Saw this funny video about some college students from Georgia State all lining up on the Perimeter freeway keeping their speed at 55mph, which is the posted speed limit. More proof about the anarchy on our roads...
Original entry from CoasterBuzz's Jeff Putz
It's a little old, but still worthy today...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Cincinnati's Population Decline: is Willie speeding it up?!
Previously posted at PKICentral.com
This month, one of the top stories around Cincinnati has been on the continued loss of population in the City of Cincinnati, its causes, and its solutions. No other "big city" has lost so many people as of recent as Cincinnati.
To clarify, this is about the City of Cincinnati itself, including its neighborhoods, but within City limits. This does not include its suburbs, in Hamilton County, surrounding counties, or across the river in Kentucky and some parts of Indiana (which make up the metro area). The greater Cincinnati metropolitan area in general is still experiencing popuation growth.
Who's to blame?
I'd say people from all around, inside and out of the city, left and right wing, and so on. We realize we need jail space, but not everyone can agree how to fund it.
The public schools, choked by political correctness, are a deterrent to families that have the means to move to suburbs, but are the only choice by those with little, and can't enroll in a private school.
Until the social service corridors are spread out and de-concentrated, people won't consider Over-The-Rhine, no matter how close it is to the CBD. Has historic preservation been a hindrance to its success?
Want to shop for groceries, clothes, electronics, and other essential goods?. Odds are you need a car to get to Hyde Park, Kenwood, Rookwood, Deerfield Twp., etc.
Transportation infrastructure is pitiful. We complain about the commute, but won't spend money for a rail system. Don't get me started on I-75.
Some of the media, especially some talk radio. I agree with some of what the guys at 700 WLW say, but their "screw the city" attitude is causing part of the problem. "All the cultural activities we need are outside City limits" says Bill Cunningham.
ChannelCincinnati.com
Is Aronoff Center in Erlanger? Is Paul Brown Stadium in Fairfield? The Reds play in Blue Ash? Carew Tower's at Kings Island?
What to do?
Get the Banks built. I don't care who builds it or who is on the board.
Expand the County commission... three men having the say is not diverse enough.
Build a light rail system. People will want to live and work near the stations
A metro government for the city, and the suburbs in the county: I believe in a sense of individuality for suburbs, but we can't ignore the big guy in the center.
Why I still care:
A great collection of architecture, from historic to ultra-modern.
Two major league sports teams, performing arts, UC, XU, other higher institutions
An exciting skyline and river view
Kings Island is nearby: Do Lexington, Indianapolis, Columbus have such a large, great park in its metro vicinity?
Many large companies headquartred here (and some great small ones, too)
Some of the city's own neighborhoods are great places to live. The tree-lined streets and nice homes interest me more than the cookie-cutters in the exurbs.
What do you think?
This month, one of the top stories around Cincinnati has been on the continued loss of population in the City of Cincinnati, its causes, and its solutions. No other "big city" has lost so many people as of recent as Cincinnati.
To clarify, this is about the City of Cincinnati itself, including its neighborhoods, but within City limits. This does not include its suburbs, in Hamilton County, surrounding counties, or across the river in Kentucky and some parts of Indiana (which make up the metro area). The greater Cincinnati metropolitan area in general is still experiencing popuation growth.
Who's to blame?
I'd say people from all around, inside and out of the city, left and right wing, and so on. We realize we need jail space, but not everyone can agree how to fund it.
The public schools, choked by political correctness, are a deterrent to families that have the means to move to suburbs, but are the only choice by those with little, and can't enroll in a private school.
Until the social service corridors are spread out and de-concentrated, people won't consider Over-The-Rhine, no matter how close it is to the CBD. Has historic preservation been a hindrance to its success?
Want to shop for groceries, clothes, electronics, and other essential goods?. Odds are you need a car to get to Hyde Park, Kenwood, Rookwood, Deerfield Twp., etc.
Transportation infrastructure is pitiful. We complain about the commute, but won't spend money for a rail system. Don't get me started on I-75.
