Thrill Holder : Your Dose Of Will Power

Still Alive!

noreply@blogger.com (Will "The Thrill" Holder) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Summer is here!

First and foremost I do apologize for the long delay between episodes. But I am here now, new computer and everything, to bring you the all important Thrill Holder: Episode 3 (Revenge of the Sith). OK sorry, that was the Star Wars nerd in me coming out. I do have a number of subjects to go over, so lets go ahead and get right on that, shall we?

Hard Rock Park...Mics Are Hot!

Last month I had the opportunity to check out the brand new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, SC. Clint Novak and myself were down there for the parks Media Preview Days. After spending two days in the new park, I left feeling like we had a winner on our hands. Now I like pretty much all kinds of music. But perhaps my favorite genre of music is Rock. Everything from the classic days of Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, to the modern era of artist like Nickelback and Disturbed....and everything in between. So when I found out a few years ago that a brand new theme park was to be built in Myrtle Beach, SC with a branding of the Hard Rock franchise, I was pretty excited. For one, these days it is very rare for a new park to be built from the ground up. Plus to build a park with a theme like Rock had never really been done before. So now fast forward some two and a half years after that announcement and here we are. After spending two days at the park, I realized that this was definitely above a Cedar Fair and Six Flags, but just below a Disney or Universal in terms of quality. Now I know that this park in a few years can change. Whether it wants to be a Universal or a Six Flags remains to be seen. But the potential for this park is huge regardless.

The park is very family oriented, but it features a lot of jokes and visuals that adults would get, while flying right over the heads of the younger crowd. The food is actually very good as well. A very important factor to consider when visiting a park. Places like Busch Gardens Europe and EPCOT might now have some competition in that category. Another thing within the park that I feel has been overlooked by people who have made a visit so far is the shows. Now besides being a ride junkie, I also have been known to catch a good amusement park show here and there. Hard Rock Park's shows are very well produced and have jokes that both the younger crowd will get a laugh at and jokes that the older crowd will enjoy as well. Now visually the park looks good. Keep in mind the park is brand new and it does take some time for things to grown in, or up, or out, etc. But it does look nice and has your pretty standard park layout of a big giant circle. But now lets talk about the rides themselves. Hard Rock Park might not have the biggest selection of rides right now. But the rides that they do have are very good. Now I won't sit here and tell you about every single ride. What I will do is talk about two of those attractions.

The first one is the ride that everybody is curious about and that is Led Zeppelin - The Ride. Led Zeppelin as you may or may not be aware of, is a Rock group that was mostly famous in the late 60's and throughout the 70's. Any fan of Classic Rock will more than likely tell you that Led Zeppelin was one of the greatest bands of it's time. Any fellow coaster enthusiast will probably tell you that B&M is one of the greatest manufactures of it's time. So here we are combing the two to make Led Zeppelin - The Ride. Zeppelin to me was a very fun rollercoaster. The whole experience starts with a queue area filled with Zeppelin pictures, posters with band facts and even monitors showing off classic Zeppelin performances. Then you get to the main loading area where they line you up into your row. From there you enter a room with your fellow train riders where you watch a 4 or 5 min video about Led Zeppelin. Now I can't tell you exactly what the video is about, because when I was there, they were testing out a couple different videos. But the whole idea of preparing you for the ride with a video presentation is very Disney like. Think Soarin' or Mission: Space. Now the ride itself isn't the smoothest B&M coaster, but compared to everything else, is still pretty smooth. The on board audio of "Whole Lotta Love" really adds to the experience. Instead of simply throwing hands up like I normally do on a ride, I now find myself rocking out on air guitar or air drums, or simply rocking out as if I was in the audience for a Zeppelin concert. Led Zeppelin - The Ride is definitely the main attraction of Hard Rock Park and I believe coaster enthusiast will enjoy it as well.

