So Robb sent out this email saying that if I make a post on the forums I get a free trip to the moon, or something.
So I live in Kansas City, home of Worlds of Fun, though I'm Nebraska born. People who ask me if I like Kansas or Missouri college teams get a rather dirty look.
I've loved coasters since I was a kid. They're like a drug to me. I cut my teeth on coasters at the Nebraska State Fair (sadly, I never rode the Miller Toboggan coaster they had for a few years) and Worlds of Fun. Oh Zambezi Zinger and Orient Express, how I miss you. I even miss the Scream Roller. And yes, I rode it as the EXT stand-up and sit-down version as well. Yeah, buddy!
I couldn't tell you how many coasters I've been on. Unlike some, I don't carry a notebook with me to keep track. My mission is just having a blast and getting that feeling. You know, the one where you rise out of your seat as you're falling 200+ feet at 70, 80 or 90+ mph.
I do know which parks I've been to, though.
Peony Park, Nebraska (defunct)
Worlds of Fun
Six Flags St. Louis (first time it was over Mid-America)
Elitch Gardens
Adventureland
Holiday World
Cedar Point
Kings Island
Kentucky Kingdom
Busch Gardens Tampa
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios Florida
Valleyfair
SeaWorld Orlando
Disneyland (mid and late '80s)
SeaWorld San Diego (late '80s)
Magic Mountain (late '80s though, pre-coaster craziness)
Knott's Berry Farm (late '80s though)
I was stationed at Camp Pendleton when I went to the last four, so that's why it was many moons ago.
Favorite coasters
Steel was close after my Ohio trip last August. Diamondback was fantastic, but the Force was strong. I think it must just be the speed, plus I got airtime. I rode it for the first time in 2006. I love Magnum. The lack of a brake run on the return trip puts it over Mamba, which brings you back to the station at about 2 mph. Plus Magnum was my first mega-coaster, back in '96 I think. I love Montu, mainly because the track is below grade at some points. SheiKra is the bomb, as is the Hulk. Vortex gets a mention because it has a kamikaze curve like the Orient Express had. The Dragons are great, too. Maverick was fun, but I see now why they removed the heartline roll. It bruised my arms.
Wood, there is, for me, no comparison to the Voyage. I can't wait to ride it with Timberliners. I'm ready for a cigarette when I get off that coaster. Plus I've met three of the guys from the Gravity Group, and got to hang with Korey last year at HoliWood Nights. I love all three of HW's woodies.
Some say the Beast is overrated, but I enjoyed it. I imagine it was wild before a lot of the trims were installed. I talked with one guy who rode it after it rained and he said it was flying. I wanted to ride Son of Beast, but, sadly, it remained closed. Some love it, some hate it, but I just wanted to ride it. Is it possible to be rougher than Mean Streak?
I love out-and-backs. Screamin' Eagle, Blue Streak, even the Racer are all great. I've ridden three GCI coasters and enjoy them.
So that's about it.