So, I've never done a TR before so here goes.

Monday, my family and I went to BGA in Tampa, which was only a half-hour drive from our condo. Anyway, so we got a prime parking spot at the front of the parking lot, so there was a lot less walking than what there should've been. Anyway, first of all we went straight back to Sheikra first. Thankfully there was a short, 20 minute wait to the station. First of all, The first hill is awesome, the view of Tampa was amazing. Rounding the corner, I just the got this great feeling of anticipation, just sitting there looking down on the first hill, but not going anywhere. Then, when the brake releases, my stomach just rose to my chest and came back down as we went up the Immelman. That thing is so smooth and so fast. After the MCBR, the second 90* drop is just as thrilling with that overbanked turn and the water run. Even the helix back to the station had some force in it. And I can gratefully say that Sheikra was my first coaster of the year. What a great ride to start out 07!!
I'd give Sheikra a 9/10 with the only downfall being that it isn't long enough. If it had one more inversion and a couple more twists and turns, it'd be a 10 hands down.

Next, we went on to Kumba, one of the best B&M's I've ever been on. I'd put it up there 3rd, with Raptor and Kraken being better. Anyway, there was hardly a line all day so that was nice. We got to the front in like 10 minutes, which was very unbelievable. I rode in the 3rd to back on the very right side, and WOW I love the G's that thing pulls. Going over the 0-G roll before the Cobra Roll, pulled the right side right over the inversion. Anyway, the ride is amazing, and is just filled every type of element you could want. A forceful helix at the end, a great system of interlocking corkscrews, and the ability to do 7 inversions in the amount of space they had was amazing. I give Kumba an 9.5/10. It just ends way too soon for me .

After that, we boarded the Sky Ride, and headed towards Montu. Again, there was no wait, so we went to the middle, which was by the far the best ride of the day. Again, the outside seats are probably the best because you get the full force of the ride. It was so great. Montu is so smooth in its elements. There really is no break from the action unlike most coasters. Inversion after inversion creates the perfect B&M inverted coaster. I think the theming after the MCBR is great, even though I believe that the brakes slow it down way too much. Anyway, Montu is just a great inverted coaster, and really one of the best out there. It gets a 9/10 for me.

Ok that was Monday.
Today we did the same exact things, in the same exact order. Except we went to Gwazi after that. Gwazi includes a good pre-lift element under the station. See, last time I rode Gwazi, they didn't run the other train at the same time. This time they did, and it actually added something to it. Everytime we crossed over the track the other train was there, going in the opposite direction. Every cross-over was kinda jerky, but was a very thrilling. At first I wasn't crazy about it, but it grew on me, and was actually an exciting coaster. I was sitting next to this kid that hadn't been on it before and he loved it. It was pretty funny. Overall, Gwazi wasn't rough, kinda jerky, and I gave it a 7/10.

__________________
When you put an artist in the figurative box, they no longer remain an artist.

Nice report. BGA is one of my favorite parks. I haven't been there since Shiekra has been installed. I really want to get that one under my belt.

I've also always enjoyed the integration of the animal attractions into the thrill as well. Glad you had a good time there.

__________________
Jim says; "The Potential energy of the system at the height of the lift hill is equal to the Kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill...."
Jim's friends say; "Just shut up and ride it would you."

SheiKra is almost 3200 feet. That is a lot compared to the other two dive machines (the one at Alton and the one in Asia). I thought it was really great for what it offered. Especially, the second 90* into the tunnel.

Next time you are at BGA, ride Kumba in the back right seat. It will knock your rating up another .5. Kumba is one of the best B&Ms out there and for being how old it is, I consider that a gift it's last that long.

Montu was awesome too, I guess I have been lucky when it comes to my rides, all of them have been trim free. The mid-course was on kinda hard (they were running three trains) but the one brake before the batwing wasn't on.

Wow, someone likes Gwazi like I do. I found the one side to washboard a lot but the other didn't for some reason.

Glad you had a great time, I really need to visit the next time I am home.

__________________
~ThrillNetwork's Social Networking Director~
This signature is up for rent.
2010 Draft: I-305, Kumba, Boardwalk Bullet

Nice honest and discriptive trip report. Glad you had a great time. I like going to the park just for a few spins on there great coasters.

Kumba is what all other B&Ms are designed to be like. For me its one of the best sitdown loopers out there. I love that Busch hasnt put extra brakes on Kumba.
What can I say about Montu, just love it.

Forgot to give kudoos to big red, Sheikra, its just a great thrill ride, love every ride.

__________________

Johnny Upsidedown's Roller Coaster Website
www.Johnnyupsidedown.com
Stop by and take a look at lots of coaster photos, construction and trip reports.

Kumba definitely is the grandaddy of coasters. But you know what, in my 3 trips, I never thought to ride in the back row....I'll give it a try this may.

__________________
HANNAH MONTANA!!!!!!!!!
TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM!!!!!
"I'm living proof....THAT GIRLS CAN ROCK!!!!!!"

Back seat, right side. Amazing ride. For some reason every B&M that I have ridden the G's are better on the right side of the train.

__________________
~ThrillNetwork's Social Networking Director~
This signature is up for rent.
2010 Draft: I-305, Kumba, Boardwalk Bullet

^See I was second to back, right side. We even rode the front and that had some pretty good forces. I really love Kumba, I just hate giving 10's to every coaster i'm on that i love. I have to find some reason to not like a part of the coaster. I really loved Sheikra, but I think if it had a few more elements, it would've been the best coaster ever. I just hated to get off that ride. Anyway...that's why it didn't get that last point. Oh well.

__________________
When you put an artist in the figurative box, they no longer remain an artist.

Well, you probably seen my wife at work on Tuesday then at Monyu...Glad you liked it...back rick on Kumba is amazing coming out of the helix tunnel as well...It is my favorite looper by far...I only wish they would get new track for the corkscrews, that is the only rough spot on the ride.

__________________
Life is a journey....enjoy the ride....