The other attraction I want to talk a bout is actually my favorite at the park. That would be The Moody Blues: Knights In White Satin - The Trip. Moody Blues is a dark ride done by Sally, who themselves are one of the industry standards for doing dark rides. This ride though is nothing like anything Sally has done before. Basically I'm going to lay it out all on the line for you. The purpose of this ride is to make you feel like your on the illegal substance known as LSD, or as today young lads like to call it....Acid. Now I have never done any of that stuff. Never have and never will, nor do I condone the use of illegal drugs. Now after having done the ride and talking to a few people who have done that kind of stuff, they told me that the ride is as real as it gets in terms of simulating an Acid Trip. If I had a list of illegal drugs and I crossed of the ones that I have done, nothing would be crossed out. But the ride was so real that I think I could cross LSD off the list. The song "Knights In White Satin" plays throughout the ride and really gives you that mellow, laid back feeling. Now the effects Sally uses on this ride are some of the most simple effects you could use in a dark ride. We are not talking Spider-Man here. Some things on the other hand I have never seen before. But they all work and work for this theme. That is why I now have The Moody Blues ride as my favorite(Non-Disney) dark ride. Also real quick, be on the lookout for a few "sexy" images in the ride. These are no hidden Mickey's that's for sure.

Speaking of hidden Mickeys, when walking around Hard Rock Park be sure to be on the lookout at all times. The park features what they like to call "Hidden Treasures". One good hint I can give you, check out every available men's bathroom.. Well that does it for my long review of the Hard Rock Park. One more thing though. Be sure to make a trip to Myrtle Beach this October. Hard Rock Park has something very special planned for Halloween. Just you watch.

East Coast Wrap vs. West Coast Wrap!

My last two visits to the beautiful SoCal area have prompted me to make a visit. No not just my mandatory visit to my favorite park in the whole world Disneyland. But rather a visit to a burger joint known as In-N-Out Burger. Former California residents now living east-side have told me to go there, best burgers I'll ever eat. Current California residents told me to go there, best burgers I'll ever eat. California visitors who came back have told me to go there, best burgers I'll ever eat. So I did go and the first time I went, I was the dumb tourist who ordered something simple, because he never knew there was this super secret hidden menu. Now what pleased me with In-N-Out Burger the first time was that it was the only place in SoCal where I could find Dr. Pepper. Other than that, the food was good, but nothing super amazing. The next time I came back, I asked for a 4x4. For all you east-coasters, that's secret In-N-Out slang for four meat patties and four pieces of cheese. Again it was good, don't get me wrong. But it was after that I knew that In-N-Out Burger had nothing on D.C.'s very own Five Guys Burgers. Now I know you west-sider riders are saying I'm showing favoritism to my homegrown burger joint. Truth is I had In-N-Out first. I didn't have those juicy, delicious Five Guys Burgers in the back of my mind when I ate at In-N-Out. The reason I got the 4x4 the next time was because I wanted a very close comparison to the regular burgers that Five Guys offers. I was being fair and In-N-Out lost out.

Five Guys Burgers began in Arlington, Virginia back in 1986 with one single location. In 2002 there were only five locations in the Northern VA area and that was it. Now some six years later there are over 200 locations along the east coast from Florida to Connecticut. A few states along the Midwest have a location here and there as well. Now you can talk about all the different East vs. West feuds going on. *Biggie vs. 2Pac *Disney World vs. Disneyland* *NYC vs. LA* *Celtics vs. Lakers* It doesn't matter because a new feud has been born. You see In-N-Out was too chicken to bring the fight to the east coast. So Five Guys took matters into their own hands. Because on May 26, 2008.....Five Guys opened it's first location in California. The war is now on and for all you west-siders, I strongly suggest you give Five Guys a visit. If you hit up any parks on the east side, don't let your trip be without a visit to Five Guys. Because it will be "In-N-Never Want To Leave".

Dominator.............DAMN!!!

