JD's 2007 Virginia Trip PTRs [Archive]

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JD71

10-05-2007, 07:38 PM

Well after some thought, I decided to post my most recent work, which is my Virginia PTRs, then do the rest if there is enough request.

_____________________________________________

Alright, lets get this show started!

PTR Part One: Getting to Virginia August 21st and 22nd, and Kings Dominion, August 23th, 2007.

So August 21st I went to the In-n-out by LAX to say goodbye to Kayla one last time, and also get some good Californian food while I still could. :P

Got to the airport 2 or 3 hours early, check in didn't take that long. Got to the gate, our plane had been delayed. Had some food at Chili's, then found out the flight was delayed even more. Upon our arrival back at the gate, I saw a real idiot.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010001.jpg
Not only does the sign right behind him say no sitting in the area, in total I saw probably around 10 to 15 airline employees walk right by him and not even bother. People these days...

All in all the delay was around 11/2 hours. After waiting a little more the time came and I got on the plane, got in my seat, and took off.

The flight was an overnight red-eye, I had a headache, and the movie, Shrek 3, really sucked. Not the most enjoyable flight I've ever had, but there wasn't much turbulence. :P

So enough about the flight, lets get to the main reason you're reading this, Kings Dominion!

I got to the park around 11AM and got in hassle free with my Great America Cedar Fair Maxx pass, then headed right, towards Old Virginia. Saw Hypersonic XLC, but passed on it for later as Max had advised. So instead, I hit Ricochet, the wild mouse.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010016.jpg
First pic I took at the park, Hurler and Scrambler actually opened later in the day.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010017.jpg
I blame Vista for the fubar-ness of this pic.:P

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010018.jpg
A closed Hurler.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010019.jpg
Time for the first credit of the trip and my 75th!

Ricochet was fun, on the first half the trims were off, the second half had them on real hard...

Next up was Rebel Yell, backwards. They didn't race us, so points off for that crew. The coaster in itself was fun, I enjoyed it.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010020.jpg
Believe it or not, this was a sad attempt at a race.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010021.jpg
Yeah, the crew needs to practice the timing on dispatches...

After getting some wood, we went for a Togo death machine!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010022.jpg
Woo?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010023.jpg
Beware the arrows! They will attack you! If you wish to live, then strike a pose and they shall flee.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010024.jpg
If you didn't know, its my first Togo.:15:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010025.jpg
Trainage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010026.jpg
Missed the timing...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010027.jpg
Loop!

Headed through Kidzville, saw the lines for the kiddie credits, so decided to get them later. We then ate at Bubba Gump's. I got cheese fries, and my sister had a salad.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010028.jpg
Scooby, waiting for me to ride it later.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010029.jpg
Yay Gary Sinise!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010030.jpg
*gags* The fries are THE WORST fries I have EVER had, DO NOT GET THESE! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

It was now about 12:30 and we headed for Volcano! The line was a little long. but it was worth it. I completely underestimated this Intamin creation.
A thumbs up from me for VTBC!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010031.jpg
Woo!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010032.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010033.jpg
I don't know how Dan doesn't like this ride.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010034.jpg
Avalanche from VTBC's queue.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010035.jpg
Cdr!de strikes again!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010036.jpg
Looking up.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010037.jpg
With a train.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010038.jpg
More Intamin goodness.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010039.jpg
Had enough?

After a good ride on a good ride I went for Avalanche, the bobsled.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010040.jpg
Fun little ride, makes me kinda wish I could've somehow ridden La Vibora when it was still Sarajevo. To Texas!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010041.jpg
More volcano, this time, from Avalanche's exit!:P

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010042.jpg
Mmm, twisty.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010044.jpg
One more from Avalanche.

After getting some unique credits, I went on Anaconda. Being a bit of an Arrow fanboy, I had sort of high expectations for it. Let me tell you, there's no doubt its an Arrow. :p

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010046.jpg
Sign.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010047.jpg
Ooo, pretty.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010048.jpg
Lets test the zoom on my camera!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010049.jpg
Going through the corkscrews over the water is pretty fun.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010050.jpg
Out of the MCBR.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010051.jpg
And into the... uh... pump filled, really funky element.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010052.jpg
Yay! A random lift hill shot!

