Backyard coaster - help. insight, ideas, i need 'em!

Hey guys.

Last summer my friend and I spent $300 on pressure treated wood at Home Depot to build our backyard coaster.

Pictures can be found at http://webshots.com/users/backyardcoaster

It's basically just a coaster that goes down the hill, up the next hill, and falls back. Usually with the kids I really "launch it" and it's fun.

I've been having a lot of trouble with the wood staying sturdy, and the hill has been giving me alot of trouble.

I'm very discouraged when I see other people with backyard coasters with loops and that kind of stuff and I hope I can make something that actually works.

Using the wood as well as PVC piping, I'd like to make an oval shaped kids coaster similar to brain teaser at SFDL.

My idea was to have a 4 foot tall lift hill powered by an old treadmill motor and a diving first drop, 2-3 foot tall bunny hill and a banked turn back to the station.

Here's a picture of the general track style I want: http://home.austin.rr.com/nordyke/

The only difference is that I'd install upstop wheels in addition to the guide and road wheels.

I'm planning on reusing the car which has had some much needed upgrades over the winter and is different from the picture shown in the photogallery

Right now the ride is set up like it is in the pictures and assuming I do this, I will be taking it down within the next few days.

Do you guys have any ideas for this? I'm assuming PVC wouuldn't be that hard to bend and I may buy a heat gun.

Is it even worth my time?
Suggestions?

Your first link doesnt work and what size PVC are you using because more thatn 2 inches you wont be able to bend it that easily.

The only problem with PVC pipe is that it breaks very easily with just slight bending, especially if it's cold. It only gives so much before just cracking in half, which is NOT good if you are going to have people riding on it.

It would be 2 inch PVC.

BTW, heres the correct link:

http://community.webshots.com/user/backyardcoaster

Sorry about that.