Memories of DP/PPP/Ridefest

DORNEY PARK

• Dorney Park in the rain the night before PPP. I thought I would be miserable walking around in the rain, but it turned out to be a blessing. Thunderhawk gave an absolutely incredible ride, with extremely violent ejector airtime that surprised all of us (including Mark Rosenzweig, the ride op from ST)!! We were quite animated after getting off, and I remember hearing Tom Kelley and Curt Hassinger yelling especially loud with surprise!

• Mind games at Dorney. The ride ops toyed with our emotions, first telling us that SF would not run while there was a drop of rain falling from the sky - then before we knew it they were testing the trains and she ran all night long. At one point in the evening they turned the lights on Lazer. We ran over there but the lady told us it would not be running that night, that they were only turning the lights on. Awhile later from the SF station, someone's eagle eyes (was it Tom or Curt?) spied passengers lining the cue for Lazer, and we got our ride. Still we never could get enough riders for all of us to have a go in the backseat.

Steel Force, the office park. Really, no matter where you sit, this is a great ride. Even though I give the edge to Mamba and Magnum, it's easy to see why so many rank it their favorite steel coaster. It's so smooth, has great airtime, a great helix and a fabulous return run. The exit out of the helix up onto the mid-course brake was the only spot that hurt my ribs, thanks to the tremendous g's this change in direction creates. I doubt I would have ever given this part of the ride much notice were it not for the tremendous pressure it put on my ribs! (For those of you who don't know, I broke my ribs in June and re-broke them 6 days before leaving for Phunphest). Which leads me to:

Photo courtesy of Kevin's Top 15

• Pain. I really did not feel a bit good on this trip. Busted ribs affects every breath you take, every move you make. All of the wonderful elements experienced on a coaster become somewhat diminished by the constant reminder that YOU HAVE BROKEN RIBS....... take THAT!!!!! Arrrrrrrgh!!! However, it's like I told Dave Sandborg - no matter how painful the ride, it's impossible to forget that you're on a roller-coaster and not have your attention diverted by the thrills inherent in the ride.

• Lines/no lines, the debate continues. I asked a gate attendant what the attendance had been that night and he said 350. I thought he was being generous. We had NO WAITS on any coaster, front or back, take your pick. I've always felt it's better to have a nice crowd than an empty park, but knowing I wasn't really in the mood to stand in line and after hearing reports from people who came here the following Sunday, I'll change my tune and say *sometimes* no lines can be wonderful!

• Tom Sawyer Diner. I absolutely love diners, and Allentown has a very nice one just minutes from Dorney. Tom Kelley, Curt Hassinger, Chris Lucht, Dan Haverlock and I had a great time at the diner after the park closed - we looked at a bunch of Tom's pictures and I learned a lot about MSAP and the Starliner. I knew nothing about it before and it looked and sounded surprisingly wonderful. I would really like to visit this park someday.

• The drive from Allentown to Danville. Absolutely nightmarish. Pouring, driving rain that never let up, hydroplaning, road construction. Absolutely one of the worst drives I've ever experienced. Tom and Curt will back me up!

• The magic of Knoebels. Apparent from the moment I pulled into the campground and saw a pack of RRCers crossing the road to enter the park. I had never seen this part of the park before and I must say it's beautiful. The perfect place to hold a bonfire.

• Adam Revesz. I was so happy to see Adam at this event. He's been yapping about it non-stop for weeks, and I felt very bad when I heard the news that his grandmother's illness might prevent him from attending. Like Todd Long said, there are certain people who *must* be at Phunphest - Adam's presence was mandatory. What a relief it was to see him where he belongs, sitting in a tub, snapping those cables. I'm glad you could make it, Adam, it wouldn't have been a proper Phunphest without you.

RRC at PPP. Anyone who attended this event will tell you about the special feeling of friendship present among RRCers. We packed around in groups big and small, and it was effortless to switch from one group of friends riding the Phoenix to another group headed for the Phlyers. One moment I was standing in line with Joe Schwartz, Cindy Stout, Dana and Dooley, Todd Long (thanks to LongWorld for sponsoring the phirst phlight on the phlyers), and Robert Ulrich, and the next minute I'd be standing around eating ice cream with Tom and Curt, Todd Long and Chris Lucht.

Photo courtesy of RRC Page

I had dinner with Kip Ross, Jeff Tolotti, Walt and Amy and CoasterDan, then before I knew it I was riding the Phoenix with Ted Ansley. I went from having a conversation with the Alveys to riding the Phoenix again with Dave Sandborg and Tim Melago. Friendship was never so effortless.

Riding the Phoenix with Cindy Stout. I visited Knoebels for the very first time in June with Cindy and we had such a marvelous time together. Whenever I think of the Phoenix I think of Cindy and it was great getting in that phront seat with her again. My Top Phive Phavorite Phlyers: 1) Todd Long, 2) Adam Revesz, 3) Dooley Schwartz, 4) Tim Melago, 5) Brian Ondrey (isn't he a rookie?).

