I saw God in Vancouver

After 200+ coasters, it is hard to find a ride that you enjoy considerably, let alone consider making it your number 1 of all time. Yesterday, one such thing happened. I took the advice of a few coasterbuzzers (namely Ron Anderson-thanks man!), and headed up to Vancouver to Playland. There in the southern end of the park stood Coaster. The only surviving Carl Phare coaster in the world. It's too bad. It is monumental, and shattered every pre-conceived notion I had about it. I have heard about Phantoms Revenge and its ejector air........ Well, I haven't ridden PR, but I can safely, dare I say arrogantly, say that Coaster has the most potent, terrifying, and relentless ejector air I have ever had the pleasure to survive. I don't know if I was ever so scared of a coaster upon my first ride. Who of you out there know what I am talking about? Ghostrider was always my thing, but after a night of sleeping the pain off (from the lapbar slamming into my gut), and a lot of Tylenol, I can say that Coaster is my new #1. Seriously.

Wow. I wish there were more Carl Phare's still around. I wish even more that I will be able to someday ride this work of art. It sounds awesome. Glad you to here that it was so great and you had so much fun.

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TiM Schroll
gocubs7@hotmail.com
LED ZEPPELIN

Yeah, it was an experience. You know how it is when you have a coaster that fits your bill? Ghostrider was always that coaster, at least since '99. I love that beauty. Well, Coaster destroyed it. Yes, you can see the ride coming, but you certainly can't see what you will "feel" until you are subjected to it. Tight, intense turns that have laterals from hell.....:) Scary.
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Rob,you can see why Coaster at the PNE is my #1 coaster.I am glad that I was able to introduce you to Coaster.With so little to ride here in the Pacific Northwest,I am thankfull that we have this gem to ride.And thanks for introducing me to Hellevator,the S&S ride there at the PNE.I may have never ridden this if it wasn't for you.Great ride!Lessie and I just got back from Vancouver 6 hours ago as I type this.We will have to do this again!Oh,and my gut is doing just fine.:)

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I can fix anything.....where is the duct tape?

My stomach still hurts from all the slamming into that bar. I tell you folks.... it is near impossible to ride Coaster in the back seat and NOT hold the bar. My wife and I gave it our best shot, and indeed, we did it, but our stomachs paid the biggest price, whatwith all that standing up:)
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www.tripowered.com ~ tearing it up

Sounds like a fantastic time...I had the same feeling about Santa Cruz's Giant Dipper. I wasn't expecting a whole lot, and it delievered amazingly (with standing air)! The ride was out of control. Built in 1924? Are you kidding me?
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And all the sea around Kraken darkened.
SFEG awaits The Flying Coaster-coming in 2002!

Yeah, Lewis. I know what you are talking about. Now magnify those laterals by 2 or for that matter, 22. Downright scary, as the ride speeds up to the end. The corners become progressively tighter, and flatter, so POW. Nailed. Sweet :)
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Tripowered for maximum efficiency

It is ironic that on Coasters' lift hill there is a sign that says "do not stand up".You cant' help but to stand up on some of those drops with all the ejector air and then at just the right moment the positive Gs plant you right back in your seat.I would challenge CCI or GCI to build a ride that is as intense as the PNE Coaster!

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I can fix anything.....where is the duct tape?

It is impossible to NOT stand up. That is indeed correct, Ron. Even though we were able to keep our hands up the entire ride, in the backseat, that was only after 3 rides. I would challenge anyone to try and ride it, hands-free, in the back seat, on their first ride on Coaster. I don't believe it can be done, strictly out of fear. I wouldn't have believed it myself until I tried....:)
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www.tripowered.com ~ simply the best

That is my favorite coaster too, I hope I get to ride it again some day! :) I remember riding it no-hands the first time, but I am not sure what seat I was in, probably the middle.

Yeah, this one is great! You especially have to ride it in the crisp, cool Vancouver night air. That thing is insane! I agree with PT300 comparing it to Giant Dipper. Coaster is a bit more aggressive, but you can't beat that tunnel drop on Giant Dipper! And when the station shakes from the overhead tracks, it feels like the whole thing is about to crumble! If only the Boardwalk changed the trains, Giant Dipper would be as good as Coaster.

Basshedz, yeah the Giant Dipper is sweet, but I still (probably because I just rode the thing) have to give the edge to Coaster. It just tore me up... in a good way! B&M, I don't know how you could ride it the first time sans hands, but you are amazing if you did. It took a lot of courage on my part, and a gut-slamming into the bar ride to keep my hands up. Granted, that was in the last car.

The Giant Dipper doesn't use Prior & Church trains right? I never paid attention to that when I was there years ago.
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What's with the blue hair???

Not positive....but I am pretty sure that all the P&C trains have flanged wheels, so that should be a good way to tell...

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....teachin' people about towel safety and proper towel usage...it's important!

So... If I have to wait until September to see God, am I in purgatory now?

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"He's blazin' away like the stars in the universe.." A. Vega + M. Rev "Ghostrider"

Someday there will be something here.

*** This post was edited by chris on 5/2/2002. ***

Yeah, you are suffering for your sins, you just don't know it. Aren't you running in circles, being chased by bees??? Weird Dante reference....sorry:)
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All you need to know about the Truth

Nasai, the Giant Dipper uses Morgan Trains.

This coaster was used in that supplemental insurance ad. So, I guess the duck's reaction to the ride was genuine!

Rob, glad to hear you guys had a good time....sorry I couldn't make it.

Oh........Chris! So sad you couldn't make it. We will go again, though, and soon. Plan on it:) Can you say AFLAC???
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www.tripowered.com ~ The perfect website

If God is in Vancouver, then I must have met the "other guy" on a particular woodie in Cincinnati........LOL. Though I haven't been up there, this ride beckons for me. It looks stunning! Maybe someday...
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Brad Sherman
Don't.....look.....back! The Headless Horseman awaits you in 2002!
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