome addition to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The ride is short but sweet. 4 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at BGW,
visit <a href="https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/">https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/</a> Video courtesy of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Busch</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Gardens</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggxhDvPpr1FCsgOpezUqDuv8zmq4nZeg4RmNJxxedKBzntzDZso7NY5sGYG5LsBAdRG4zr4JUE8l5_32zSnXMVoxZ46P3dAWXUzsENZcyEtXAQFcAptMKtziEKNa32IkOBlx_qCqTcDw/s1600/BGW+Tempesto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggxhDvPpr1FCsgOpezUqDuv8zmq4nZeg4RmNJxxedKBzntzDZso7NY5sGYG5LsBAdRG4zr4JUE8l5_32zSnXMVoxZ46P3dAWXUzsENZcyEtXAQFcAptMKtziEKNa32IkOBlx_qCqTcDw/s320/BGW+Tempesto.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X7bfhL2oeR8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X7bfhL2oeR8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-65592428190953152732016-10-25T20:04:00.001-07:002016-10-25T20:04:29.564-07:00LOCH NESS MONSTER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This coaster from Arrow Dynamics is the only operating
coaster to feature two interlocking vertical loops. It has a long train although I didn’t count
the number of rows and the stats are not available on rcdb. The restraint consists of an overhead
harness. Upon departing the loading
station, the train ascends a 130-foot lift hill, with the chain clanking away,
before turning right and dropping 114 feet to <st1:placename w:st="on">Busch</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Garden</st1:placetype>’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Rhine</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
then rising up into the first of the loops.
It then races into a downward spiraling tunnel, from which it travels up
a second lift hill before again turning right and entering the second loop. The ride comes to an end shortly after the
second loop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Considering the fact that this ride dates back to 1978,
it has stood the test of time very well.
I was expecting a headbanger but this is not the case. It’s remarkably
smooth and the initial drop is sizeable for the time at which this coaster was
built. Among the highlights of the ride
is the tunnel, longer than I had anticipated and a very enjoyable element. The Loch Ness Monster is a lot of fun. 4 out of 5 stars. From more information about rides at Busch
Gardens Williamsburg, visit <a href="https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/">https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxFmFce79S2gnIxLBt3g3IntQ_HOYXnojdcZGyqa9uqolC8aqZWe2lHRo81ssQ6zEBXxMP4ZcmyXWhxw3MzuW6VhlG5f3B-7lG5AA_c6dEcMDyurpUxpl2zh44y0_guOSLNZAMZDXT9k/s1600/BGW+Loch+Ness+Monster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxFmFce79S2gnIxLBt3g3IntQ_HOYXnojdcZGyqa9uqolC8aqZWe2lHRo81ssQ6zEBXxMP4ZcmyXWhxw3MzuW6VhlG5f3B-7lG5AA_c6dEcMDyurpUxpl2zh44y0_guOSLNZAMZDXT9k/s320/BGW+Loch+Ness+Monster.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxYklvjIbGeOu0ul9Sq3X_L9pmrK2TXtr58J5PhzAKY_zvk5Hq9CzK6qChL_3XdW-fC-dcZayQEcmJa1yA4g2gY7taivJRDxIEvTSKyVKkd6amnFNkT4TGnuyc-EJX5SaJnqZAu_ZlTA/s1600/Loch+Ness+Monster+Closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxYklvjIbGeOu0ul9Sq3X_L9pmrK2TXtr58J5PhzAKY_zvk5Hq9CzK6qChL_3XdW-fC-dcZayQEcmJa1yA4g2gY7taivJRDxIEvTSKyVKkd6amnFNkT4TGnuyc-EJX5SaJnqZAu_ZlTA/s320/Loch+Ness+Monster+Closeup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-44079918287039649002016-10-14T18:30:00.001-07:002016-10-14T18:30:45.673-07:00JUDGE ROY SCREAM<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This wooden coaster from William Cobb & Associates
dates back to 1980 and features an out and back layout. Seating two across in three rows with four
cars for a total capacity of 24 riders, the train makes a right turn from the
loading station and ascends a 71-foot lift hill. Once at the top it drops 65 feet and
continues its course over several more consecutive drops. This is followed by a right turn, after which
the train traverses a series of dips on its way back to the station. The maximum speed is 53 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The ride is surprisingly smooth for a wooden coaster 36
years old at the time of my writing this.
