One thing that I liked about the Steeplechase when we visited this year is that the cars have recently been refitted with new restraints and seating which make them not only more comfortable but also makes them feel safer. The layout itself is actually very nice, containing Steeplechase-esque jumps (including a water jump) and plenty of banked turns, and because the three tracks remain parallel throughout the ride, you’re always competing against your two opponents, which is fun. Fortunately you do have seat belts to help ease this a little, though these are easy to forget about as you wind around the twisty track layout. Because you’re positioned so high above the tracks, every dip and curve is amplified and makes you feel at any moment like you could fall from your horse and do yourself a fairly serious injury. Steeplechase has always been a unique and somewhat unnerving attraction due to the seating arrangements. Today it’s the only surviving example of a Steeplechase-style roller coaster, with a similar attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm closing down in the 1990s. It was based on the original 5-lane Steeplechase at Steeplechase Park in Coney Island, New York, and was opened in 1977 by Grand National-winning horse Red Rum, whose hoof-print can be found near the front of the attraction. Like most of the rides throughout Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s history, the Steeplechase has an interesting story behind its conception and creation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |