The Bebes Posted July 21, 2009 Posted July 21, 2009 Awesome TR Big Mike, though it made me sad... A feeling kinda like being home sick! Holiday World is one of those parks that gives me that fuzzy feeling in my tummy!! But I'm glad you had a good time and I was sooooo happy to see that you liked The Bebes' #1 coaster so much! We were looking forward to hearing what the Big Man thought of The Voyage, especially because lately people have been saying it's not as good as it used to be... I'm glad it's still worthy of a top spot! And I'm jealous of all of you that got to spend the day with Big Mike, it really is a treat!! - Lady Bebe
MagicMountainMan Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I actually rode the Voyage today in the front and the back and I didn't like it as much as El Toro. Like Robb has said so many times it depends on your taste I guess. I could barely keep my hands up on the Voyage through the second half of the ride it was so jarring, on the other hand I couldn't ride it without my hands up! It is interesting to see how people's opinions differ so much.
Big Mike Posted July 22, 2009 Author Posted July 22, 2009 Hello Fantastic Friends!!! It is time! BIG MIKE'S COASTERS, CANYONS, CORNERS, AND COWABUNGA TOUR SCHEDULE!!! This schedule is a rough outline, with my expectations very high and my reality of hitting everything maybe somewhat optimistic. Like last years Middle America Tour, it is best to stay tuned to the Big Mike Road Show 2009 thread and the constant updates on Facebook (mike betzler) to see if Big Mike is still on schedule or has fallen behind on the tour. One rain day or mishap and the schedule will have to be revised. Before we hit the schedule, here is some more info: Big Mike will be visiting the states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico!! There has been a great response to meeting up in the states of Utah and Arizona, thanks!! I will try my best to keep on schedule for those spots. Arizona is going to be a quick fly through, but we can make the best of the time there! Big Mike, The North America Leader in Coaster News, is once again ready to make a major announcement that no other coaster site has a wiff of already! The coaster in Arizona at Funtastics is broke down at the moment and high level sources tell The Mighty Big Man that it will NOT be repaired and there are already plans to have a new attraction in that very spot. Hope you all got that credit already as the rest of the general public will still be going there expecting it to be open since every other coaster website has it as operating! Big Mike will be passing right by there anyway and will do a quick report for all The Valuable Big Mike Readers. Thus, with this failed credit attempt, Big Mike has to come up with an alternative plan to satisfy his coaster thirst. This new plan is going to totally alter The Official Big Mike Road Show T-shirt for the 2nd year in a row, but after seeing how much fun the TPR crew just had in Texas..... The state of Texas must now be added and written in on the Official Big Mike Road Show 2009 T-Shirt! Everything is bigger in Texas and what better state does "BIG" Mike belong in?? Thanks to Jeff (JNETrains) for tipping me off on an extra coaster close to my schedule! Thats what I LOVE about the Big Mike Road Show, I help you, you help me, everyones happy in our nice big family Also, some really good news. Schnepf Farms coaster is scheduled to be closed mid week when The Big Mike Road Show will be in town. When the Schnepf family heard that Big Mike was going to be in the area, they were more than happy to make special arrangements and go out of their way to open up the coaster just for Big Mike!!!! Anyone in the area that day that needs the credit, come hang with The Big Man! I know this upcoming schedule is packed and grueling, but I will still try to do as many tv interviews as possible! Contact Big Mike World Headquarters for details! Also, even with time at a rare commodity on this tour, Big Mike will STILL give 100% trip reports for the Theme Park Review Park Index, STILL hides some duckies, and STILL place some Mikestery Treasure Hunt Cards at the parks!!! Taking care of The Valuable Big Mike Readers will always remain PRIORITY NUMBER ONE!!! OK, here we go: Friday July 31st Arrive Denver at noon Santa's Workshop at 2pm Fish N Farm at 5pm Lakeside at 7pm to close Saturday Aug 1 Elitch Gardens at opening 10am Mile High Flea Market at 2pm Drive to Salt