Europe’s longest rollercoaster celebrated its 20th anniversary this week. Joe Willis talks to Lightwater Valley general manager Mark Bainbridge about the ups and downs of building the Ultimate.

THE first paying customers experienced the thrill, excitement and terror of riding the Ultimate on July 17, 1991. Since then, 7.5 million passengers have completed more than 200,000 laps of the 1.5-mile route, reaching speeds of 50mph and plumetting down 100ft drops.

The Ultimate – originally called the Ultimate Beast – is no longer the world’s longest, but it remains one of the most highly-regarded by those who rank rollercoasters.

For the past two decades, the rollercoaster has been the park’s signature ride attracting enthusiasts from across the world. However, with the building process beset with problems, this success was not guaranteed.

By 1990, Lightwater Valley, which started life as a pick-your-own strawberry farm, had grown into a hugely popular theme park.

However, it was still a park aimed predominately at the family market with what general manager Mark Bainbridge describes as “lowtech” attractions such as BMXs, skate karts, dodgems and a huge wooden fort.

Although it had recently opened the underground Rat ride and the double-looping Soopa Loopa, it was felt that the park needed more attractions that would get the blood pumping to help it compete with a growing number of regional and national rivals.

One suggestion was to build three or four new rides costing up to £500,000 each. However, this was rejected in favour of building one huge, record-breaking ride.

Like many ambitious projects, the Ultimate began life as one man’s vision. Robert Staveley, the then owner of Lightwater Valley, wanted a ride that would put the theme park on the map.

Armed with a marker, he walked around the site and laid down a route for the ride using the contours of the land wherever possible to reduce costs. It was then down to Mr Bainbridge, as project manager, to make his vision a reality.

Work began in early 1990. Initial designs were completed by Big County Motioneering and Mr Staveley. These were then passed to a team from British Rail and the park’s own staff to build. Materials and labour were sourced locally whenever possible.

Mr Bainbridge recalls that progress was slow with the construction team having to wait for the next stage of the ride to be designed before work could continue.

Problems with the track led to the park parting company with Big County Motioneering mid-way through the project.

However, the team was determined to complete the ride, even visiting the site on Boxing Day to clear snow so work could continue.

“You could write a book on the building of the Ultimate – there were that many ups and downs,” said Mr Bainbridge. “We had lots of problems to overcome, although in the end we achieved what we set out to do.”

Ten months late and costing four times the original budget of £1.2m, the ride was finally opened by boxer Frank Bruno after being named by listeners to BBC Radio One.

It immediately proved popular with visitors, although Mr Bainbridge admits that its cost put a huge financial strain on the park, as well as causing other problems.

“The park was mainly aimed at families and this was a serious white-knuckle ride that would appeal to teenagers and young adults.

“The problem was that we didn’t have much else for them at this time. I think it came a year too early for us.”

THE ride is also not without its critics, with some claiming it is too rough, although other enthusiasts say it depends on how you like your rollercoasters.

It has made the headlines for the wrong reasons on several occasions over the years. Days after opening, five people were taken to hospital after two trains collided. In April 1992, about 30 passengers were stuck 160ft up for half-anhour after the ride broke down.

Two years later, passengers screamed in horror after becoming soaked in blood when a deer ran into the ride’s path.

However, the ride has been an undeniable success. Over the years, it has seen marriage ceremonies, visits from numerous fan groups, charity rides and thousands upon thousands of children and adults enjoying a thrilling time.

In the 20 years since its launch, much has changed at Lightwater Valley. The park has had two changes of owners since the ride’s launch.

Current owners, Heritage Great Britain PLC, investing £12m since they took over in 2001.

Mr Bainbridge said: “The Ultimate is still the best ride on the park, but its now complemented by a range of other attractions which allow people of all ages to enjoy the experience.”

He said the owners now had a clear vision for the future of the park. More themed areas will be created similar to Skeleton Cove, which was opened this year.

The future of the park’s biggest ride also looks secure with Mr Bainbridge revealing that it will be relaunched by 2014 as the Ultimate II, complete with new track and cars.

“We now have a complete plan of what we aim to do in the future,” said Mr Bainbridge.

“Every two years we will aim to do something. At the same time, we want to raise the quality. It’s not something we can do overnight, but fortunately we have owners who are prepared to do that.

“However, the Ultimate will remain the most popular ride on the park for some time to come.”