Better Late Than Never: My WCB 2010 TR

Jhcbiinoc · April 4, 2010

I know this is embarrassingly late (2 weeks!) in being posted, and it is far later than I had hoped or anticipated in getting done thanks to chaos at work when I got back, my cold returning with a vengeance, and something coming up to interrupt me every time I tried to sit down and write it all down! Although it may get lost in all of the Intimidator and other threads, I wanted to go ahead and post this anyway.

Having since recovered from one of the most exhausting but one of the best weekends I have had in a very long time, I still wanted to document the events of this memorable and fantastic weekend by posting my very belated TR along with the few photos I managed to get with my very temperamental camera (actually, thankfully, it was not the camera but the batteries which presented the problem, which has since been corrected).

Friday: Prologue

I had been eagerly looking forward to the 2010 WCB for months, not very fun months filled with a great deal of stress, medical issues and dental surgeries and other life inconveniences. I bought my tickets back in January and as of last week, had my rooms in both Valencia and Buena Park booked and set to go and had even taken Friday and Monday off. Unfortunately, Tuesday I ended up with a nasty cold and initially feared I was going to be unable to make the event I had been waiting for. Thankfully, I pounded the cold medicine, vitamin C and took care of myself and by Friday night I was feeling better and set to go.

I got into the Holiday Inn Express in Valencia around 11pm, and although Denny's seemed tempting to grab a bite to eat, and I had not had much that day, I wanted to get some more rest, so I opted instead for a $1.75 Hot Pocket and a muffin out of the vending machine. HI Express was as good as it always is, great room, reasonable price, and a good place. I highly recommend it to anyone staying at SFMM.

Saturday: SFMM

Popped awake at 5:30, hit the hotel gym for a half hour and snagged a cinnamon roll and made it to SFMM by around 7:55. Truly a gorgeous day, nothing like the downpour we had back in 2009!

Parking was a breeze-I had my pass ready to show and told the attendant I was there for WCB and he simply asked me to "Have A Six Flags Day" and waved me through. Parked down front and trekked to the gate, although I think the park did have trams going. Check in was extremely well organized and efficient, and I got my packet, shirt, and TPR welcome packet in a matter of minutes. I spoke to Chris Godsey from RideWorld for a few and said hello, and then Neal gave the opening address-I got a kick out of his jokes about the weather (apologizing for the weather and saying they were going to turn on the water hoses soon) and the Revolution OTSR April Fools' gag.. Great stuff, not only a great host but a great sense of humor.

The gates opened and we were all off. I stopped to get an all day locker and made my way up to X2. I practically walked on to the the front row, stairs side and the nice person I rode with who was visiting from Nor Cal (my apologies, I forgot your name!) asked me if I wanted inside or outside seat and I opted for inside as that is my favorite. That first ride on X2 was a great start to everything-that was one of the best and smoothest rides on X2 I have ever had in my life. I will also add that the X2 Crew was already doing a great job, one they would keep up all day and well into the night-I don't think I experienced even one temporary delay the entire visit. I immediately followed with a second ride, and decided to head up to Katy's for breakfast and another jolt of coffee.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had muffins this year, and not only that, the cream cheese ones I have not seen anywhere in a while. I grabbed a donut, muffin and some coffee and then noticed that Eric (EBL) was sitting at a nearby table and we talked for a while, which was when I realized ERT was until 10:30 rather than 10! We ended up hanging out for most of morning ERT, catching a couple of rides on Tatsu (running as good as ever) and then went down to Terminator. I was surprised that they made us do the preshow during ERT, but it didn't keep me from enjoying a front row ride on what is rapidly becoming one of all time favorite wooden coasters. When the ride ended, it was almost 10:25 and I wanted to catch one more X2 ride pre opening, so I made a brisk walk up and over the hill and made it there just before the park opened. I was hoping to get my on ride photo, but the registers were down at that moment.