Lake City Utah Sunday Aug 2 Cowabunga Bay Water Park at opening 10am Park City Mountain Resort at 1pm Hollywood Connection at 5pm Monday Aug 3 Lagoon at opening 11am Liberty Land Fun Center at 5pm Drive to Bryce Canyon Tuesday Aug 4 Bryce Canyon Wildlife Sancuary Grand Canyon Drive to Phoenix Wednesday Aug 5 Enchanted Island at 10am Castles N Coasters at opening at noon Schnepf Farms at 3pm Funtastics at 4pm Drive to New Mexico Western Playland* at 9pm *The rest of the schedule depends on if I make Western Playland this night since it is only open from 7pm - 10pm each night. Thursday Aug 6 Oasis Lanes at opening at noon Roswell New Mexico to hunt for UFO's *If I missed Western Playland, then it is back to there and Carlsbad Caverns to see the bats fly out at dusk. If I made it the night before, then it is a drive to Albuquerque. Friday Aug 7 Cliffs Amusement Park at opening at 11am IT'Z Center at 2pm 4 Corners USA at 6pm Saturday Aug 8 Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at opening at 9am Drive to Denver for Big Mike vs. Big Mike showdowns Sunday Aug 9 Fly home to Big Mike World Headquarters OK everybody, its time for you to help me out. Any other suggestions on things to do? Not knowing the area, is this plan achievable? Any problems I should be aware of? Did I leave enough time for all places? Who wants to meet up somewhere along the way? Anything and everything, good or bad, give me your thoughts!!!!!! Thanks! Peace, Big Mike
thrillerman1 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Schedule looks awesome Mike. Glad to see Roswell and the Carlsbad bats on there! I think you'll like both a lot. Looking forward to your photos and TR from this trip and good luck getting all those credits!
Calicoasters Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Hopefully it will cool down a bit in AZ before you go on your trip, right now it's über hot!
packfanlv Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I just got permission from the wife to meet you up in Salt Lake City. Now all I have to do is find cheap accommodation and we are all set!
JordanM Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 We're working something out right now over at LagoonIsFun.com to meet up with you on the 3rd. We should be able to bring some forum members, food, and reserve a terrace.
WFChris Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Your National Park day looks a little bit crammed (Bryce & Grand Canyon), but it should work out. Are you planning on visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where all the touristy stuff is, or the North Rim? From where you are arriving from, the North Rim might be a better idea. I know this is a coaster site but when people bring up National Parks my ears perk up Chris.
Big Mike Posted July 22, 2009 Author Posted July 22, 2009 Shawn and Jordan, that sounds awesome!!! Chris, I was originally going to the North Rim, but my parents said there is really nothing there and the South Rim is where all the fun is. So I am heading to the South Rim unless others come up with a reason I shouldn't. What do you think? Peace, Big Mike
WFChris Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Mike, Depends on what your looking for. I assume you wont be going on any long hikes based on your schedule, so we wont talk about that: North Rim: -Generally people think it is prettier -Less crowds -Less museums/food/hotels South Rim: -Classic touristy destination -Tons of people -Many places to eat -Historic El Tovar Hotel -Lots of 'points' along the rim to take pictures. In my experience, I did not really find a difference between all the spread out overlooks on the south rim. I was not hiking either, which is probably why. It was just a bunch of different angles to take pictures of essentially the same thing (a big hole). If you are there purely to see the canyon and natural beauty, I would recommend the North Rim. Mileage-wise, you are looking at about the same distance to Phoenix regardless of which Rim you go to. If you are there to go to museums, see ranger programs, and be amongst the masses (which can be fun too!), go to the South Rim!!! Remember traffic can be pretty bad in the summertime on the South Rim. It's also about 20 degrees hotter! You will spend about 2 to 3 hours longer than you expect to if you visit the Southern area. You can PM me for any additional information so we dont clog up your thread (although I'm sure you dont mind the traffic!). Chris.
