Just in time for summer, Great America has opened its newest roller coaster.
This coaster's claim to fame is the fact that it is made of wood.
The first public rides happened Saturday and came with fireworks.
"Gold Striker" has the longest initial decent tunnel on any wooden coaster and is the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in Northern California.
It is located in the shadow of the new 49er stadium in Santa Clara. Once you are in the park, it's in the Celebration Plaza area and wraps around the Star Tower attraction. (Just follow the crowd).
It is the park’s eighth roller coaster and guarantees to bring two minutes of thrill to those on board.
The roller coaster stands 108 feet high and has a 103 foot 50-degree drop at speeds at 54 miles per hour.
"Gold Striker reflects our commitment to providing our guests with the best thrills and entertainment value in the region,” California’s Great America Vice-President and General Manager Raul Rehnborg said. “This ride was uniquely designed by melding together the highest performing and most exciting features of the very best wooden roller coasters in the world. Everyone who enjoys the thrills of riding a roller coaster will want to experience Gold Striker.”
Below is point of view video from a test run:
Below is a virtual ride.
