Sidewinder (Elitch Gardens)

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Sidewinder

Elitch Gardens Location Denver, Colorado, USA Status Operating since May 27, 1995 Cost $300,000 USD (1980)
Elitch Gardens Location Denver, Colorado, United States Operated 1990 to September 1, 1994 Magic Springs Location Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA Operated 1980 to 1989
Statistics
Manufacturer	Arrow Dynamics
Type	Steel - Launched - Shuttle
Product	Launched Loop
Riders per train	24
Height	56 feet
Drop	47 feet
Top speed	45 mph
Length	635 feet
Track inversions	1
Rider inversions	2
Duration	1:06
HELP

Sidewinder is a steel launched shuttle roller coaster located at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USA. Built by Arrow Dynamics, the ride was opened in 1980 at Magic Springs. It is one of three Launched Loop roller coasters still operating.

History

The ride debuted in 1980 as Roaring Tornado at Magic Springs in Arkansas. It closed in 1989 and was sent to Elitch Gardens, where it reopened in 1990 as Sidewinder. Sidewinder was dismantled and rebuilt when Elitch Gardens moved to a new location for the 1995 season.

Design

Overview of Sidewinder in 2012.

The ride has a single vertical loop. For the 2010 season, the ride was repainted lime green. Previously, it was a darker shade of green.

Trains

Single train with 6 cars. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows, for a total of 24 riders per train. The train is launched down a hill and into a vertical loop. It then rises up a hill into a flat section opposite the station. The train is then launched backwards, through the loop and into the station.

External links

• 
  Sidewinder on the Roller Coaster DataBase.