[bgwfreak]

Yesterday I got about 10 rides on the coaster (all in the front car) and I was really blown away.

GCI did an amazing job on the coaster. I heard from Mark (we had 2 CCers there ) that the back is a lot rougher, but for my money when riding in the front it was GREAT! It's no Thunder Head or Voyage of course, but it's a LOT better.

I honestly can't remember the last time it was this smooth, fast and fun.

The ride ops have even told by the park to RACE the thing again!!

Only once I think we didn't leave pretty close together all yesterday.

The coaster is 32 years old this year, but it's not running like it anymore.

I hope when they do the offseason rehab on Hurler, that they use GCI!

Also: The blue side (formerly the backwards side) is a bit faster than the silver side. You get a nice pop of air on both sides on the first hill after the drop, but the blue side really pops me out of my seat!

Both seem to not have broken in all the way yet, like a new coaster. Both are a bit sluggish on the return trip, but blue is faster than silver.

Thunder Road is back to being the best woodie at Carowinds!

[Thriller]

Man, what i would do to get down there and ride TR! It has been over 2 years since I have ridden TR and its my favorite in the park. Glad to know that the old beauty is back and better than ever!

[MarkD]

Yes, I wish I rode Thunder Road in the front. The back was rough but then again look where I was sitting. It was still a lot better than years past, I only compacted my back twice.

I realy wanted to stay for evening ERT but with 3 non stop weekends in a row and after going to the Rowan County Fair and Demolition Derby Friday night I was whooped like a bad puppy dog.

Max...remember the name LATEX!!! lol

[coasterbruh]

Thunder Road is back to being the best woodie at Carowinds!

HA! Thats not saying much when its only real competition as far as wood in the park is hurler! Even before the retracking it was still the best in the park by comparision...

[bgwfreak]

Actually before TR was retracked, I'd say Scooby Doo was the best woodie.

[Davidtmp]

I can agree with you freak on the blue side, it is much faster. I rode it about 3 weeks or so ago on both sides and noticed it as well. Not sure about the back though, we rode pretty much in the middle as my neice I was riding with didn't want to go to the back. Compared to Hurler, it can't be THAT rough! LOL If they can get Hurler running close to that good, I would be very satisfied.

[PreferParamount]

Actually before TR was retracked, I'd say Scooby Doo was the best woodie.

LOL agreed!!

[BoRgAsSiMiLaToR]

I cant wait for carowinds to open, should be a good season. I still dont understand why they turned backwards back around to forwards, I think it ruined the ride. Its better going backwards in my opinion. Oh well. Cant wait til next Saturday!

[bgwfreak]

I cant wait for carowinds to open, should be a good season. I still dont understand why they turned backwards back around to forwards, I think it ruined the ride. Its better going backwards in my opinion. Oh well. Cant wait til next Saturday!

The park stated last year that PTC never approved for the trains to run backwards, so they are saying they are going to go with what the manufacturer recommendations are.

When they raced them last year, it was kinda nice facing the same way.

[coasterbruh]

Then the park should get some milli-flyers to run backwards on it then! Im sure those cars can run sideways and provide an awesome ride experience!

[aaronf1991]

Does anyone know when the ride will open? Will it open with opening day? I think last year it didn't open back up for a while into the season.

[MaximAgency]

The park is saying it will be ready opening day.

[PreferParamount]

thats surprising because last time i saw the ride, 3 of the returning hills were comletly gone down to the footers.

[bgwfreak]

Dani told me that TR would be running for Media Day, although she didn't say both sides would be open, so we'll see Friday.

[jasonwilson88]

It's sad that in today's lawsuit-riddled reality Carowinds couldn't stand up and say, "This train has operated safely backwards (even pre-seatbelt) for many years." Instead they had to cover their butts and turn the train around. I feel bad for people who can't experience going down the first drop backwards in the last row... truly an awesome feeling!