Photo courtesy of Julie's Coaster Pictures!

• New faces. Finally, I got to meet Kip Ross, a well-respected and well-liked young man, and it's easy to see why. Walt and Amy were so incredibly easy-going - they had huge smiles on their faces the *entire* day. I thought tv's Spatch had the most delightful sense of humor (he's *anything* but cranky!). Lots of introductions: Peg and May, Rich Koppleman, Paul Young, Jeff Tiedemann, Bill Buckley, DE Mac, CoasterSue, Bob Acquard and his wife - I'm sure I could go on and on. And yes, you read it correctly, I had dinner with Kip *and* CoasterDan! What's even more remarkable is how *un*-remarkable it seemed at the time. I met Dan and Steve Konopa, and Steve looked very taken aback considering we were introduced while I was in costume. Which leads me to:

• The costumes. All the talk about people not showing up in costumes was just that, talk. There were so many wonderful costumes. Cindy's sister had one of the most clever costumes of all - Mumba. I thought that was genius. I really didn't know what to say when I saw Dana. It was just *so* different from how I see her. Was I titillated? I'll never say. ;)

But Dooley cracked me up as Danny Binetti, as did Ted Ansley as CoasterNerd, Robb Alvey as Rumor Man (complete with giant RM lettering and cape), tv's Spatch with that spatula stuck in his head (I've already recounted the hilarious conversation he had with Keith Shiners kid) and the Ulrichs, aka Men in Black, passing out FBI wanted mug shots of peeps. And of course, THE image of Phunphest phor me - Todd Long's peep costume. I know he didn't want to wear it, and all I can say is Todd, you are one fine chick.

Photo courtesy of Theme Park Review

As for me, well, I worked all week long on my costume. I was going to come as Dippin' Dots! I went all over looking for *just* the ride shade of turquoise for my sheet. I cut all those dots out by hand, varying the size of each one. I lovingly pasted each dot single-handedly onto the sheet. And when all was said I done and I finally tried it on....... I looked like a guy wearing an ill-fitting sheet covered with dots. What was I thinking? I dunno, when Susan tried it on she looked adorable, but for me it was definitely a case of "looked great in the window but terrible when I got it home." So I had to scramble to come up with an idea. And immediately I had an idea. I would come as a Family Funways clown, the kind of clown you *don't* want to see at a park! I got my costume together in less than half a day, tried it on for Susan and immediately got cold feet. I wavered back and forth all day about whether I would wear it or not, but after finally confessing to Jeff and Kip what I was about to do and getting the encouragement I needed from both of them, I slipped out of the park and into my costume. Well, I'm glad I did it - I looked hideous! And the reactions I got made all the trouble worthwhile. Dana said I looked like the clown from the movie "It." Dave Sandborg started calling me Shakes and either he or Tim Melago suggested the only thing missing was an open bottle from a brown paper bag. When the carousel ride op closed the entrance gate right in front of me he asked if I was carrying a gun. One person dressed as an enforcer of some sort apparently thought I needed to be terminated and began shooting me in the head with an automatic. I gotta admit, I deserved it. I hate clowns.

My award. Robert Ulrich told me "DON'T go to the bonfire before the costume awards are handed out." I said okay and figured we were going to have our own little RRC costume ceremony or group photo (which would have been really nice). Instead immediately after the costume awards were given out, Robert and Todd got on top of a bench right outside the Int'l Food Court pavilion, got everybody from RRC to gather around and made me stand in front of him facing everyone. I really had *no* idea what was going on, other than the fact that I felt like a complete IDIOT standing there in an evil clown costume. Then he said "Alright, who here has seen the No. 1 coaster video of the year?"

Photo courtesy of RRC Page

My white gloved hand flew to my clown-white face, I crouched down and started screaming. I was *so* embarrassed - I had no idea why they were doing this. Then he said something about it deserving an Oscar and he pulled out a little stuffed Oscar the Grouch! Well, I thought this was the sweetest gesture, especially coming from a big ole guy like Robert Ulrich! I couldn't believe they made a whole a presentation out of it, and that so many RRCers hung around for it. THEN he said "But after some consideration we decided it would be more appropriate to give him the real thing, so it's our pleasure to present to you the very first 1998 RRC Video of the Year Award." And he pulls out this real statue, sitting on a pedestal, with a plaque that reads "1998 RRC Video of the Year "Coastered!" by Mark McKenzie." Then I saw the statue. It's ribs were wrapped in gauze!

Everybody cheered and called for a speech but I was totally speechless. And all I could think was here they've done this incredibly nice thing and look at me, I'm dressed like a clown. It was a wonderful moment for me. I hope I'm not coming off as bragging because I certainly don't mean to. Besides, I really think the award says more about those who participated in giving it to me than it does my little video.

• The bonfire. I didn't realize this was a Knoebels bonfire! For some reason I imagined a little campfire bonfire with about 15 of us RRCers gathered around in a small huddle. Uh unh. This thing was *massive* - tee pee sized. Knoebels had set up benches in a semi-circle around the fire and people began roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. It looked *very* inviting but I couldn't get that makeup off quickly enough so I hightailed it to the men's room.

