[PoP Eye]

They could turn the last two cars on each train around like on thunderation. Goldrusher Backwards that would be awesome!

[Carowinds44]

Interesting, but... well interesting.

[coasterbruh]

Personally i like being able to just walk on a coaster................

[swampfox43]

They could turn the last two cars on each train around like on thunderation. Goldrusher Backwards that would be awesome!

I actually like that idea. I've heard <a href='http://www.coastergallery.com/2001/SDC09.html' target='_blank'>Thunderation backwards</a> is awesome!

But, my personal preferences for improving the Goldrusher ride experience would be to:

a- Cover the first spiral so it is completely dark
b- Add fog or mist, heck, even a strobe light to the last tunnel. Just keep it dark.
c- Someone told me a long time ago that they thought the entire 2nd half of Goldrusher should be tunneled, starting at the 2nd lift. At first I thought that was kooky but now I kinda like the idea.

For many years they kept the light on in the final Goldrusher tunnel. Someone finally turned it off in 2001. Ya see, sometimes it's the easiest things that can heighten the ride experience on a coaster. Kinda like racing the Thunder Road trains.

[Carowindsman]

A strobe light wouldnt happen may cause seizures to some people

[swampfox43]

^^Hmmm, many parks use strobe lights. Ever ridden Magnum at Cedar Point? All 3 tunnels are strobed.

[coasterbruh]

LOL lol carowindsman thats gonna be what i remember you by . But he's refering to passer by's. But carowinds man i think he was talking about in the tunnel. And if your that prone to seizures then i dont recommend riding coasters!!

But then again goldrusher isnt that much of a thrilling coaster...............

[The Anomaly]

If they would go back to running three trains at once and change that blasted braking system back to what it used to be, that might increase the numbers a little.
Oh, and the biggest thing, get the non retractable seatbelts like they have on the Georgia Cyclone...and that goes for Hurler and Thunder Road as well.

[Dukeis#1]

Kids really enjoy Goldrusher. It's the next thing they want to ride after they've braved Scooby Doo and Taxi Jam.

I like the idea of turning some cars on the trains backwards. It was a really good idea that was taken well at Silver Dollar City, so it would probably work at Carowinds as well.

The ride could use some more theming as well. It has been somewhat out of place since Blue Ridge Junction became Carolina Boardwalk. Maybe they could retheme it from a mine train to a passenger train.

[Carowindsman]

yah coasterbruh i knew that after i read it again i wasnt think at the time i am definetly not prone to seizures and swamp i have been on Magnum and i didnt think of all that stuff at the time....

[coastermom2]

I think they should keep the the name and the theme the same
because of the discovery and mining of gold in the Charlotte area
years and years ago. (I don't know the exact year. Guess I wasn't
paying attention when I chaperoned that Girl Scout trip to Reed Gold Mine.)
But they could make it into a Haunted Mine. It wouldn't have to be too scary,
like Scarowinds, but it would be a little more interesting and might attract
more riders. Darkening the helix tunnel, mists and fog, sound effects, and theming like what is around the Thornberry River Adventure could be added. (Hey, what about those bats from the Cyclone?) Visuals make everything more interesting and kids (of all ages) love it. I would hate to see this ride taken away because of low attendance. Gold mining is a part of our local history.

[Top Gun]

And theming like what is around the Thornberry River Adventure could be added.

The log flumes new them is nice and all, but it isn't balanced, they need some more theming from when you get of the first convayer lift until you reach the final one. On Topic: There arn't to many things that can be changed about the Goldrusher track because Borg and Vortex are in the way, they should fill the water back in under the last helix thats what they should do. Or, if your in the mood for a crazy idea, they should have water jet through the first helix like the train ran into a underground river. ^_^

[AMartin777]

I understand the intent of this post is to suggest ways to increase ridership on Goldrusher in a general sense. However, I am responding as a devout fan of this roller coaster. Actually, I'm a fan of all mini/mid size coasters as they allow the typical "non-coaster" person an opportunity to ride a less intense form of the ride.

Goldrusher is often dismissed while standing in the shadow of mega-monsters like Borg and Top Gun. It's slower, shorter and far less intense. But what this coaster lacks in gusto it more than makes up for in charm. Goldrusher is, after all, a "mini-mine train" coaster. It has a long and proud history as a part of Carowinds and stands as a unique form of coaster in the park. It evokes a very natural atmosphere with its woody, greasy smells and roughly hewn station house. The twin-tubular steel over wood construction gives you the traditional wood coaster feel while providing a smooth ride. It navigates a succinct course that includes two lifthills. Its cars are small (I have a hard time squeezing my 6' 1" frame in under that lap bar) and styled in the traditional "Mine Train" car shape. I especially like the "step bar release" that the ride op must manually operate to raise and lower the bar for each car.

I propose that we all agree to a specific time, during the normal operating hours of the C3 event (August), to gather at the entrance of Goldrusher and ride as a group. This will show our support for this wonderful little coaster... rich in history and dripping with charm. I'll even make up "I Love The Goldrusher" buttons for everyone who wants to participate.

[swampfox43]

^^Gee, I'm glad someone out there loves this ride as much as I do. Everything you said is true except that I don't consider this a "mini" mine train at all. OK, if you compare it to <a href='http://www.pki.com/i/552.mov' target='_blank'>Adventure Express</a> at PKI, it may seem small, but in comparison to any of the Six Flags mine trains (i've ridden them all), it's right up there with them.

The ride is still immensely popular with small kids and families, and uhhh me. I always make it point to ride GR when I visit the park. It's a fun ride! And like Alan said, it's that geasy, tarry smell that gives this ride it's charm. Reminds me of my first rides on Dahlonega in 1969. Great memories for sure.

I'm with AMartin on the group meeting at Goldrisher during C3

[AMartin777]

For everyone interested in meeting up for the Goldrusher Group Ride... why don't we meet up at 10:30, at the Goldrusher Entrance sign, shortly after the "Scooby Doo Shootout". B)