The Beast Rider

You could not be more correct! Even if Mean Streak is in a good mood! I say that, but when I am at the Point, you will find me on it at least once, usually in the second to back seat!

If they decide to fix SOB again, I think they need to go all out and convert at least some of the structure to steel. I would like to see them leave the path of the ride alone, but getting the train to turn (any train, Timberliner or not) at 75 MPH on wood will not be smooth for long. It would be interesting to know who thought that would work out in the first place.

It's amazing isn't it? To me at least, Mean Streak is easily much rougher and more unenjoyable in it's current form than Son of Beast ever thought about being. But Mean Streak is still running... Great trip report! It sounds like you had a great time up at the Point!

Cedar Fair add a trim brake? They would never do such a thing! Who do you think you are talking about, Ceda.... Oh, wait. It would not surprise me in the least for it to end up just like The Beast and Mean Streak, and so many other Cedar Fair coasters.

You definately want to ride all three coasters. All their coasters run trim brake free too (at least they did last year)!!! They all three are great rides in their own way. Raven is right by the entrance to the park, you'll want to wait a while to get it. One time I was there, the line was nuts right after opening, but later in the day it was a walk-on. Holiday World is a great park to visit. Hope you do find time to get there this summer!

I really think these types of changes are not for the better. To me, the theming on the rides does indeed add to the experience. The stickers they speak of do not add anything to the actual ride, but they add to the overall experience. Look at Flight Deck. The movie posters, the fighter jet billboard, and the soundtrack that played in the queue all added to the experience. The coaster is the same (other than the desperate need of paint) but the magic is gone. Now, the magic of Backlot Stunt Coaster is gone. Just imagine if they suddenly remodeled Beast's station and did away with any of the theming up there. Or drained Diamondback's splash pool. Or removed the splash fins from the trains. Or did away with the remainder of The Bat's station at Vortex. Or removed the floral clock. All of these things are minor details that do nothing to enhance the actual rides, but they add much to the overall atmosphere of the park. It seems to me that Cedar Fair is losing that magic. Myself, I do miss Paramount. They did a lot of damage while they were there, but they also knew how to create magical atmosphere. If only we could get a company that could do both and do it well.

^ I agree. The way that they are answering the questions is excellent! They are very enjoyable to read, and the questions are great too! It is fantastic that they are even taking the time to do the 5@5! Keep up the excellent work, KI PR!!!

You can add me to that list. SOB never did cause me any issues, and I usually rode in the very back seat!! If it eventually re-opens, I'll be on it.

^^ Not quite true. There have been a few events over the years in which the trims were "turned off". This was in the days of the skids when they were actually adjustable. There was also a time or two where Mrs. Voss had a hand in getting her ACER's a unique morning ride as well.

It's right at 70 miles for me. Takes about 1 1/2 hours if I go the quick way. I'm about 1/2 way between Indy and Dayton, right on 70. I go to the park down IN-1 to US52, I am jumping for joy that 275 is done!! That's the best news I've heard all winter!

I think that would be the hardest part of working in PR. You know there are questions that they would love to answer but cannot for one reason or another. I am sure that would be the hardest part of the job; being asked a question, knowing the answer, knowing they can't say the answer, and coming up with something to say to answer the question enough that the person asking "goes away". I don't evy them at all at times. At least with the internet questions, they can pick and choose which ones to answer.

^^ I have been a member of ACE for several years, and I enjoy it a lot. If you would not go to the events, it may not make sense for you to spend the $60 a year. Roller Coaster magazine is nice, and the newsletters are interesting reading too. Some parks offer discounts on tickets and season passes to ACE members. Since KI does not do the ACE Beast walkback anymore, it would be a personal choice on your part.

You are quite right. "They" have made it quite clear to some that "they" do not like enthusiasts. Being a member of this site qualifies you as one.

The Voyage seems the fastest to me. Riding it right after a heavy thunderstorm, in the dark, catching airtime going into the midcourse (which did nothing ) was just the greatest.

Well, this could be very good news. Hopefully this means the park can re-open pretty soon and get back to normal. Maybe a trip to Florida is in the cards should they get the park open!!

I am afraid that we would see the entire economy completely crumble if they gouge their way to $6.00 a gallon. Look at the damage $4.00 + caused this time around. They almost collapsed it completely then.

Sounds good to me, I'm definately ready. I call 6-2. See you at Beast!

I don't get it. I have ridden Son of Beast many times, usually in the very back seat and never did feel like I'd been hit by a truck. I rode Mean Streak at Coastermania this past summer, and it was plenty rough. Way rougher than SOB ever thought about being. But it's still open.

I didn't see the 2006 on the picture. I can see why they would still have those trains in 2006. I just wish they would make some sort of announcement so we could all accept the fate of SOB and get it over with.

The trains in the above pictures are the old trains when SOB still had the loop. Was that a recent picture? If so, I wonder why they had them out.

No, no, no!!! The first thing that Cedar Fair would do is turn the mid-course on and probably stop it there, and add a trim brake to the drop and probably the second hill. Voyage is just fine right where it is. I wish they would bring Starliner from Cypress Gardens.

Well, that stinks. That was such a nice park, and now the Starliner is in jeopardy again. Not to mention Triple Hurricane. I wish them well, and hope they can find someone to buy the park and get it running again.

Oh yes, that happens all too often it seems. I should have left it at "thats interesting that they are running the trains". My attempt at sarcasm didn't work out all that well.

^ Well, I'll be!! Whoda thunk it! I was merely making a statement that had no real merit. It is interesting that they are running the trains though. And, while the park may have said that SOB was closed for the 2009 season, remember there were no skeletons of McNair or Kazemi at the park either.

That is interesting. Maybe they have decided to open SOB for the Haunt. Or not. I'm sure we will all find out in a little over 24 hours.