Vekoma, not a name that gets a lot of recognition for building high class thrill rides. The only rides that are usually produced by this company are the mass produced Boomerangs, Inverted Boomerangs, and Standard SLCs, which everyone is familiar with. Vekoma set out to change that reputation and they did just that when they released their newest idea, which took a life as Boosterbike at Toverland in the Netherlands.
The concept of this new ride was reminiscent of the Steeplechase ride at Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Riders sit upright on ride vehicle that resembles the popular high performance motorcycles that are a common sight. The Boosterbike contains the very first launch that Vekoma has ever produced, making this a very unique ride. Now, other companies are creating their own style of the Boosterbike, but Vekoma finally has something to be proud of.
Toverland was a small park in the Netherlands that was not really the first place that enthusiast expected to purchase a ride such as the Boosterbike. The park was looking for a signature attraction and this was just what they were looking for. Much to the surprise of everyone, they announced their newest attraction April 8, 2004. Construction started very soon after the announcement and the green and grey structure of the Boosterbike started to rise next to a cornfield. Construction continued on and in a few agonizing months, the ride was finished. On July 7, 2004, the tracks of Boosterbike were set ablaze with screaming riders feeling the fury of this new creation. Rave reviews emanated from this unique attraction.
Boosterbike has some impressive stats, considering it comes from Vekoma. The ride stands at 49-feet and launched riders from 0 – 46.6-mph in just three seconds. The bikes blaze through 1,968-feet of green track supported by a dark grey support system. Vekoma also created a new restraint system to enhance the feel of this ride and make it feel like you were really riding a motorcycle. Single riders are secured with a restraint that lowers over the rider’s back and around his or her waist.
Toverland guests make their way past Toverland’s other attractions with one ride on the mind. That ride is Boosterbike. Then they see it, gleaming in the sunlight, situated on the edge of a corn field. Eager with excitement, riders make their way to the entrance of the ride and make their way through the queue line. Once in the station they see the truly unique ride cars. They take their seats on the motorbike replicas and the innovative restraints are secured. The bike is released from the station and navigates an S-curve. Once they are on the straight track, the launch takes place. The bike excels from 0 to 43-mph in three seconds. Riders are sent soaring up a small hill and then into the elements of the ride. The bike rushes down the other side of the hill and around a large 90-degree curve. The horseshoe is the next element they encounter, which is a large 180-degree overbanked turn. The bike rockets out of the horseshoe and into the flat loop. After completing 180-degrees, the bike races around a turn and down a small stretch of straight track before navigating another 90-degree turn. From here, riders are treated to a little airtime as they soar over two camelback humps. After the two hills the bike rockets into the brakes. The brakes slow the bikes to a crawl and then the bike rolls around the final 180-degree turn. After the turn the station awaits, and guests exit the ride after a truly unique ride experience.
Written by Josh Thompson
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