seawhippet

Excellent report, Mike. I am really glad to hear that RFII is breaking
in so well. I was up there on opening day and actually had my first
ride (front seat) with half of the GG team (Chad and Mike) sitting
behind me. It was their first circuit as well, and when we hit the
brakes they seemed pleased with their efforts. I know I certainly
was.

Another highlight of that day for me was Paul Nelson taking me on tour
in his truck of the RFII's off-limits areas. He too was quite happy
with the way the ride turned out. Considering what he went through to
make it happen, he deserves to be.

I haven't gotten any night rides on RFII, but after what I've read
here I'll be going back up there to check it out later this season. I
knew the ride was going to break in a bit and had good potential, but
it sounds like it's becoming even better than anyone imagined.

And Mark -- I agree with your Phoenix comments. Last weekend, I rode
Dorney's Coaster (what's a Thunderhawk?), Hershey Comet and this
Knoebels gem. Schmeck's ride's do seem to age quite well. I hope the
RFII is thought of in similar terms 60 summers down the road ...

BTW, Paul told told me something intriguing about the RFI that I did
not know. I'd always heard the accident resulting in that ride's
removal involved someone being "thrown" out of a speeding train. Paul
said it happened a bit differently. Unlike today, the bridge over the
road on the RFI supported two dips, and not two speed hills. One of
the trains stalled in the dip over the road, and all riders were fine
as they waited for rescue. All except one guy who just couldn't wait.
As he climbed out of the train, he slipped and fell to his death on
the road below.

Also, the park's photos and anything related to the original RF were
lost in a fire many years ago.

Congrats to Waldameer and GG on a spectacular new ride!