Some of the media, especially some talk radio. I agree with some of what the guys at 700 WLW say, but their "screw the city" attitude is causing part of the problem. "All the cultural activities we need are outside City limits" says Bill Cunningham.
ChannelCincinnati.com
Is Aronoff Center in Erlanger? Is Paul Brown Stadium in Fairfield? The Reds play in Blue Ash? Carew Tower's at Kings Island?
What to do?
Get the Banks built. I don't care who builds it or who is on the board.
Expand the County commission... three men having the say is not diverse enough.
Build a light rail system. People will want to live and work near the stations
A metro government for the city, and the suburbs in the county: I believe in a sense of individuality for suburbs, but we can't ignore the big guy in the center.
Why I still care:
A great collection of architecture, from historic to ultra-modern.
Two major league sports teams, performing arts, UC, XU, other higher institutions
An exciting skyline and river view
Kings Island is nearby: Do Lexington, Indianapolis, Columbus have such a large, great park in its metro vicinity?
Many large companies headquartred here (and some great small ones, too)
Some of the city's own neighborhoods are great places to live. The tree-lined streets and nice homes interest me more than the cookie-cutters in the exurbs.
What do you think?
Calling out to everyone!
If anyone knows of any planning, development, urban design, GIS or like jobs available at entry level, please let me know A.S.A.P.
Preferably in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and some surrounding states...
Preferably in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and some surrounding states...
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Skyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Who says the big city isn't the place to be anymore?
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSkyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Add to that, buildings taller than the Chrysler Building, and even the Sears Tower are in the plans!
I guess the hide-and-spread-out mentality that some said 9/11 caused is B.S... at least in Chicago. I've been to several big cities: Chicago is just plain breathtaking. Of course, the Chicago area is a booming metropolis well spread out and populated, but there is a great mass transit system there to put it all together. I doubt this would all be happening in the old "cheap parking" mentality, so where these skyscrapers are going up had to have been low-rises and/or parking lots.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSkyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Since 2000, no fewer than 40 buildings at least 50 stories high have been built, are under construction or are being planned. It's a surge in high-rise construction that hasn't been seen here since the 1960s and 1970s when the Sears Tower, John Hancock Center and other buildings helped give the city one of the most distinctive skylines in the world.
Add to that, buildings taller than the Chrysler Building, and even the Sears Tower are in the plans!
One factor that has fed the construction frenzy is the attitude at City Hall. Chris Carley, developer of the Fordham Spire, remembers the time several years ago when proposals for high-rises would prompt city officials to ask about knocking off 10 or more floors.
Today, the official attitude is reversed.
"I remember at least two (planning and development) staff members saying `Can't you make it taller? We really would like it taller,'" Chicago architect David Haymes says about discussions with the city for a planned condominium tower.
I guess the hide-and-spread-out mentality that some said 9/11 caused is B.S... at least in Chicago. I've been to several big cities: Chicago is just plain breathtaking. Of course, the Chicago area is a booming metropolis well spread out and populated, but there is a great mass transit system there to put it all together. I doubt this would all be happening in the old "cheap parking" mentality, so where these skyscrapers are going up had to have been low-rises and/or parking lots.
And you thought American sports fans were misbehaving...
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif200 England fans detained in Stuttgart
This is not to belittle the fans in our NFL stadiums and our NBA arenas, but geeze, Europeans really take their football (we call it soccer) too seriously.
Then again, we still pay a lot less for gas here than in Europe...
STUTTGART (Reuters) - Riot police detained around 200 England soccer supporters on Saturday after they clashed with German fans, throwing bottles and chairs and trading punches in a square in the center of Stuttgart.
Tens of thousands of English and German fans had gathered in the central area, many drinking throughout the day, to watch Germany's 2-0 second-round World Cup win over Sweden on big screen TVs.
England fans were in the city for Sunday's second-round match against Ecuador and trouble broke out shortly after the end of Saturday's German game.
This is not to belittle the fans in our NFL stadiums and our NBA arenas, but geeze, Europeans really take their football (we call it soccer) too seriously.
