CycloneMan Posted June 26, 2007 Posted June 26, 2007 Anthony (my brother) and I were invited to the Media Day of the Cyclone's 80th Anniversary...actually, we talked about it with Marie Martino (parks PR) last August. We ACErs had a lot of fun just hanging out. The people I spent the most time with were Colleen Whyte, Bill Gavin (Back Seat Bill), Rick Knoebel (Yes! Dick Knoebel's son!), Ed Mc Inerney , Jack, and Eric (fastcar?) and Marie Martino (Parks PR and my friend). This was the most festive Media Day I've ever been to. We all got Green T-Shirts to represent that we'd be the first riders! During the event itself, there was music, dancers, and cameras, tons and tons of cameras! They had Ms Cyclone in the fron row. The two 81 year olds behind her, and the rest of us. sat scattered. Anthony and I sat in the second to last row, in front of Rick Knoebel and Bill (not Gavin). They kept us on one more time, before making us get off. The ride was good, but it was running slower compared to normal. On the Surf Ave turn around, it felt like it was going to stall, so we all started "rowing" our imaginary ores! After that, I went up to the office with Rick Knoebel and Colleen Whyte. I talked to my old boss about getting my stuff back, so he told me to go to the Arcade Office in an half hour! We hung around again before they made us ride an other time. This time it was flying! So much better! After that, it opened to the public, and we went home. Before leaving I gave Colleen my Coney Island T-Shirt I was originally wearing, as a gift for all she's done for me the past 8 years. On our way out, I stopped by the Arcade office, to get my paychecks and Working Papers, and guess what! They lost them! They told me when they find it, they'll mail it to me ! A funny thing happened on the way home. Anthony and I were taking the F train and transfered to the R train. When we got into the car, Jack and Eric (from the event) were sitting right there! It was pretty funny. We were talking and I asked Eric if he was on any forums and he blushed for a minute and said, "I know who you are." HAHA! It turned out he was on GADV.com. How funny. Anyway, on to the photos! Media was here all morning (there was a shoot at 5am, but I wasn't doing it today! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Cyclone! Happy Birthday to you! Anthony! Better known as Jesus Setting up! Anthony being interviewed by CBS Radio. We were both intertviewed for both CBS Radio and 1010wins! We are some ugly twins. Back Seat Bill wrote a card for the Cyclone! You see! I kid you not! Free Lemonade loaded with sugar! Thanks for the free drinks! Jesus...again! I was dying when I saw them make the Cyclone crew wear this outfit! Here's Dominic, Ms Cyclone, and Jerry Me and my snazy Anniversary T-Shirt! Rick Knoebel and Colleen Whyte This was bizzare but really festive in a way! They were dancing with people! They were very erotic in a way! At least to some photographers! This was the line formed outside the enterance before it opened to the public! Carrol Albert, park spokes woman! Hey Marie! I see you! Look, Jerry is up there! With his snazy plaque! Here's the Baker family getting a plaque too! The two 81 year olds and Ms Cyclone Time to ride The Media like to push through! All the riders pushed to the side! WOW! It's only 80 years old guys, not opening day! Ms Cyclone and the 81 year olds. And no Ms Cyclone is not my wife! Time to ride (Note: My camera was in my pocket, so there is no pictures of the first three rides). The Media Train! Bill giving the card to Carrol! Anthony after he wiped the grease off his nose! After our rides! Group photo of everyone who rode first (excluding a few people) And we all got a cake...except for me! NO JOKE! Hey John! Look how I hung out with all day! (A very bad picture of Ed) First public riders of the day! These people were out her for over an hour before it opened! -Dainan "It was one of the funnest Media Days I've ever done!" Rafferty
Homer Posted June 26, 2007 Posted June 26, 2007 Looks like you guys had an awesome day and Cyclone celebrated in style. Two 81 year olds and a chick, Cyclone you stud.
larrygator Posted June 26, 2007 Posted June 26, 2007 Glad you made it. I went a day early and recieved my first coaster injury, 4 hours before the birthday. Massive Charlie Horse in the back seat from being ejected into the lap bar. So much for all that padding, I can barely walk still.