Of course I am going to talk about this. So get over it Pat McCabe and Erik Yates. The death of Geauga Lake and their loss was ultimately Kings Dominion's gain. The former Batman: Knight Flight from Six Flags Ohio later turn Geauga Lake's Dominator packed it's bags...and steel, and headed to Doswell, Virginia last fall. What began as a rumor that I of course...as usual....did not believe, turned out to be true. I show up to the park for a Friday evening Halloween Haunt to find yellow steel track laying in the parking lot. I was excited, no doubt about it. In my mind, at the very least...Kings Dominion was storing yellow B&M track. Of course the press release came out soon thereafter announcing the ride was going to be built.

Over the next couple weeks, the plan was laid out by Kings Dominion and In the Loop to cover the construction progress during the offseason. It was a winning partnership on both ends. Kings Dominion, who was in the process of looking for a new PR Rep and didn't really have the means to deal with the various "fan" media, had one simple source to cover the progress and then allow other sites, shows, etc to then come to us for any updates. We at In the Loop had our first real longterm project planned with an amusement park. It wasn't just a simple..."OK here we are, lets shoot our show...thanks you very much...see you next time". The offseason was a lot of fun and I'm glad to say it built a close relationship that will allow both of our parties to work closely on future projects.

Now for the ride itself. I want to make it very clear to all you fanboys that I NEVER had the chance to ride Dominator in the past. So for me, it was a brand new ride, just like everybody else in this region. Dominator is an excellent ride. Very smooth like your typical B&M and in my personal opinion, the best B&M Floorless design that I have ever ridden. Granted it's not a lot, but Floorless that I have been on has been good. This was the best. Kings Dominion had it's first rollercoaster, that was a chainlift and go over 100feet, since Anaconda made it's debut at the park back in 1991. That's 17 years.....you could have had a child and now it would almost be an adult. For Kings Dominion it was long overdue. Plus now the park has the high capacity ride it has always needed.

So yes Dominator has opened and I'm glad to have it. Now if you fanboys will lay off the talk of a Hyper that Kings Dominion DOES NOT need, then I will truly be happy. You want a Hyper....go ride Apollo's Chariot or Superman: The Ride you jabroni's. DAMN!!!

Kalahari Resort: Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky and......Fredericksburg???

So yes not really breaking news, but my current city of residence....Fredericksburg, will be home to a big and beautiful Kalahari Indoor Waterpark and Resort. I mean Godfrey Daniels!!! (My nice way of saying God Damn) Who would have thought that this would cause such an uproar in the city of Fredericksburg? The complaints were everywhere. "It will make the already bad traffic (Which actually isn't really that bad) even worse". "It will cause a water shortage". "It will tarnish the historical presence of our city". "Who needs a waterpark when our kids can go swim in the river?" All of these complaints were heard by the citizens of this city. Talk about wanting to put earplugs in your ears.

What people failed to realize was a couple of things. Kalahari will bring more people to the city. Tourism in this place sucks. They say there is a lot Civil War history that needs to be preserved. To me, all I see are a couple of plaques and a few buildings that look like they might be haunted. Traffic will not get any worse. I saw that first hand in Sandusky. Water will not be an issue, a town hall meeting revealed our water system is more then ready to handle the resort. Our kids can just swim in the river? You know what.....FUCK you and your white trash, gap-tooth redneck looking, hillbilly acting kids. I say good, let them swim in that nasty Rappahannock River. That to me is less smelly people to get in my way in the wavepool. I'm sorry but I like my water nice and clean. Now put that in your "Confederate Flag sticker in the window of your pick-up truck" and stick it straight up your ass.

One last thing about the future Kalahari coming to Fredericksburg. The city approved this project because they saw the prospect in the most important matter......tax money going into the city budget. Kalahari will bring that and to you city council people that voted yes, I applaud you. To the one person who always voted against Kalahari in all matter.....Go suck an egg. Last but not least, the most important matter to me....Kalahari will bring lots and lots of job opportunities to the city of Fredericksburg. I rest my case.

