Sept 18 - Strong Winds, Chilly Night, Good Times

Friday was a chilly and very windy night at Cedar Point. The wind was constant at about 20 miles per hour, and out of the north, mostly. There were a lot of confused gusts, coming from many directions, like wind shears. Leftovers from Hurricane Ivan? There were a lot of rollers out on the lake, and the whitecaps were pretty impressive.

We hit the park at about 7:45 pm, through the Soak City gate. There were maybe three rows of cars, and the front lot was a ghost town as well. Once inside, we found that most everything was closed, concession and attraction-wise. But, that was to be expected on a September bonus weekend. Katie went to the Force, as the line was very small, and she waited a total of 20 minutes. Karen took a walk around the park, noting that many of the Halloweekends decorations are going up. I saw a lot of pumpkins and corn shocks. I went straight to the Magnum. The platform was nearly empty, and mid-train was a walk on, which started a nice series of sunset and after-dark rides.

The wind at the top of the hills was amazing. The anemometer looked like a buzz-saw blade. When going down the first drop, if you raised your arms, you could not put them back down until you hit the trough. The force of the air held them in place, and used your chest like a giant sail, pinning you against the seat. As you neared top of the second hill, the ride fell silent, and there was an immeasurable period of hang time, as the train crested the hill, to start toward the tunnel. It seemed to take an extra five seconds, or even more, to cross that hill and start down.

Looking out over the blackness of Lake Erie was beyond cool. Off in the distance, the lights of Huron were lighting up the cloud deck, I could see at least one freighter on the horizon. Starting down the hill, the wind felt like it was going to tear everything off. I had the coaster glasses cranked down pretty tight, and it was funny to hear people talking about their eyes tearing up so they couldn’t see. Not a problem for me. I saw everything. I saw a hat go by at one point.

There was an area of dead air a bit past halfway down the second hill, into the tunnel, and then up the third hill. The net result was a considerable increase in speed. The train jumped off of the track coming off number three, and floated down forever, slamming back down onto the track just before the trims, which were off. The wind came back up strong going into the pretzel, and then as you crossed over to the second loop of the pretzel, it dropped off again, and then reversed itself as you came out of the pretzel and into the bunny hills. There was airtime to spare, and you could hear the car whanging back down onto the track after each one of the bunny hills. The tunnels were dark and loud, except for the last half of the final one, which was lit up like daytime.

Those were some of the most amazing rides I have ever had. I got eight rides in just over an hour, and never waited more than two trains for the back car. After the eighth ride, for which Katie joined me, we left the park to go to the in-laws. So, we were in the park just about 90 minutes total, but it was quality time. I guess it helps make up for not being at Coastermania. I hope everyone that goes has a great time. *** Edited 9/18/2004 11:27:56 PM UTC by Tank***

I was there Friday night as well. I have never seen the parking lot so empty. There were a few notable things for me. First of all the strong wind made the ride on Power Tower that much more frightening. I swear it seems like that thing is ready to blow over, especially in a strong wind. The 3 rides I took on Magnum (within 20 minutes) were some of the best ever. It seemed to be going faster than ever, and it wasn't as bumpy as it has been recently. But I think the best part was getting to ride Top Thrill Dragster 5 times in one night. That is a new record for me. The only thing that could have made it better for me is if wicked twister had been open. But we can't have it all ;)

Wow. 5 rides on Dragster is awesome. I'm surprised it was even open if it was that windy. What was the wait time?

So would you say friday was a light day or heavy day. Did you see any of the other parts of the park to tell if it was light or heavy to.
Was the rides on magnum and TTD cool. Like chilling?

FrontierDale- the wait for dragster was so short, they had to have a makeshift sign for the 1/4 hour wait. I don't think they ever expected the line to get so long. Lol the 1/4 hour sign was a piece of construction paper stuck in the little hole. I waited for the front once and it took 45min. Daniel- What do you mean by light and heavy day? I don't think the park was menstrual if that is what you're asking... :)

I was asking about the crowds, were they light or heavy. Or if they were light , would you be able to get a lot of rides?

Oooooooh I see. Well the crowds were very light. If my riding partner had been up to it, we could have gotten 10 rides on Dragster. We kept seeing the same people getting back in line, so I'm sure there are loads of people who took advantage of the 10 minute wait.

Yeah I don't think sign for Dragster goes any lower than 1 hour. When I was there a couple weeks ago, the sign said 1 hour both times I rode it, but the actual wait was more like a half hour.