Click on any photo to see a larger version of it.



That something else that the tunnel and fence are blocking is sound.  Sounds is an issue with office buildings on land that Great America sold before Paramount's took it over.  These office buildings are a few hundred feet from Gold Striker.  To get approval for the ride California's Great America had to put several measures in place to keep the noise from the ride from disturbing those in the office towers.  So the tunnel, fence and this sound reducing foam panels between the track was built into the design.



Like all of Great Coaster International's designs Gold Striker is a twisty ride with plenty of spiraling drops.



Gold Striker was really fun just trying to figure out what was going to happen as it is twisted in and around itself.



I really enjoyed Gold Striker; especially the ending.  The first half is all about speed, drops and turns but the ending had some nice little hills full of airtime to end it all.



This is so wrong.  This is so very wrong.

This is where the Anton Schwarzkopf designed Whizzer speed racer coaster once stood.  It opened with the park and yes it was identical to the Whizzer over in Illinois which is one of my top ranked steel coasters.  I just have a hard time comprehending a park removing such a beloved insanely fun ride that everyone can ride.  It may be a bit much but I think whoever pulled the trigger on removing the Whizzer needs to be brought up on a charge for crimes against humanity.



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Paul B. Drabek