74Gibson

They are lifting track into place as I type! Both pieces are going in but each held by its own Casper (crane, extention boom with a big metal hook or whatever they're called)

^ agreed. I try to eat healthy so i typically pack a lunch but last year at CP we went into the sports bar by Raptor and had some pretty good food. I'd much rather have a nice sitdown meal, even if atmosphere is lacking, than mess with packing a lunch.

^ I agree and think I may be one of them. I'm at least very anxious to see!

Thank you CF for the ERT!

Does anyone know how big of a ceremony they're planning for when they place the final piece?

They're gettng ready to lift the next piece of track. It's one. They have all the supports up. We may see the helix finished today!

Even if they do grab a bit it won't necessarily take away from the ride. After thrashing around at those speeds it might be nice to have a second or two to get your bearings before the fun begins again. ^ I hope they have a rail or something so everyone goes past that point before entering those lines. Space is kinda limited though. Whatever they do, the new set of pics has me so excited about this ride I really don't care at this point.

This is such a great group I really wish I lived closer and was able to attend. But I'll wait for an event when the park is open and just enjoy this one vicariously through all of you.

Well I was thinking more along the lines of likes and interests but I know your comment was made in jest. As an undergrad at IU my student ID was my soc# The times they are a changin'

Yeah I got all excited when I saw the cranes there. I just can't wait to stand under and around those elements and feel the force of the trains roaring by! I bet there are going to be a lot of MF comparisons and debates about which is better.

It's hard to say but the siding doesn't look treated from here and if they were going to stain and finish it I bet they would have used pre-finished boards. So...I'm guessing they plan to let it fade like the surrounding buildings. Just a somewhat educated guess.

Yes please I like RailRider's idea. I learned very quickly that there are some very intereesting people on here and it would be fun to know more about them. It would also ease some of my curiosity.

Ya know, I had been thinking that DB wouldn't be that exciting after the mid course break run but not that it's in, WOW. It's still pretty high, the drop into the ravine will be great and zipping past the Crypt will probably be pretty intense and the drawings do not do that final helix justice. I think B&M (and all involved) have really outdone themselves this time! What great use of the land, midway and surrounding attractions.

^ Sorry (hand to forhead) I missed or forgot that about that. I just saw a guy with a board across the splashdown track yesterday and it made me think of it.

On the topic of testing, don't they have to do the walk-through (for lack of a better term) with the wooden car to check that there aren't any clearnece issues like a place where someone could reach out and get injured by a part of the structure? That will be a lot of track to cover. It's awesome to see the MCBR in. My two cents on the SPPD/ ERT issue, I would much rather start every visit of the season with exclusive time on DB than have one special day. I would however be upset if I had planned on attending SPPD and it was cancelled but, life often takes unexpected turns. It's fair to complain but, I think it was a wise business decision and, if you have a problem with CF doing things to make money...stop coming to the park. If they don't make wise financial decisions that ensure revenues (espiecally in an ailing economy) they will go bankrupt and KI could be the next Hard Rock or Geauga (not that I think that would happen). I for one am extremely grateful to them for giving us the opportunity to ride such rides.

Good point Terp. I try not to eat any of that suff and the same will be true for my daughter...at least while I'm around. Per capita spending is no small issue and attendance is just one factor in their financial success. I wonder if they had more paying guests or mostly passholders making the most of their entertainment dollar instead of spending elsewhere.

The park was beautiful back then so I can see how people could feel like something was lost. I'd love to walk through that sceenic view but I think DB, The Beast, etc... might be just a little more fun!

I have never lost anything on a ride but last year Maverick really did a number on a pair of sunglasses I had in my pocket. Luckily though, I had forgotten my Oakleys at home and stopped at a gas station for some cheapies.

Or you can ride MF at night and enjoy the force of the gnats hitting your face as you enter Millenium Island. Your right though, it's plenty fast but almost easy going. It's still currently my fav coaster though! If I could travel more, that would probably change.

^ An inverted one

Ahh Screamin Deamon. My first inversion and the second coaster I ever rode, right after Beast.

I think we should all do everything we can to get as many friends, family, collegues, etc... as we can to the parks this summer. It may end up only being a drop in the bucket but every bit helps. Think of groups trips like the company outing, youth group, sports team. I'm going to call up a bunch of my old friends and I'm sure a group will go and we'll have a blast.

^ I really don't know anything about Geuga Lake but I can say that that commerecial probably did more harm than good.

Yeah they might put some wiring or maybe some controls in there too but who knows, maybe they'll just use levers and string. EDIT: I'm taking back this comment and feeling like a jerk as I realize that tigellinus was being sarcastic I am so excited about so many elements on this ride. RZ I've often had the same thought about the size of the supports (I realize there are larger ones but they aren't nearly as close...except TTD). Imagine (for those of us who havn't got to yet) just standing by them.

If life gives you tomatoes, make tomato soup! p.s. I've got your back Jackson