Evel Knievel?

So what's the verdict on Evel Knievel?

On Jun 25, 9:37 pm, Joe Schwartz <j...@joyrides.com> wrote:
> So what's the verdict on Evel Knievel?

Fun ride! Probably the best GCII coaster in North America. I've been
on all of them, except Renegade and Roar West, and Evel has more
action than most, and certainly the most negative g's. It's the most
"Cyclone" feeling layout as well, and I think the pacing is pretty
**** good. The negative g's are mostly of the floater type, but I
rode it on opening day and it still has some breaking in to do.
Looking forward to night rides as it definitely picks up speed through
the day.

It's no Voyage, but I think it's a fun ride, and a nice fit for SFStL.

Since there's been virtually zero discussion about Evel Knievel, I
thought I'd share my mid-season opinion on GCII's latest. Since it's
only been open a few weeks, it's still basically a brand new ride.

Today was my first visit to the park since Evel's opening day. Of
course, I pick the hottest day of the year, with temperatures at or
near 100 degrees in the St. Louis area. Yikes.

The Positive:

It is breaking in nicely, and it's picking up a bit of very un-GCII
like attitude. While I realize this is a clone of Thunderbird, I hope
it is the beginning of a new, more agressive approch from GCII. Those
that know me know that while I've always appreciated GCII rides for
what they are, they've never really been my cup 'o tea. I've always
found them to be a tad lacking in the negative, positive and lateral
force department, and most of their designs have been a bit too swoopy
and predictable for my tastes. I'm happy to report that the layout,
element order, negative and lateral forces have made this a ride that
I'm liking more than I ever expected to. It's been quite a shock,
actually. I find myself really digging the layout, and as mentioned
before it has a very Cyclone-like profile.

Those of you that like the "bam-bam" of the Ozark Wildcat should
really like this ride. The good news is on Evel the said "bam-bam" is
for a longer duration, and it really fits in the layout. I think I
counted approximately 11 or so moments of front-of-the-train negative
pops, and they get a bit more aggressive near the end of the ride.
The back seat also includes something lacking in practically all GCII
rides - a good drop that has nice lift. The drop off of the second
turn has a nice semi-launch/float that is quite good, and feels like
it could get even better with time.

I've yet to get a night ride on Evel, but since it seems to really
pick up speed later in the day, I'm sure it's even better.

The ops crew on the ride keep the trains moving very well, and so far
I've not waited longer than 20 minutes, even for prime seats. I'm
sure that it gets a bigger line than I've seen, but they really keep
it moving better than I've seen most any Six Flags crew.

The Negative:

As I got out of the car in the parking lot, I heard that horrible "I
need graphite" squeal and it was coming from Evel. I haven't heard a
woodie squeal this bad since the last time I rode Mean Streak. It was
*really* obnoxious when getting closer to the ride, and while riding
it was TERRIBLE! I cannot believe that the ride is this new, and
they're not putting basic maintenance into it??? Come on SFStL!
You're doing such a great job in so many ways, don't let your new ride
go to ****! We've had very little rain lately, so it's not due to
that. Okay, truth be told, squeal or not, it was still a smooth ride,
but this needs to go away. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse!

Overall, it's a great addition to SFStL and I'm starting to have a bit
more faith in GCII. Great job on the design!

> The Negative:
>
> As I got out of the car in the parking lot, I heard that horrible "I
> need graphite" squeal and it was coming from Evel.  I haven't heard a
> woodie squeal this bad since the last time I rode Mean Streak.  It was
> *really* obnoxious when getting closer to the ride, and while riding
> it was TERRIBLE!  I cannot believe that the ride is this new, and
> they're not putting basic maintenance into it???  Come on SFStL!
> You're doing such a great job in so many ways, don't let your new ride
> go to ****!  We've had very little rain lately, so it's not due to
> that.  Okay, truth be told, squeal or not, it was still a smooth ride,
> but this needs to go away.  Let's hope it doesn't get any worse!
>
> Overall, it's a great addition to SFStL and I'm starting to have a bit
> more faith in GCII.  Great job on the design!


Agree with you on teh squelling, it was bad on the day I went. Well,
agree with you on all of your points.