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If you want to get all technical and nerdy the Phoenix has a two minute ride time (including the lift) and with sixteen moments of airtime that means you get treated to huge amounts of airtime every 7.5 seconds. 


 
Stats like that are the reason that The Phoenix is the only classic wooden coaster in my top 5 behind Outlaw Run, Voyage, Boulder Dash & Raven.



The Phoenix really is the way I consider it the best classic wooden coaster in existence.  The reason it does so well is all of the TLC that Knoebels staff takes to keep it in top shape.   They have a more intimate knowledge of the ride than most parks maintenance staff since they pretty much built it after the park purchased it from a closed park in Texas and moved it up to Pennsylvania in 1985.

For a quick history The Phoenix began as The Rocket at Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas in 1948.  It was designed by Herbert Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (serial #111) and it ran until that park closed in 1980.  It sat idle for five years before Knoebels did what at the time was declared impossible and moved a wooden coaster.  It took 34 trucks to move it up to Knoebels and they meticulously reassembled it piece by piece before opening in June of 1985 to rave reviews.



Next to The Phoenix is Knoebels Antique Car ride.  Bond took this as an opportunity to try and not hit the cars guide rail in preparation for the real driving that he starts in the spring after getting his learners permit.



Fandango is one of the attractions that Knoebels has added since we were last here.  I do like the picture of Kozmo; Knoebels mascot, on the bottom of the pendulum.  it is a nice touch.



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Paul B. Drabek