Richard Bannister

Some of my coaster counting friends are in the process of ticking off every single coaster in the United Kingdom. While this is something I'd like to do too, I'm not sufficiently motivated to join them everywhere, not least because the thirty or so coasters I've got left are all children's rides. Be that as it may, I'm still happy to make an occasional trip where cheap flights are convenient and available, and thus we have today's trip report.

 

The first ride of the day was on the Crazy Caterpillar (#1309). This particular apple was giving passengers five laps of the track, and as the train wasn't being slowed through the station there was even airtime to be had. We passed a few minutes reacquainting ourselves with the Z40 Roller Coaster before moving on.

 

There are some things that are almost too embarrassing to document. As such, I'll deliberately refrain from mentioning that we paid full price entry into Knowsley Safari Park just to get one quick lap on Rattlesnake (#1310). It would have been nice to do the safari drive, but there simply wasn't time. Shame.

 

Coaster number three was a successful attempt to ride the Storm (#1311), and much to my surprise the ride turned out to be entirely devoid of headbanging. Not wishing to push my luck I politely declined a one token reride, but if I'm unlucky enough to find myself in Southport again I'll certainly consider trying it again. The real reason for our visit today however was the new coaster this year. Indiana's Adventure (#1312) probably violates at least a few trademarks, but it was certainly the most interesting theming I've seen on a Supercar kiddie coaster. The queue line passes through the remnants of the old pleasureland fun house, which reminded me yet again of how much the Thompson family have to answer for. The coaster itself was surprisingly fun, not least due to some special effects shown on the second lap.

 

The sensible conclusion to a not very sensible day would have been to head back towards Manchester airport leaving plenty of time before my return flight. As such, we set out in completely the opposite direction, the aim being to get a ride on the Wild Mouse to finish off our day. This proved to be an inspired decision, as the insane rodent was running better than I've ever experienced it; it really felt like the car was going to come off the track in places. The Pleasure Beach may be heading south in a big way under current management, but thankfully they still have one worthwhile coaster.