Any Detroiters Bouncing Over to Metro GR for ThunderHawk?

[metrogrkid]

Just was wondering if any of the D-Town crew heard about the addition of the Vekoma-manufactured steel suspended rollercoaster THUNDERHAWK being built at Michigan's Adventure (MIA) for this coming summer 2008? This should make the "giant" 2.5 hour trip from Metro Detroit over to the Metro Grand Rapids a little more worthwhile.

This 2-min/20-sec ride, at 2,200 feet long and 105 feet in height and featuring five inversions and speeds nearing 55-mph, will hopefully initiate the image of MIA being a true "thrill ride" park and will hopefully also bring MIA's attendance to 700,000+ visitors this year.

We're hoping that because of downtown GR's position as the Muskegon-bound pass-through from eastern-, northern- and southern-originating traffic at US-131 and I-196 and its close proximity to US-131 and I-96, that it could become an ideal spot to "land" after a day out at MIA for a "night in the OTHER city".

Here's some current construction pics (courtesy of MIA and MIABlogOnline):

[hudkina]

I rode it when it was at Geauga Lake. I'd rather return to ride Shivering Timbers again.

[urban_izzy]

You know I have never been out to MIA before. Cedar Point was always closer and more bang for the $, but I have always heard great fun was to be had at MIA. This summer sounds like a good time to check it out. Looks like a blast.

[ZachariahDaMan]

Nope, I can't do rollercoasters.

[hudkina]

The one and only reason to go is to ride Shivering Timbers. It is one of the greatest wooden coasters ever built. If you like wooden coasters, I suggest going just to check it out.

[wazootyman]

Unfortunately, Cedar Point is closer, and for the most part a superior park. The water park (at Michigan's Adventure) is pretty decent, though.

It's kind of a stretch to pop into the Detroit thread to advertise a theme park that's not only three hours away from Detroit, but almost an hour from Grand Rapids, don't you think?

[metrogrkid]

Unfortunately, Cedar Point is closer, and for the most part a superior park. The water park (at Michigan's Adventure) is pretty decent, though.

It's kind of a stretch to pop into the Detroit thread to advertise a theme park that's not only three hours away from Detroit, but almost an hour from Grand Rapids, don't you think?

[metrogrkid]

THUNDERHAWK IS IN OPERATION!

Point of View Video from Muskegon Chronicle:

Thunderhawk First Ride POV Video

Point of View Video from WZZM TV's Take Five Show w/ Stephanie Webb:

Thunderhawk Media Day Rides POV Video

[metrogrkid]

DETROITERS!!

WOW! You folks were over at Michigan's Adventure (along with alot of Lansing Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies) HOLDING IT DOWN!! Detroit was definitely in effect at MIA this past Saturday (8/9/08).

By what I was hearing in the line for Thunderhawk, it seems to be pretty popular with some of you Motown Coasterheads. It was fun meeting and riding with the really cool Detroiters that I got to meet. SEE YOU ALL NEXT SUMMER!!

-Metrogrkid