Then again, we still pay a lot less for gas here than in Europe...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Reporting from Cincinnati's new Duke Energy Center
I'm on a wireless laptop at the newly expanded and renovated Duke Energy Center in Downtown Cincinnati... very impressive building that'll get some more activity in the downtown. The question is, will it slow the city's population decline? But go see the place sometime, there's a free open house, including a concert with Rusted Root in the beautiful, new, massive Grand Ballroom on the thrid floor. Off I go!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
TR: Cedar Point 6/2/06 - CoasterMania
Cedar Point pt 2 6/2/06 - CoasterMania (incomplete, oddly enough)
It’s just after 4 am, I get a shower, all groggy, and stuff, as it’s that time of year again: we get up early to ride coasters! I pick up Brian from his room at around 5:15, and we head over to the park. Not even minimal breakfast service is available yet, so fortunately, I stopped at a Wal-Mart before leaving Thursday afternoon for some snacks.
Just before 6:00 am, Robin greets us at the podium inside the front gate, of course, to inform us that Millennium Force was still being worked on. That meant that Raptor, Top Thrill Dragster, and Skyhawk were our ERT ride selection. Our “group” grew some. We had Adam and Alan, as well as the ladies, Karen and Rachel, and good old friend, Jim from Philadelphia, who I first met at the same event four years ago. To get started, two Raptor flights, front seat, before making our way up to Top Thrill Dragster for two rides there. It was consistent for once (at least this time), and I got the chance to see manager Tony Clark, who is featured in Cedar Point’s official blog, OnPoint. What’s better than traveling over 120 mph when you’re half awake? Also, I noted that the big sign next to TTD was changed to say “Are You Ready? 120 MPH, 420 feet tall” in place of “The World’s Fastest Coaster!,” as it was surpassed last year by a similar installation in New Jersey.
Because some of us hadn’t been on it yet, we go on SkyHawk in Frontier Town. After riding, I seemed to be the only one that really like this ride. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ride model ended up at Kings Island eventually. With some of us not to excitied, especially Jim, about flats, we go back to the Dragster for another high powered launch. Millennium Force, of course, was still down, and we decide to head back towards Raptor for another ride, plus some donuts at the Donut Time stand.
Oddly enough, the Donut shop didn’t open until 8:30, when I got there. The line ended up being a little long and slow, but I got satisfied with the pastries I love…
By the time I fed myself, it was time to head over to Raptor for a third ride of the day. The general public was quickly making their way in, and because Jim was with us, we decide to do his favorite coaster, Magnum XL-200. Because I have my “likes” I decided to get on Corkscrew and pass up on a ride on Magnum – I must have MUCH better roughness tolerance than most ENTHUSIASTS! But really, Corkscrew is still a great ride, though I don’t exactly see the need for the redundant seatbelts.
I meet up with the group once more for two rides on the Magnum, then 1 Gemini ride, blue side only (for now). We decide to go to the nearby Cedar Creek Mine Ride (see yesterday’s trip report), and then just relax for a little bit. The rain was coming down a little, so we head back down to the main midway, one more Magnum ride, then back toward the Coliseum Ballroom, for the 1:00 pm Question & Answer session. I pick up a regular soda for $2.75, which is cheaper than last year, still a little pricey. The Coliseum is one of Cedar Point’s oldest buildings, and built in 2006, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The lower level, now used as the main arcade, was originally a rathskeller, used for beer prior to Prohibition. The upper level was built as a dance pavilion, which was later renovated in the Art Deco style in the 1930s, as it is seen today. It may be occasionally used for some events, but during the 1930s and 40s, it was THE place to be at Cedar Point – and helped keep the resort alive with traveling bands and perfomers to get through the Depression.
The Question and Answer session featured managers and executives from Cedar Point and Cedar Fair, L.P. Tony Clark, from the Blog, had the tough job of assisting with the microphone… which failed at times, despite Tony’s hard work. You could say that the Q&A turned out to be a roller coaster ride in itself. Some question asked:
- What is your 2007 project?