When I got back the birthday cakes for Curt Hassinger and Robert Ulrich were already being served. They were absolutely huge cakes, and there was one that had coconut in it that was the best cake I've ever had, even better than wedding cake! Thank you Dana for bringing it. Quite awhile later we burned Inside Track - Joe Schwartz led the way, then we sang our songs. Dana actually has a very nice and even has the ability to trill. We sang the two songs pretty well I thought.

Photo courtesy of RRC Page

• Aftermath. Phunphest really is indescribable. Although I wasn't feeling well there is something about this event that makes you bite the bullet and enjoy yourself........ you just feel comfortable, like wearing a warm sweater. Cindy Stout noted a hint of melancholy in the air, and I think it's true. We've played hard all summer long and it's time for one last bash. So Knoebels does their best to make it memorable and we all look forward to having an unforgettable time.

• The drive to Altoona. It was absolutely, indescribably beautiful. The sun was bright, the air was clear and you could see for days. The mountains were bursting with fall colors.

• The atmosphere of Ridefest. It was nothing like Phunphest the day before. This was something totally different and unique from any coaster event I've experienced. The park is completely empty. You have it all to yourself. The only people there are about a hundred ACE members. And *all* of them are thrilled to be there. There's so much informality to this place. I walked in and explained that I hadn't signed up for the event and that I could only stay an hour but could I still ride? They looked at me and said "You mean you came all this way just for an hour?" Then I explained I had a plane to catch in Pittsburgh, that I lived in the Twin Cities, came for Phunphest and was hoping to come for Ridefest for however short a time I could attend. I think they were amused, but they said sure! It only cost $15, they let me sign up for door prizes and gave me a button. Every single ACEer - behind the counter, waiting in line, operating the rides - all looked extremely happy to be there. The ACEers running the rides really looked like they were having fun, and who could blame them? Like I said, an air of informality prevailed over this event. Blue, the coaster dog, came bounding into the station to greet everybody. Someone tied him to a leash in the station for a short while (I think while the TV cameras were doing their thing) and Blue got very excited whenever a trainload of riders left the station or returned. He was the quintessential image of Ridefest. For me, the other image of Ridefest is:

Dave Sandborg and the Skyliner. Just as the Phoenix makes me think of Cindy Stout, I will forever think of Dave Sandborg and the Skyliner. Dave was right there to greet me when I signed in and he rode with me eight times on the Skyliner before I had to leave. Dave and I agree the Skyliner is easily the most underrated of coasters. And Dave knows his coasters! For example:

Photo courtesy of Theme Park Review

• The backseat of the Skyliner. Our first ride, somewhere in the middle of the train, was the slowest, most unusual ride you could imagine. We didn't leave our seat for the second ride but the difference was extremely dramatic. Then we got off and as we walked around to get back in line Dave asked if I wanted to try the backseat. When I explained that I had never ridden the backseat he got this surprised look on his face and insisted that I *must* try it!! I explained that because my ribs were broken when I rode it in June I confined myself to the front seats of all the coasters I rode on my trip. And having broken them again only the week before I wasn't sure I wanted to risk the pain. But I got through Phunphest so I thought what the heck, at least I'll have done it once.

  As we crested the lift hill and approached the first drop Dave said "Okay, prepare yourself!" I thought he was just being you know, whatever, and anyway I wasn't really paying all that much attention anyway because I was talking to him about someth WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAHH MY GOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!

  I'm telling you, that coaster dropped and we were AIRBORNE for what seemed like eternity!!!! There are only four coasters that have truly shocked me with such a powerful launching from their backseat: Shivering Timbers, Cyclops, GA Cyclone and now the Skyliner. I mean it, I was *shocked!!* I think I screamed, seriously, not out of joy but of sheer surprise, for the longest time! I don't think I'm exaggerating either because Dave started laughing and he *kept on* laughing at me for longest time after the ride had ended. In fact the two images I'll take with me from Ridefest are Blue the coaster dog jumping up and down as riders left and returned to the station, and Dave Sandborg giggling and laughing his head off. Prepare yourself!!!

  Photo courtesy of Joyrides

• Sadly, the low attendance. There were so few people here, I was really surprised. I told Dave, (and I'm not scolding anyone so don't take this personally), but it seems to me that as coaster enthusiasts we have a responsibility to patronize parks like Lakemont and events like Ridefest. Not only would it be a real shame if this park were forced to shut down due to lack of patronage, but events like Ridefest really give you an opportunity to literally take over the whole park and be the *ultimate* coaster enthusiast - it's an enthusiast's dream! Now I have nothing at all against Dorney or Hersheypark but there's something to be said for low lines, no stupid policies, great rolling stock and all the rerides you could possibly want. If I had my choice no trip to Pennsylvania would be complete without a visit to Conneaut, Blands and Lakemont.