Hershey, Pennsylvania – Thursday, July 19th, 2012
...And the ride is over.
I took most of these photos along this scenic pathway that seems to serve no purpose other than to allow a closer view of Skyrush. I really wish more parks would include long "scenic routes" like these to appreciate a coaster from up close.
My final opinion after 10 laps: Overall I'm very happy that intense rides like this are still getting built.
I foresee a future in which rides that feel truly "out of control" become a real rarity, and despite being considered "technologically advanced" today, I fear Skyrush may be part of a dying breed.
I really wanted to judge Skyrush apart from the restraints since ultimately the design of the restraints is a relatively minor characteristic (maybe 1-2 inches of overextended lapbar) in what otherwise is a very strong accomplishment.
I also appreciate that Intamin is trying to take the best of B&M's hypercoasters (the more efficient four-abreast seating and open seating design that offers a feeling of flight), while still strongly differentiating themselves with a really forceful aggressive layout design.
Skyrush looks like a great ride, and I'm sure if I didn't have the constant mental distraction of trying to keep my restraint from leaving bruise marks throughout the entire ride, I'd feel I could much more authentically make an endorsement of the ride in good faith.
But even on my 10th lap, it was still a ride I had to struggle with to enjoy, and under those circumstances I can't say I ever felt anywhere close to the euphoria felt on some of my favorite coaster rides.
Notice there aren't any arms in the air?
In the end, even if the restraint issue could be resolved, I'm still not certain Skyrush would make my list of all-time greats.
It's fast and aggressive, but also fast and short, and generally lacks the innovation in layout I tend to value in favor of an experience that's very "loud" for a short time. It's like the speed metal of coasters in baby blue and pastel.
Still it's quite possibly the closest thing Hersheypark has to a signature attraction, and while I may still have fonder affections for Storm Runner and Lightning Racer, Skyrush commanded my attention and forced me to think about my own gut reaction to it in a way few other coasters have managed.
So yeah, I guess that's my mixed review for Skyrush.
Water falls at Skyrush's riverfront location.
Comet peeking out around the flowers.
Skyrush's return cable winds its way over the river and through the Comet.
Comet in the shadow of Skyrush.
Another look at Skyrush's cable lift drum.
Looking back on Skyrush.
Skyrush looking quite striking in the afternoon sun.
That is a *long* span of unsupported track.
Thanks for the ride, Skyrush. I'll see you again soon. Hopefully you don't beat me up as much then, too.
Skyrush also looks cool when monochromatic.
Desaturated Skyrush.
Silhouetted Skyrush
And one last one of Skyrush at twilight.
I really like this writeup for Hershey… Had the opportunity to visit two years ago and found it to be a really enjoyable park, and Lightning Racer turned out to be a family favorite.
However, the reason why I’m commenting here is not because of Hesheypark, its because your main post on the main page offers no place to respond hahaha. A couple of thoughts here. Glad to hear that you totally haven’t abandoned the site, as I find it fascinating. If I could put in my 2 cents, I’d greatly enjoy writeups for Maverick and Magnum XL-200.
When I visited Cedar Point last year (my second trip), obviously Maverick was on of my favorites, and most roller coaster enthusiasts agree. And the ride holds consistently to your concepts of roller coaster “story progression” in intensity. However, from my previous visit I wanted to avoid Magnum because I remembered it being very painful. My friend dragged me on it and after a couple laps I found that it wasn’t as painful as I imagined, but nonetheless it was still fairly lackluster for me. Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Also, as kind of a tandem, I think it would be unique if you did a writeup for Rocky Mountain Constuction as a company. They, all by themselves, I think have changed the roller coaster industry more than any other company in a very long time. I know you appreciate Alan Shilke’s designs (X2 is just awesome), and it’s clear to me that he cares more than most about element pacing, progression, and finales (the double barrel-roll on Outlaw Run, the mini airtime hops on Wicked Cyclone, and the twisty switchback section on Wildfire, just to name a few stand-out finales). I’m not sure of how many RMC coasters you’ve ridden, but if its more than a few, I’d be interested in hearing what you have to say about them.
Anyways, sorry that was kinda long-winded, I’ve been meaning to comment for a while now. Keep it up and I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
As per JetstreamCoasters, commenting here because I can’t comment elsewhere.
Just wanted to say thank you for your years of intelligent commentary on rides & parks. Your words became a bit of a narrative to my first experiences of parks all over the world after I conquered my fear of coasters back in 2011 at the not-so-tender age of 36! The next three years were spent in whatever parks I could find on RCDB and reading your commentary for your unique insight prior to my visits.
Oh, and thanks to your site, I can no longer ride the Universal Studio’s Rip Ride Rocket without activating the secret track #112 – Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Freebird – this must be the best coaster soundtrack ever!
Like you, life has since moved on. I have a 2 year old boy now, and visits to parks are few and far between. But I’m encouraging him to eat all his food so he can grow to reach the magic 0.9 & 1.4m heights so I can go venturing the world of coasters with him too. And whatever you decide to do with this site, I look forward to seeing more of your writing, in whatever form into the future.
PS. I rode Sky Rush (also known non-affectionally as ‘Thigh Crush’) back in 2013. I rate it as one of the most terrifying coasters I’ve ever been on, mainly because if those damn restraints break my femurs, I’m toast! Did you notice the ever-so-slight release of the restraints on the holding brake at the end? So Intamin/Hershey know about the problem then!
Thanks for the kind words, Ty. As I said in my last update (already more than half a year ago) there will be more updates coming, and hopefully one fairly soon which I’ve made some progress on recently.
It makes me realize just how long I’ve been putting this on hold; 2011 was when things first started slowing down for me, and in that time you’ve had your entire coaster riding career begin and end! (But hopefully will begin again soon!) Time really does get away from us…