Question for the Big-Time Coaster Enthusiasts
I've been reading a lot of your comments and views of different coasters on this board, and it got me thinking...... As I've probably mentioned, I am in no way, shape, or form a coaster "expert". I haven't even RIDDEN that many coasters. I could probably count my coaster experiences on one hand.
My question is......Do you hard-core "thrill junkies" find less experienced coaster riders to be wimps? I mean, you talk of some coasters on here that you found not too thrilling or just plain boring, but take someone like me, and I'd probably have the kaka scared out of me on some of those rides! So what is your real view of the more "coaster-challenged" people out there?
In fact, if anything, the 'less experienced' enthusiast is probably more tolerant of things that aggravate the heck out of the more well-travelled types. :)
But then, perhaps I'm not a good one to answer, as my track record is still under 200...
--Dave Althoff, Jr.
I don't think anyone is a "wimp," but sometimes I get frustrated when people just don't want to try something.
I say that because, of all the people I've "forced" onto coasters, even the ones who were deathly afraid, they ALL ended up loving the experience and wanting more. This includes an 11-year-old kid from my church who was scared out of his mind. I convinced him to ride the Beast and he had the best time of his life.
At least try it once. You may find out it's not as scary as you think.
-----------------
He let the contents of the bottle do the thinking; can't shake the devil's hand and say you're only kidding.
Lallen said:
My question is......Do you hard-core "thrill junkies" find less experienced coaster riders to be wimps? I mean, you talk of some coasters on here that you found not too thrilling or just plain boring, but take someone like me, and I'd probably have the kaka scared out of me on some of those rides! So what is your real view of the more "coaster-challenged" people out there?
Personally I don't force or egg anyone to ride something they are not willing to do. It may ruin the day for them as well as you.
I still get a kick though of riding something with a first time rider. One of the best moments of this hobby was when my GF of the times 5 year old son wanted to ride Racer with me at PKI. He loved it and I found myself puting my arm over his shoulder and holding him in, His head was higher than mine!
Chuck, who just finds that this hobby is clean and fun and keeps me out of trouble
-----------------
Charles Nungester
Americana (Now called The great americana amusement park at Lesourdsville Lake) is opening in 2002. Indivdual visits are very improtant to the parks survival.
I havent been on that many, but ive been on some really, really good ones...and id never back down from one!! So whenever someone tells me they wont go on a rollercoaster i consider a "wussy" coaster, I tend to giggle at it....somewhere in the back of my mind i think to myself, "LOL...wuss!" But I never judge a person like that...I only joke about it. About 3 years ago, you would have never caught me going on a rollercoaster, and now, the coaster-off season for me is months and months of torture! (which reminds me, btw, did this winter seem unusually long this year, or is it just me???)
-----------------
"There's nothing like going 90 miles an hour with nothing but a lap bar!"
Beautifully put, Den. I am the same way.
After riding 350 coasters so far I guess you can say I'm "getting used" to them. I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm "desensitized" of them, but what I wouldn't give to be truly *scared* again! THAT is what made it so great, that apprehension before getting on a coaster or thrill ride. I really miss those days.
Thank God for innovations such as X. Something as chaotic and crazy as that brought back some great memories of my earlier coastering years, where that adrenaline was *skyrocketing* while waiting for my first ride.
So to answer your question, no, I don't think novice riders are "wimps." In fact, I'm a little envious of you guys! :)
-----------------
"I have a flashlight, enjoy the show!"
The only time that I ever think that people are wusses is when they all have the same excuse. Every year I go down to PKI with my churches youth group. And every year I try to get some of them to ride things like Adventure Express, or last year Runaway Reptar. Every single one used the infamous "i get sick" excuse, and none of them ever complained about anything like motion sickness before they got to the line. Thats when it really gets on my nerves. I always tell them, if they get sick i will never ask them to ride a coaster again. They still refuse to try them. I remember when i was 6 and 7 riding Magnum. I was apprehensive to go on it my first time, but i did, and i loved it. I never backed out of a coaster after that.