- What is your 2020 project (150th anniversary)
- How about changing the name of the kiddie coaster at Kings Island back to Beastie?
- I can’t fit into the restraint of Intamin coasters and it’s embarrassing. DO SOMETHING!
- What about chain-wide season pass system for 2007?
One of the high points was when Scott Holmes wanted to thank the maintenance staff for their hard attempt to get Millennium Force up and running. John Hildebrandt, the park’s Vice President and General Manager called Mont Jasper, director of construction and maintenance, on the cell phone! Then not too long after, a surprise visit from none other than Cedar Fair’s big guy, CEO Dick Kinzel, who went up to assure that the Millennium fix as being done. He drew a large applause, and some cheers (especially from me, with the Paramount Parks purchase!).
With not too much time between Q&A and catered lunch, our gang gets in the line for Blue Streak. It ends up being not too long a wait – even though it is the longest wait I’ve had for that coaster. Quite possibly, it’s my favorite wood coaster in Ohio, it still gives a smooth, fast, air-filed ride. Not bad for a coaster named after the high school football team. I also run into a guy wearing his Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak shirt, which brings up my desire to head to that old, classic, yet troubled park, as its days may be numbered.
It’s time to head to the Point Pavilion for lunch, where the serving gets started just before 2pm. Not much better parts to CoasterMania than free food! While we’re all eating, Tony Clark of CP, and Lexi Robinson from Geauga Lake hand out raffle tickets for some great prizes to be given away. The next day, is CoasterEXT at Geauga Lake, the second annual such event at the sister park just 1.5 hours east of Cedar Point. One of those prizes is the old White Water Landing wait sign – and then the Millennium Force wait time sign, as it won’t be running (as of right then).
Just after 3pm, we all decide to break up and do other stuff. Jim decides to head back to Philadelphia, and Brian, who has been on a 7-day-plus coaster trip to the South, wants to get to his room for some rest. I, however, head back to the car, to grab my stuff, as I’d like to do the water rides, even though it’s no more than 75 degrees out and cloudy.
After stopping in the bathroom at the Coliseum, I get on the good old Cedar Downs Racing Derby carousel, where I run into someone from the Cincinnati area, John Fidyk. We also walk up the midway to ride Iron Dragon, which has a fast-moving line. Wanting to get on the train to Frontiertown as soon as possible, I head for the earliest available seat, then look for a place to store my bag, which brings me to another thing.
In previous years, you had to give articles to a non-rider or store them in a locker, at most Cedar Point rides and coasters, they wouldn’t let you leave stuff in the station – presumably as a safety and theft/liability issue. Other parks, like Kings Island, have always had places in the stations to store items. But, as an effort to be more convenient and respond to demands, they began to allow loose articles last year. This year, Cedar Point has installed storage bins in most ride stations (except Disaster Transport, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which have separate load and unload platforms). They are large, and are clearly marked by train number or color, in large Helvetica numbers (or lettering.) The bins are also attended by ride operators, so moron guests don’t put their stuff in the wrong section.
It’s just after 4 am, I get a shower, all groggy, and stuff, as it’s that time of year again: we get up early to ride coasters! I pick up Brian from his room at around 5:15, and we head over to the park. Not even minimal breakfast service is available yet, so fortunately, I stopped at a Wal-Mart before leaving Thursday afternoon for some snacks.
Just before 6:00 am, Robin greets us at the podium inside the front gate, of course, to inform us that Millennium Force was still being worked on. That meant that Raptor, Top Thrill Dragster, and Skyhawk were our ERT ride selection. Our “group” grew some. We had Adam and Alan, as well as the ladies, Karen and Rachel, and good old friend, Jim from Philadelphia, who I first met at the same event four years ago. To get started, two Raptor flights, front seat, before making our way up to Top Thrill Dragster for two rides there. It was consistent for once (at least this time), and I got the chance to see manager Tony Clark, who is featured in Cedar Point’s official blog, OnPoint. What’s better than traveling over 120 mph when you’re half awake? Also, I noted that the big sign next to TTD was changed to say “Are You Ready? 120 MPH, 420 feet tall” in place of “The World’s Fastest Coaster!,” as it was surpassed last year by a similar installation in New Jersey.