Anaconda was behind us, next we went back home to SoCal on Italian Job Stunt Track. I found it funny that they show you parts of the movie on giant billboards, then weakly recreate it in the ride. On the MCBR the helicopter didn't move, so it was a little awkward...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010053.jpg
Yay?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010054.jpg
You've never seen this shot before.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010055.jpg
Different timing and different angle!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010056.jpg
Yeah...

After that we went for the Eiffel Tower. Yay for aerial shots!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010058.jpg
Scooby.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010059.jpg
Avalanche, Volcano, and Flight of Fear.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010070.jpg
EXTREME ZOOM

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010075.jpg
XLC, Ricochet, and Hurler.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010077.jpg
Anaconda, Italian Job, and Rebel Yell.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010080.jpg
Grizzly

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010081.jpg
A little more Rebel Yell.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010082.jpg
And that's all from the Eiffel.

Next, we finally headed for Hypersonic XLC.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010084.jpg
Random flat through the trees.:p

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010085.jpg
Oh, and by the way, they're bringing Knott's name to KD's Halloween event.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010088.jpg
You will not find something like this in a SoCal park...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010089.jpg
Passed Shockwave.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010090.jpg
Another shot.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010091.jpg
Are you ready?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010092.jpg
Brake run!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010093.jpg
Yeah yeah... through the trees...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010094.jpg
Do they really need this sign?

Hypersonic was really intense, and some part of the tophat, I don't remember when, really gave me a bad case of whiplash. That really hurt my head, but aside from that, pretty sweet coaster. Oh, and I rode back row like Max said.;)

Ok, now is the part of the day where I rode Hurler, and let me tell you, its a freaking awesome woodie.

GhostRider only outranks it on my list because of Solace 07. But it comes very close.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010112.jpg
Heck yes!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010095.jpg
All shall bow down to it's magnificent glory.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010096.jpg
This woodie packs a punch.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010097.jpg
*Insert more Hurler praise*

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010098.jpg
Queueness

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010099.jpg
Yay! Empty!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010100.jpg
Awesome first drop.

Got off, noticed Ricochet was E-Stopped, took a couple more XLC pics, then finally did Rebel Yell forwards.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010101.jpg
Oh thats good.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010102.jpg
Signage, because I forgot to earlier.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010104.jpg
Yay tophat!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010105.jpg
Add an empty train to that.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010106.jpg
Rebel Yell is Ace approved!

Drop Zone soon proceeded. I must say, it is my now my favorite drop tower...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010107.jpg
Its so huge...

The next flat was something I knew I had to do. Can you guess what it was?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010108.jpg
My Bird, these are fun. :P

After finally riding a flyer, I went in search of Grizzly. I couldn't find it anywhere, probably should have grabbed a map when I first walked though the gates... Well after looking around a bit, the entrance was found.

From the rest of the park, Grizzly looks pretty awesome all secluded and stuff, but I disliked it, and found it a little too rough for enjoyment. It wasn't Psyclone rough, but still pretty rough.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010109.jpg
Random thing in an arcade, Hi Brandon.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010110.jpg
Yup, its Grizzly.

Grizzly sucked, in my opinion. I then went back to Hurler, got in line for last row, it had a three train wait. Just as I was about to board, the ride broke. Most people left and I ended up being the only person in the whole rear half of the station that waited it out. It was only down for 5 minutes really...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010111.jpg
Beautiful.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010113.jpg
Crap, that can't be good...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010116.jpg
*drools*

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010117.jpg
Maintenance on scene.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010118.jpg
Hey, where'd everyone go?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010119.jpg
Note: this is the closest thing I took to an onride pic the entire visit.

When we returned to the station I got off, then got back on, this time second row. Another cycle passed, this time I went out and through the queue and waited for front. In total that's 3 rides, and 4 for the whole day. I keep telling you, Hurler is awesome.

After having some fun on my favourite ride in the park, my sis and I went on Triple Spin.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010121.jpg
Yay Sign!

Walked around a bit, found ourselves back in Kidzville. Saw a sign saying I would be too tall for Taxi Jam, and I doubt I'd be able to sneak on it, for like Volcano, it too got the cdr!de treatment. So even if the ops were cool, they'd have me on file. (It's a giant conspiracy theory!)

