110 Ton Big Wheel relaunched at Theme Park

ORMONDE – A lucky couple from the South beat a number of hopefuls in the social media Gold Reef City competition to be among the guests who could ride the largest Ferris wheel in South Africa on Valentine’s Day.

Married couple Kaleen and wife Jessica Maharaj joined the likes of Gold Reef City General Manager Mike Page at the relaunch of the 110 ton Big Wheel.

It was a Valentine in the clouds overlooking the city skyline at the relaunch of the improved big wheel at the Gold Reef City Theme Park on February 14, as guests and their partners enjoyed the first ride of many in 2014.

Gold Reef City had a launch celebration to reintroduce the Big Wheel after it was taken down for repairs and improvements and they promise better and more thrilling experiences.

“The Big Wheel has taken a nine-month hiatus when it returned to its country of origin, Holland, for routine maintenance. Decommissioning the ride was a monumental task and took months of planning and coordination,” said Andre Hudson of Gold Reef City.

“We are thrilled to have this iconic piece of Jozi skyline returned to us and are sure that our visitors and the rest of Jozi are just as pleased to see it back in action.”

Invited guests were treated to a sunset ride with champagne, strawberries and a variety of finger snacks, before they were taken on the romantic ride.

Gold Reef City noted that they are very strict when it comes to the safety and maintenance of their equipment, which is why the rides are closed for routine repairs from time to time.

For those who haven’t been on the Big Wheel, here are some fun facts for your consideration:

•There are 21 gondolas on the Big Wheel;

•The Big Wheel took about six months to manufacture and a one month sea voyage to return to South Africa;

•The assembly duration of the Big Wheel was around three weeks when it was originally erected and only took one week to assemble after the revamp;

•The Big Wheel weighs about 110 tons and the mass of the eight support beams is about 65 tons – it really is a BIG wheel;

•The Big Wheel travels at a maximum speed of 11km/h;

•Gold Reef City is home to the largest Ferris wheel in South Africa.