CycloneMan Posted June 26, 2007 Author Posted June 26, 2007 ^That happened to me and my arthritic sister little two years ago in the 8th seat on train 2. We never sat in that seat again! -Dainan "It was a great day. And Ms Cyclone is pretty damn fly" Rafferty
coastercrazed49 Posted June 26, 2007 Posted June 26, 2007 Wow looks like a fun media event to be at. I have always wanted to ride cyclone it looks like fun. Its not getting towrn down next year right?
CycloneMan Posted June 27, 2007 Author Posted June 27, 2007 No it isn't. Astroland will be open next year, and Cyclone has 9 more years on the lease! -Dainan "It'a also an NYC landmark!" Rafferty
coasterdude5 Posted June 27, 2007 Posted June 27, 2007 Great pictures! It's great to see something lasting 80 years.
CycloneMan Posted June 27, 2007 Author Posted June 27, 2007 ^That's what I said! But it was all fun and games! We really did have a great time! No free food though . Anyway, Coleen later on asked me if I can write an article about the 80th Anniversary for the next ACE Metro newsletter. I'd be thrilled, I've written articles for it back when I was in Jr High. But I wish she asked me before, so I could of been taking notes, instead of goofing off and taking pictures! -Dainan "If you read a bad article about the day, it was me " Rafferty
MrMorgan Posted June 27, 2007 Posted June 27, 2007 Thanks for posting! Isn't it great that the Cyclone is 80 years old and still so amazing? I miss being in New York... Tell Colleen I said "hi!", (although she's probably in London for Wimbeldon right now, right?)
verticalzero Posted June 27, 2007 Posted June 27, 2007 Lovely to see the Park make an effort with dancers and people getting dressed up. Happy Birthday "Cyclone" I'm sure there will be many more to celebrate even when it's lease has expired. "Cyclone" will never get pulled down as the the whole of NYC will be in up-roar if the "City" decided to raze it. Everyone wants to see the famous coaster reach it's 100th Birthday.
bgwfreak Posted June 27, 2007 Posted June 27, 2007 Thanks for the pics! I was wondering if they were going to do anything. Hope the redevelopment of CI doesn't mess with the coaster.
CycloneMan Posted June 27, 2007 Author Posted June 27, 2007 I don't know if the city will close the Cyclone. But I can tell you first hand, that I've known them to be sneeky. My dad was one of the managers of CBGB, and I knew the truth and everything, while it was going on before the Media got to it. And the Mayor was on our side, and then turned against. After that, I don't think I can trust the city with my coaster. Thanks for posting! Isn't it great that the Cyclone is 80 years old and still so amazing? I miss being in New York... Tell Colleen I said "hi!", (although she's probably in London for Wimbeldon right now, right?) You know Colleen...I think I may of met you at Knoebels Phun Phest 2004! -Dainan "I saw a kid on the train this morning wearing a blue 80th anniversary shirt" Rafferty
alanjonesbath Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 Glad you made it. I went a day early and recieved my first coaster injury, 4 hours before the birthday. Massive Charlie Horse in the back seat from being ejected into the lap bar. So much for all that padding, I can barely walk still. I had the same problem a couple of weekends ago when I went on it for the first time. Sitting in the back seat, I ended up flying across and upwards smacking my leg very hard into the restraint. I was limping for a couple of days after
MrMorgan Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 You know Colleen...I think I may of met you at Knoebels Phun Phest 2004! Well, I do know Colleen, but that wasn't me at Knoebel's. Unfortunately, I've still never been there.
verticalzero Posted June 28, 2007 Posted June 28, 2007 Does a "Massive Charlie Horse in the back seat" mean your "bits" hit the bar and you went hot and felt faint..?
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