There was none of the roughness
that I had anticipated. While hardly a
high thrill ride, Judge Roy Scream is an enjoyable and fun ride. 3 out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at Six Flags
Over Texas, visit <a href="http://www.sixflags.com/overtexas">www.sixflags.com/overtexas</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmzraEUMZft-eEIWubmBoXF7M94HhSdf6e8S4Ih7g7iuzP-Tp-werWv6pTMzojs-xhvoTGqaHqnLQwlnjn5setouY1_fv3TCq-411hiR7wAbkTKh411EflIexSrZncF2KyptrzoSQoVA/s1600/JudgeRoy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmzraEUMZft-eEIWubmBoXF7M94HhSdf6e8S4Ih7g7iuzP-Tp-werWv6pTMzojs-xhvoTGqaHqnLQwlnjn5setouY1_fv3TCq-411hiR7wAbkTKh411EflIexSrZncF2KyptrzoSQoVA/s320/JudgeRoy1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeXn0YzarUjkC80y2Y8iGY0RbXuS5PuY0GFiK5jGWTbuYuyFNuvrdC6ra27peofU20rMpXXlDY5nZvWN8hb3izdwz1mzTUTF95SEh-wtsQ8PVZhQd6BLDXweQ6B8mFahoj6pcpxE8z8I/s1600/Judge+Roy+Scream2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeXn0YzarUjkC80y2Y8iGY0RbXuS5PuY0GFiK5jGWTbuYuyFNuvrdC6ra27peofU20rMpXXlDY5nZvWN8hb3izdwz1mzTUTF95SEh-wtsQ8PVZhQd6BLDXweQ6B8mFahoj6pcpxE8z8I/s320/Judge+Roy+Scream2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-78831638865426091702016-10-14T18:28:00.003-07:002016-10-14T18:34:00.521-07:00CAROLINA COBRA<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Carolina Cobra is a Vekoma boomerang that features the
same elements as every other Vekoma boomerang I’ve ridden: cobra roll and
vertical loop. This one, however, has an
interesting history, in that it was moved from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Geauga</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place>
(where it was called Mind Eraser) purchased by Cedar Fair and moved to
Carowinds. Seating 2 across in 7 rows
with 7 cars for a total capacity of 28 riders, the train is pulled backwards up
a 125-foot lift hill before dropping 120 feet through the loading station and ascending
into a cobra roll, followed by a 360-degree vertical loop. It then goes up another 125-foot lift hill
and repeats the elements in reverse.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">As boomerangs go, this one is pretty good. I’ve been on some that were real headbangers
and that is not the case here. The ride
was comfortable and enjoyable. Also, at
5.2, the G-force is very good. 3 out of
5 stars. For more information about
rides at Carowinds, visit www.carowinds.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf4bhhEF41BnToyLcGcvYiiWjDxbYEpnvh6KJoAJehmjQA_QNj_r4HPiF8VdCEwGTjq2-tMfVHnsON3itPnbtfJDlmwZTe5-DC74UqUvmf6xsnzSvc-91aaxZUiGPgoqreDhCgzo2B5c/s1600/Carolina+Cobra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf4bhhEF41BnToyLcGcvYiiWjDxbYEpnvh6KJoAJehmjQA_QNj_r4HPiF8VdCEwGTjq2-tMfVHnsON3itPnbtfJDlmwZTe5-DC74UqUvmf6xsnzSvc-91aaxZUiGPgoqreDhCgzo2B5c/s320/Carolina+Cobra.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-4937680968120432202016-10-14T18:27:00.001-07:002016-10-14T18:27:24.104-07:00ROADRUNNER EXPRESS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The last mine train to be built by Arrow Dynamics at a
Six Flags park, Roadrunner Express is an intermediate coaster with appeal to a
wide demographic. It’s situated next to
Iron Rattler and in fact passes under Iron Rattler; this undoubtedly adds to
its appeal. Featuring two trains with
six cars seating two across in three rows for a total capacity of 36 riders, it
goes directly from the loading station up a 73-foot lift hill before dropping 45
feet, veering to the right twice and to the left twice. It then ascends a second, 38-foot lift hill
before dropping again and swerving right, right, left and left. The turns are sharp enough to add an edge to
the ride and it feels as if the rider is entering a small helix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">While the height and other stats are hardly impressive,
Roadrunner Express does manage to pack a punch.
