Blue Fire Guy Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 "YOU!!! PUT DOWN THE CAR!" --Knoebels Snap Nazi Yesterday was quite the adventure! Lots of Gold Striker paparazzi shooting, light crowds, lots of riding time, and much more! Flight Deck's SharkTums train was running nice and smooth today, but my ride later in the afternoon on the bird train had quite a few brutal banger moments. Grizzly ran glass smooth (ROW! ROW! ROW!) up until the last part which still hasn't been re-tracked yet, hopefully it will soon. I found my ride on Demon's orange train in the afternoon quite rough and slow. Oddly, with correct bracing there is no headbanging at all. The real problem was in the loops there was some brutal jackhammering, snapping my neck back and forth, OUCH! A night ride in the recently rehabbed yellow train was much smoother, and FAST! The thing just booked through the whole layout like nothing, definitely one of my better rides on this Arrow. Another highlight was the partial Woodstock takeover, which wasn't nice to my long legs. I felt like such an idiot sitting in a wheel seat with my long legs, so I had quite an "interesting" ride. Another "interesting" ride was my loss of Vortex virginity (#46), it wasn't the worst coaster ever, but it was definitely my worst B&M and had a few brutal moments. "Interesting" still was our clench-and-squish Logger's session, where we all decide to be idiots and cram five people into a log...and it is NOT a Dan-friendly experience. On my ride, after the main splash (which had already got me soaked), the right side of the log dipped under the water and scooped up a ton of water, completely filling my right shoe with water! Let's just say this thing cleaned us up from our Gold Striker paparazzi session earlier in the day of Star Tower. Now for some notable flat fun. During the time in which we had 10 members, we decided to hit up Pumpkin Patch just for the hell of it. Perhaps, the "Sad and Pathetic" within comes out, and then the kiddie ride urge follows...it happens! On our particular ride on Orbit, the ride op sounded the horn TWICE. Once high pitched (ouch) and once at the normal pitch right after before starting the cycle. Rolercstrluvr then shouted in sheer ecstasy: "ANTON SCREAMED AT US! PRAISE BE TO ANTON! AMEN! YAAAAAAH!!!". Anton then held us in nice and firm, raising us higher and higher, going faster and faster...harder and harder... ...and then, Anton was doing his finest. Very precise, always doing it just right, He lifted us up high before pushing us back down HARD, over and over again. We never wanted this feeling to end, but in just about a minute or two, Anton then ran out of all of His energy, and we all gave him our "Danke Shoen" before bidding farewell to Him...for now. A very dirty Schwarzkopf conversation followed while waiting in line for Flying Eagles, where RawkinCoaster asked if one of use could name as many Schwarzkopf coasters around the world as possible. It's a great way to pass the time! What followed afterwards could only be described as awe-inspiring. Very quickly, I am rising to become a flyer snapping king (don't mean to brag). I've rigorously studied the FlyerAddicts website and videos, as well as any other off ride footage of cable snapping. Yesterday was the day in which I showed that I had quickly become a flyer fiend, both amazing and terrifying the other TPR members during two takeovers and one "duet" with rolercstrluvr. In the list below, I'll try my best to teach the art of snapping to aspiring flyer fiends. How to snap a flyer: 1.) Anticipate the wind 2.) Become one with the ride 3.) Good hand-eye coordination 4.) Know that every flyer and it's different tubs will behave differently 5.) STUDY. Watch various cable snapping videos and watch the pilot's every movement of the sail. 6.) FOCUS. Underestimating the slightest detail of the task at hand will produce a disappointing result. 7.) Beware of snap nazis. Some ops are ok with snapping, some aren't. And with that, here's my photos and videos of the visit. I felt lazy and didn't feel like taking nearly as much photos as I planned, but I seemed to have a decent amount when I transferred them onto my computer. I also took a couple off ride videos, one of Woodstock, and one of the flyers at night. I also took a centrifuge video, but for some odd reason my thumb slipped mid cycle and stopped the recording , oh well. My flyer video includes a very "FlyerAddicts"-ey conversation with rolercstrluvr as well as some good snaps here and there. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zP_1NvHWwM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX-M05gbUvU Let's start off with some Gold Striker porn! "Bent" with excitement, anyone? More new wood. I see you Vortex. I'll meet you later in the day... Time for some Schwarzporn! Woodstock time. Foxtails, TPR member, Woodstock, and "THROUGH THE TREES!" Evening Star Tower ride, park looking beautiful tonight! A nice, sparsely filled parking lot! Sexy GCI curves. Concrete fillings going in. Let's finish with this shot. Using my tall body and my long arms, I took this shot of Slaughterhouse's entrance, not themed yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 ^Listening to some of the commentary on the last Flyers ride...I wanted to snap but for some reason I wasn't quite feeling it. Makes sense though, wasn't diving in sharp enough. I think that experience just before our ride put a damper on what I was doing, made me a bit weary of making the ride do the same thing again. I maybe got 1 mild snap out of the whole cycle, compared to the earlier ride where I had several healthy jolts and snaps along with everyone else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flagg