So no Taxi Jam credit for me...:(

But, I was able to get on Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster. Surprisingly, it was pretty rough for a kiddie coaster!

We soon started to walk around to try to find FoF, to see if it had opened. At one point we found ourselves sort of lost and rode a really crappy ride...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010123.jpg
Waste of time..

Yeah, compared to DLR's Astro Blasters, this ride really sucked...

After a little while we finally found what I was looking for for, and I wasn't happy with what I saw...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/p1010124.jpg
Not cool...

Lets see, went to Italian Job for another ride, Anaconda for a couple more, then the day was about done.

Last set of pics!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010125.jpg
I will admit, the trains are pretty cool.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010126.jpg
That right there is the most painful part of Anaconda...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010127.jpg
Through the leaves!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010128.jpg
And a lift hill shot.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010130.jpg
Don't forget the corkscrew.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/KD%208-23-07/P1010131.jpg
And with this final pic, I say goodbye for now.

Thank you for reading.

JD71

10-05-2007, 07:39 PM

Before I get to the BGE PTR everyone has been waiting for, I'm going to do a small non-coaster PTR of Mt Vernon. Why? Because.

What is Mount Vernon you ask? Its a mansion in Virginia. Oh, and it was George Washington's home.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010001.jpg
A simple map of the area.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010003.jpg
Inside the Ford Orientation Center, there’s this giant stained glass window all about George.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010002.jpg
Yup.

After sitting through a twenty or so minute short film on George, you set off for the mansion.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010004.jpg
Ladies and Gentlemen, the back of the plantation home.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010005.jpg
Getting closer.

Due to a policy, there were no in-house pictures taken, but the place is pretty sweet.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010007.jpg
The Potomac River from the front.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010009.jpg
Another view, it is beautiful up there.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010013.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010014.jpg

After the house tour, we walked down to the tomb.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010017.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010015.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010019.jpg
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/Mt%20Vernon%208-28-07/P1010018.jpg
George Washington

Sorry I didn't have many pics, it was just one of those days where I didn't really touch the camera. Hope you enjoyed this little something about Mt Vernon though.

Thank you for reading.

JD71

10-05-2007, 07:40 PM

Well, the moment everyone has been waiting for...

PTR Part 3: BGE September 1st, 2007

Well Saturday I woke up and went to Colonial Williamsburg, watched a reenactment thing, didn't take any pics from it… Twas fun though.

Anyways, got to BGE around 1:30 or so, immediately saw something in the distance. :P

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010001.jpg
Oooo, even from afar it looks awesome.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010002c.jpg
We're here!

Upon arrival to the parking, you pass Apollo's Chariot.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010003.jpg
Yay?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010004.jpg
On the first drop.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010006.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010007.jpg
Trees

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010012.jpg
Floral Anheuser-Busch logo.

So they dropped me off and I went into the park.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010013.jpg
"World's Most Beautiful Theme Park" Well I don't disagree with that!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010014.jpg
At the moment I saw this, I got really hyped.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010016.jpg
205 feet up, 90 degrees down, zero floor.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010017.jpg
First immelmann loop!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010019.jpg
Looking up at the folks looking down.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010020.jpg
Wow, I actually timed a shot right.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010023.jpg

After taking a couple pics, I got a $1 locker (Don't get me started on a rant about the loose article policy) and got in line. It was stated to be an hour wait, but it only took half that. I waited a little extra for front and got 5th seat in, I was sitting front and center. We departed, and though I kept my cool, I was extremely excited on the inside.

The Lift was fast, yet wasn't too long or short. Go through the turn, see BGE and everything else, pretty cool view. Then came the hold before the drop. When we started creeping down, I was just thinking of my recent encounter on Deja. Some seconds later we're released and drop straight towards the earth below. Flew under the bridge and into the first of two immelmanns, then turned into the smooth MCBR. Down the second drop, the pullout was a lot more forceful then the one on the first. Also, the second immelmann, like the second drop, was more forceful than the first. Can't remember the hill after that much, it had a nice head chopper though. Then came the straightway, aka the water splash. Front and center didn't do much for it, but I knew what was happening behind me, and I knew it would look cool. Turn around, sort-of hill, and to top it all off, the brake run. The ride was done.

