MFJorts

^You make good points except I think you might have flipped around the maintenance argument. People were making the point that with the trims active the train experiences less wear and tear since the speed and forces are slightly reduced. Over the course of 1000s of cycles I suppose it could add up, but I really don't know how much of an effect it would have, personally.

I doubt they will be testing today, that area of the country is getting hit by a snowstorm right now.

Obviously it is a work-in-progress photo--the area is far from finished. Before you complain that it looks too plain, why not wait until they finish it and see what all is going in?

I am quite fond of the construction-related theming items they have though. And no TV monitors or computers for employees to select and print the photo, it gives a much more modern and streamlined look. I hope they don't touch a thing.

I agree, it should still count as an inversion. On a B&M flying coaster, the normal riding position is face-down and the inverted position is face-up. If the pretzel loop does not count as an inversion, what on the flying coaster would?

^ That is my understanding of the case. I have heard that the trains no longer use those green lights. Perhaps Six Flags is trying to argue that the green light indicator was not sufficient and misled the employees into thinking the rider was properly restrained? If Gerstlauer requested the green lights be disabled, perhaps Six Flags thinks they have some leverage there. It's a hail mary for sure, and I don't personally find the argument convincing, but there might be some room to maneuver there, legally speaking.

How is the outside-banked turn? I think the forces would have a component perpendicular to the track upward through the train, almost like a small amount of airtime during the turn. Or does the lateral force completely dominate and you are basically just pushed to the side?

I have to imagine all of that hangtime would be pretty painful with OSTRs. Thankfully they are using lap bar trains, or I would be wary of riding this one!

This, and the extra arm room will be nice too. I notice it on the floorless models too, it's not the best situation sitting there jockeying around for elbow room with the person next to you.

Right, the football team is based on the 1849 gold rush as well.

I think $25 is a bit steep. I mean, the Marketplace doesn't really offer anything of any real value to justify that cost. I do realize this is to eliminate people using the 3 hr parking for the park, but $25 is a bit high. It's not like it's a flat fee of $25 for everyone, you can still park for free if you are just going to the Marketplace. There's no reason the Marketplace itself would need to justify the cost. The only time the fee comes into play is if you are using the lot to go into the park, and $25 for preferred parking is actually on the lower side of things. Some parks charge almost that much just for standard parking.

Technically, Gold Striker is not 49-er themed. Sure it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49er. I guess "technically" they do not reference the 1849 gold rush itself, but that is being nitpicky, clearly they are referring to gold rushes in general and obviously give a nod to the most famous one, being in California after all.

Good points and I agree with you on most points, but there is a minor factor I feel you have overlooked: re-rideability. Most people need a break after a very intense ride, whereas on a lesser intense one they might run back around and get in line for another go. Granted, many people treat amusement park rides as one-and-done per visit, so this is probably not a huge factor, but it is something that probably does contribute to some extent.

The big question is can Gerstlauer deliver a smooth ride? Their eurofighter models have been hit and miss for me: dare devil dive was quite smooth while mystery mine seemed rough in places. From what I've read, Smiler can be pretty rough as well and had some difficulty aligning track pieces. Hopefully they have got this one figured out.

Funny, but a derecho is a type of strong wind associated with severe weather, fyi: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derecho

WildCat at Cedar Point.

I've only ridden B&M stand-ups, so I would have to go with them by default. My rankings are as follows: 1. Riddler's Revenge - Love this layout, one of my favorite coasters at the park 2. Georgia Scorcher - Smoothest of the bunch, but a bit short compared to some others 3. Mantis - Been a while since I rode it, but I remember enjoying it 4. Vortex (Carowinds) - Easily the worst one due to the restraints and awkward transitions

I voted Thunderhead in the poll, but have since ridden Gold Striker. I think they are very close but Gold Striker gets a slight edge. Apocalypse is a bit behind both of those and Roar West is a distant fourth.

I would say Cedar Fair, since I think they are moving in the right direction now under Matt Ouimet. Six Flags seems a bit trashy having ads plastered everywhere in the queues, pathways, and train wraps. The Cedar Fair parks just seem more pleasant these days, better kept up than the Six Flags parks.

I don't really see it as a "power pose" as such. To me it is more about letting go and allowing the roller coaster to throw me around and out of my seat instead of clutching onto the lap bar super tight, eliminating the effects of the forces. Throwing my hands up in the air is more of a "Look, Ma! No hands!" sort of thing.

Unless there is a launch or a second lift, there is no higher point than the top of the lift hill.

1. Gemini 2. Colossus 3. Racer (KI) 4. Thunder Road

25 for me. As more of an opportunistic rider than someone who plans trips around visiting amusement parks, I landed about where I expected.

Mindbender at SFOG. Rode it 10 times in a row last year and it was worth every ride. No lines for this one while everyone eagerly waits for Dare Devil Dive. I'll take Mindbender every time.

It's either Thunderhead or Gold Striker. Apocalypse is a close third, but not quite on the same level.