Gemini Helix

Could someone please inform someone in authority that the helix at the end of the Gemini coaster is TOO DANG ROUGH!!! My daughter clobbered her head into mine one time this summer going around that thing. I heard my neck crack a couple good cracks tonight while whipping around the darned circle. I LOVE the gemini, but that last bit is a killer!!! Someone help me get the word to someone high up! I'd appreciate it!!! Thanks!!!

It's the helix on the right if you're facing the station from it. Amazing, we felt it last weekend....it was really harsh!

I noticed that too, but I have been ready since...

Hands on the handle bars, elbows locked, leaning away from the turn and whoosh I am still alive.

First of all, it makes a big difference if the trims right before the helices are on. When the trims are on (you will hear/feel them right before), the helices aren't too bad. When the trims are off, it is CRAZY. Personally I would rather have them off, because I love the "out of control" feeling.

I can definitely see how people could have problems with hitting their ride partner, etc but if you are prepared, it's really not that bad. crash kind of went through that.

------------------
"Meh."
Wicked twists: 9
Danger: Hgih Voltage!

We rode it Thursday without trims and didn't have a problem with the helix at all. Then again, we were so excited about a trimless Gemini ride, maybe we didn't notice it :)

I agree with you loriu...When I went with my g/f on august 19, the trims were on in the afternoon when we first rode it...Then we came back later in the evening and they had them turned off...I was quite surprised by this because I was expecting the trims to take effect and when they didn't I was quite amazed...I guess I enjoyed it too much to realize if I was out of control or not...We didn't hurt ourselves though

------------------
Be wary of falling shoes while waiting in line for Raptor

One of the problems I think is when they use the midcourse brake as a trim, especially on B-side. This causes it to run into the trimmed helix slow. So when they notice the ride times are getting high they have to turn the helix trims off (and subsequently the midcourse trims) so it makes it up into the station. Then of course it's running extremely fast, and if you are sitting in that front car right where the helix end you get thrown around pretty good.

If they would lay off the midcourse braking I think it would have enough speed they could run it with the helix trims on more. This is because it's not slowed down as much heading into the helix. I noticed lately they have been doing that on blue which makes sense, and red is just getting a slight tap on the midcourse.....
*** This post was edited by Joe E. 9/1/2002 8:23:19 PM ***

I love those helices...such a smooth soothing ride the whole time and then BAM wicked rough helix at the end. Awesome.

------------------
June 28th: LocoBazooka Tour (Sevendust headlining)
July 11th: Korn, Puddle of Mudd, and Deadsy

Once you turn on the trims, they turn on at the "midcours" or C-Brake as we call it, and right before the helix at the same time. We have no control as far as turning on a seperate set of trims. The trims are based around the speed that the train comes in at from C-Brake into the station. If it comes in too fast (as it does on hot days when the trains are full) then we have to close the trims for safty reasons. If we didn't, not only would you have a rough ride up the helix, you'd be whip-lashed in the safty brakes. Face it, everyone, it's a 24 year old Arrow that is still run like an Arrow, completely computerless. As far as how to improve the ride, never ride in the back of either train, stick to the middle, and brace yourself for the helix. This isn't really the place to get any "fixes," but explanations I can offer.

------------------
~Sabrina~
2001 Gemini
2002 Gemini/Live E: Hooray for Hollywood
*** This post was edited by Gemini Witch 9/1/2002 11:20:29 PM ***

The entrance into Gemini's helix with trims off is one of my favorite ride moments anywhere at CP...sheer craziness! Another example of how Arrow's "bad" transitions can actually be really awesome!

------------------
Experience Lemon Chill as Never Before! Coming to an Area 51 Near You in '03!

So the when the trims are on and the midcourse hits hard or soft it actually varies because of the speed it comes in? Cool, that makes sense then.

I just don't like the trims being used on that turn. ;) When it whips around that turn and goes super fast I think it rivals Magnums bunny hops.

The leval of the trims also varies on speed. The trims are on six diffferent levals of tightness. If the train consistantly comes into the station faster, then the control host turns it up. Although there are six settings, I have never seen (nor felt comfortable with the idea of) the trims past the third setting.

I love that ride.

------------------
~Sabrina~
2001 Gemini
2002 Gemini/Live E: Hooray for Hollywood

It's a great ride all around, but I'm always happier when that light over the op's head is on. The helix is so intense.

------------------
-Chris Woodard
Who finally met the infamous Magnum Dan!

I remember during the Gem 100 I did my best to stay off the B side.

------------------
Dan Haverlock
"who didn't see anything"

Yikes!!! "B" side? "Light over ops head"? ::sad:: You guys are talking TOO technical for lil' ol' me!!! Someone tell me when and which side is the best time to ride for a smoother helix!? Wish the darn thing wasn't "almost inverted" either! ::laugh::

------------------
"Life is not a dress rehearsal."

My recommendation for a very smooth ride is to sit in the first seat of any car, and lean forward a little bit so your back is not touching the seat. The second and especially the third seat of the car really throw you around a lot.

------------------
Brent Haley
Gemini Crew '02

Some people spend a lot of money each month at a chiropractor to get their necks cracked. You should be thankful.

I always find the middle rows to be smoothest, but I definitely agree that the third row of any car is bad news. We avoided those like the plague during the Gemini 100. I don't really know how often it happens, but I got a ride where the midcourse trims were off, but the helix trims were on and it was kind of like the best of both worlds.

-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew

::sigh:: Matt. I tried to explain. If the midcorse trims are on then the helix trims are on too.

Adroit_001, the light above the Control Hosts head indicates if the trims are on or off. If the light is on then the trims are open (smooth sailing) if it's off (rough waters ahead). A and B side refer to the two different sides which are controlled seperately. A side is the red side, B is the blue. Brent has the best advise for smooth riding.

I love that ride...and I love Brent.
------------------
~Sabrina~
2001 Gemini
2002 Gemini/Live E: Hooray for Hollywood

I know what you said, but I experienced something different ONCE! ;) You never know what can change with Don Dick on the loose. At least he hasn't screwed up Gemini yet like he did to Raptor earlier this season! :)

-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew