The Great Bear at Hershey Park is a renowned roller coaster known for its exhilarating g-force experience. This inverted coaster, standing 90 feet tall with a 124-foot drop, delivers intense positive G-forces through its valleys and inversions. While the exact g-force measurements aren’t publicly disclosed, riders can expect a smooth yet thrilling journey reaching speeds up to 61 mph. The 2,800-foot track offers a 2-minute and 15-second adventure, combining height, speed, and inversions for an unforgettable experience.
What Makes Great Bear’s G-Force Experience Unique?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park is renowned for its smooth yet intense g-force experience. While the exact g-force measurements are not publicly disclosed, the ride is known to deliver strong positive G-forces, particularly through its valleys and inversions. This unique combination of smoothness and intensity sets it apart from other coasters in the park.
Key factors contributing to the Great Bear’s g-force experience include:
- Inverted coaster design
- 90-foot height
- 124-foot initial drop
- Multiple inversions and loops
- Maximum speed of 58-61 mph
The inverted design, where riders are suspended below the track, enhances the sensation of g-forces as riders swoop through the course. The significant initial drop and subsequent inversions create alternating sensations of weightlessness and increased gravity, adding to the thrill of the ride.
How Does Great Bear’s Height Affect Its G-Force?
The Great Bear’s impressive height plays a crucial role in its g-force experience:
- Maximum height: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Initial drop: 124 feet (38 meters)
This height difference between the maximum track elevation and the bottom of the first drop creates a significant acceleration as the train descends, leading to increased g-forces. The subsequent hills and inversions maintain and vary these forces throughout the ride.
The height also contributes to the overall experience by:
- Providing a scenic view of Hershey Park
- Building anticipation during the initial climb
- Allowing for a longer, more varied track layout
- Enabling the design of more intense elements like loops and corkscrews
What Speed Does Great Bear Reach and How Does It Impact G-Force?
The Great Bear reaches a maximum speed of approximately 58-61 miles per hour (93-98 km/h). This velocity is crucial in generating the g-forces experienced during the ride. Here’s how the speed impacts the g-force experience:
- Initial drop acceleration: The speed rapidly increases during the first drop, creating a strong positive g-force.
- Inversions: The high speed through loops and corkscrews intensifies the g-force sensation.
- Banked turns: Maintaining speed through turns creates lateral g-forces.
- Sudden direction changes: Quick transitions between elements at high speed lead to rapid g-force variations.
| Element | Speed Impact on G-Force |
|---|---|
| First drop | Rapid acceleration, strong positive g-force |
| Loops | Intense vertical g-force at top and bottom |
| Corkscrews | Rapid directional changes, mixed g-forces |
| Banked turns | Lateral g-forces |
The combination of speed and track design ensures that riders experience a dynamic range of g-forces throughout the 2-minute and 15-second journey.
How Long is the Great Bear Ride and What G-Forces Can You Expect?
The Great Bear offers a thrilling 2-minute and 15-second ride experience. Throughout this duration, riders can expect a variety of g-force sensations:
- Initial climb: Slight negative g-force as the train ascends
- First drop: Strong positive g-force
- Inversions: Alternating positive and negative g-forces
- Valleys: Increased positive g-forces
- Banked turns: Lateral g-forces
While exact measurements aren’t available, the ride is designed to provide a range of g-force experiences without exceeding safe limits. The smooth track design ensures that these forces are intense yet comfortable for most riders.
How Does Great Bear Compare to Skyrush in Terms of G-Force?
When comparing the Great Bear to Skyrush, another popular coaster at Hershey Park, several differences in g-force experience become apparent:
Great Bear:
– Smoother, more graceful ride
– Inverted coaster design
– Longer ride duration (2:15)
– Multiple inversions
Skyrush:
– More intense and aggressive ride
– Known g-force of 5
– Shorter ride duration
– High-speed turns and airtime hills
While Skyrush offers a more extreme g-force experience, the Great Bear provides a balanced combination of thrills and comfort. The inverted design of Great Bear creates unique g-force sensations that differ from the intense positive and negative g-forces experienced on Skyrush’s airtime hills.
What Safety Measures Ensure a Safe G-Force Experience on Great Bear?
Hershey Park prioritizes rider safety on the Great Bear, implementing several measures to ensure a safe g-force experience:
- Regular maintenance and inspections
- Computerized control systems monitoring speed and g-forces
- Restraint systems designed for inverted coaster forces
- Track design optimized for smooth transitions
- Height and health restrictions for riders
These safety measures work together to provide thrilling g-forces while maintaining rider comfort and security throughout the experience.
In conclusion, the Great Bear at Hershey Park offers a unique and exhilarating g-force experience. Its combination of height, speed, and inverted design creates a thrilling ride that stands out among the park’s attractions. While not as extreme as some other coasters, the Great Bear delivers a perfect balance of intensity and smoothness, making it a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts visiting Hershey Park.