Because some of us hadn’t been on it yet, we go on SkyHawk in Frontier Town. After riding, I seemed to be the only one that really like this ride. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ride model ended up at Kings Island eventually. With some of us not to excitied, especially Jim, about flats, we go back to the Dragster for another high powered launch. Millennium Force, of course, was still down, and we decide to head back towards Raptor for another ride, plus some donuts at the Donut Time stand.
Oddly enough, the Donut shop didn’t open until 8:30, when I got there. The line ended up being a little long and slow, but I got satisfied with the pastries I love…
By the time I fed myself, it was time to head over to Raptor for a third ride of the day. The general public was quickly making their way in, and because Jim was with us, we decide to do his favorite coaster, Magnum XL-200. Because I have my “likes” I decided to get on Corkscrew and pass up on a ride on Magnum – I must have MUCH better roughness tolerance than most ENTHUSIASTS! But really, Corkscrew is still a great ride, though I don’t exactly see the need for the redundant seatbelts.
I meet up with the group once more for two rides on the Magnum, then 1 Gemini ride, blue side only (for now). We decide to go to the nearby Cedar Creek Mine Ride (see yesterday’s trip report), and then just relax for a little bit. The rain was coming down a little, so we head back down to the main midway, one more Magnum ride, then back toward the Coliseum Ballroom, for the 1:00 pm Question & Answer session. I pick up a regular soda for $2.75, which is cheaper than last year, still a little pricey. The Coliseum is one of Cedar Point’s oldest buildings, and built in 2006, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The lower level, now used as the main arcade, was originally a rathskeller, used for beer prior to Prohibition. The upper level was built as a dance pavilion, which was later renovated in the Art Deco style in the 1930s, as it is seen today. It may be occasionally used for some events, but during the 1930s and 40s, it was THE place to be at Cedar Point – and helped keep the resort alive with traveling bands and perfomers to get through the Depression.
The Question and Answer session featured managers and executives from Cedar Point and Cedar Fair, L.P. Tony Clark, from the Blog, had the tough job of assisting with the microphone… which failed at times, despite Tony’s hard work. You could say that the Q&A turned out to be a roller coaster ride in itself. Some question asked:
- What is your 2007 project?
- What is your 2020 project (150th anniversary)
- How about changing the name of the kiddie coaster at Kings Island back to Beastie?
- I can’t fit into the restraint of Intamin coasters and it’s embarrassing. DO SOMETHING!
- What about chain-wide season pass system for 2007?
One of the high points was when Scott Holmes wanted to thank the maintenance staff for their hard attempt to get Millennium Force up and running. John Hildebrandt, the park’s Vice President and General Manager called Mont Jasper, director of construction and maintenance, on the cell phone! Then not too long after, a surprise visit from none other than Cedar Fair’s big guy, CEO Dick Kinzel, who went up to assure that the Millennium fix as being done. He drew a large applause, and some cheers (especially from me, with the Paramount Parks purchase!).
With not too much time between Q&A and catered lunch, our gang gets in the line for Blue Streak. It ends up being not too long a wait – even though it is the longest wait I’ve had for that coaster. Quite possibly, it’s my favorite wood coaster in Ohio, it still gives a smooth, fast, air-filed ride. Not bad for a coaster named after the high school football team. I also run into a guy wearing his Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak shirt, which brings up my desire to head to that old, classic, yet troubled park, as its days may be numbered.
It’s time to head to the Point Pavilion for lunch, where the serving gets started just before 2pm. Not much better parts to CoasterMania than free food! While we’re all eating, Tony Clark of CP, and Lexi Robinson from Geauga Lake hand out raffle tickets for some great prizes to be given away. The next day, is CoasterEXT at Geauga Lake, the second annual such event at the sister park just 1.5 hours east of Cedar Point. One of those prizes is the old White Water Landing wait sign – and then the Millennium Force wait time sign, as it won’t be running (as of right then).