Another awesome ride, and when I was going up the lift and leaving the ride, I noticed the queue was full and all the way to the entrance, so I am glad I rode when I did. Unfortunately, as I was heading back across the bridge, the new sunglasses I had just bought on my last SFMM visit broke, with the lenses popping out, which marked the beginning of having to manually put them back in all day. I chalked it up to having them in my pants pocket during rides (given that all of the other things I have bought at the park are still holding up great, including the coffee travel mug I use daily), and headed down to the locker to get my camera. Stopped in the newly remodeled restrooms, and I have to say, the remodeled bathrooms are a vast improvement.

However, when I went to my locker to get my camera, it was then that I realized that the Excursion I was scheduled to go on at 2:30 and the Photo Tour were two separate events, and I was supposed to be at the Photo Tour at 10:30! So I made another quick jaunt over the hill, hoping that I would be able to join one of the later groups. I explained the situation to William, who was standing at the tour start point and he let me join the next group. (Thanks again!)

I had put what I had assumed to be freshly recharged batteries in my camera that morning, having had the battery charger for my still camera going as well as the video camera charger going all night. As we proceeded on the photo tour, past the dirt which is soon to become the Mr. Six Dance Coaster and around the backside of Deja Vu, it seemed to be working just fine, as I got a few shots of Deja Vu, Terminator, and Dive Devil. However, as we approached some great views of Batman and Riddler's, it began shutting itself off even though there was ample space on the card and it was showing a full charge. I managed to get a few photos, until finally it shut down completely. I took some video instead, to add to the footage for an SFMM video I am working on.

Even though my camera was not cooperating, it was still great to get the opportunity to see the park from this vantage point, and I thought the tour was very well done. Having some time before lunch, I headed over for a ride on one of my favorite SFMM coasters, Scream, and on the way stopped in the designated smoking area for a smoke. While there, I ran into Steve (shpm5150), and his group invited me to be a member of their team for the Scavenger Hunt post lunch. Having enjoyed playing and being on one of the winning teams at the 2009 West Coast Bash, I happily accepted the invitation. They said they were going to ride Colossus, I said I would catch up with them at lunch.

I made my way to Scream, only to realize that I still had my camera and did not have a dollar for a locker. I had a twenty, but the attendant and the park employee who was there could not break it. I went to the on ride photo, and they broke the $20 for me with no problem; these two helpful employees were yet another example of the friendly employees I encountered all day. Since there was a bit of a line, I opted to go for first available row and ended up towards the back; good ride as always. I have no issue with the parking lot below-sure, I think landscaping would be great and I once thought of how cool it could be if they enclosed the cobra roll and the portion of the ride after the MCBR and added effects and so forth-but it doesn't matter. It is still one of my favorite rides there, parking lot or not.

I met up with Steve and the others as I was leaving the ride, and we all walked over to lunch. After putting my camera and jacket in my locker, we headed in. The food service was good and efficiently handled, with friendly employees and some different food options this year. I liked the addition of the baked rather than fried chicken and the extra barbecue sauce available, and even though I didn't partake of any I thought it was good that there was a vegetarian lasagna as an offering. At lunch, I sat with members of the team I was joining as well as Chris Godsey and family, and later we were joined by none other than Jay Thomas, and it was nice to get a chance to talk to everyone there.

I would have liked to talk longer, but it was time to get going with the Scavenger Hunt, as we were assigned a team number of 33 and began the multiple choice question portion of the challenge. And challenging it was-although it was nowhere near as challenging as the Hunt itself!

We made our way around the park-riding the Orient Express up the mountain to get one answer, doing a "star search" all around the park (and those who kept insisting that the one on Attitudes was NOT one of them were in fact correct, it seemed too obvious but we were rapidly running out of time), and doing our best to figure out the questions we needed to answer. Some really good tricky questions on there, as well-those who play next time, prior to next year, just spend some time walking around the park and drinking in the details, because attention to detail is really important on these. Unfortunately. I was completely unaware of the magnitude of the task which awaited me in deciphering the Evil Paragraph and was unable to finish in time.

