kevonline.co.uk is currently under construction. Scroll down to view the recent updates.
kevonline.co.uk will be a web site dedicated to myself and my passion about thrill riding. I hope to include everything you will need to know for you to enjoy a perfect day out at a theme park in the U. K. I've been riding coasters for at least 15 years and with a little light hearted fun I wish to pass this information onto you. So maybe next time your riding a coaster you may experience something new, you may have missed otherwise. Even if you don't ride coasters then I shall try my best to give you a good insight into what each coaster feels like from my riding experience.
The web site over time will include pages on:
- About Page: what am I and the site all about.
- Online C. V: Looking for staff? See if I fit the bill.
- Roller coaster Basic Physics: Basic explanations of how they work and why they make us feel like they do.
- Roller coaster Records: All the current Records held by Roller coasters around the globe.
- Latest News: All the latest news, including the latest press releases on new attractions.
- Roller coaster Tycoon 3 & No Limits Coaster : see what I've created over the years.
- Theme Parks: Everything you need to know about a theme park.
- Funfair's: Take a look at the funfair's I've visited.
- Trip Reports: Take a look at all the trips we take as a family throughout the months and years.
- Water Parks: Take a look at the water parks I've visited.
Update: 8th October, Alton Towers confirm the iconic Corkscrew is to be retired.
Alton Towers have confirmed the removal of the Corkscrew at the end of the 2008 season. The Corkscrew is steeped in history and it really does hold a special place in enthusiasts hearts. Yes, it's nothing special to the general public and certainly doesn't need all the latest technology record breaking coasters do today, but here's a little insight into why it holds a special place in peoples hearts.
30,000 people visited Alton Towers in April 1980 to witness the birth of the Corkscrew. Since then it's estimated nearly 43,449,840 people have braved the double corkscrew and helix. 28 years the Corkscrew has seen Alton Towers grow up around it and in my opinion was the ride that put Alton Towers on the map. Without this ride, would we have seen the success the park hold today? The ride will be sold for scrap with the current high prices for steel. Lets hope they keep a corkscrew section of track for a memorial around the park some where.
The Corkscrew was the 1st double looping roller coaster in Europe and was an instant hit, not many people knew what to expect back then. Like today with coaster technology, this was ground breaking in 1980. There are many rumours that a major development will happen over the next few years, as Alton Towers continue to improve areas of the park.
Alton Towers is due to close for the season on the 2nd November. However they are holding a special event to say goodbye to the Corkscrew. The Event will take place on the 9th November with other selected rides to give the Corky a good send off.
*Rides available on 9th November: Spinball Whizzer, Squirrel Nutty, Oblivion, Submission, Enterprise, Corkscrew, Rita - Queen of Speed, Marauder's Mayhem, Heave Ho, Runaway Mine Train, Duel, Nemesis, Air, Blade, Monorail. Note: Annual Pass holders receive entry to this event as part of their 12 month's unlimited entry.
Full details of the Goodbye Event
Enthusiasts also hear of a Secret Weapon 6 coming to Alton Towers in the next few seasons. The Secret Weapon rumour is very exciting as Nemesis was born from Secret Weapon 3 (SW3), Oblivion came from SW4 and Air was SW5. Only time will tell I'm afraid. Cred Street is also rumoured for a make over in 2009, Mutiny Bay is to open a Sea Life Aquarium in the former 3D Cinema building.
Alton Towers are going to be busy over the winter. RIP Corkscrew, thanks for the memories.
Update: 7th October, Pleasure Beach - Blackpool
We had a short 2 day trip to Blackpool over the 2nd and 3rd October. The park was very quiet indeed. We all had a great time and the weather was better than expected. We happen to be there for a 'Freaky Friday', a few live actors hit the park, chasing people. The illuminations were impressive, well worth a look. You can view the full report again here from UK Rides, whilst the trip report section is finished.
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A Quiet Few Days |
Here We Go |
Infusion By Night |
Live Actors On Friday's |
Update: 28th September, Alton Towers
Friday 26th September saw us take our 2nd trip to Alton Towers. The day was very enjoyable for all. The average queue time was about 20/30 min's. The birthday girl, Oblivion is my #1 coaster and did not disappoint on Friday. I also bought a badge from Oblivion to remember it 10th Birthday, lets hope it has another 10 years left. Nemesis was just world class, the high G helix after the first corkscrew is unreal. We arrived at the park to find Alton Towers covered in very heavy fog, which made for a very eerie setting indeed. The Skyride was closed. You can view the full trip report here from UK Rides.
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An Eerie Setting |
Scarefest Is Coming |
Air |
Nemesis |
Update: 1st September, A New World Record Is Announced For 2009!
On the 26th August 2008, Holiday World of Santa Claus, Indiana announced a new World Record in a press release. The World's Tallest Water Ride.
"Pilgrims Plunge, a classic "shoot the chute" ride, will utilize an open elevator to swiftly lift boats filled with riders 135 feet in the air. The boats will pause briefly and then rapidly descend a record 131 feet at a 45-degree angle, creating a wall of water splashing 45 feet high and 90 feet wide."
You will reach speeds of 50mph and it's also said, it cost into the regions of more than $4.2M.
View The Pilgrims Plunge Micro Site - Contains all the Pictures, Video's & Information about the new ride.
Update: 1st September, Pleasure Beach - Blackpool
The 25th August 2008 saw us take a trip to the Pleasure Beach once again. We went for a few Bank Holiday drinks and to soak in the atmosphere at the Pleasure Beach while doing so. It was very busy and a great atmosphere to boot, as to be expected on a Bank Holiday. Later in the day the heavens opened and the crowds seemed to disappear. This left a few rides with no queues, so we purchased some tickets to ride Bling. The pictures tell the story of the weather.
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River Caves Work Finished |
Infusion |
Pleasure Beach, Blackpool |
Wild Mouse |
Update: 14th August, Preview Lightwater Valley's Page!
All the information is now completed, just the graphics and navigation to finish off. So I have allowed you to preview the page, all the information for a perfect day out at Lightwater Valley is now available. Special Events, Fan Sites, Official Web Site, Latest News, Prices and History and much more for your viewing pleasure.
Click Here To Preview The Page
Update: 12th August, Championship Season - Opening Day Fixture
This web site will not only feature Theme Parks and Thrill Rides. I will also be looking into all the other trips we go on as a family, although the majority will be Theme Parks. Saturday saw the end of a long summer break for football fans and the Championship returned for it's opening day fixtures.
We have been huge Burnley fans for about 12 years now. In the 1990's we hardly missed an away and home game. We try and go to most home matches now, although through the years the price rises in admission soon put a stop to traveling the country watching my team play.
The opening day fixture was a quick trip across the Yorkshire border and to Hillsborough, to take on Sheffield Wednesday. The Clarets traveled very well again almost taking up all allocated seats. The atmosphere was incredible, every away match is far better than a home game for the thousands of Clarets singing as one. Expectations were high, every one in good spirits for the game ahead, a real party atmosphere.
It's just a shame Burnley never turned up. We lost 4-1 and left us bottom of the Championship after 1 game. Our manager Owen Coyle said the defending was naive and schoolboy like, I couldn't agree more. Still, it was great afternoon out and everyone is just happy football is back. Keep smiling Clarets fans there's a long way to go yet. Click here for full match report
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Welcome To Hillsborough |
Clarets Out In Force |
View From My Seat |
View From My Seat |
Update: 27th July, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool & South Pier!
On the 24th July, we went to meet our family from Scotland at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. Once a year we will meet up with our family for a day from Fife, as they holiday in Blackpool. The day was great. Scorching sunshine, little queues and great company. The day was a huge success.
Over the past few months the rides on the South Pier have changed. The pier has had a complete makeover. I recommend riding the Sizzler, a twister ride that goes at the speed of light, by far the quickest I've ever rode in my life time. They have a new Ghost Train too, that might be worth checking out. The Crazy Mouse is currently built back up, and is due to re-open very soon. It's been closed while it under goes a paint job and routine safety checks.
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Rollercoaster Gets A New Train |
River Caves Receives Facelift |
Sedgwicks Sizzler |
Recently Added Ghost Train |
Update: 29th June, Web Site, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool & Central Pier!
The web site is still coming together, just incase you think I've given up, far from it. I want it perfect really, before going live. There will be a preview of Lightwater Valley's page very soon.
Well, a last second decision saw us drive into Blackpool, for an afternoon of rides, coasters, rain, sunshine, lager and vodka (not the driver of course). We stopped off at the Central Pier, to ride the Extreme Miami and to see the new Mini Miami. We then headed for the Pleasure Beach for a few hours until close. Was a superb day, it looked quite busy on arrival at dinner time, but by the time we actually went to ride, all the rides had a queue time of 0 min's.
A few pictures, click for full size!
Central Pier |
Extreme Miami |
Bling! |
Revolution (6th Row) |
Update: 9th June, Camelot!
Yesterday saw us visit Camelot. Knightmare was running like a dream as per usual. Not very busy but not quiet either, it's good to see the park doing so well.
Here are some pictures to wet your appetites for the galleries, click for full size!
Knightmare |
Johno faces the Psycho Drop |
Mum & I ride Excalibur 2 |
Hands Up! |
Update: 28th May - Alton Towers YourDay DVD
Alton Towers YourDay DVD ( 160.4mb ) - This is our DVD we purchased earlier this month from the latest service Alton Towers now offers. It is about 12 min's long and includes video footage of us on Nemesis, Oblivion, Spinball Whizzer and Air. Rita's cameras failed to pick us up, and we missed out the Corkscrew as it had a queue time of 40 min's.
I will be creating a much smaller video in the next few days with just our ride footage if you don't want to view the full DVD. It really is worth it though. My face on Oblivion tells it's own story!
I think the idea is fantastic and I was really impressed by the whole thing. Contact Me and tell me what you thought!
Where to look out for us!
Nemesis - 6th Row
Air - Back Row
Oblivion - Front Row - Seats 4, 5 and 6 (as you look at it - left to right)
Spinball Whizzer - It only shows our car, so that's us!