Marko Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Just posting a personal theory based on experience, looking to hear what others think. I'm a single guy, have no problem meeting women but it's nearly impossible to find any in their 30's/40's who can tolerate riding roller coasters. The few I know that can and still enjoy it have never had children. If you look around in amusement parks one of the largest demographics are teenage girls, but then suddenly they hit a certain age they stop going. And not to mention the predominance of men at enthusiast events, and a lot of them have left less than sympathetic wives/girlfiends at home. This is a completely serious post - what stops *most* women from being able to ride? Is there something about having babies that puts an end to coaster riding? Marko Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 And not to mention the predominance of men at enthusiast events, and a lot of them have left less than sympathetic wives/girlfiends at home. Enthusiasts have girlfriends? I think that discovery should make the front page of the NY Times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 LOL! No offense, and completely serious, but it's most likely people like you scaring them off!!!! I mean, I do believe that most of the public thinks of the Coaster Enthusiasts like the Star Trek Enthusiasts. It's mainly a guy thing, and most of the guys are scary! As for me, I love to ride...I'm pissed at KidTums for not letting me ride for the past seven months...and I fully intend to be back on a coaster in a few months! I really don't think it's anything physical...just more the fact that women dont' like coasters (or the men who love them) as much as other hobbies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 No offense, and completely serious, but it's most likely people like you scaring them off!!!! Definitely. Mantis Man has nothing on me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downunder Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I almost read that wrong, a coaster during childbirth wouldn't be good. I think caring for a young one would make it hard to get to parks, do all parks have parent swap arrangements like Cedar Point does? I think the only way most ACE members could reproduce would be through a donation at the sperm bank or do they have standards? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I hate when people use kids as an excuse not to travel or go to parks. My parents travelled the world with my brother and I from infants up until adulthood...we plan to do the same with KidTums. Even if a park doesn't have a 'set baby swap policy'...you can figure it out on your own and make it work. As for ACE members reproducing...well, maybe that's why so many are gay! They've turned to each other after realizing there's no hope for finding a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 My mother used to tell my sister that riding roller coasters is was bad for reproducing. As if my mom's drinking and smoking was good. My sister just had her second kid and will be back to riding in April. My mom also told me that it was bad for my brain, all that rattling around on the coasters. I might have to consult a doctor, or someone whose mom is a doctor for a real answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted January 29, 2007 Author Share Posted January 29, 2007 OK. maybe I am scary, lol. But I have an ad on a online dating site and have received more replies than I can count saying they were interested except they can't stand roller coasters. In fact I just received one tonight and that's the reason for the post. So, why so few women? Just because women are cooler (less dorky) than men? And why the sudden drop-off once they "grow up"? My theory is one that society says it ok for men to act like boys and that women are supposed to act their age (so sad!). And two I really believe something biological happens to women after they've had children that prevents them from riding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooterdoug Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 My mother is the one who got me into roller coasters (she sincerely regrets it now ) I recently went to BGT with her. I was a bit nervous that she wouldn't be able to ride (she's 62 and hadn't been on a coaster in 16 years). We went on Sheikra first. After the ride was done, she said, "That's all? I wanna go again." Her response to Montu: "That made me feel young". I do agree with Elissa that most people see no difference between coaster enthusiasts and people dressed as Klingons at a Star Trek convention. I waited until my girlfriend was plenty in love with me before letting her know how obsessed with coasters I really am. It must have worked, as she is now my wife. She enjoys coasters and rides with me, but doesn't have the passion I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I think that the main thing that you've said that may possibly have some merit is the whole men not being expected to grow up when women are kinda thing. But in some ways even that is kinda sketchy in today's society, where although there's still inequality in some ways, I think the expectations in that respect are a little more equal. But then that's my personal opinion, and I'm sure many women with different views on "feminism" and stuff would totally disagree. I'm almost certain that it's more of an age thing than it is a parent thing, I really don't think the post-children loss of interest theory has much merit. There are FAR more male than female enthusiasts, and more gay men than the supposed national average percentages. Just the way it is I guess. *shrug* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 OK. maybe I am scary, lol. But I have an ad on a online dating site and have received more replies than I can count saying they were interested except they can't stand roller coasters. In fact I just received one tonight and that's the reason for the post. Dude, that's really funny. I'm not trying to poke fun at you at all. I just can't think of a dumber reason to not go on a date with a person. I think this just illustrates how awful and unrealistic most women on online dating sites are. It's dumb to turn a potential bf/gf over a hobby. You're never going to like everything about your partner. Never. I actually read online personals just for kicks. They all say same the same garbage. "5 kids. NO GAMES.", "Looking for a 'real man'", "Tired of the games", "Looking for a partner in crime". Etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 As for ACE members reproducing...well, maybe that's why so many are gay! They've turned to each other after realizing there's no hope for finding a woman! You have thoroughly depressed me, Elissa. I shall now go and sulk in a corner, sob myself to sleep, and at least thank god that I'm not a member of ACE. I will no doubt remain in this funk for some time--at least until BGE opens for the season in March. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 It's okay Chuck...I'm still looking for someone for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Marko - I'm in the same boat as you. 39 and single and do the online dating thing also and have of course noticed the same thing. I'd say 2/3 of the women I talk to think it is weird that I love coasters and amusement parks. I pretty much turn it around and ask them how often they go shopping and if they need everything they buy. Of the 1/3 that are not turned off about the coasters, half of them don't want to hear the truth about their shopping obsession is just as weird to us. That's why Elissa is way cool, she is not a shopper and spends all her dough on coasters. Seriously, for few that understand I tell them I like to be happy and what is happier than being around others that are enjoying themselves. It is great for traveling. Also, you don't want to be the future father the kids who laugh at you for not going on rides at amusement parks. Of course many of these women don't want you to have a hobby because they want to spend your money on themselves. I'm not a psychiatrist but if I run into a 13 year old whose mom is, I will ask their advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ccron10 Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I confess that I openly talk about coasters in school. It's hard not to when you're doing a grad project on the subject and you need to tell teachers about the project and so on. I also confess that I don't have a girlfriend and the reason why is because of this. But doesn't it sound cooler if instead of being called a coaster enthusiest, an adrenaline junkie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I had a kid 5 years ago and I tell you I have gotten more into it now then I was before. Hey it's awesome as well, I don't have to rent kids to get my kiddie credits!!! Elissa now you can't take me up on my offer, that is until you can get KidTums old enough to ride. Also, I take Matt with me on my coaster trips. If it's an event, I let him stay with his family, it's too hard on him at 5. But, if it's a leisurely day at a small park then he comes with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMAN962 Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 My Mom hates coasters. She says she doesn't like the feeling she gets in your stomach, when you go down drops. It might be some kind of thing where after childbirth, you become more sensitive of coasters, but I doubt it. There are old ladies who ride coasters. While I do talk about coasters at school, I don't talk about it to people that aren't my friend. I don't really talk about them much around girls, either, but unfortunately I don't have a girlfriend, never had one..... I have a few friends that are girls, but none that I would want to date, and I'm still nervous around girls. However, I might be maturing still. Oh well, I guess I'll let life take over, and let what's gonna happen, happen. -Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I wonder if there's some sort of social stigma. Society tries to tell girls that they should be scared of different things, roller coasters being one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryH Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I actually read online personals just for kicks. They all say same the same garbage. "5 kids. NO GAMES.", "Looking for a 'real man'", "Tired of the games", "Looking for a partner in crime". Etc. I try to avoid online personal sites. I tried it a few years ago and most of the responses were ads for porn sites! Heck, I have the good ones bookmarked already! I got tired of getting all the junk and swore off personal sites. Anyway, I'm glad I don't have a girlfriend now. I'd never afford the Japan trip if I did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekRx Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I'm waiting for the right moment to tell my girlfriend that I enjoy riding roller coasters. It'll probably come as a big shock to her, I just hope she understands that I enjoy them and even if she won't ride them with me, at least she's not ashamed of my hobby. After that I'll tell her about my love of beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 ^You love beer? Who knew? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I wonder if there's some sort of social stigma. Society tries to tell girls that they should be scared of different things, roller coasters being one of them. That's actually a good point. I do think that another part of it maybe has a lot to do with upbringing, and possibly parents are more likely to encourage their young sons to do the more "risky" things, and not so much with their daughters? My parents and particularly my brother were always encouraging me to ride coasters and other rides as soon as I was tall enough, go on adventure holidays (abseiling, kayaking, rock climbing, etc) with school, all that kind of stuff, which I know most of the girls in my class didn't do, although many of the boys did. Edited to add that I just realised that the upbringing theory really wouldn't explain why some women are interested when younger but actually LOSE interest into their 30s and 40s. So I don't know, I'm out of ideas on that part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AT0527 Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Robb and Elissa's kid is going to be the luckiest kid alive! It would be the coolest thing ever if both my parents were coaster enthusiasts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 That's actually a good point. I do think that another part of it maybe has a lot to do with upbringing, and possibly parents are more likely to encourage their young sons to do the more "risky" things, and not so much with their daughters? My parents and particularly my brother were always encouraging me to ride coasters and other rides as soon as I was tall enough, go on adventure holidays (abseiling, kayaking, rock climbing, etc) with school, all that kind of stuff, which I know most of the girls in my class didn't do, although many of the boys did. Good point, as well. I never thought of that angle. In my group of friends, none of the girls like riding roller coasters. We were at Knott's for Haunt, and we decided to ride Jaguar and they were all freaked out. On Jaguar. This is despite being fine with going on everything at Disneyland, including Screamin'. I know with my girlfriend, she seems genuinely afraid of roller coasters (especially heights), but I've convinced her to go on most thing at SFMM, including Goliath. She did Tatsu at the media campout even after vowing she wouldn't. She was fine on Dueling Dragons and even loved Mummy in Florida. My goal is to get her on Xcelerator, just because I'm mean and I want to traumatize her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Robb and Elissa's kid is going to be the luckiest kid alive! It would be the coolest thing ever if both my parents were coaster enthusiasts. Except when she goes to school wearing a dress made from a burlap sack because her parents spent or their funds on coastering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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