As we had a 2:40 Excursion Card, we scrambled to turn in our results. As we did, I saw Ryan (G-Force) and some of the others on my team (Team 16) during last year's Scavenger Hunt (sorry I never caught up with you guys again this time!) near the Theater and quickly said hi, and we barely made it in within about 10 minutes of the 2:30 endgame time. Unfortunately, it was a shade too late to make the departure time for our scheduled excursions, but thankfully, William sent us on a different one. We were instructed to meet Donald Spieler (hope I have the correct spelling!) down in front of Scream and he was there, right on time for our backstage tour of Colossus. After giving us some handouts, he took us back behind the Colossus station where we got some great back stage views of Scream and the Six Flags training center first, and then we proceeded around the front of Colossus.

We found out some interesting history about the ride, including information on the re profiling after it first opened and why the trains no longer raced, an anecdote about Chevy Chase filming "Vacation" at the park, and got a look at a rather out of place looking tractor out next to the fence. Robb was in the group and took a group photo, and we all slowly made our way back towards the park.

After a stop at the eatery formerly known as the establishment where you could "Eat Out Loud" (now Ben And Jerry's) to get some water (I felt so sorry for the girl working there by herself, she was doing the best she could and still smiling and doing a great job) and a rest, it was time for the group photo (if this event gets any bigger, they'll need a bigger camera or a crane to get everyone in!) and to shuffle in for the afternoon presentation at Magic Moments, where West Coast Bash had been given placement on the Marquee once again.

The presentation was enjoyable as always, and thanks to the park for providing us with water-much appreciated, as it did get warm during the day. The show commenced with a slideshow of images which had been taken throughout the day interspersed with a gradual reveal of what rides would be open during Night ERT-which turned out to be all coasters other than Ninja (which was closed all day for rehab-and speaking of, I for one was glad as I am certain others were to hear the confirmation during the Q&A that despite the fate which has befallen many of the older Arrow Suspended Coasters, Ninja is a keeper at SFMM!). IN addition, they would be racing Colossus and Terminator would be receiving a "special" audio upgrade.

The Q&A with Jay Thomas, Neal Thurman and Tim Burkhart was entertaining and expertly handled as always, and I have to say it again-in addition to being gracious hosts with a good sense of humor, these guys are doing an exemplary job of turning SFMM around. In the past few years, it has almost become like a brand new park, while still retaining its personality. Every time I go, there are constant improvements, be they updated and clean restrooms, better ride operations and atmosphere, better food service, just an overall better feeling to the park. All of the usual Q&A topics were addressed, from lockers to the parking lot under Scream to new ones, involving the Mr. Six height restriction and retro merchandise, and they were answered very well, I thought. This part of the event finished up with William announcing the Scavenger Hunt Winners, Robb announcing a special prize to the person who brought him a Starbucks, a well deserved round of applause for the Operations and Rides teams (who were really on top of their game both during ERT and during park hours and went out of their way to make the vent great for us) and those who put the event together, and finally, a presentation about Club TPR, which I am glad to have become a member of.

After the Presentation, I parted ways with Team 33 for a while and met up with EBL again. He had a ticket for the dinner at Mooseburger as well coming up shortly after the presentation, and after I got a heavier jacket out of my car, we headed there. The dinner at Mooseburger was nothing short of great: my compliments to whoever provided the Chicken Alfredo pasta, the bread sticks and the rest of the buffet, as I enjoyed it but especially that chocolate cake-if that's not a regular item on the menu, it should be! Service was great as well-with friendly servers, bottomless drinks, and even an entertainer making balloon animals and doing card tricks. All in all, I would do the dinner again-well done, and a class act.