Just after 3pm, we all decide to break up and do other stuff. Jim decides to head back to Philadelphia, and Brian, who has been on a 7-day-plus coaster trip to the South, wants to get to his room for some rest. I, however, head back to the car, to grab my stuff, as I’d like to do the water rides, even though it’s no more than 75 degrees out and cloudy.
After stopping in the bathroom at the Coliseum, I get on the good old Cedar Downs Racing Derby carousel, where I run into someone from the Cincinnati area, John Fidyk. We also walk up the midway to ride Iron Dragon, which has a fast-moving line. Wanting to get on the train to Frontiertown as soon as possible, I head for the earliest available seat, then look for a place to store my bag, which brings me to another thing.
In previous years, you had to give articles to a non-rider or store them in a locker, at most Cedar Point rides and coasters, they wouldn’t let you leave stuff in the station – presumably as a safety and theft/liability issue. Other parks, like Kings Island, have always had places in the stations to store items. But, as an effort to be more convenient and respond to demands, they began to allow loose articles last year. This year, Cedar Point has installed storage bins in most ride stations (except Disaster Transport, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which have separate load and unload platforms). They are large, and are clearly marked by train number or color, in large Helvetica numbers (or lettering.) The bins are also attended by ride operators, so moron guests don’t put their stuff in the wrong section.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
TR: Cedar Point 6/1/06
I arrived at Breakers Express after checking in at about 4pm, moved into my room, but had to wait an hour until my friends came. Fortunately, I learned that Breakers Express and the other Cedar Point resort hotels have free wireless internet access in their lobbies. Therefore, I took my laptop down, though it was a bit of a hassle as my old Dell notebook has very short battery life and tendency to crash. I intend to replace it with a new MacBook eventually. It’s widescreen, built-in wireless, faster, and much longer battery life, so I can hang out in cafes and other hot spots better. So, I had the chance to blog-up my reports, check news, and look at a few YTMNDs.
Just before 5:30, the guys finally arrived and we headed over to Cedar Point. Brian and I parked at the Soak City/Resort gate, and we made our way onto the good old Magnum XL-200. Not much to more to say, except for the great lakeside/beach setting, airtime, and the wind. There’s much more FORCE here than on the blue giga coaster in this park!*
My favorite, Gemini, was running both sides, as the park was somewhat busy. Took a ride on each side. This coaster, 28 years old, has everything to expect from an old classic racing coaster, but much more – great airtime, racing interaction, and head-choppers – and yet still very smooth!
We then went over to Cedar Creek Mine Ride. It’s a fun ride, but not as exciting as Adventure Express at Kings Island. It runs smoother and longer, but I hope eventually they ditch the single T-bar for the newer U-bar restraints found on Express, Magnum, and Gemini.
Our next duty: the new Skyhawk, an S&S Power Screamin’ Swing. I found this to be a good, fun, good capacity flat ride. Not forceful, as I would have thought, but you get some NICE airtime at the pinnacle of the cycle! The section was improved some. The adjacent restrooms in the lower level of the former Frontier Lift station were remodeled, with changing stalls before the actual restroom. (Guess which CP restroom will be renovated next?) This is a great addition, especially for all those who ride Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon (guests are allowed to ride in only their swim trunks, no shoes or shirt necessary).
Brian and I were going to get on Mean Streak, but we got there at the time they were going to take a train off and go to one train operation. D’OH. Rather than wait, we decided to skip getting MS and headed down to the train station, just after taking photos of the White Water Landing/Project 2007 site. Surprisingly, there more animatronics and theming on this amusement park train, compared to the Hollywood theme park to the South that Cedar Fair is buying…
Getting off the train, we see that Millennium Force is still closed and may be in jeopardy for the big CoasterMania day ahead. But Mantis is open, and has no wait in the station, so we got on the front row. Since there were only 8 or so on that train, the first drop brakes were turned off, giving a nice intense ride. We also notice that Top Thrill Dragster has a short line, on the ramp up to the station, so we make our way there next thing, and in 30 mins or less, ride in row 6 in the rear part of the station.