So I guess what im saying is, those that refuse to even try them are wusses. I know, its scary for a first time, but youll never know if you like something until you try it.
-----------------
Somedays it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
-------------
|| Jonathan Hawkins ||
http://www.starcoasters.com
http://www.thrillspot.com
In some aspects, I'd venture to say that those who have ridden few coasters, yet still consider themselves coaster enthusiasts, in actuality, have more of that essence of enthusiasm, as I call it, than some of the people who have ridden hundreds. Why? Because in my book, its easy to love and become addicted to something you're getting all the time. However, when you only get to ride once or twice a year, or even less, yet still have those same thoughts of coasters running through your head all year long, and visit Coasterbuzz every day just to talk coasters, well then its a true passion. However, thats not to say that those who start out this way won't go on to ride hundreds of coasters like so many here... And most likely, thats how most of those people with the giant track records started out!
So what it all boils down to, is that it does not matter one bit how many coasters you've ridden when it comes to how much of an enthusiast you are. Thats my opinion at least.
-----------------
-FCR
I'd Rather Be Riding Roller Coasters
-----------------
- Peabody
After riding 428 coasters (29 tomarrow!), I still think the same way about the less-traveled enthusiasts. We are all here to ride and enjoy coasters, and although there are some people I'd rather not associate with, for the mostpart everyone is the same.
Now knowledge wise, If you take me with the highest track record on this site, and put them up with someone that has a track record of less than 200, they could easily know more about rides!! Look at Dave (RideMan) for example... He knows more about rides (and NOT just coasters!) than most park maintenance people! I envy him, and want to get a copy of his brain! Unfortunately, I don't think that's possible with todays technology.. but when it is, Dave watch out! :)
-----------------
Corey
"Have you ever tried backing out of a drive-through bank?" - George Carlin
-----------------
Any resemblance between this post and humor is purely coincidental. No robots were harmed in the filming of this episode...The sarcasm filter default has been left ON for your enjoyment.
Absolutely not. Not that I'm a "Big-Time" enthusiasts since I only have a little over a hundred in my record, but riding with someone who isn't, is more fun to me. Take my daughter for instance, at 3 years old she obviously can't ride much more than kiddie coasters, but to see how much fun she is having is contagious. Not to mention that I like to ride the flats as much as coasters.
The other reason I say I'm not a "Big-Time" enthusiasts is because I still relish the idea of riding a new coaster i.e. Superman Ultimate Flight next weekend. Ask people who know me well and they'll tell you I'm worse than a little kid. I'm all excited, I don't sleep well the night before, I can't stand still in line, I'll ride them over and over and not get bored, etc. And some coasters (mainly MF) scare the bejesus out of me the first time I ride them. I was shaking in my boots standing in line and watching the trains fly around the track the first time I rode MF.
Once I conquered my fear of coasters in 1970, I've always loved them. Although I don't have that many in my track record (mostly because I just can't GET to some of the other parks), I still need my "fix" and many coasters I've re-ridden over the years still give me that thill (Blue Streak, Gemini, Magnum).
I was scared when I rode the new Gemini. I didn't ride Magnum until my son was tall enough to ride the coasters. He wanted to ride Magnum, and I was literally shaking when I got on it. Of course, after that first ride, I was thoroughly hooked, and now I will try anything at least once.
I don't get 'bored' with the coasters because I also get such a kick out of watching someone ELSE ride it for the first time.
Whenever I'm in line with someone who is nervous or scared, or if I hear someone trying to convince someone else to ride, I generally let the frightened person know how scared *I* was when I first rode certain coasters, and how silly I felt afterwards when it ended up being so much fun! Sometimes a stranger telling them that seems to make more difference than believing their "friends".
Seeing their faces change from terror going up that first hill, to complete enthusiastic joy afterwards is excitement enough for me because it brings back memories. And it's even better when the scared person seeks me out afterwards and THANKS me.
-----------------
I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
You must be logged in to post