I freaking loved it, Griffon is such an awesome coaster. I highly recommend this smooth, forceful, B&M masterpiece to everyone.

More pics!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010024.jpg
Loading/Exit Platform.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010025.jpg
Griffon related banner.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010027.jpg
The water that is shot up actually hits two parts of the coaster, as seen in the pic, and when the trains fly over the wet pieces of track, you hear a squeak like sound from the wheels. Just a random thing I noticed...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010028.jpg
Without a train.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010033.jpg
Seriously, from off the ride the water splash looks awesome.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010031.jpg
Dive!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010032.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010034.jpg
Zoomed

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010038.jpg
Griffon sure is a crowd pleaser.

After getting an awesome new credit, I headed for Alpengeist. I had forgotten what seats Ryan advised, and because I didn't want a crappy and painful ride on it like last year, I called Billy to check it for me.

When you go Busch row 9 on Apollo, Row 8 on Alpengeist.

So I rode last row like Ryan originally told me and Billy informed me, and it wasn't as bad. Sure entering the Cobra and entering the MCBR still were a little painful, but it wasn't as bad as it is in other rows.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010039.jpg
Zero G Roll.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010044.jpg
Griffon and Alpengeist.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010050.jpg
If this was landscape instead of portrait it’d so be my new desktop.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010052.jpg
Lets add a train to that.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010053.jpg
Signage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010054.jpg
Lift Shot

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010055.jpg
Out of the MCBR.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010056.jpg
Ooo, pretty.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010058.jpg
Griffon in the distance.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010060.jpg
Alpy on the drop.

Next I tried for Big Bad Wolf; the line was way too long for my liking, so I passed on it.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010062.jpg
BBW Signage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010063.jpg
Down the trim riddled drop in an overtaken shot…

As I kept walking, I eventually came to Apollo’s Chariot. With my newfound knowledge, I set off for the 9th row. And let me tell you, it was pretty sweet.

Until that day, I didn’t know that ejector air was even possible on a B&M, but AC and Griffon really showed me that not only is it possible, it’s also freaking awesome.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010069.jpg
AC sign.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010068.jpg
And a lift hill shot.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010070.jpg
Also, to pass a little time, I rode Battering Ram, a Sea Dragon.

Walked around some more and found Loch Ness Monster, which was my favourite ride last year, closed…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010071.jpg
Not good.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010072.jpg
Nessie is ACE approved!

Started to just walk wherever, ended up back at Griffon.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010075.jpg
Alpengeist from that one bridge that goes over the Rhine.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010077.jpg
What LNM is known for.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010080.jpg
Dang you BGE, why did you close such an awesome coaster during my visit?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010082.jpg
Secluded Arrows are awesome. :P

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010083.jpg
More double loop action.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010085.jpg
And looking behind me, sucks that Nessie was closed…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010088.jpg
Back to Griffon for a second ride.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010089.jpg
This isn’t an on ride pic, it was taken from the bridge…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010091.jpg
All will cower in fear.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010093.jpg
Seriously, Griffon is insane.

The first ride on Griffon was front and center, this time I got rear right seat. It was even more forceful.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010094.jpg
A sign told me to take this pic…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010095.jpg
Then I finally rode BBW. The line was incredibly long and the ride was trimmed to death…
Ninja definitely kicks BBW’s a$$.

I soon ate a pizza at the Festhaus.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010096.jpg
Entrance.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010097.jpg
Closer shot.

It was now 7:30PM and I was to be picked up at 8. So I ran to Griffon and tried to get in the single rider line, but I was denied, and they told me it was full. So I asked how long the normal line was, an hour long they said. I looked for myself, and it was the longest I had seen it. I simply said “I don’t have time for that..” and started taking more pictures. So I missed out on a 3rd ride on Griffon, but some of the pics turned out pretty sweet.:)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010101.jpg
Turnaround

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010102.jpg
The sign looks awesome at day, but looks even better lit up at night.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010105.jpg
*Drools all over keyboard*

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010110.jpg
Even at night the water effect is still cool.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010112.jpg
Underneath the drop.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010115.jpg
Gah, we need more dive machines…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010117.jpg
Track

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010119.jpg
Adding a speeding train to that.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010120.jpg
Alpengeist in the distance.