Hardly an extreme thrill ride, it’s nevertheless quite enjoyable. I rode this coaster a couple of times between
rides on Iron Rattler and got a kick out of it.
3 out of 5 stars. For more
information about rides at Six Flags Fiesta <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place>, visit www. sixflags.com/fiestatexas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sOA8YCCb3DzXDaURGyJ-4wpledTgjwZnLBDoDvDfL31ejf8pobr-dIDLTk8xZa_XdfoCJbhoQZfvX8tmP0-2QZE_9P9vCCPp1svD9_WMgGr4V_ssRjmk9K5_jUB2sPp-zkOBSr2V61M/s1600/Roadrunner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sOA8YCCb3DzXDaURGyJ-4wpledTgjwZnLBDoDvDfL31ejf8pobr-dIDLTk8xZa_XdfoCJbhoQZfvX8tmP0-2QZE_9P9vCCPp1svD9_WMgGr4V_ssRjmk9K5_jUB2sPp-zkOBSr2V61M/s320/Roadrunner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753501551039025963.post-91366779704862255602016-10-14T18:25:00.001-07:002016-10-14T18:25:42.338-07:00TITAN<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This hypercoaster from
Giovanola is the tallest and fastest coaster at Six Flags Over Texas. It boasts a height of 245 feet and top speed
of 85 mph. The restraint consists of a
lap bar and seat belt. Seating two across with five cars in rows of three for a
total capacity of 30 riders, the train makes a U-turn from the loading station
before ascending a 245-foot chain lift hill.
It then drops a whopping 255 feet at a 65-degree angle into a tunnel
before rising into a turnaround which resembles a shortened version of the
hammerhead turns for which B&M coasters are famous. From that point it goes into a camelback
followed by a 540-degree helix. This
comes just before the mid-course brake run, after which riders negotiate an
overbanked left turn and enter a second helix.
More overbanked turns follow as the train runs its course through a
layout somewhat atypical in that it’s a combination out and back/twister. There’s a lot of lateral motion before the
train hits the final brake run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I expected to like this
coaster a lot more than I did. (I didn’t dislike it; it just failed to wow me.)
The first drop was pretty astonishing and the ride has some nice elements but
there were a few things that I felt detracted from the overall ride
experience. First of all, the location
of the mid-course brake run struck me as odd, as it isn’t on a straight section
of track but rather on the approach to an overbanked turn. Secondly, the two helices struck me as
overkill. Thirdly and finally, the
sensation of going around in circles was somewhat dizzying. However, I suspect that most riders will
enjoy this ride more than I did. Titan
offers a comparatively long ride replete with thrills and intensity. 4 out of 5
stars. For more information about rides
at Six Flags Over Texas, visit <a href="http://www.sixflags.com/overtexas">www.sixflags.com/overtexas</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyOoYB4B3kcdTP8w_D_qjMCls1kKc_KYNDLqazYnobRVbDns4BFUlJP8WjxdkMzjT2DQckzsN3mF_brBLsJJ4W8hjlb4fFwZXyqVVvzthcFZdNhgYcbyo3GFYodi8-Gmro1evslqMLiM/s1600/Titan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyOoYB4B3kcdTP8w_D_qjMCls1kKc_KYNDLqazYnobRVbDns4BFUlJP8WjxdkMzjT2DQckzsN3mF_brBLsJJ4W8hjlb4fFwZXyqVVvzthcFZdNhgYcbyo3GFYodi8-Gmro1evslqMLiM/s320/Titan1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCRiXrdMhdsjTrWWlivW4rxmYLu92UllwFTGxGlbqEiw6CO8W3nnFFkO-zAdkXqM7S3h6AyDjhnzF2W2VFVA1vnwXozNWzugmP47CRBNnqKSS3yhUA-_hQ-4ruKZpNyrVaeaKou59ePk/s1600/TITAN2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCRiXrdMhdsjTrWWlivW4rxmYLu92UllwFTGxGlbqEiw6CO8W3nnFFkO-zAdkXqM7S3h6AyDjhnzF2W2VFVA1vnwXozNWzugmP47CRBNnqKSS3yhUA-_hQ-4ruKZpNyrVaeaKou59ePk/s320/TITAN2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
Bobbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01914326184525631713noreply@blogger.com0