Random Thoughts!

I'm a little worried about the attendance numbers I'm hearing so far for Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom. I want nothing more then to see this waterpark be financially successful for Cedar Fair. Maybe people thought that everything closed last fall, not just the ride side?

So Kings Island is building something big for next year apparently. Normally I would shoot down this rumor but our good buddy Robbie Knievel spoiled that fun. I will say though, don't be too surprised if a Millennium Force part 2 arrives in Southern Ohio.

Forget soaring gas prices and a piss poor economy. I still think obesity is our nations biggest concern. Hopefully Clint Novak, Erik Yates and everybody participating in the Coaster Crews Biggest Loser Competition can be a source of motivation for all ride lovers who want to be able to fit on their favorite ride, and more importantly then that....be healthy.

Speaking of a crappy Amercan economy. Anheuser-Busch possibly selling off to European company InBev is one of the worst things we need to hear right now in our time of financial despair. What's next? Disney selling it's company to Russians?

After the Dark Knight hits movie theaters, I think a lot of people will realize just how much it sucks that Heath Ledger had to die. Whether it was his choice or not....we will never know.

Harrison Ford.....aka Dr. Jones. You still have it my friend.

Final Thoughts!

Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. That does it for this week. Again I am sorry for the wait, but I hope that this made up for the delay. Just remember to visit Hard Rock Park this summer if your in the Myrtle Beach area. Five Guys Burgers are very delicious. Dominator is awesome and no Pat McCabe, I don't care about the bolt diameter. Citizens of Fredericksburg, Virginia need to remember that the Confederacy died a long time ago, stop flying those flags, stay out of the river and go take a bath.

Now finally I have one thing left to address. I can't go a blog without calling out Clint Novak in someway, shape or form. I figured I won't let words do it this time. I'll just let this picture speak for itself. Enjoy!!

DAMN!!!!!!!

Offseason No-More!

noreply@blogger.com (Will "The Thrill" Holder) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:07:00 +0000

The Wait Is Almost Over!

Unless you happen to be some of the lucky individuals who live in California or Florida, you are currently sitting in another Amusement Park Offseason. Well cheer up because for some parks in the country, the season starts this weekend. Yes the sights, the sounds, the smells.....it all comes back. Some of you will have to wait even longer, but it's ok. I'm throwing out the invitation for you to come to Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

Fellow Bloggers!

Last month our friend Mike Collins over a CoasterRadio.com, relaunched the site to take on a whole new blog look and feel to it. To me Mike is doing exactly what I think the blog idea should be. Provide fairly updated news on the industry, give his personal insight on some of the matters as well as give you all a chance to respond to them as well in the "New Forum Forum".

This blog is more of an updated once every full moon kind of deal. A deal that provides my opinions which will mostly just piss you off. That's how I roll, but I like CoasterRadio.com idea a lot too.
I definitely recommend that you check it out. If you are or were a fan of the old CoasterRadio.com podcasts, you should still check out the new blog Mike has running at the site. It's always a good read, very informative and in true CR.com fashion, it's highly entertaining. Two audio shows are still on the way as well, as promised from the gang for helping out with the Single Riders charity event. Nice to see CoasterRadio.com up and running as we head into the new park season.

Also as always our good friend Pat McCabe over at "A Walk In The Park" has his blog to check out. Pat gives the readers great insight on not only whats going on in the amusement industry, but also shares his views and opinions on other topics as well including sports and movies.

Of course the main focus of "A Walk In The Park" is Pat's short video updates from the different parks, or baseballs games, or his own apartment. Where ever the hell Pat feels like updating from, he's got a video for it. Maybe Pat should should give us an update from Wrestlemania 24 in Orlando. That's what gets my vote.

Clint A Dictator?...No...But Definitely Hogs The Spotlight!