Sadly, it was now 7:55PM, and I started heading for the front gate. Overall the day was pretty good, and Griffon is an unbelievable roller coaster.
And with that said, I conclude this Photographic Trip Report.

Thank you for reading.

JD71

10-05-2007, 07:41 PM

PTR Part Four: Six Flags America, September 3rd, 2007

Woke up around noon or so, and after doing some stuff, left for Maryland. I arrived at SFA around 2PM. Got in the gates and the first ride I hit was Wild One.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010001.jpg
Oh?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010002.jpg
We’re here.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010003.jpg
The main entrance.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010004.jpg
Signage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010005.jpg
Old car.

Last Year Wild One was a good ride, this year, I don’t know how much maintenance went into it, but it’s a whole lot better! The speed, the forces, the pacing, and it was smooth! …for a woodie. :p

Hurler and GhostRider are still better though, in my opinion. ;)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010007.jpg
Hooray for awesome wood!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010012.jpg
Oh such a good coaster.

Walked around to Roar, mainly to figure out what I think about the coaster, because all my memories of it from 06 are vague, and I hadn’t been able to even remember if I liked it or not. Well I got last row this time and it was rough, fast, but fun. An enjoyable ride.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010013.jpg
Signage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010014.jpg
More Signage.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010016.jpg
Roar has some rough spots, but it’s a good ride overall.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010021.jpg
Hill.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010022.jpg

After that I went on over to Superman for some airtime. I got second car, second row, left seat, red train. It was better than I had remembered, also not being stapled helped a little. ;)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010024.jpg
Sidenote: most all coasters, except for Batwing, were in two train operation.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010025.jpg
Wild One in the distance while on the way to Superman.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010026.jpg
On the lift.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010029.jpg
Intamin, you are the masters of airtime.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010030.jpg
The hills provide such sweet ejector, but the ops always try their best to staple you…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010039.jpg
So… much… airtime…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010045.jpg
The trims are barely noticeable …are they even on?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010040.jpg
Lift Hill of awesomeness.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010056.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010041.jpg
Yeah, I’m a coaster nerd…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010042.jpg
Guess what I rode next!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010046.jpg
Batwing sign.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010047.jpg
A closer look.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010057.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010061.jpg
Who knew Vekoma could make an awesome coaster?:p

The line was pretty long, but I was determined to ride Batwing at least once, so I waited the long line.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010065.jpg
I got in line around 4. Yeah my phone is in bad condition, it’s what happens when you let your little sister borrow it…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010068.jpg
From the queue.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010070.jpg
Zoom zoom

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010071.jpg
Veko_220, must be some sort of code...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010072.jpg
On the lift.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010073.jpg
Track.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010074.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010075.jpg
Single train op with ten minute dispatches, at least it wasn’t unbearably humid like my visit last year.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010076.jpg
That’s a sign of quality!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010078.jpg
From the exit.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010077.jpg
Yup.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010080.jpg
You have never seen anything like this shot before. Ever.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010081.jpg
It’s impossible to make out what it says in this pic, but it said 5:04 when I took it. So yeah, hour long wait…

Batwing, I got third row, far right, thanks to assigned seating… Same ol Batwing, still a freaking awesome coaster, but then I started debating which is better, the new B&M masterpiece at BGE called Griffon, or the Vekoma Flying Dutchman that wowed me when I first rode it a year ago.

I came to the decision that, in my opinion, Griffon is better than Batwing… There I said it.

Ok, here’s the part of the day I didn’t quite enjoy, the time where I stood in a line filled with little kids waiting for a kiddie coaster, then had the ride op laugh at me when I told her I was by myself. But hey, as the saying goes, “Anything for a credit”. Hmm, haven’t said that in a while…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010084.jpg
Its actually a little aggressive, especially in the transitions.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010085.jpg
Just incase you were wondering who built the coaster, it was Zamperla.

