Nine super years – can you believe it!  There are far more than nine reasons to celebrate nine years of the Gravity Group, but let us try to keep it to just nine.

1. Hades – Wow, what a memory up at Mt. Olympus.  Who knew that photos of what appeared to be random below-grade concrete walls were actually key components to the record setting underground tunnel housing the world’s first 90 degree banking on a wooden coaster.  This bold coaster received the highly coveted Golden Ticket for Ride of The Year.

2. The Voyage – ’nuff said.  If you have not ridden The Voyage at Holiday World, head out right now to the #1 coaster on the planet.  Some say, “There is Voyage …and then every other ride.”  Securing both Ride of the Year when it debuted and the Best Wooden Coaster since 2007, it is everything a coaster wants to be.  There could be a novel written about the ride’s features, sensory experiences and stories, but it is easier to just go and experience it for yourself.

3. Boardwalk Bullet – Bringing back the wooden twister to the boardwalk, the Bullet was a blast to design.  Not only was it created in an unbelievably cramped site, but it survived the 17 feet (5m) of water from Hurricane Ike.  This ride came in as a close runner-up for Ride of the Year, only to be surpassed by another Gravity Group sibling.  Finishing first that hotly contended year was…

4. Ravine Flyer II - It was a perseverance roller coaster for Waldameer to get this ride approved with all the constraints of the ride including a steep slope on Lake Erie, a cramped site and of course the now famous blue bridge over the state highway.  We have a habit of taking these limitations and twist them to the ride’s advantage.  Ride the Ravine Flyer II, or any of our other rides for that matter, and you will understand.

5. Fireball – Designing a ride in China was a great experience, and it was ironically located on our physically most normal site to date.  Airtime, airtime and airtime, our signature ingredient, headlines this thrilling, graceful and remotely-located top 10 ride.

6. Wooden Warrior – I do not know whether we have ever had a ride that has surprised 100.0% of all riders.  This ride amazingly cloaks its large attitude amidst its small hills.  In addition, the Wooden Warrior also made history this rainy April in the debut of the revolutionary Timberliner trains to the world, producing miles of smiles on riders’ faces since.

7. Zippin Pippin – Also in April another ride was roaring to life.  The previous summer we scoured photos and all other information we could find, and we then strived to stay true to the original design while ensuring it delivered Gravity Group goodness.  Now Green Bay residents can be proud of this fine roller coaster recreation, along with its Elvis connection, in addition to just cheese.

8. Twister – Gröna Lund proposed a tall order to create a wooden coaster in their space inhibited park.  After the dust settled, many industry professionals and fans alike are still scratching their heads how we accomplished this ride to not only fit in their park, but to be a totally fantastic ride experience.

9. Happy Valley Wuhan racing coaster – Currently under construction, this behemoth beckons for riders to brave this labyrinth of track.  Check here for the latest photos of this wonder of the Chinese world.  This ride has the most wooden coaster track in the world and is truly breathtaking.

9+. Timberliners – Reducing maintenance, increasing comfort and increasing capacity have been the primary objectives for these all-new trains, …and these objectives have been met very nicely.  We have been more than ecstatic with the mountains of accolades these trains have garnered from all who have experienced them firsthand.

As one can see, we have certainly been busy with these nine rides in nine years.  We thank you for taking this ride with us.  We promise to keep creating the best and most innovative wooden roller coasters in the world for you, our family of clients, friends and fans.