It wasn't quite time for ERT yet, so in the meantime I stopped by the Season Pass center to get the coupon book I didn't get when I had bought my Extreme Pass and then we hit Viper (still a great ride, and it was riding well), Revolution (a classic and worth the ride, even with the OTSRs), ran into and said hi to Jodi who I had not talked to since the X2 Campout, and then headed up towards Rapids Camp. Tatsu still had quite a line-not as long as the one stretching down towards Deja Vu as there had been earlier in the day but still to the entrance, so we decided to head up to the Sky Tower as I had not been up there in a while and wanted to see what was new in the Museum. That elevator ride up there sometimes still gets to me-it's one of those funny things how I love the front row on X2 and Supreme Scream at Knott's, but an elevator ride can sometimes unnerve me. We walked around for a few; I love the museum up there and especially get a kick out of the old commercials, particularly the Revolution ones ("Man was not meant to do that!").

After the ride back down to Earth, with Ninja closed, we queued up for Superman. This turned out to be the longest wait of the day, but it was a fun ride. Afterwards we headed down to Goldrusher - at which time the park closed to the public-and then rode Riddler's in the back row and the new "blue Batman" in the front row, with no lines. Riddler's was great but I didn't do the seat just right and ended up hovering most of the ride, and Batman rode better than ever. We then went and caught an enjoyable night ride on Scream, and on the way from there over to Goliath, I realized that my Club TPR card had somehow slipped off my lanyard and made it from under my jacket and gotten lost somewhere. (In retrospect, it was probably on Riddler's).

The night ride on Goliath was great (including some great airtime on the third hill and a trip through the helix strong enough to make me briefly blackout) and we decided to trek back towards the back of the park and get night rides on Terminator and Tatsu and finish up at X2. Terminator in the front was awesome, although we ended up getting the silent train on our ride, and for night ERT the preshows were not mandatory and all the effects were working great. (I did hear the special audio later-well done!). AS we approached Tatsu, Eric decided he was going to call it a night. I took a wild back row ride on Tatsu - great as always - and then headed down to finish up on my favorite, X2-this was the first year weather had permitted it to be open during WCB night ERT and I wanted to get at least one ride. It was about a quarter to midnight when I got down there, and I had a great ride in the front row-fire effects, audio and all. We returned in time for me to get another ride. And another.

Finally, after wondering if I had the times wrong, I ran into Steve again who joined me for a night ride-and he told me that ERT was going until 12:30 (at least on X2!) This was a great surprise and I ended up staying on the ride until the last train, having the time of my life. There were only a few of us left riding but the crew was keeping up and doing a great job. I knew I had to drive to Buena Park and be up at 5 or 6 am. But I could stay on that coaster for hours and it was a great finale to an already great day, too good to pass up.

Finally, after a great last ride, I made my way to the locker to get my camera and other belongings I had stashed there and headed for the gate. I picked up my complimentary group photo, and as Neal Thurman was standing there, I shook his hand and thanked him personally for a fantastic event. He told me they have fun at the event too, and I believe it. More employees were seeing us out the gate (one of them said "Leaving already!?" ) with a smile.

All in all the best day I think I have ever had at SFMM. Thanks again to all, for a great event and a job well done!

I got to the car and made it to Knott's Resort Hotel where I had scored a room for a decent discount for being a Cedar Fair Platinum Pass Holder and had a reservation. Thankfully, I managed to arrive and get checked in and in my room before 2am. The hotel and the room were more than adequate but at that point I didn't care as much about the accommodations as I did getting some sleep and getting ready for day two, at the park just a few steps away from my hotel.

Sunday: KBF

Perhaps it was just excitement combined with the cold medicine I was taking, but surprisingly, I snapped awake just before my wake up call at 5:30am. I made some hotel coffee and drank some lukewarm green tea (if I had one complaint about my room, it would be that unlike HI Express, there was no mini-fridge for energy drinks), but I was still short of getting to a fully awake and energy filled state-so I did the one thing that gets me going better than caffeine in the mornings-I went down to the hotel gym for some cardio. For a hotel gym it was very, very nice with a full weight room and a battery of cardio machines. I tried the Elliptical but theirs was a little herky-jerky so I opted for the classic stationary bike. After about a half hour I had sweated myself awake and gotten the adrenaline jolt I needed, so I got back to the room. Since checkout was not until noon, I just got ready, grabbed my camera and made my way down to the registration, being grateful I had stayed right at the park.