O'Dim Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Great reports guys! The group of ten was epic. I didn't think it was possible to fit five of us (including some backpacks) in Logger's Run. I'm sure we hit the weight limit, bottoming out at the top of the drop proved it! The surprise ride on Pumpkin Patch was pretty awesome. Yes, we were being laughed at by the ride operators, but that's the point! I'm slowly learning how to get a wild ride on Flying Eagles. I got some good air, and 90 degree twists, but nowhere near as intense as the video. I'll take your advice Blue Fire Guy and start watching some videos! On another note, the off-season for Firefall can't come soon enough. Last Sunday when we went, every cycle they were only letting about 10 people sit in the front row, and told them to sit in the middle of the gondola. Also, the new spiel is "Please DO NOT secure any loose items in the pouches below." Some guy sitting next to us asked the ride operator why, to which she replied, "Most of them are broken." I noticed yesterday that they ripped out all the pouches, but they were still forcing us to sit as close to the middle as possible. Firefall did pretty good this season in terms of reliability, but it's age is starting to show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 So that's why when I rode FF, all the pouches were missing and everyone bunched in the center. I haven't ridden it the past several visits, so it was nice to get back on it. Only half the fire was working in the pond however. Did they really face palm us at the Jr Windseeker pumpkin patch? I know the lady corrected us for opening the doors ourselves and told us that next time we should wait for her to unlock it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robman Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I know the lady corrected us for opening the doors ourselves and told us that next time we should wait for her to unlock it. She really told you that? I just opened the door and we got in, but didn't expect the whole pumpkin to swing as I stepped in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZhAT1kbOq0 For anyone who is intrested I posted an off ride video of Vortex. The whole thing was filmed and edited on my iPhone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maui21 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 well as a former ride operator of planet snoopy the person who let you on is suppose to tell you to wait by your pumpkin cabin and wait for them to open the door for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I know the lady corrected us for opening the doors ourselves and told us that next time we should wait for her to unlock it. She really told you that? I just opened the door and we got in, but didn't expect the whole pumpkin to swing as I stepped in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZhAT1kbOq0 For anyone who is intrested I posted an off ride video of Vortex. The whole thing was filmed and edited on my iPhone. That came out pretty good! Gotta love iMovie, pretty nifty app! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDcoasterMAN Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 The paint on Vortex was probably park maintenance sealing a weld on the coaster to prevent rust. probably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robman Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Someone posted this picture on the park's Facebook, all I have to say is im glad we went to the park yesterday. It looks like it was packed today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJnCFL Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 ^Yup, knowing my culture, those events will always sell out. Good thing we went on Saturday! Had a great time, yesterday was definitely an epic day! Looking forward to Haunt in 2 weeks, anyways, on to the pics (big update)! More GS construction photos! Construction crews hauling a$$, what a difference 2 weeks make! Sexy curve! Saw the crane in action today... BlueFireGuy's a fly on the Gold Striker Wall... Boys will be girls........ Angry Birds candy while playing Angry Birds! Whitewater Falls Madness! Demon shining.. Look it's spinning! In line at Taxi Jam before the "Walk of Shame" Lounging on Pumpkin Patch! Rob wants a cookie too.. We love Pumpkins! Woodstock Madness! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee again! Fighting over Snoopy's cookies...... Wannabe Fox... Vortex paint in question, can be found on many sections riding the front row.. This view will change dramatically next year.... Ready for Haunt! Robman's office... Picture to Picture... Centrifuge from above! Peanut's Pirates from above! "Endevolution" in action.. Delirium in action.. Firefall... Flying Eagles... Hey up there! Anton goodyness... Darkness falls, Haunt lighting already underway... Orbit in action Last ride of the evening on Eagles! Ending with a nerd shot of the Flying Eagles control panel.........see you in 2 weeks for Haunt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Thanks for sharing! Love the Woodstock Express ride, I can see how I just *barely* make it into the train, can see the tight fit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robman Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Awesome pictures Jeff! I can't wait to start working in my "office". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laqueefa Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 ^I can almost smell the fresh new wood from those pics already I've got fresh wood from these pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAWKIN_coaster38 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 "MORE AIRTIME THAN EL TORO!" LMAO I still don't really know why we decided to ride that ride, but it was hilarious. The kids in front of us gave us this, "WTF?" expression when I started screaming. Classic. I had a really great time on Saturday, probably my best at CGA yet! Jack startled me a few times and that got me really excited for Haunt. The mazes are looking really good, esp. MMMM. Can't wait to see the finished facade, it was coming along really nicely as you can see from the photos. I still hate Vortex and Vortex still hates me. Flight Deck actually banged my ears quite a bit too when we rode it the second time. I'm starting to get the hang of the Eagles, but I haven't gotten as crazy as Blue Fire Guy did on the last run. That ride op really didn't know what was going on, he called maintenance and was saying, "It was moving really weird." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolercstrluvr Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Just with this last visit with the whole gang, this was my 70th visit, hard to believe that I went so many times. But we all had a blast, getting in a bunch of rides, flying eagles being one of my top rides now. I can't wait for haunt and for more adventures to be held. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 ^agreed about those flyers. Sorry Flight Deck for passing you by so we can kick the day off on their flyers (though when we did get back to FD around 10:30 the station was packed with...air. I got one of those rare walk-on front row seats. Also, I'm getting a Peanuts Pirates addiction. I'm currently in this phase where I'm liking how a ride experience can be variable and altered via weight load and being able to have some control in what's happening. I can really use a ride on the flyers right now actually...becoming...a flyer addict! Blue Fire Guy, I'm going to take your advice, spend the next 2 weeks studying up on flying technique and watch those Flyer Addicts Anon videos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fire Guy Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 ^ Their website will also fill you in on all the different models of flyers out there. Ours is Larson's very first, an 8-tub prototype model. I've heard the newer Larsons are much harder to snap, but I can't confirm that until I've ridden one. On another note, I'm already excited for this year's Haunt! I'm picturing in my head the facade of the completed MMMM, windows sticking out Victorian style. New hotness on my first Haunt will be very interesting, looking forward to it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjvader Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 On another note, I'm already excited for this year's Haunt! I'm picturing in my head the facade of the completed MMMM, windows sticking out Victorian style. New hotness on my first Haunt will be very interesting, looking forward to it! Same here, I can't wait to take a stroll through Madame Leota's Massacre Mansion Should be nice when it's completed, right now it just looks like a glorified warehouse. I can smell the fog machines already! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry_Gumball Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 You can smell fog, I can feel that pulse-pounding beat of Toy Factory! Oh, wait...that's only my computer playing it in the background Seriously, I'm really excited for my next visit, Sept 29th...I'm going to go all out and spend 14 long hours out at the park! I'm planning on getting there at opening, spend the day riding rides, then focus on Haunt/cram in some night rides (Demon, Flight Deck) and perhaps some Black Widows Cavern 'Clench 'n Squish' rides...though with my luck and being night, we will probably end up soaked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laqueefa Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Seriously, I'm really excited for my next visit, Sept 29th Well, I just got my 2013 gold season pass purchased. Looks like I will be meeting up next Saturday! I'll PM you my cell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robman Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Another picture from GCI! Shipping bridge steel to California's Great America Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewoplis Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 ^Awesome! This coaster seems to be going up pretty quick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robman Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 ^Awesome! This coaster seems to be going up pretty quick! It really has, I was really surprised that they were even working this past Saturday as they tend not to work on the weekends. With the rate construction is going I could see the ride being open on opening day or shortly there after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLUSHIE Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 That paint seen on Vortex is probably just to test those areas for fractures. There is special paint that can highlight cracks and that's probably why its all over areas that are welded. Maybe it will be painted but I don't think that specific paint or color is final paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singemfrc Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 That paint seen on Vortex is probably just to test those areas for fractures. There is special paint that can highlight cracks and that's probably why its all over areas that are welded. Maybe it will be painted but I don't think that specific paint or color is final paint.And it makes sense that they would do that before a full paint job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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