Cedar Point's Windseeker will not be ready for opening day

The video is pretty crazy. However I'm not concerned. They now have opperating criteria in place. I do not know what their go/no-go criteria are. But, I do know they wouldn't be running the ride if they were concerned the seats were going to bump.

The riders are wearing uniforms and/or ties, so that may have been a test run.

I wonder the reasoning for going with a universal joint up there, opposed to a fixed one? I'm not sure anyone knows, but there may be a reason that I'm not comprehending, though I have a decent idea.

The only thing I can think of is that it's necessary to eliminate (or displace is a better word, I guess) stress on the stick when the ride starts turning or slows down- the reason for the outward swing is obvious, but with the length of the stick and the weight of the seat with riders it may be safer and less stressful to allow it to swing to and fro as well.

That's the only reason I can come up with, as well.

Totally. I think you need some forward/backward play in that joint. Not at all surprising.

That's pretty crazy and didn't experience anything like that. It would have made the ride more interesting and terrifying experiencing that.

I thought that the reason they went with the Windseeker in the first place was because of the dangers of seats bumping into one another in strong winds with a Starflyer. I guess now, it wouldn't have mattered either way.

Hindsight... The beams that hold the seats onto the ring that moves up and down the tower are too long (or not heavy duty enough), at least from a non-engineer perspective.

The capacity on the Star Fliers is about half as well.

Sorry guys and gals. I brought this same thing up in the non-news section thread.

After watching this, I am wondering if the riders can somehow cause some back and forth by swinging their legs (much like riding a real swing). Has anyone ridden yet to give us any insight?

I was wondering the same thing. I mean, the rest of the seats aren't doing it.

No, and the day I rode I had 3 rides, two at opening and one in the afternoon right after a good rain. On that third ride it was windy and I had conquered my fear so I tried kicking my legs swingset-style and it kinda wasn't happening. From the vids it seems like empty cars see more action than those with seats that are filled. As a single rider I was paired up all three times, so I can't say how it acts with one rider.

LK, I too think the ride looks delicate, but the surprising thing is how massive it is - it's possible to walk under the entire structure without bumping your head on your way to the exit gate. In person it sure seems sturdy enough. But like I said I wish it went just a tish wee bit faster for more of a thrill.

I understand the need for them to move forward and backward, but why could the action not be limited so that there is absolutely no danger of bumping even during high winds?

It's possible that that video was taken with less-stiff "shock absorbers" installed for the front-back motion, and they subsequently stiffened them before going to public operation.

When I rode it last Sunday - my ride partner and I were able to get a good left to right rocking going on with just our legs before the ride started it's rotation. I would think the same could be done forward and backward. The shocks at the top of the arm joint appeared to be 3 or 4 wide on Sunday if I recall, and that chair still moved easily.

Perhaps they'll modify it with a spring?

That's the last thing you want. A spring pushes back instantly, while what I assume are hydraulic shocks can release the stored energy at a measured rate.

Perhaps - I hope they beef it up, or modify it before some crazy person gets the ride red flagged.

The shocks are installed front-back, though. If I remember enough from my mechanics course, right/left motion won't be nearly as impeded with that installation as front-back. And, it's the front-back motion you worry about, not side-side.

I would think - ANY motion - not governed by the mechanics of the ride would be of concern to be worried about. I'm waiting (god forbid this happens now) for someone to slip while getting in and out of the chair and bust their head open on the cement...

I really think you might be blowing it out of proportion.