Boulder Dash is God. It took a whole lot of thought and deliberation to come up with that, but that is what I came up with. I truly thought that it was going to be very hard to dethrone Phoenix from the ranks of the top wooden coaster. It was hard for me to do, but after much thinking and comparison, I just had to give the title to Boulder Dash. Boulder Dash had been an anticipated coaster of mine for a while now, and it did not disappoint. It was the first thing that I went to when I went to The Lake (that is what the locals and ride ops call Lake Compounce, just simply "The Lake" . Speaking of "The Lake", anytime that I heard one of the ride ops say "Thank you for riding ______ and we hope you enjoy your day at The Lake.", I couldnt help but say in my head "The Lake" like a neighbor of the park from across the street at ESPN, Dan Patrick. He is known for his infamous strikeout call on Sports Center - "uhThe Whiff" - so I couldnt help but say "uhThe Lake". Sorry for the side note, so back to the ride. Boulder Dash was everything that I thought it was going to be times about 20. The entire experience was memorable. From the sign, to the walk to the station, to the fabulous ride and scenery. The ride was overload for most of the senses. I do have to say though, the first ride was not all that great for me. I rode near the back in a somewhat empty train (it was a weekday in early June and there was nobody in the park at opening) and the experience was slightly lackluster. I came off wondering if I were a freak of some sort because I didnt find the ride overly enjoyable like I had heard it was. So of course, I just had to keep riding. Let me tell you, I didnt have a ride like that throughout the rest of the day. Now, this is where all of the deliberation about ranking and rating came in. The ride is just so inconsistent. The first ride was not that great, but it got better throughout the day. Then, sometimes it would be like being on a tame Hercules but just feeling like going 95 mph. Then, sometimes it would feel as smooth as glass like Lightning Racer but just feeling like going 95 mph. Then sometimes it would be like an airtime machine like Phoenix but just feeling like going 95 mph. Then, sometimes you would get all of those feelings in one ride but just feeling like going 95 mph. Those were the best rides. Now, obviously, it doesnt go 95 mph, but whizzing though the trees and hugging the mountains terrain and flying through boulders just made it seem like it. At any rate, even if those things werent there, it still goes pretty freakin fast. But that is what sets this coaster apart from a lot of the rest. It is in such a magical setting and built in such a unique way that it just adds to the experience. Even if the setting werent there it would still be an amazing ride, but with the woods and natural setting, it makes it a ride sent down from a dream. Like I said before, all of the factors make this such a great experience. Even the ride ops are a lot of fun. This is the kind of ride that should be made a point to make time for. It should almost be a life goal to get on this thing. If you are ever anywhere near the New England area make sure you get out to "unThe Lake" and get on "uhThe Mountain Coaster".
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