I made it to the front gate around 7-7:15 am and met up with Eric again, and after getting our welcome packets (with the nice touch of a custom map and schedule they had created just for WCB-a very nice touch!) we signed up for both of the backstage tours. First up was the much anticipated tour of the Calico Mine Ride; at this point I was completely unaware that there were in fact two separate tours of two areas. The first one was the area where the train enters the lift hill on the ride (and every time the ride gets to that point, I remember thinking the first time I rode that the ride would turn into some sort of Mine Train coaster and wondering how exactly that would pan out with the seating arrangement and lack of restraints!)

While we did not have anyone offering a narration or explanation of what the area was, we did have a chaperon and there was an employee present to eagerly answer any questions we might have. One detail that really impressed me about the tour was that it was obvious that someone had taken the time to place wood over the track area where we would be walking, to ensure our safety-they had gone out of their way to make this first time opportunity to go backstage in the Calico Mine both safe and enjoyable. Sure, it was a brief tour-but definitely a special privilege they went out of their way to arrange for us, and every bit worth it. Thankfully, I was able to get the camera working to take a few photos.

When this tour was done, we walked past the other tour meeting near the exit of the Mine Ride, which led me to believe that perhaps it was a different tour. We made our way to the start point for the Roundhouse tour, deciding to stop back and ask about the second tour later.

The roundhouse tour had a sign there instructing us where to wait, and although we were right on time, we had to wait a few moments for the engine in the shop to pull out and go to connect with the coaches. Our guide was both friendly and knowledgeable, offering some background information, and then leading us back so that we could watch the train connecting to the coaches from a closer but safe vantage point.

Afterward, we got an up close and personal look at the Galloping Goose, and some background on what it is before proceeding into the Roundhouse. While inside, we were given more information as well as the opportunity to take photos and ask any questions we might have, so long as we heeded the admonishment to steer clear of the "Pit" which had opened up in the area where the engine was parked. Overall, it was a very interesting, well thought out and executed tour.

We ran into Robb who was telling us to spread the word about the 11am Group Photo next to Sierra Sidewinder, and also discovered that we might have the opportunity to take the second Calico Mine tour of the world-famous "Calico Glory Hole" area if room was open on one of the groups. We made our way over there, and the hostess was very accommodating, arranging for us to join another tour where there was room. Again, they had placed boards in the track for our safe passage, and an employee was there to answer any questions we had. I took a few photos and some video here as well. Overall, I think Knott's did a great job putting these tours together, and I enjoyed them a great deal.

Having completed the tours, it was time to take advantage of the ERT! We took a ride on Supreme Scream (great as always), Boomerang (which I understand the park had opened just for our group-very cool), the classic Montezoomas, and Jaguar. It was getting close for the park opening and I was feeling the need for some breakfast (not having taken advantage of having breakfast delivered to my room in the morning-a nice benefit the hotel offers which in retrospect, I should have taken advantage of). We debated trying to go to McDonalds or seeing if something was open in the front of the park, but as it was so close to opening, we opted to wait. (I do wish the park had opened the bakery or some place to get something to eat during the morning events; I did remember later that the restaurant out front does open at 7:30 for breakfast, but I am not sure how it would have worked with hand stamps. In the thanks thread, I put forth the suggestion that next year it would be great if one of the food places were open.)

Just prior to park opening, we got in line to be some of the first Silver Bullet riders of the day, and the crew let us up into the station to wait as the park did their morning opening ceremonies. Had a great morning front row ride on Bullet (still my favorite coaster at Knott's, even if I do sometimes wonder about the color scheme!) and then headed for the Ghost Town Bakery to grab something to eat and some coffee. After a muffin and a coffee, we headed over to the group photo location. We all had to wait a few moments for Snoopy to show up, but he did and there were several photos taken in front of the Sierra Sidewinder sign. I told Robb about the untimely loss of my Club TPR Card at SFMM, and he agreed to send me a replacement. (Which arrived this week-thanks! This time it went directly in my wallet.....as it should have at SFMM!)

