Rejoice! California’s Great America is adding their first new large roller coaster since 2000. Gold Striker looks to be an exciting wooden roller coaster from Great Coasters International. The ride’s layout already included a swooping first drop that wraps around the Star Tower. Now, that drop will be completely covered thus producing (queue the superlative!), “the World’s longest covered initial descent tunnel on a wooden coaster.”
I’ll give 10 points to someone that can name another covered initial descent on a wooden coaster, besides Knott’s Berry Farms’ Ghostrider. None come to mind for me. I just wonder how long they researched that one just to confirm it was the longest.
Okay. Kidding aside, I like this new element. While some argue that the tunnel might have been a new requirement to reduce noise rather than some new innovative addition, I don’t care. I love tunnels! If I had it my way, there’d be at least one on most rides. Several of my all-time favorite coaster moments have occurred on tunnels. The Beast’s helix/tunnel finale, The Voyage’s insane triple down in the dark, and Hades wall-climbing hysteria come to mind. Plus, Great America has mentioned that they’re working to theme the tunnel to fit the ride and make it look like a mine shaft.
Read the official press release: Gold Striker Coaster Now Includes Record Tunnel
Listen to an interview with a park representative Gold Striker and the tunnel: Coaster Radio Podcast #719 Gold Striker Upgraded
Also, read more and see a video of California Great America’s Gold Striker
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Goldstriker will be better with the tunnel or not? Leave a comment below. Image 1 courtesy of California’s Great America’s Facebook page.
March 15, 2013 at 19:30
Hey, I’m going to Silver Dollar City later this week (unexpectedly) for spring break, and I’d love to write a guest review for Outlaw Run! Joel, are you cool with that?
March 16, 2013 at 05:51
Sure. I can incorporate your review in a “Early Reviews of Outlaw Run” post that I’ll do in a bit. I’ll do that instead of a full guest review since there’s a chance that I may make it out there myself. But yes! Definitely email me your thoughts. I’m excited to hear what you think!
March 16, 2013 at 17:47
I can help you out also. Been on her three times now and she broke on us also. Was an exciting day there for sure!
March 17, 2013 at 05:11
Awesome Daryl. Feel free to send your thoughts via my News Submission form. Put whatever you want in the ‘support links’ field. And again, I’ll incorporate parts of your review and PieDude’s into my early reviews post. Thanks!