Members wayout Posted June 5, 2013 Members Posted June 5, 2013 Sorry to disappoint those that think of Ghostbusters, this thread isn't the answer to who the Keymaster is. This thread is for all the fans (fanatics) of roller coasters. This Gatekeeper is the new rollercoaster at Cedar Point. As summer begins, there are new roller coasters all over. Here is a good reference for many of them: http://theinformistnews.com/2013/05/09/new-roller-coaster-is-set-to-break-records-7-world-records/ Here is some info about the new one at Cedar Point (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GateKeeper_(roller_coaster)). Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio adds to its fat portfolio (16!) of coasters with GateKeeper, which makes its debut Saturday. The steel, wing roller coaster will suspend riders 170 feet above the Cedar Point Beach then send them hurtling through six inversions and stomach-dropping falls at close to 70 mph. GateKeeper, the new wing roller coaster at Cedar Point amusement park/resort in Sandusky, Ohio, breaks seven world records, boasting the longest track (4,164 feet), tallest drop (164 feet) and six inversions, the most of any wing coaster on the planet. It debuts May 11, 2013. I've always had a passion for roller coasters but unfortunately as I've gotten older I've forgone them for a variety of reasons. First, it started getting too rough for this aging body and I would often feel the aftereffects with stiff necks and/or sore muscles. Second, for some unknown reason I have started to get motion sickness with those rides and it is no fun losing it during or right after the ride. Finally, I think I've about had it for the huge crowds and long lines in the hot sun for a minute or two of thrills. Still, when I see these new coasters I think fondly of the many great ones I've been on over the years. I still love the wooden ones, when you can find them, but I realize there is no way they could use those in the way they can steel ones to do what they do today. So now I focus my thrill seeking with escorts. Granted, there is still some sore muscles but hardly ever any motion sickness or large crowds involved Anyway, thankfully there are YouTube videos and we can live vicariously through them to somewhat experience the ride. So for those that love roller coasters, here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LELYqHGOGrA RA1 and TotallyOz 2 Quote
Members RA1 Posted June 5, 2013 Members Posted June 5, 2013 I had reservations to go to Cedar Point a few years ago (with companion) but we met in BNA (Nashville, TN) and my trusty steed developed starter problems. Got it replaced the next day but spoiled our timing so we just visited in Nashville. Still haven't made it there. Many years ago, a few weeks after Space Mountain opened in Disney World, I flew two families which included 3 children for a few day's visit. None of the guys (2 adults and 1 kid) would ride it but all the gals wanted to do so. But, not alone or with each other. So, I got volunteered to go with each one of them individually, at least once each, but I don't remember how many times now. I agreed to this but added a stipulation of I would join them when the line was about to go indoors. This ride was so popular then and no reservations, so they had signs very far away from the actual ride for the line to begin which said 120 minutes from here. There was no way I was going to stand in line for 2 hours each time, never mind ride it 8 times. Anyone ever ride the old wooden roller coaster at Elitch Gardens? That is in Denver and I think the highest wooden one at one time. We had a wooden one here in MEM called the Pippen which Elvis used to love to ride. It definitely creaked and groaned but I do not recall a serious accident. It was sold, dismantled and reconstructed in MN and is operating right now. Best regards, RA1 wayout 1 Quote
Guest FourAces Posted June 5, 2013 Posted June 5, 2013 I saw a news clip about this coaster and it looks fucking scary Quote
AdamSmith Posted June 5, 2013 Posted June 5, 2013 There used to be a huge wooden roller coaster at Myrtle Beach, SC which when you rode it always felt on the verge of flying apart. But far as I know, it never hurt anybody, physically at least. This video is awesome! Thanks. wayout 1 Quote
Members wayout Posted June 5, 2013 Author Members Posted June 5, 2013 I found this tidbit that I thought was interesting (ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_roller_coaster#Wooden_versus_steel) "Wooden roller coasters provide a very different ride and experience from steel roller coasters. While they are traditionally less capable than a steel coaster when it comes to inversions and elements, wooden coasters instead rely on an often rougher and more "wild" ride, as well as a more psychological approach to inducing fear. Their structures and track, which usually move anywhere from a few inches to a few feet with a passing train, give a sense of unreliability and the "threat" of collapse or disregard for safety. Of course, this assumption is purely mental, and wooden roller coaster supports and track systems are designed to sway with the force. If the track and structure are too rigid, they will break under the strain of the passing train. The swaying of the track reduces the force applied per second (see impulse), like a shock absorber. The debate rages as to which type of coaster is better: wood or steel. This is unlikely to ever be settled, however, because each category distinguishes itself from the other in a number of ways, in addition to also providing a substantially different and unique ride" AdamSmith and RA1 2 Quote
Members wayout Posted June 5, 2013 Author Members Posted June 5, 2013 Many years ago, a few weeks after Space Mountain opened in Disney World, I flew two families which included 3 children for a few day's visit. None of the guys (2 adults and 1 kid) would ride it but all the gals wanted to do so. But, not alone or with each other. So, I got volunteered to go with each one of them individually, at least once each, but I don't remember how many times now. I agreed to this but added a stipulation of I would join them when the line was about to go indoors. This ride was so popular then and no reservations, so they had signs very far away from the actual ride for the line to begin which said 120 minutes from here. There was no way I was going to stand in line for 2 hours each time, never mind ride it 8 times. Space Mountain has always been one of my favorites. There may be others but it is the only one I am aware of (and certainly have ridden) that is fully enclosed in a building unto itself. The darkness and the use of lights adds a special dimension to the experience. However, riding it 8 times in one day would be a bit much, even for an avid fan like myself RA1 1 Quote
Guest zipperzone Posted June 5, 2013 Posted June 5, 2013 My biggest concern would be the guy behind me throwing up all over me. Quote
Members RA1 Posted June 5, 2013 Members Posted June 5, 2013 This worries me in bars also. Best regards, RA1 lookin 1 Quote
Guest FourAces Posted June 6, 2013 Posted June 6, 2013 The first time I heard the name of the new ride I had a flashback. So a bit of useless trivia I thought I would share. The Gatekeeper is the name of the evil program that Sandra Bullock had to take down in the movie The Net Quote