I went back over to the hotel to check out, stow my camera, pack the car and grab a soda. Check out was fast and easy, and after I had the car packed, I got back into the park to meet up with Eric over by the Log Ride. I met him there and although we had thought of grabbing a ride on the Log Ride, we opted instead to take advantage of another perk the park was offering WCB attendees-2 for 1 rides on Screamin' Swing. A great ride as always (albeit a bit short). I wish sometimes that they had one of the large 40 seat versions instead, I would definitely ride more often if they did.

By this time, lunch was approaching so we headed across the street to the picnic area. The food was great as always, although I was surprised that there was no cheese for the hamburgers or the usual potatoes and gravy. Still, it did not keep me from enjoying lunch, the chance to sit down and rest and talk to people, and refresh with the endless fountain of Diet Pepsi. We stayed for a while and watched the post lunch games (During which I thought the hostess did an exemplary job, I have never seen as much participation in the games when they had them at Solace). It was very entertaining, and a good chance to rest up for the remainder of the day.

There was not too much time remaining before the afternoon presentation in the Charles M. Schultz Theater, but we managed to get rides on Sierra Sidewinder and the Log Ride, finishing up the ride on the latter just in time to make the 3:00 presentation.

The afternoon presentation was one of the highlights of the event for me and I thought it was all very well executed. First up, Kevin Rohwer from S&S Worldwide gave what I thought was one of the best and most honest manufacturer presentations I have ever seen. After a multimedia presentation which offered a thorough over view of S&S and its offerings, we were treated to a sneak preview of a brand new coaster concept, which looked very interesting. The was the Q&A session, which I thought was expertly handled, particularly the questions on Ring Racer and Hypersonic, but also a few regarding the new 4D in China and my own regarding whether or not S&S would ever re-enter the water ride market with Arrow's old flume concepts. After the presentation, I was left with the opinion that S&S is a quality manufacturer poised to be in the same elite ranks as B&M, GCI, MACK and Intamin, and a company to watch, as I think we will be seeing some great things from them in the future.

Next up was a Q&A with not just one but many members of Knott's management with nearly every department represented. Marty Keithly, Vice President and General Manager of Knott's did a very nice talk on the history of the park and his experiences working there, and what Knott's is to him, and the "MC" of the presentation, Jeff Tucker (who was hilarious, entertaining and did one heck of a good job) went through all of the pre-submitted questions expertly posing them to the panel. All of the questions were answered very well and honestly I thought (I unfortunately did not think of any until later), including questions about Xcelerator, the park in general, and the usual "When is the park getting another big coaster?" (I loved the answer to the "What color will the new ride be?" as "Clear" and I still don't know which rides bushwhack you at Knott's. ). Aside from a question or two that shocked me in the way they were worded, the whole Q&A was great.

Daniel Miller then gave a very interesting presentation offering some insight into Haunt, ending with a well done sneak preview of one of the mazes we might see for Haunt 2010 (definitely a privilege as it had not yet been seen by anyone else). The maze looks great and original, and I hope it does surface over the lake come October, as I would like to check it out. This was followed by a mostly Haunt related Q&A session (again, I drew a blank during for questions, but thought of many post-presentation). Finally, all of us gave Knott's, Robb and Chris a resounding round of applause for working so hard to make it a great event for us. (I for one am hoping for the possible TPR Haunt event that was discussed this Fall!) After another presentation on Club TPR, the presentation ended.

Eric and I met up with Jim Disney (from Westcoaster) and his wife outside, and talked to them for a few, then went over and caught a ride on the Calico Mine Ride and then headed up to try out the new Pink's Hot Dogs at the front gate for dinner. Good call-the food was great, service was great, and they offer the Annual Passholder Discount. I had the Scotty Dog with cheese and a side of onion rings, and it was easily one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. Definitely worth checking out next time you are at the park if you have not already.

