New coasters offer a thrill ride

In yesterday's edition of The Guide, the Times' Elina Shatkin reported on an outdoor recreational activity that warrants a little cross-posting here — riding Southern California's latest crop of roller coasters. Yes, it may be a little on the beaten path for some of you, but if Shatkin's reporting is accurate, it's sure to get your blood pumping.

Here's an excerpt from her review of a new Six Flags attraction built with "NASA-quality engineering":

Sweet merciful savior," I think, "it's nearly over." An old aphorism says that there are no atheists in foxholes. I'd amend that to include roller coasters.

I am near the end of my first run on X2, probably the most exciting (read: vomit-inducing) coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The signs in and around X2 have it right: Closing your eyes won't make it go away. I know. I tried. On my first ride, I kept my eyes open maybe 10% of the time. My second ride, I managed 20%.

Shatkin goes on to cover the thrills of the Pony Express at Knott's Berry Farm and the virtual coaster Simpsons Ride at  Universal Studios Hollywood.

Check out the unexpurgated article here as well a photo gallery and a sidebar on kid-friendly theme park attractions plus tips and tricks about getting the most out of your amusement park visit, a mainstay feature of the Travel section's amusement and theme park blog, Funland.

—Liam Gowing

Photo of X2 riders by Michael Robinson / Los Angeles Times