Boulderdash

This coaster was one of the most anticipated coasters of the 2000 season and it did not disappoint. From an improbable location to comfy trains to a great operating crew, Boulderdash really has it all. The coaster is an engineering marvel that deserves respect from architectural, artistic and "thrill ride" viewpoints.

Boulderdash's lift is one of the steepest lifts to be found on a wooden coaster. After a quick ninety-degree turn to the left, you are eased back in the seat as the coaster climbs the mountain. The interesting thing is that the lift never hovers more than a few feet off of the hill. After a quick turn to the right riders are launched down a twisting first drop (picture on right) that really yanks riders to one side.

The PTC's fly by the station after the first drop. The station can be seen on the left.

Every visit to Lake Compounce I asked, "How did they build this thing?!" Custom Coasters Incorporated showed they are the kings of versatility, putting the coaster in with a shoehorn. This is the second large drop and has an unusual combination of airtime and punishing laterals.

A beautiful coaster in a beautiful park. The upper track is outbound path and the bunny hops on the bottom head back to the station.

The train actually feels like it accelerates on the turnaround. Wind whipping off the lake makes the return run fast and out of control. C.C.I. describes this as a "unique spiral element."

Boulderdash riders enjoy some airtime as the head into the brake run. Custom Coasters Inc. created another legend that will awe people for generations to come. The coaster was voted the number one coaster in the nation by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, an honor for a coaster to win only one year after it opened.

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