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|  Dutch Coastin' .// Robin Hood (Six Flags Holland)
Once upon a time, there was a small theme park in what once was the ocean. The theme park was called
Walibi Flevo. It was situated truly in the middle of nowhere.. but it is no more. When the year 1999
presented itself, the Walibi-group was acquired by the Six Flags corporation. Nobody really cared.
Until Six Flags announced their plans. Walibi Flevo was going to be refurbished into Six Flags
Holland. Well, "Six Flags Holland; the roller coaster capital of Europe" to be precise.
There where to open 30 new shows and rides in the 2000 season. A record shattering three new roller
coasters where te built, more than have ever been added to a single park in Europe during the course
of one year. The Dutchmen could welcome a unique Vekoma woodie, a Vekoma boomerang and a Vekoma
LSM coaster.
Six Flags immediately cought my attention. The American corporation of Six Flags is almost
immediately associated with the great American wooden coasters. And now they where going to build
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| Robin Hood is a true beauty.. |
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a wooden roller coaster in Holland. Would this Dutch Vekoma woodie live up to the expectations?
Once you enter the Sherwood Forest area, you immediately see the impressive figure of Robin Hood.
This roller coaster stands higher than any object near by. You can already hear the nostalgic
sound of a Vekoma chain-lift, followed by the sound of a train flying down a wooden coaster drop..
followed by the screams of the innocent. The innocent that have boarded Robin Hood only a minute
ago. The innocent that are plunging down an intimidating 30 metres.
The station-building looks rather medievil. It consists of a wall or something like that which
hides the actual loading area, and two towers that form the entrance to the station-builing. Just
before you walk in the station, you've got a wonderfull view of Robin Hood. You can know really
comprehend the beauty of this wooden Hollander. And how lovely does she look..
The choise of seating wasn't too hard. There is only one way to ride a woodie for the very first
time; backseat! The train slowly and smoothly started to roll out of the station. The first 180
degree turn towards the lift-hill is rather smooth. Running up the chain is everything but smooth.
The train is hoisted up the hill very slowly, offering the rider some panoramic views over Robin
Hood, Six Flags Holland, and the beautifull landscape surrounding the park. When reaching the top,
one will notice that the wind is fierce. Very fierce. This kind of gives you a feeling of being high
up in the sky, though in reality you're only 30 metres away from the hard Dutch ground. And down
she goes. Thirty metres down, pure and untamed. And as of lately, refurbished. The speed at the
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| ..with a very classical look. |
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bottom of the first drop is high, higher than you would expect from a 30 metre tall coaster. The
90 degree upward helix is therefore taken at high speed, which is pretty spectacular. After a few
lovely airtime humps, we are swung into a 170 degree slow-turn. This slow-turn is a nice resting
point. It allows you to catch your breath, before you go down once more. You can say what you want
about Vekoma, but they know how the create the ultimate double down. After the slow turn you dive
into a 45 degree downslope, which turns into a 55 degree downslope after a metre or so. This gives
you some of the best and most terrifying ejector seat airtime you can imagine. This mind dazzling
sensation is followed by a few scenic airtime humps next to the water. Once more you get the
opportunity to regain your calmth in a slow-turn, this time the turnaround. After a swift dive, you
face a very low hill with the onride photo on top. A few swirls and humps later, you face another
turnaround. You are now headed directly for the 90 degree first turn. A nice and smooth hill is
followed by one of the most exciting parts of the ride, the "tunnel". This is basically a turn
redirecting you towards the station, which is covered with the supports of the first 90 degree turn
of the ride. The train is finally stopped on a slight downslope, a farely uncomfortable stop after
an exhilerating ride. You are slowly guided back into the station..
Robin Hood is a lovely ride, one that looks incredible. I must say that Robin Hood is my favourite
wooden coaster, without any doubt. Even the monster Colossos or its younger brother Loup Garou can't
touch her position. Robin Hood is wild and untamed. And after some major maintenance medio 2002,
Robin Hood is faster and wilder than ever. I would really like to see a park surpass the perfection
of Robin Hood!
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© 1999-2004; All rights reserved DRNK
& Dutch Coastin'. [v2.01] All trademarks are © by their
respective owners.
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