Frequently the Sky Ride will close due to wind when there is little or no wind on the midway. Look up at the anemometer on the high tower, though, and you'll see it spinning like crazy. The midway is quite sheltered from wind. The Sky Ride cable, on the other hand, is not.
Last time I rode Sky Ride, there was enough wind that it was more than a little unsettling...
--Dave Althoff, Jr.