SFMM: Gold Rusher Review

Okay, it's pretty much a no-brainer that Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) deserves an A+ for their amazing fourteen back-breaking rollercoasters and family friendly environment. However, what about the roller coaster that started it all? What should we rate the first roller coaster at SFMM? Well based upon today's standards of upkeep and fun, I'll have to give it:

C

Why so low? Well, the only reason it got such a decent rating in the first place is that it is an historic ride by SFMM standards. If it weren't for that reason, it would definitely get a lower rating.

First the theming of the trains is very nice. Basically it looks like you're boarding a mine train and about to head into one of the dangerous mines in the west! The lapbar system is quite unique in that for a car with three rows, all three lapbars come down only to the largest person. So if a very "tall" man was to sit in one of the rows, then the lapbar would only come down to his stomach while it might be loose on everyone else! Sounds dangerous? Trust me, though, you really don't need a lap bar on this ride. It might do more harm than good.

This is truly one of the bumpiest steel tubular roller coasters that I've been on. True, it does give you a good view of Log Jammer flume ride and gets you really close to some trees that need trimming, but considering how slow it is going, it should not be this bumpy. Every turn it seems like it is falling apart and the unpadded lap bar just adds more hurt and insult.

The highest point on the ride comes at the end with the speedy banked turns in the end. My brother said that they slowed down the ride since he last went on it, and maybe that's true, but it certainly made this part of the ride exciting. I could actually feel the g-forces push against me and onto the hard metal as we were turning. Seems like a lot of people lost plenty of stuff on this ride too because there was a bunch of loose items at the bottom of the turn.

For a ride that is slow, bumpy, and harsh on the butt, I would have given this a lower rating. However, I'll enjoy a classic roller coaster anytime. This ride definitely needs some upkeep and refurbishing but you should definitely check it out while your at the park. It's a walk-on anyways.