Great Coasters International has been building Wooden Roller Coasters for 13 years now, and I don't think they have built one that could be classified as a failure. Some of their past creations include "The Ozark Wildcat", "Kentucky Rumbler" and the award winning "Thunderhead". The prospect of a new "Great" Wooden Coaster from GCI had my six shooter a poppin'.
The drive up to the Twin Cities is only a little over 6 hours from Kansas City. It was a sunny Saturday in KC when we saddled up and pointed our boots towards the new "Outlaw" up north. Once we hit Minnesota the Storms started to set in. Fortunately we able to avoid any major showers at the park on both days. Saturday afternoon when we arrived at the park we found a fairly large crowd all wanting to tame that Villain in the back of the park. Making our wait time for Renegade's front row around 30 minutes.
The Ride has a very interesting twisting first drop. After cresting the lift hill the track takes a sheer drop and a sharp turn to the right but before you reach the bottom the track has changed directions back to the left. Making it difficult to put the shackles on this outlaw err... coaster. After the first suprise the ride really earns its reputation as a "Renegade". It gives you all the thriling twists and quick pops of air that GCII has perfected in their previous coasters. This cowboy has another weapon to throw at you in his holster. The Speed and Intensity is INCREDIBLE!
The best view while riding this coaster is like most up front. The front offers a giggling good time ride to all. If you're looking for more intensity the back is the only place to be. Specifically the back left seat is the best. There you really feel like the track has disappeared when the train takes that sharp turn to the right on the first drop. After multiple rides on Renegade we found there is not a bad place to ride. Typical of GCII tradition this coaster is very comfortable and can be ridden multiple times without that feeling of being run down by an Iron Horse that other Woodies are notorious for.
GCI sure knows how to rustle up a good time and this "Outlaw Coaster" is certainly no exception. The ride really compliments the other rides at the park. This will soon (if not already) be known as the best ride at Valleyfair. And will surely earn a spot on most coaster enthusiasts lists.
