Well it can't be the opposite that the beginning isn't good, because the beginning was real good. I rode something like July 1 in 2005 and that's how it was...even if it paced faster from the helix to the end, the shaping/upkeep of the wood was such that it wouldn't have been very good to me.
I haven't been on many good wooden coasters, but I'd say behind El Toro, those first two hills are the best opening sequence of those I've ridden. I was really surprised.