We got back into the park with a little time left prior to evening ERT, and got the event t-shirt over by GhostRider (I thought it was great that there was a different shirt for each day) and walked around for a few. We tried to catch a ride on La Revolucion (one of the flat rides I really enjoy) but it broke down, and as it was so close to 7pm, they would not be reopening. So we elected to catch a ride on the Wave Swinger instead, and then headed over to the Silver Bullet entrance as night ERT was about to commence.

After a front row ride or two, we headed over to catch a night ride on GhostRider. The line was a shade longer than anticipated as the park was still clearing out for the day, but we waited for the front row. Although it was a shade bumpy in places, it was still the same wild and out of control GhostRider i enjoy and definitely worth it.

Eric decided to call it a night, and I headed back to finish out the last 20 minutes or so remaining on Silver Bullet. Just as I had finished off the previous night with back to back re rides on my favorite coaster at SFMM, X2, I enjoyed a great finish to the weekend with several back to back rides on my favorite coaster at Knott's. The ride ops were all pleasant and on top of their game, and the one on the mike kept cracking me up talking about the price of pickles among other things. As the last train of the night pulled back into the station, the ride operator asked if we wanted one more ride, and he responded to everyone's affirmative answer with, "That will be your ride home" . They wished everyone a good night, and the weekend had come to an end.

Exhausted, I made my way to the front gate. Robb was there, looking as tired as I felt and I thanked him once again for putting together such a great event. As I still wanted some dessert, I made a brief stop at the Bakery in the Marketplace; they had this orange Bundt cake that looked great but wouldn't sell me a single slice so I just bought the whole thing for $8 (and still have some left and it is very good) and then got a piece of fudge from the Berry Market for the ride home.

Once I got unpacked and got a shower, I was dead asleep within seconds of hitting the bed.

Monday: Epilogue

Although I had initially intended to do this TR and more on the Monday after, I ended up sleeping the entire day and trying to take care of myself as I felt my cold returning. I was spent, but thoroughly satisfied from an absolutely fantastic, world class weekend.

Once again, I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who made this entire event-TPR, RideWorld, SFMM, KBF and everyone else-such a good one, and I can hardly wait for next year-and plan to tell some other friends to consider checking it out then as well. The first part of 2010 has been very rough for me, with dental issues, health issues and work nightmares, and being able to go and just let all of that go for a couple of days and enjoy not only the rides and the event but the company of good people who in all our diversity share a common interest and a love of having fun means a lot to me. As tired as I was afterward, it definitely reaffirmed how grateful I am to be a member of this board, Club TPR and RideWorld.

Sorry that was so late and really long, now for what pics I was able to take (in the next post).

Edited April 4, 2010 by Jhcbiinoc

Jhcbiinoc · April 4, 2010

Here are the best of the photos I was able to take:

SFMM:

Those unfortunately were the only ones I got worth posting from SFMM. I managed to get a few backstage at Knott's, coming up next.

The backside of Deja Vu

This is the sole ride at SFMM that still unnerves me.....

.....it's that hang time at the top of the spikes that does it.

Parts for the thrilling new coaster for 2010

My favorite element on Terminator, the highly banked turn after the first tunnel

A very different view than in 2009!

Riddler's and the new Blue BTR from a different point of view

A ride I would love to go on-and one that the thought of riding actually makes me very nervous. Still, just to do it at least once would have to be a rush.

Riddler's Dive Loop action

Riddler's airtime hill

I didn't realize it, but these did take after all-these were the only photos I was able to get on the Excursion

Scream's first drop. Parking Lot or not, this is still one of my favorites at SFMM.

Jhcbiinoc · April 4, 2010

Knott's:

Thanks for viewing-next year, I am buying all new batteries so I can get more pics!

Scenery just before the lift hill in Calico Mine, as this guy perpetually hammers the same spike in a neverending cycle

Looking up the lift hill.....first time I rode many years ago, I was sure this was going to turn into a mine train coaster

In case you've ever wondered what was down in this hole.....it's only about a foot deep.

It is obvious KBF went out of their way to make this accessible for us, as you can see the boards laid on the track to enable us to walk around inside safely