Park Uncoils This Year’s Thrill Ride

The unveiling of a new roller coaster at Magic Mountain is a harbinger of summer, as certain as rising temperatures and the increasing smog over Van Nuys. Officials at the Valencia amusement park believe they simply must offer a new ride each year to compete for Southern California’s thrill-seeking dollar.

Two years ago, Ninja debuted as the world’s fastest overhead-suspended roller coaster. Last year, it was Tidal Wave, promoted as the wettest ride in Los Angeles.

This spring’s installment was introduced last week. Viper is being touted as the “tallest, fastest, looping roller coaster in the world.” (Not to be confused with the tallest, fastest, non -looping roller coaster in the world, which is in Ohio.)

“They are trying to build rides that scare us enough so that we find religion,” said Randy Geisler, president of the American Coaster Enthusiasts fan club. Geisler attended the opening along with 200 of his faithful following.

The Viper climbs to a height of 188 feet, loops upside down three times in a row, corkscrews once and boomerangs near the end. Assorted drops and turns are included to allow the stomach a chance to settle. All of this occurs within 2 1/2 blurring minutes.

“We wanted to make sure we had all the bells and whistles on this ride,” said Joseph Schillaci, Magic Mountain’s president. The park also wanted Viper to be high-profile. Erected on a hill and clearly visible from the Golden State Freeway, the bright-orange roller coaster doubles as an $8-million billboard.

Coaster veterans will find at least two frightening moments on the ride. The first drop, a twisting free fall, reaches speeds of 70 m.p.h. Later, at the crest of a small rise, the cars feel as if they are flying off the track.

At other times, Viper can be jolting and uncomfortable. Riders are thrown from side to side, bounced and banged against an unforgiving shoulder harness. One passenger complained that his chest felt bruised. But this, apparently, is the kind of thing for which thrill-seekers yearn.

“It was jerky and rough--it was fabulous,” said Bill Davidson, a 30-year-old San Jose man and coaster club member. “There was a surprise around every turn. That’s important to a roller coaster.”

Coaster experts say the ride will smooth out over time, as the metal rails and synthetic wheels become broken in.

That might take all the fun out of it.

Magic Mountain , 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway , is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today. For most of April and May, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Magic Mountain will be open seven days a week during June, July and August. For more information, call ( 818 ) 367-5965.