Mine Ride: OUCH!

Ugh! Why did they do this to the poor, defenseless, classic Mine Ride?

No, I don't mean the new station floor which doesn't even have a yellow line to stand behind (in spite of the gigantic sign), or the new set of Stupid Little Gates on the platform.

I'm talking about the new seat "cushions."

I use the word "cushions" a bit liberally here, as the park has equipped each seat bench with two high-density foam "cushions", one on the seat bench, one on the seat back, each about 2" thick.

These "cushions" are about as resilient as an oaken plank, and even worse are perfectly rectangular in shape. As a consequence, riders on the Mine Ride now sit about 2" higher and about 2" forward from the position dictated by the old upholstery.

I found that to begin with, this made me feel as though I was kind of perched on the edge of the seat rather than sitting in it. This also raised me up and shoved me forward enough that it was a major chore to get the lap bar to close, something that has not even been difficult for me on that ride.

Maintenance is going to love these new "pads" because they are rigid and nearly indestructible. But for the rest of us this will not be pleasant at all. If they wanted to do away with the upholstery, why not just take the pads out and make us sit right on the Gelcoat? It would actually be more comfortable than the crap they have us sitting on now!

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

My wife and I experienced the pads a bit more today. The train stopped half way up the lift hill and we were afforded the opportunity to test how the seats work at a stationary angle for 20 minutes or so. Do not know when it ran again. The ride was closed when we returned into the station. Interestingly, we had just come from Gemini where there were delays and stops as well.

On the Mine Ride yesterday, the train (number 2) stopped on both lift hills, and I almost missed my freeway oppurtunity (from 2-3) for MF. However, when we got back in the station we got a pass to go up the exit of each ride. As soon as I seen them I was ready to go to TTD, but then he said every ride BUT Top Thrill Dragster. :(

------------------
"Give Me Liberty.............Or a Bran Muffin."
-Colin Mochrie-
-Whose Line Is It Anyway-

Me and a group of friends, after riding Mean Streak, decided to use the Mine Ride to "cool off." When we arrived at the entrance people were coming out. It was shut down for the same reason that fat chris explains. I always ride the Mine Ride when I go because it is such a smooth ride and won't upset anyone and after riding Mean Streak, I need something that won't jostle me too much.

Yes, it did stop on the first lift hill for 15-20 minutes. The second stop was pretty short. My wife and I actually noted the seats were less than comfortable after the first stop highlighted that fact. We also had visions of riding TTD with those passes. I understand the restriction however. We ended-up using them on MF after we used our Freeway stamp. 10 minute wait for 2 rides on MF Sunday was an enjoyable treat. Was a longer wait than I would have guessed, but the new ride will probably bring-in more of a crowd, that may partially gravitate to the "second largest coaster" in the park.

I don't know what actually happened on the Mine Ride. I do know while waiting on the first lift hill we noted several security people in the station, including 1-2 that had "Police" on the back of their jackets.

We also noted while waiting in line another time for MF, that there was a roaming armed police officer with a CP security staff around the MF line.

We never got back to CCMR. Were there a lot of "larger" folks having trouble getting in? I'm only 6' and I barely fit before. I can't imagine trying to shove more padding in there.

Maybe they're trying to make it more fitting for kids.

------------------
Without upstops, airtime would have a whole new meaning!

The police were there to catch someone that pushed the gates open on purpose, causeing the ride to shut down. Tehn the sensivity was changed to avoid it happening so often.
*** This post was edited by IceCreamMan 5/5/2003 12:35:17 PM ***

I agree, my friends and I hit up CCMR, those new seats are pretty damn uncomfortable.

I never realized till yesterday that Woodstock Express is faster and taller than CCMR. Plus it is much more comfortable to ride.