So I opened the last blog with a little quick blurb about Clint Novak being a dictator. Now obviously people had a good laugh with it and got where I was coming from. A few people where confused, but a quick explanation later it was all taken care of. What surprised me was the complaints coming from the man himself. The morning after I posted the blog I had text messages coming in from the the "Dictator" himself. Why would I write that? Why would I say such things about him? Damn I am evil. Well for his sake let me clear it all up....Clint is not a dictator. Yes he demanded every week I update the blog, but that's understandable. That doesn't make a dictator.

Now since Clint did complain about me calling him a dictator, I do have to take it upon myself and pick on him some more. Don't encourage the bully, eventually he will stop. So let's talk about how Clint likes to hog all of the spotlight. First do you ever notice how at the beginning of every "In the Loop" it always says...."And now your Host....and Creator.....of In the Loop....Clint Novak". Clint has to remind everybody that "In the Loop" was his creation. I mean ok I understand. First AudioShow/Podcast on the Amusement Industry so feed that ego. Lately though the show hasn't been something I would want to take credit for creating. Do we really need another all commentary audio show??

Now you'll also notice that whenever Clint and myself do a show together. Whether it be the old Weekend Review shows or our current "Guide To The Midway" video shoots, I might get to do my closing line. But Clint has to take it upon himself to get that very last word it. He always does that weird "See Ya" line that he says very fast. It almost comes off as "Sea-uhh". Whats wrong with telling everybody that we will see them all next time and that's it? You have to tell them see ya again? Clint always has to get that last word in. Our last show he almost didn't even let me get anything in. Whatever it takes to feed that ego more.

Notice how in the closing credits he will list himself as "Host - Clint Novak" and then a few seconds later.....up scrolls "Co-host - Will Holder". Again despite the fact that we have equal presence on camera, he can't put "Hosts - Clint Novak & Will Holder". He has to take "Host" all to himself. I didn't know we had a spotlight big enough for him. But remember regardless.....Clint Novak IS NOT a Dictator. "Sea-Uhh"

No Love For Six Flags????

Coaster Enthusiasts always make me scratch my head. You would think they might support the industry and anything that could help it's bottom dollar. So why in the last few years have they taken it upon themselves to bash Six Flags, Mark Shapiro and Dan Snyder? OK I can bash Dan Snyder too, but for reason unrelated to Six Flags. It seems that no matter what Six Flags does, enthusiasts call the move dumb, moronic and bad for business. As an example Cedar Fair relocates rides and enthusiasts are happy that said park has a new ride to enjoy. Six Flags relocates a ride and enthusiasts call them cheap and lazy.

They complain that Six Flags makes to many business partnerships and sponsorship deals. Who really cares? I don't, it's more money going into their pockets. I would much rather eat Ledo Pizza and play Home Depot skee-ball then eat Craig's Pizza and play normal skee-ball. It's all brand recognition. Six Flags raising park prices was long overdue as I felt that to get into a Six Flags park was a steal. Their season pass prices are still the cheapest in the industry as well.

Shapiro and the rest of the company know that to move into the future, it needs to evolve it technology. I like the fact that I can use my season pass at the entrance gate of all Six Flags parks and when I get off of a rollercoaster, I can open my phone and see my picture on there. At Cedar Fair, you have to take that pass to guest relations and wait in even more lines to get a piece of paper. It seems to me that where Six Flags makes advances in technology, Cedar Fair goes backwards. A lot of the former Paramount Parks have literally gone backward in technology advancement thanks to the Cedar Fair purchase.

If I had to pick between Cedar Point and Great Adventure as the only park I could take a family vacation to, I would pick Great Adventure hands down. Six Flags knows that the amusement industry is a family industry. The family has more to do a Great Adventure and for coaster lovers, Great Adventure has a selection just as good, if not better, then Cedar Point. Magic Mountain is going in a great direction to turn the park more family friendly.

Coaster Enthusiast for some reason have this need to have everything go there way. If a park is not building the next major rollercoaster like Six Flags has not done lately, then in their words, Six Flags suck. But the majority of enthusiast that voice the displeasure DO NOT have little ones to take to the park for a day. Ones that do, are more understanding and I applaud them for understanding. To the rest though, to those who feel as if companies like Six Flags HAS to cater to YOUR needs. To those that feel every new attraction has to be a new coaster masterpiece. It's the same for those that feel Six Flags America, despite having a great coaster collection as is, including a 200ft Hyper that many parks do not have at all. To those that feel that despite having those great coasters, but installing a new waterslide is alienating Six Flags America's future. You guys are self-centered bastards and need to shut the hell up.

To Six Flags I say you guys are doing the right thing. Your name recognition is second to Disney as far as the general population goes. I know that if I have a family with little ones looking for a good time, I can send them your way. For your enthusiast who are so anti-corporation. May I suggest you go to Knoebels or something. Maybe you can help them finally finish those Flying Turns while you are at it. They are on pace to finish in July.....of 2012!

Random Thoughts!

So who in this country DID NOT visit the Magic Kingdom in 2007? The new attendance record that they set for 2007 was phenomenal. Congrats to the Walt Disney Company for that Milestone.

I think the Coaster Crew should set up an office in Dubai. Everybody else is setting up shop there.

Who would have thought that after the Cedar Fair transaction was finally complete, that Canada's Wonderland would be the company's flagship park? I have a feeling that Behemoth could be the company's flagship coaster as well.

If I was a gambling man, I would bet high on Hard Rock Park for it's first year. Also I suggest you don't go with Coaster Enthusiast. You'll appreciate the park a whole lot more.

Universal Orlando Resort will knock everybody out in 2009. Save your money now.

First you took away my HyperSonic, then you took away my Backward Rebel Yell. Please don't take away my Yogi's/Treasure Cave.

Final Thoughts!

Finally I wanted to share some warm, happy fuzzy feelings with everybody. Last Sunday I attending the Season Pass Preview Day at Busch Gardens Europe. While Clint Novak and gang where busy processing their season passes. I rushed through the gates so I could open the season on Lochness. I noticed a couple share a picture in front of the water fountain at the entrance of the park. As soon as the picture was snapped, the man dropped down to one knee, pulled out the ring and proposed to his girlfriend. With tears in their eyes, she said yes and the couple people that witnessed this magical moment applauded. Thanks to digital camera technology, I captured that moment on film. So Enjoy! I will see you all again very shortly.

Let Us Begin.....Shall We?

noreply@blogger.com (Will "The Thrill" Holder) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:00:00 +0000

What The Funk Is This?

Hey! What's Going On? My name is Will Holder and welcome to the first ever edition of the Thrill Holder Blog. Now before I begin I have to get the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way. My views are mine and mine only. They in no way shape or form reflect that of the Coaster Crew, Two Guys Productions, this webmaster, or anybody else affiliated with this project. I would say that I have free speech but if I do say something that might not fly well, Clint Novak will have already deleted it anyway. What a bastard! He can be somewhat of a dictator....but we can save that for another day.

Now this blog was born out of the demand that people wanted to hear more from me. Why that is the case, I have no clue. But since the Coaster Crew and In the Loop is very personal-able, we shall meet those demands. Now I am going to be upfront with everybody right away. I have no idea what direction this will go in, so please just bear with me. There is a reason I don't post much on forums. I'm not much of a guy who puts his thoughts into words. So let's just go along for the ride.

A Little About Me!

Now since everybody will be following my wisdom from here on out, I guess it would help if you people knew a little about me. Up until now, the only little bit of Will Holder you have received has come behind the microphone or behind the camera on In the Loop. Well it's time to get personal and let you all in on the real me. Hopefully it will let you understand me more and make this blog more enjoyable for you.