Being hungry at around 8 or so, we made our way to Famous Dave’s restaurant on the Marina. It’s a very neat place, and great food as well – I had the ribs platter, which was very filling! It set me back over $15 for the meal and drink, but was worthwhile still.
Back into the park, Brian and I hop on the sky ride, going east to ride Raptor, in the front seat. With almost no wait, we get on, and I try my singing routine, but the seasonal bugs ruin that! Great coaster, bad time of year! With less than an hour left, we also go on Blue Streak, Wicked Twister, and Disaster Transport. I might get heat for this, but I like CP’s indoor ride better than Flight of Fear. The bobsled style is neat, and the room with the squealing is cool, too. Just one of those sounds that say “Cedar Point!”
With less than 15 minutes till park close, we make our way toward our car – but with it being next to Magnum XL-200, we decide to ride that great Hypercoaster, in front. It hits the pretzel turn, brakelss, due to few riders on board, even more fun! This is probably my second favorite Cedar Point coaster.
Due to the fact that the CoasterMania gets started after 5am the next day, on the way back to Breakers Express. But old habits die hard. I go to the pool and hot tub for half an hour to cool down, then update my blog and track record with my computer in the lobby. Before “hitting the hay,” I watch Glenn Beck on CNN Headline, the Midnight repeat, or course. One thing I like about Breakers Express is the good selection of channels – not to mention the location, cleanliness, elevators, and more. More on CoasterMania, the next day, to follow soon.
Just before 5:30, the guys finally arrived and we headed over to Cedar Point. Brian and I parked at the Soak City/Resort gate, and we made our way onto the good old Magnum XL-200. Not much to more to say, except for the great lakeside/beach setting, airtime, and the wind. There’s much more FORCE here than on the blue giga coaster in this park!*
My favorite, Gemini, was running both sides, as the park was somewhat busy. Took a ride on each side. This coaster, 28 years old, has everything to expect from an old classic racing coaster, but much more – great airtime, racing interaction, and head-choppers – and yet still very smooth!
We then went over to Cedar Creek Mine Ride. It’s a fun ride, but not as exciting as Adventure Express at Kings Island. It runs smoother and longer, but I hope eventually they ditch the single T-bar for the newer U-bar restraints found on Express, Magnum, and Gemini.
Our next duty: the new Skyhawk, an S&S Power Screamin’ Swing. I found this to be a good, fun, good capacity flat ride. Not forceful, as I would have thought, but you get some NICE airtime at the pinnacle of the cycle! The section was improved some. The adjacent restrooms in the lower level of the former Frontier Lift station were remodeled, with changing stalls before the actual restroom. (Guess which CP restroom will be renovated next?) This is a great addition, especially for all those who ride Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon (guests are allowed to ride in only their swim trunks, no shoes or shirt necessary).
Brian and I were going to get on Mean Streak, but we got there at the time they were going to take a train off and go to one train operation. D’OH. Rather than wait, we decided to skip getting MS and headed down to the train station, just after taking photos of the White Water Landing/Project 2007 site. Surprisingly, there more animatronics and theming on this amusement park train, compared to the Hollywood theme park to the South that Cedar Fair is buying…
Getting off the train, we see that Millennium Force is still closed and may be in jeopardy for the big CoasterMania day ahead. But Mantis is open, and has no wait in the station, so we got on the front row. Since there were only 8 or so on that train, the first drop brakes were turned off, giving a nice intense ride. We also notice that Top Thrill Dragster has a short line, on the ramp up to the station, so we make our way there next thing, and in 30 mins or less, ride in row 6 in the rear part of the station.
Being hungry at around 8 or so, we made our way to Famous Dave’s restaurant on the Marina. It’s a very neat place, and great food as well – I had the ribs platter, which was very filling! It set me back over $15 for the meal and drink, but was worthwhile still.
