Restore the Roar: Rebirth of The Grizzly - Part 1
Kyle Kruthoffer
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Part 1 - A RUMBLE IN THE BACKWOODS OF OLD VIRGINIA
Many online sources and coaster watchers have recently noticed that The Grizzly coaster is closed for repairs and that sections of track are missing. The theories behind the nature of the changes are as wild as the ride itself. The theories range from massive hurricane damage to large trees toppling onto the first drop and taking out a large section of track. None of these are correct. The truth is that Grizzly is undergoing extensive renovations and retracking and will re-emerge some time next season more fierce than ever before.
The Grizzly closed on Labor Day of 2022 and work began almost immediately removing trains and bringing them into the Kings Dominion wooden coaster maintenance shop for their annual inspection and routine maintenance. During this process, seats, wheels, etc. are all removed and thoroughly inspected. Any worn parts are replaced, and the train is spruced up over the winter in preparation for the following season.
Track work began almost immediately as large sections were removed to be rebuilt as part of the project.
Stay tuned as The Grizzly Gang follows the project to "Restore the Roar" and brings you exclusive reports and photos of the work in progress.
Be careful what you wish for, it’s not wise to poke a sleeping bear – especially one as ferocious as The Grizzly.
In upcoming installments we'll take a look back at the 1982 introduction of The Grizzly and meet the engineers involved in the current project. Stay Tuned!