Big Mike Posted July 22, 2009 Author Posted July 22, 2009 Thanks Chris!! I guess since I have not been there, and you are right, I am just looking to see it and take some pictures, will I miss anything important if I go to the North Rim instead of the South Rim?? It would get me there quicker so I can see it middady too! Also, how is the drive south if it gets dark, dangerous or flat? Thanks again! Peace, Big Mike
WFChris Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 The only thing you are missing at the North Rim are museums, gift shops, restraunts, and Ranger Programs. This is important to some people. There is still a visitor center at the North Rim, and really, if you have any questions, you are more likely to get time in with a ranger there than at the south rim. I just dont want to mislead you because all of the *ACTION* is at the South Rim, and I know Big Mike is a fan of all that! The nature and money shots and lack of crowds are at the North Rim. Think of it as going to a theme park on a tuesday in the off season. Same coasters, just not as much hype because of the lack of crowds. Its the same canyon, just a lot more mellow of a vibe. The drive to and from is not dangerous at all. Most of Arizona is wide open highway, and in most places, the speed limit is 75 mph! I guess thats an indicator as to how flat and straight the highways are. Chris.
picknyourseat Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Chris, Which rim has the Skywalk? I have not been to the Canyon since that was opened, but perhaps the Big Man may be interested in seeing that.
Big Mike Posted July 23, 2009 Author Posted July 23, 2009 You got that right! That was the first thing I looked up, but I don't think it is by either rim, it is way west and out of the way! Darn! Peace, Big Mike
JimmyBo Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 I'll try and make up an excuse to call into work sick on Wednesday and meet up with you at CnC. Hopefully it will drop below 110 because that's what the temp has been lately.
packfanlv Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Big Mike I have only been to the South Rim, but I have a lot of friends who tell me the North Rim is more beautiful.
ajinaz Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Hey Mike, Is Schnepf Farms open on Wednesdays? Or are you going there for a special reason? Be aware that heading across the Valley during rush hour can really suck and takes longer than the GPS will tell you. I'll jump on the North Rim is more like a true canyon visit bandwagon. Just the exhaust fumes and noise on the south rim make it seem fake to me. As others have said it's hot right now but not anything worse than Vegas in summer. Enjoy your trip to the Valley of the Sun.
Big Mike Posted July 23, 2009 Author Posted July 23, 2009 Schnepf Farms is closed on Wed, but the great people there are going to open the coaster just for me that day. It pays to have a Road Show. Lol Looks like the North Rim is winning, any supporters for the South Rim?? Peace, Big Mike
The Bebes Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 any supporters for the South Rim?? Is it just me, or does that sound a bit naughty?? - Lady Bebe
picknyourseat Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Oh, it was not just you Lady Bebe! Jeff "My head is firmly planted in the gutter" J.
STR8FXXXINEDGE Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 ^^ Hahaha... I was thinking the same thing, but didn't have the balls to post it. Wait... was that a bit naughty also?
coreysjunk Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 There is a clause... that says if you found the most cards, you will get a free pass on one element, so people are holding cards waiting to decide if they need to use the free pass or can enter twice with another family member. SO IF SOMEONE HAS A MIKESTERY CARD AND HAS NOT POSTED A PICTURE YET, GET TO IT!! LOL Now, who would do such a dastardly thing!!???!?!?!! Anywho, Here's the proof that MR. BEBE has sole possession of the Las Vegas Sign Mikestery Card. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Big Mike Roadshow Banner: CHECK Mikestery Treasure Hunt Card: CHECK Get a photo op with Big Mike: CHECK Win 3 ducky games: CHECK 1/3 Tally: 83.5% Complete The Big Mike Roadshow and The Bebes Theme Park Tours join forces at Dorney Park. PS - I will sell the LOCATION of the Dorney Mikestery Card to the highest bidder. Bidding will start at $1Million. Vegas Bebe!!!!! I might feel obligated to spend my prize in the very city where it was found! Shhhhh. Don't tell Lady Bebe I've got the Vegas Mikestery Ticket! If I win the prize, it's all for me, and me alone!!!! Muah ha ha ha ha!!!!!
Big Mike Posted July 23, 2009 Author Posted July 23, 2009 any supporters for the South Rim?? Is it just me, or does that sound a bit naughty?? - Lady Bebe Maybe it is just the way I singled you out telepathically and said it to you disguised in a trip report? I can't believe you deciphered my coded message to you lol. You are good! Peace, Big Mike Electricity!
Big Mike Posted July 23, 2009 Author Posted July 23, 2009 LOL That picture of the Mikestery Card hiding it from Lady Bebe is sheer brilliance! I laughed so hard! Excellent post my friend!! Peace, Big Mike
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