Back into the park, Brian and I hop on the sky ride, going east to ride Raptor, in the front seat. With almost no wait, we get on, and I try my singing routine, but the seasonal bugs ruin that! Great coaster, bad time of year! With less than an hour left, we also go on Blue Streak, Wicked Twister, and Disaster Transport. I might get heat for this, but I like CP’s indoor ride better than Flight of Fear. The bobsled style is neat, and the room with the squealing is cool, too. Just one of those sounds that say “Cedar Point!”
With less than 15 minutes till park close, we make our way toward our car – but with it being next to Magnum XL-200, we decide to ride that great Hypercoaster, in front. It hits the pretzel turn, brakelss, due to few riders on board, even more fun! This is probably my second favorite Cedar Point coaster.
Due to the fact that the CoasterMania gets started after 5am the next day, on the way back to Breakers Express. But old habits die hard. I go to the pool and hot tub for half an hour to cool down, then update my blog and track record with my computer in the lobby. Before “hitting the hay,” I watch Glenn Beck on CNN Headline, the Midnight repeat, or course. One thing I like about Breakers Express is the good selection of channels – not to mention the location, cleanliness, elevators, and more. More on CoasterMania, the next day, to follow soon.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Checking in from Sandusky pt 2 - Thursday night TR
The Night Before CoasterMania
Went to Cedar Point with Brian for several hours, around 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Magnum XL-200, 1-2
- Gemini, first car blue, then again on last car red
- Cedar Creek Mine Ride, 1-3
- Skyhawk, seat 16, facing the Town Hall Museum
- Train Ride, from Frontier Town to Millennium Midway
- Mantis, Front Row
- Top Thrill Dragster, Row 6
Dinner at Famous Dave's at the CP Marina
Sky Ride, heading east
- Raptor, second row
- Blue Streak, 2-1
- Wicked Twister, 14th row?
- Disaster Transport, row 1
End with:
- Magnum, 1-1
Tomorrow will definitely be busy, big, and hectic.
I gotta get back to my room, watch some of Glenn Beck on Headline News, then most of all SLEEP! I have to take off to the park just after 5 am!
Went to Cedar Point with Brian for several hours, around 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Magnum XL-200, 1-2
- Gemini, first car blue, then again on last car red
- Cedar Creek Mine Ride, 1-3
- Skyhawk, seat 16, facing the Town Hall Museum
- Train Ride, from Frontier Town to Millennium Midway
- Mantis, Front Row
- Top Thrill Dragster, Row 6
Dinner at Famous Dave's at the CP Marina
Sky Ride, heading east
- Raptor, second row
- Blue Streak, 2-1
- Wicked Twister, 14th row?
- Disaster Transport, row 1
End with:
- Magnum, 1-1
Tomorrow will definitely be busy, big, and hectic.
I gotta get back to my room, watch some of Glenn Beck on Headline News, then most of all SLEEP! I have to take off to the park just after 5 am!
Checking in from Sandusky pt 1
I am checking in from the lobby at Breakers Express near Cedar Point now, waiting for my friends. We'll be going to the park tonight, doing some of my favorites for the first time in 2006.
Tomorrow is CoasterMania, all day at Cedar Point, with lots of ERT, free food, a Q&A, and friends! Saturday is Geauga Lake, over an hour to the east of Sandusky, for CoasterEXT event. Sunday, back to CP for more of my favorite park* before going back home hum.
Bored and can'm make it up? http://ytmnd.com/list/?search=&user=coastersnsich
*Unless of course Cedar Fair makes Kings Island great again...
Tomorrow is CoasterMania, all day at Cedar Point, with lots of ERT, free food, a Q&A, and friends! Saturday is Geauga Lake, over an hour to the east of Sandusky, for CoasterEXT event. Sunday, back to CP for more of my favorite park* before going back home hum.
Bored and can'm make it up? http://ytmnd.com/list/?search=&user=coastersnsich
*Unless of course Cedar Fair makes Kings Island great again...
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