Colossus: n. Someone or something abnormally large and powerful.

In Short:

Colossus is one of Thorpe Park's flagship rides; a record breaking 10 looping 'Coaster.

Statistics:

Opened: 2002
Manufacturer: Intamin
Area: Lost City
Ride Type: Sit Down Roller Coaster
On Ride Photo: Yes
Official Rating: Extreme Thrills

Photos:

Video:

See Colossus in action: TTP Park Video can be found in Downloads.

TTP Review:

Colossus opened in 2002 as a world's first ride - the only Roller Coaster with 10 inversions. It cost £10 million to create and is based on the 8 looping "Monte Mayaka" in Brazil, but 'Coaster Designer John Wardley added 2 more inline twists at the end to beat the record.

The lift hill noisily pulls you up to a mighty 98ft, and then simply lets gravity do its work. The track curves down, and the train gets faster as you enter the first inversion - the vertical loop. You then dip under the shop - which gives fantastic airtime, and into the cobra roll. After finishing that, you enter 2 consecutive corkscrews - your on-ride photo being taken after the 2nd. You bend round, and enter 4 clockwise inline twists, which are taken at just the right speed. And, then, just when you think it's all over, you do one last anticlockwise inline twist. Brilliant.

It's not only the ride itself which impresses. The whole area is magical - the Colossus queueline and walkway is right under the whole ride structure - guests are very close to the track, making it an exciting ride just to watch. Special mention must also go to the ride music played in the area and the queuelines - it compliments the theme of the ride superbly, and does a great job of psyching you up for your ride!

When Colossus was opened, it really pushed Thorpe into the major league of UK parks, and rightly so. This 'Coaster really takes you for a ride. It looks great - a huge landmark when approaching Thorpe - and daunting, but anyone visiting Thorpe Park should ride Colossus. However, one word of warning - Colossus has become a bit rough, so beware of headbanging. It's a good idea to keep your head forward when riding.

Colossus excels at almost everything, and is a huge asset to Thorpe Park. Don't miss out.

Positives:

• Well paced, disorientating, and fun ride throughout.
• Front row seats offer guests one of the best ride experiences the Park has to offer.
• The Coaster has an amazing interaction with the scenery and guests.
• Colossus rightly made a name for Thorpe Park when it opened in 2002.

Negatives:

• A very rough ride; Colossus has not aged well.
• Trains are uncomfortable for larger/taller guests.
• Track needs a repaint.

Your Reviews:

"The coaster needs smoothing out and repainting or something... it's very very noisy and very shaky - could there be better restraints and headrests?!"
J. Merchant, East Sussex, UK.

"The best ride in the Park - it makes you really dizzy!"
Hussein, London, UK.

"I first rode this ride when I was 8 and ever since then I have loved it! OK, so it's not a smooth as Nemesis Inferno and it's not as fast as Stealth but its definitely wild, out of control and... AWESOME! 10/10."
Charliy, Sutton, UK.

"I get headaches when I go on this one!"
Danny, Bristol, UK.

"Rough, but great. Needs a repaint, but other than that, it's fun and greatly themed."
Robert, Hertford, UK.

"Colossus is great!! I went on it first 2 weeks ago... and loved it! The corkscrews make you dizzy at the end though..."
Lucy, Kent, UK.

"Colossus is just amazing. The only things needed to be done on it is to make the ride smoother and repaint it, but apart from that it's just amazing, even if you don't like roller coasters!"
Anon, UK.

"Simply amazing! I first rode this when I was 9. Absolutely incredible! 10/10!"
Patrick Crowne, Surrey, UK.