I was born July 31, 1983 in Silver Spring, Maryland. I've lived in the Washington Metropolitan Area for my entire life, up until last year. Currently I callFredericksburg, Virgina home. I love D.C. though. I love it's sports teams, especially the Washington Redskins and Wizards. I love all the history and sites. The poor homeless people who sleep under newspapers on Van Dorn Street, yeah I love them too. And believe it or not, I love following the politics that goes on in this city. On TV if I'm not watching the Skins or the Wiz playing, I'm laughing at Homer and Bart, enjoying a good movie or loving all the action that goes on inside the squared circle. Thats a wrestling ring for you dummies out there. I've been to many wrestling shows, mostly in D.C. and Baltimore. Say what you want....oh it's not real....or oh it's really gay.....blah blah blah. I like it....brother. Besides wrestlers are the nicest celebrities you'll ever meet in real life too.

Now as far as this coaster hobby goes, truth is I only very recently in my life became an enthusiast. My first rollercoaster was Big Thunder Mountain at Disney World back in 1988. I don't remember much from it, only the stuff that exist on the POV footage my dad shot with his old ass VHS camcorder. You know, those really big ones that weighted a ton. My next coaster wouldn't come until 1992 when I rode Rebel Yell at Kings Dominion. Now that I was a little older I realized that what I just did was scary, and for many years after that I was very scared of coasters. I rode a few coasters hear and there over the next few years, but I was usually crying my eyes out in the queue line. My mom then dragged me on the rides. Eventually I rode them no problem, they were fun, but not the obsession that I have now. My favorite rollercoaster is El Toro and my favorite park is Disneyland. Want to learn what turned me into an enthusiast? Of course you do. Well it's story time.

Goodbye To The Ride That Started It All!

Well now it is official that HyperSonic XLC is being removed before the start of the 2008 season at Kings Dominion. This news also closes a door on a personal chapter in my life. I used to only go to Kings Dominion once a year, twice if I was lucky. In June of 2000 I went onto what was at the time Kings Dominion's very crude website to look up info on operating hours that day. What I saw however was a picture that said "New in 2001...HyperSonic XLC". The picture of a car going up and down 90 degree hills totally blew me away. Plus when I read that it would have a launch of 0 to 80 in 1.8 Seconds, I was speechless. Now you have to understand that at this time, I only visited Kings Dominion and Hersheypark once a year. That was the extent of my park travels. I only cared about rollercoasters if I was at the park, never speaking of them again for another year.

Now that day at the park with my family, the first hints of geekism began to show. I was actually going around the park wondering where the ride was going to go. Also believe it or not, I also was on the lookout for pieces of the ride. Looking back on that now its so funny that I was doing that at the time. It's like I secretly knew all along how to be a coaster nerd. Now for the first time ever I was siked about a ride for an entire year. All off season I was doing Internet searches, trying to find out more information on HyperSonic. I discovered many websites like Coasterbuzz and even the famous RCDB. Reading message boards alone opened me up to a new world I never knew existed. When HyperSonic did finally open the next year, I rode it and it was the greatest ride I had ever ridden. It's hard to believe that the first year, it was smoother then a B&M coaster. Hey now!! Don't laugh, it's very true. It's a shame what happen to it over the years.

I finally, officially became an enthusiast/coaster geek when me and my brother Joe took a journey to Sandusky, Ohio for 4 days in the summer of 2003. Our mission was to ride Top Thrill Dragster. My first ride to the top of the 420 foot tophat had me wearing one of my very few coaster shirts. My first coaster shirt I had ever bought........HyperSonic XLC. This will be an emotional off season for me. When we do some shoots of them taking the ride down, don't be too shocked if I get a little chocked up on camera. But as is life, nothing lasts forever. We must move on and move on I will. Bring on Dominator I say.

Last Words!!!

So I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Thrill Holder Blog. Like I said this is a work in progress. Feel free to leave me some feedback and suggestions. Let me know what you would like to see in this piece of work.

Thank You Very Much and I'm Glad You Could Join Me! Now Sit Back, Hold On Tight and I'll Blog To You All Next Time!!!!