Rode Tower of Doom, then Wild One once again.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010088.jpg
”Tallest & Fastest Wooden Coaster In The West” Believe it or not, that’s true.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010091.jpg

After another good ride on Wild One, I walked around the park to Mind Eraser, not to ride the god forsaken piece of crap, but to take some pics, and to laugh at all the idiots that did ride. :P

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010094.jpg
Let the pain begin.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010095.jpg
Looks cool, hurts you like hell.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010096.jpg
Ouch...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010097.jpg
Though the ride sucks, it is a little photogenic.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010099.jpg
Interesting support system…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010103.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010107.jpg
Lift shot, from underneath!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010110.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010112.jpg
HAHAHA, idiots.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010113.jpg
What are they thinking?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010114.jpg
And that’s all from my least fav coaster on zeh planet.

I soon rode Joker’s Jinx.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010122.jpg
Yup.

JJ seemed to crawl at the beginning, but really picked up speed near the end…
I then started for a second ride on Batwing.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010126.jpg
Yay!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010129.jpg
The footers are odd in places.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010130.jpg
Hmm, just as long as before, decided to pass on it…

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010132.jpg
Looking up.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010133.jpg
A train full of passengers about to disembark onto a crazy experience.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010137.jpg

I then left the area and saw Roar, figured what the heck and went for it. When I got there, maintenance was on scene, it was closed. I decided to wait it out, and it paid off, for after cycling the trains one more time, they opened up the ride. I treated myself to front, and was the only person in the front half of the train. It was like I was almost by myself on the train, and it was awesome.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010138.jpg
Roar in the distance.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010139.jpg
And we’re here.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010140.jpg
I see maintenance!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010141.jpg
Roar, little rough, very fun.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010142.jpg
Little more zoomed.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010143.jpg
Pre-lift segment.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010147.jpg
That’s all from Roar.

I then ate at Panda Express, and after that went for some Superman.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010148.jpg

Arrived at Sros 7:30, and the station was nearly empty. I wait an extra train or two for the last car, to test the AC theory though. Let me tell you, loose riding an airtime monster in the back row at dusk is awesome.

It was now 7:45PM, and time for me to start heading out, so I did.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/SFA%209-3-07/P1010151.jpg
I leave you with this last pic, the park’s entrance at night. Also, may I add, that this is the last of the PTRs from this two week trip. It’s been a long course and now we're just about at the brake run.

Thank you for reading.

chris

12-24-2007, 12:01 PM

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010031.jpgMe with my hands up in the front! W00T!

IntaminFan007

12-24-2007, 12:55 PM

That is an awesome PTR! XLC looks fun!

thatdancingbear

12-24-2007, 01:04 PM

I forgot how many great pictures are in those PTR's! Thanks for reposting :)

Michael

12-24-2007, 01:11 PM

Makes me wanna repost one of my PTR's, lol :p

Loved the pictures. There were tons of them too, I sat here for about an hour and a half looking through them :) Really enjoyed it the second time through.

JD71

12-24-2007, 03:28 PM

Wow, I thought this thread was dead and gone, but it seems people are still interested.

Chris: Well we still have no way of knowing if that was you, but I'll say what the heck, sure.
IntaminFan: Thank you, XLC is one crazy coaster, its incredibly intense.
Billy: Thank you, and you're welcome.
Mike: Why not? :p Well awesome, glad you enjoyed it.

JD71

01-14-2008, 03:14 PM

O noes, double post...

Well, I took the time last night to test out the new user gallery, and I have upload all my pics from the BGE trip: Click me (http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/community/album.php?albumid=9)

Legal stuff: Don't steal pics. If you wish to use any of my pictures, just ask me, I'll probably OK it. If you want an unresized original of any picture for a desktop, just let me know which one, and I'll send it to you.

Sam

01-14-2008, 07:40 PM

I don't know why I didn't get around to reading this earlier. This makes me even more excited for my trip to these parks in 7 months! :D

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jdsmartdude911/BGE%209-1-07/P1010082.jpg

In this picture, without the loop support on the left, one might mistake it for Goldrusher. :p And yes, secluded Arrows are awesome!

chris

01-14-2008, 08:17 PM

That drop isnt as bad as the first big one.:o I would give that coaster 4 1/2 stars.:D

rollercoasterfreak91

01-14-2008, 11:26 PM

^^I did mistake it for Goldrusher, before realizing that the supports were way too high off the ground. I need to ride Nessie someday...