Back from KBF's Winter Coaster Solace!

KBF is a class organization that was well oraganized and followed pre-event scheduling in full. This was my first ever Solace. They went out of their way with the made to order all-you-can-eat steaks, ribs, and chicken for the Friday events. The ERT on both nights for Ghostrider was excellent. Lights were off and 2-train operation prevailed. I managed 34 rides (GR) the 4 hours they offered on the 2 nights---but I was hardcore this weekend. Attendence seemed to be a couple hundred, but I may be a bad estimator.

Xcellerator had one train operation with the other train in pieces. Friday offered nightime ERT while Sat was am. They also offered 3 hours of am ERT on Montezuma's, Jag, and BR! Supreme Scream was thrown in there on Friday night and Sat am!

I'm too tired and lazy to give the minute by minute description. However, it should be known that everybody involved in this event that I talked to had a great time. The park did way more than anybody expected. I have not been to a lot of events (a few Coastermania's, a WOF event and one Con)---but this was by far the best I have ever been treated by a park staff.

Wow, glad to hear you had a great time. I just got back from the Solace today, but I am too busy today to write my usual novel of a trip report, but expect one tomorrow (as well as most of the 226 pics I took):) .

Moving on. I thoroughly enjoyed this year .. but in my opinion it wasn't as good as last year. Last year they offered great behind the scenes tours on rides which filled up the morning. While we were able to tour the construction site for Silver Bullet, it wasn't what I expected. There was a representative from B&M (forgot his position (he had a cool accent though:))) as well as the guy who ran the Montezooma tours last year, and a really great, really funny lady whose name slips me at the moment. Basically we could walk around the site and ask questions. It was fun and interesting, but very informal compared to the tours last year. Not to say I wasn't appreciative because they were nice enough to let us tour the site, but I guess I got spoiled.

Lunch was a nightmare for us. They decided to hold it at the Boardwalk Ballroom this year with only one seating at 11:30. They also decided to hold the raffle during lunch too, which forced many people (including myself) to have to sit on the stairs on the side of the seating area, and on the floor to eat because everyone was sitting at the tables waiting for the raffle to start. A few people were nice enough to offer us open seats at their table, but there wasn't enough seats for my group. The raffle was fun, and they made $2900, but since it was the first year in the boardwalk ballroom they hopefully realized the mess it was and will change it for next year.

As for the Ghostrider ERT, it was fun, but again, not as good as next year. The crew wasn't nearly as good, last year there was a huge energy flow in the stations, the Ride ops were pumping everyone up, and everyone was cheering, and everyone was having a great time. This year everyone just seemed to themselves, there was clapping in the brake run, and the occasional "Silver train rules!" not much more. The employees went at a normal pace, they just checked bars, and went to their positions to dispatch trains (none of the ERT crews all day were exceptional). However in the morning and during the Ghostrider ERT knott's was nice enough to give us coffee and donuts in the morning and cookies at night, both of which were really good, so I applaud them for that.

I had a great time, and if it was my first time this year I would have very little gripes, but since I have attended before I couldn't help but compare it, and while it was fun, it wasn't as good as last year. But each year is a different learning experience and they will see the good and bad from this year and hopefully make next year even better. But 5 hours of ERT, a chance to see the construction site if Silver bullet, free parking, free food, a free shirt, lots of great raffle prizes, a full day at amazing Knott's Berry Farm, all for about the price of one day at the park, I really couldn't ask for more.

Kevin "Kingdom of the Dinosaurs had the best crew all day:)" Lundstrom *** Edited 3/8/2004 1:28:24 AM UTC by MilleniumForce6279***

I'm also thinking of during a TR for the trip but it too would be a novel. I agree the crew wasn't all that fun, bvut GhostRider was running so exceptionally well that it completely made up for it. I have no had about 60 rides on GhostRider and none can compare to this years late late night ERT, absolutely insane. To say the least I'm a little sore from it.

To sum up the trip in my opinion.

GhostRider kicked a$$, the silver train was rougher, but the airtime on THE DROP was otherworldly, and the speed insane. Xcelerator wasn't to shabby either.

Belmont Babe and I have just walked in the door from attending Solace. We had a great time, the staff at Knotts always put on a good show. Friday night's dinner and presentation by the B & M representative was very well done. The spread was very satisfying as was the ERT on Ghostrider afterwards. This is one coaster that loves the night! Saturday's attendence was 440 people, the highest attendence to date for this event. There was a fairly high number of walk up registrations that morning which put a kink in the dining arrangements. We talked to Susan Tierney the head of PR at the Farm about this after lunch. She said that if it looks like this scenerio is going to repeat itself next year the luncheon will be held at the corporate picnic site next to Soak City.

We've been to three Solaces now, and have enjoyed every one of them. Each one is different, so it is difficult to compare one year to the next. It depends upon what is happening in the park that year. We are looking foward to next years Solace and riding Silver Bullet, and to learn what else Jack has up his sleeve. *** Edited 3/8/2004 3:40:40 AM UTC by Dutchman***

---

coasterkid16 said:
To sum up the trip in my opinion.

GhostRider kicked a$$, the silver train was rougher, but the airtime on THE DROP was otherworldly, and the speed insane. Xcelerator wasn't to shabby either.

---

Couldn't agree more, keeping Ghostie in the condition it's in gets RAVE reviews from me....the entire event was fabulous, and many thanks to Knott's for hosting....my first Solace event, and the park will reap the benefits... ;)

Monte, back seat, still a moment of steel bliss, and perhaps even (gasp!) preferred over Xcelerator...

gator, where were you for the six-man (it was five without you) log ride? We all got wet before the lift.

Five of five for me, this year was one of the best for me thanks to those attending.

Rollergator did things work out for you with the passes? *** Edited 3/9/2004 5:08:29 AM UTC by Iggy ACE***

Mike, that must have been during the post-golf time when I headed out with some of the *older crowd* and made sure to get rides on Gr8 Sk8 (I think we broke it, LOL), La Revolucion - I got on the wrong side, still very fun with good swings, and a last ride on Xcel before ERT. I've ridden their Log Flume many times, and have even "requested" it for events it's such a unique dark ride/flume combo...

Iggy, I'll PM ya...thanks...;)

I had a great time. Racked in 29 rides on GhostRiders. I'd have to say it was definately running better on Saturday, although the Friday night rides sure were smooth. :) Someone tried to convince me that the front was more rideable- no thanks! About 95% of my rides were in the back two cars, mostly on the silver train. Luck, or just skill, you decide. ;)

I just wanted to add that my incredibly nosey ears overheard Jack talking to the guys from Amusement Today and B&M about the Tornado slides, and how they looked to be great investments. Hrmm. *** Edited 3/9/2004 6:12:59 AM UTC by GoliathKills***

---

boblogone said:
gator, where were you for the six-man (it was five without you) log ride? We all got wet before the lift.

Five of five for me, this year was one of the best for me thanks to those attending.

---

Heh, that may be my highlight of the entire day. That, and continual mocking of the pile of dirt, though I honestly felt off my A-game when it came to mocking. Catch me another time, I'll be even more obnoxious ;)

And our seating in the log was pefect: str8, gey, str8, gay, str8 [or boy, girl, boy, girl, boy if you prefer...lol!].

Servo - your humor was fine, no need to apologize. But next time forgo the NASCAR for the goofy golf ;)

mOOSH

Bah! NASCAR != Formula 1, you heathen!!

Maybe I can start a letter writing campaign now to get next year's Solace on a different weekend than the F1 opening event ;)

'gator, I think the ride was right after lunch, or was it before? After Sunday at SFMM my mind is a bit of a blur.

'moosh, are you sure about the seating, we were all wet before the lift. At least I was......Did I say that? ;)

Servo, F1 is a little closer to 'real' racing. The cars may be faster, but you can actually see what the riders are doing on TWO wheels. :) I made it to goofy golf, saw the Daytona 200 Superbike race, returned for the Ghostrider ERT and still managed to get up in the morning for 3 spins on X and couple on Goliath before SFMM opened to the GP. Have you got any pictures of your 'dirt pile' model yet?

Anybody out there publish the Homey G. Pickle Performance Pictures or videos on the web yet? *** Edited 3/10/2004 4:28:40 AM UTC by boblogone***

Boblo: from front to back we sat in this order: Bass, me, you, Tony, and Brian. So unless Bass, you, or Brian have some kind of announcement to make....? ;)

mOOSH

Was it before or after lunch??? I remember the order, just not when. Announcement? I don't think I have anything I want the world to know. (unqueue the music)

It was before lunch.

There is no Pickle Performance encores, so those that missed it, missed it... cept for that Mexican bussing tables. :) Far as I know, Aaron is the only one with video and I have already secured video rights to it with the bulk of the $$ I earned for the stunt. ;)

The Pickle Performance was priceless Brian, I only wish I would've had the camera handy.

There was a Pickle Performance Friday night after ERT, but I have a feeling that was different than what HomeyG did ;)

mOOSH

:Oo

Yes, and I had wagered 4 posts before this turned naughty. Is that why a "repairman" was deemed necessary Monday, mOOSH?