Knott's Pony Express to open Memorial Day

Knott's Berry Farm has announced that its new coaster, Pony Express, will open Memorial Day weekend 2008. The Pony Express is named after the famous mail service that promised faster delivery on the North American continent. The coaster features a powerful launch, reaching a speed of a speed of 0-38 mph in less than 3 seconds. The ride will feature an ascending banked turn to a height of over 44 feet, a series of 60 degree banked turns, camel backs and tight maneuvers, and over 1,300 feet of track. According to Knott's, the Zamperla-designed ride will require a height of at least 48" to ride. Full press release below.

Knott's Berry Farm is on a mission to deliver "First Class" thrills with the opening of their new coaster, Pony Express, set to arrive Memorial Day Weekend 2008.

Named after the famous Pony Express which promised a faster mail service on the North American continent, Knott's Pony Express promises a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West!

While sitting astride one of the team's 16 horses, riders will leave their post with their stead launching them at a speed of 0-38 mph in less than 3 seconds. The terrain for the mounted riders will be rugged as they navigate an ascending banked turn to a height of over 44 ft. then through a series of heart-pounding 60 degree banked turns, camel backs and tight maneuvers. The team will cover a 1,300 foot route which will take them past Boot Hill and Big Foot Rapids resulting in an exhilarating runaway adventure!

Knott's will be looking for robust riders over 48" tall who can endure the challenging journey and appreciate the autonomy of the freestyle ride.

Designed and manufactured by the Zamperla company of Vicenza, Italy, Pony Express will fit Knott's Berry Farm's Ghost Town area like a cowboy in his saddle!