[coastermom2]

They could leave the ride just the way it is forever and I would still love it.
I just hope enough people feel the same way and the powers-that-be don't
decide to scrap this rare coaster. I try to ride it every time I visit the park.
(My 6 year old son is afraid of it, so my daughter and I have to ride separately
and switch off with him. Don't worry, he'll come around. I did.) It's a wonderful
ride for those who aren't quite ready for the big coasters. As Carowinds' first
official coaster*, it's a piece of history in my opinion.

*Am I right about this? It was the "big" rollercoaster the first time I ever visited Carowinds. (Tells you how old I am) I was too scared to ride it then, just like my son.

By the way, what is C3 in August?

[AMartin777]

By the way, what is C3 in August?

C3 is shorthand for "Carolina Coaster Classic". Many of the people here are members of a national organization called ACE "American Coaster Enthusiasts". Check out the website <a href='http://www.aceonline.org' target='_blank'>HERE</a>.

ACE hosts coaster events throughout the year where its members get exclusive opportunities to ride coasters in marathon sessions, gather and "share in the love" so to speak we have for parks and rides. The C3 event is being held August 21st at Carowinds. You can read more about the event on it's flyer <a href='http://www.aceonline.org/flyers/C32004.pdf' target='_blank'>HERE</a> Another of ACE's purposes is the preservation of coasters for historical reasons.

We have members from all walks of life and enjoy these events immensely. Hope to see you there. You can see videos that some enthusiasts have made to get an idea of the great fun we have visting the parks during these events. View great videos of last years C3 <a href='http://www.whootah.com/works/00000009.asp' target='_blank'>HERE</a> and <a href='http://www.whootah.com/works/00000010.asp' target='_blank'>HERE</a>.

Hope to see you at the parks!

[swampfox43]

Of course, we need to remind coastermom that she does not necessarily have to be an ACE member to come to this event. She could come as a guest of an ACE member. Let us know if you are interested. The price is very reasonable, especially if you already have a season pass.

Also, my personal belief is that the Goldrusher is there to stay. It's the least problematic coaster the park has. Plus, like I said earlier, it's an extremely popular semi-thrill ride for families.

Carowinds has done it's best to remove family rides from the park over the years. Let's see, Sternwheeler, Monorail, Train, Cable Skyway & the Sport cars and Jalopies. Any more?

The Goldrusher is a park icon and needs to remain there forever IMO.

[coastermom2]

Thanks Martin and Swampfox for that information. I knew about ACE from watching shows on the Travel Channel and PBS about amusement parks. I've always been interested in joining but I never knew how. It sounds like a lot of fun,
perhaps a perspective new hobby for my daughter and I and maybe my husband
(but I kind of need him to look after son until he becomes "enlightened" about
coasters). Rides likes Goldrusher and the Scooby Doo rank as historic coasters to me and they should receive recognition and protection as such.
I'm a season pass holder and would like to be a part of the C3.

Thanks so much for the info. Maybe I'll run into some of you crazy
coaster fiends at Carowinds sometime. I'm the one with the two beautiful kids

[carowindsfreak13]

That is a really neat idea pop eye.

[ninermike]

Goldrusher is a great coaster. I'd suggest more mine train themeing. I also like the previous suggestions of the back 2 cars backwards and always thought the pool of water in the first turn was a fun part of the ride. The suggestion of more tunnels was one I'd be in support of as well.

The Goldrusher is a great ride for my 5 year old daughter to ride while my 7 year old son hits the Hurler,Cyclone and Ricochet on that side of the park. I have to put the Goldrusher as one of the top family rides in the park.

[Cephas]

There IS a legend of a ghost train somewhere down by wilmington. Thats what they should do with the goldrusher. Also, that would give them a reason to cover the 2nd helix. Which could be done now that there is now water under the ride.

[coasterbruh]

i think the first helix has a better chance of being covered since it already below ground level..............

[WWFFlusher]

Nothing…it’s too much of a classic coaster. This was one of the few coasters that I would ride in my Wee years. Everything about this ride brings back memories. (Sounds, Sight, Smell, etc)

On a side note. I have also been interested in becoming an ACE member. I would like to join everyone for CCC. I plan on taking the day off and enjoying the park with some fellow board members. Hopefully everyone can see that I am not about just working in the park. I love to play in the park. Especially when you have a bunch of friends with you.

[Trev32]

Man... i wanna go to C3 really bad....


Anyway, for goldrusher they should cover the first tunnel... that's about it for me.

[Dukeis#1]

Didn't there use to be a bell that rang whenever the trains would come into the station? They should put that back.

And if they still have some of the old Blue Ridge Junction theming (Mine Carts, Laterns,) they could put it along the ride and in the que. That would help some.

I think it would be neat to see the ride run three trains again, but I doubt that would be necessary. Two trains seems to flush the que out fast enough.

Goldrusher is something I could never really see Carowinds without. Hopefully the powers feel the same way...

[The Anomaly]

Yes, there was once a bell that rang when a train approached the station. Then you could hear the brakes being manually applied and released as the train zoomed into the station. As a train was dispatched, you would hear a thud followed by five little beeps. That ride is where my soul lies. It is my once favorite roller coaster since the days when I used to be scared of them. I loved every inch of the ride as you can see that I remember the little details about it. I have always loved the sound the trains make going up the lifthill...and that woody smell down in the tunnel. The part of the ride that used to always tickle me was when we were thrust through the tunnel and around that little twist coming back into the station. I do miss the water that was underneath the ride. Oh, and another little tidbit about the Goldrusher is that it also crosses the state line, as does Thunder Road.

[Cephas]

I think vortex might have 50 feet of track in south carolina. What about borg? Also, wouldn't the FSS go across the state line?

[Trev32]

Goldrusher is something I could never really see Carowinds without. Hopefully the powers feel the same way...

I agree. It'd be really weird if Goldrusher wasn't there....

I hope this never leaves Carowinds.....

[Cephas]

Why take out the goldrusher? Not much would fit that long, narrow space except another coaster, and if another, larger coaster were put in (LIGHT LIGTNIN'S REVENGE!!! ), I don't think I would mind the goldrusher being gone. I would hate it if the goldrusher were replaced by another kiddie coaster (it wouldn't compare favoriably to the goldrusher )!