A few comments on marathon riding at CP..

.. while I'm sure this is goign to be label'ed as a "Ohh it's one of the Gem100 trying to talk us out of doing this" threads.. it's nothing of the sort..

Marathon riding such as the Gem100 took place because of good timing (time of the season) and the rides capacity. Riding a single ride ALL day takes alot out of you as I'm sure the DT80 people found out not too far into thier day last month.

If you're going to do it, be prepared for dissapointment. That's how I went into the Gem100. Wasnt' sure if the crowds would work out, the weather, train capacity, pain, and so forth. It's more work than most people realize and I'm sure any of the Gem100 or DT80 people will agree with me.

What I just find kinda funny is the sudden rush of people to "marathon" rides. Everyone is looking for the next thing to marathon when, while honestly, this is the wrong time of the year to even think about it. Sept is more like it at this point, not August.

AS far as I know.. there's the WW coming up (forget the date and you guys are nuts to do a marathon where taking a break makes you 'lose') and the one being planned on ID for the 2nd (again, Aug is not a good time to try this and this ride has not only been actually having lines this year, but some severe downtime problems).

Best of luck people, but I don't think people whould be trying to see how many rides they can marathon in a season. God forbid CP decides that this is a problem and forbids us from doing it. IT possibly could be viewed as a safety hazard. Esspecially when you're telling people they are not allowed to take a break from riding. People can push themselves to the point where an accident will happen and no one wants that.

Like I said, I'm sure this came across as a "Gem100 protecting thier 'day' " and it wasn't meant to be that way.. Just some thoughts...

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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100 *** This post was edited by Red Garter Rob on 7/21/2001. ***

Rob, you make some very good points about lines and ride capacity - it just won't work right now, not the way that if you were planning a marathon you would want it to work.

My own comments: A marathon should not be a competition to get recognition by a newspaper, newscast, or website. It should be an expression of how much you love riding a particular ride and how much fun it is, even if not everyone would agree with your choice of ride. Both the Gemini 100 and the Disaster Transport 80 were about this, about making a personal statement about Cedar Point and its great coasters, rather than some push for noteriety. I'm sure a lot of the riders of the Gemini 100 were honestly surprised to actually be able to meet their goal, not only from their own stamina but also the luck of the draw and getting a virtually perfect day to keep the coaster running. But it wasn't done for the "fame and fortune" as it were. If you truly do want to run a marathon, you need to think about why you're wanting to so badly.

Like Rob, just some thoughts.

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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/

Actually, I'm kinda bummed you guys didn't all get really famous, like the Survivor people. That's "really" why I didn't make it. Not because my car broke down. I just didn't see my 15 minutes of fame happening from that project. Maybe the next one. lol!!!

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I'm not an animal! I'm a human BEAN!

Rob- I agree whole heartedly. This part of the season is nuts to try to do one ride more than a dozen times in a day (unless it's gemini). Also, riding without breaks in the recent heat does pose a safety hazard. I'm sure some of the folks that almost passed out at the Gem100 would attest to that...

A ride marathon IS a lot of work. It requires a participant to have enough will power to stay on one ride. It requires enough leg strength to go up God only knows how many flights of stairs and through the same number of queues.

I will honestly say that in the end it is a great thing when you either meet your initial goal (Gem100) or you meet a goal that was set that day (DT80/30), but you really need to think about more factors during this part of the season including (but not limited to): crowds, heat, the summer spectacular, safety.

I definately encourage people to do a ride marathon at least once in their CP going lifetime, but just think and plan ahead. Maybe wait a while between them. The DT80 was very close to the Gemini100 and a few of the Gemini100 people who were going to come couldn't because it was so close.

Closing words:
Think before you ride...

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-John Gilman; Proud Participant of the DT 80 and member of the O.C.!

The WW marathon is going to be September 15th, and it's a bit more controlled than some of the past marathons. Despite how it sounds, it will only last a little over one hour. We will also have water on hand for anyone who needs it. And, the fact is that quitting isn't all that bad. I would recommend it if someone gets sick. The truth is, if someone gets sick or takes a brake, then they are probably better of not finishing. I think it would be unsafe for them to ride after that!

An interesting side note: Indiana Beach does not allow more than two rides on there Tig'rr roller coaster per hour, in fear that guests will get sick.

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Sean-Dust Man of the Elite Eight

Gemini 100: 100 *** This post was edited by Magnum is sinking! on 7/21/2001. ***

Where can I find more information about this WW marathon? I won't be particapating because I don't think it would be much fun to ride the same thing over and over but I would like to know a little more

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Force Rides: uh 00005

I did 11 straight on Mean Streak a few weeks ago...ugh...big mistake.

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Go ride the big blue one!
01 Magnum laps-22
Formerly 300FTMONSTER

You can go here for info on the WW "marathon".

http://www.guidetothepoint.com/thepoint/cpplace/thread.asp?ForumID=1&TopicID=5436

Just as a side note, I will be making the DT80 an annual thing :).

Annual thing? WHen do you plan on having during the season?

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I HATE TERRORISM!!!
Force Laps: 365
VertiGo Shots: 32
6/11/01: Gemini 100

Not sure yet about next year for the DT80. Probably before summer actually starts to that the lines won't be as long as they were this year. I'll be sure you let ya know though! :)

Not too early -- I'd like to join in! But school isn't out until the end of May here, and who knows where we'll be by then.

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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/

I'm in again, we should do it late May early June.
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DT80: 30 and proud of it!
Member of the O.C.