The Shures Network

Today my daughter rode the American Eagle at Six Flags Great America. It was her 1st time to be allowed to ride the ‘must be 48″ tall’ rides. She loved it and wanted to ride again as soon as we got off. As a precursor to this gianormis coaster, she also rode the Viper her first time.

At 6 years old, she riding some of the biggest and the best roller coasters in the world. I knew those smaller, but still good, Woody’s this year at Indiana Beach were a good warm-up. She also got started 2 years ago with the smaller kiddie coasters.

I remember when this coaster was built in 1981. At the time, it broke all the world records. It still holds some for “double train” wooden racers and I can attest that this ride is still plenty thrilling. The speed and acceleration of a runaway train dropping down a cliff, the vibrations, the noise, the wheels lifting off the tracks… What a rush!

Previous World Records:
• Fastest roller coaster until 1988 (7 years)
• Largest drop on a roller coaster until 1988 (7 years)
• Tallest wooden roller coaster until 1985 (4 years)
• Fastest wooden roller coaster until 2000 (19 years)
• Largest drop on a wooden roller coaster until 1989 (8 years)

Current World Records:
• Fastest racing wooden roller coaster
• Longest racing wooden roller coaster
• Tallest racing wooden roller coaster
• Largest drop on a racing wooden roller coaster

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There is something about spinning in circles, on old equipment, at high altitudes that elevates my tera level. Riding on a rickety old racing double track woody like the American Eagle is also thrilling.

As I ride these, I try and keep telling myself “Stop looking for loose bolts”. Maybe it’s because I’ve been taking these exact same rides since before the awkward years that makes them seem so scary now.

Let’s all take out the antiques, put them way up in the air, make them go really fast, and see if they will stay on the tracks. What a rush!!!

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For the 2nd year in a row, I’ve purchased Six Flags Great America season passes. My daughter loves going and I think it’s a good value. It’s also only 45 minutes from our home.

I spent a total of $219.17 for 2009 ultimate playground fun.

Here’s the pricing scoop:

Season Parking Pass – $70.00
Season Park Passes – $69.99 each
Delivery Fee – $5.00
Tax – $4.19

To start off the season, we’re going on opening day April 3rd. The Spring is the best time to visit the park. The weather is nice and it’s the least crowded. During the hetic summer months, we’ll enjoy relaxing in the water park.

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Last weekend, I cruised down to Indiana Beach with my daughter. If you’ve never been, it’s quite the experience. If you like classic Route 66 style Americana, this place is awesome. It’s a throw back to what the Dells used to be like. It has its own unique Midwest charm unlike anything you will find elsewhere.

To start out, the place is small state fair carnival size. It’s situated on the edge of Lake Shafer; a narrow long lake located in central western Indiana. The park is basically a long boardwalk along the edge of the lake. Even though this place is tiny as amusement parks go; an amazing amount of stuff is packed on top of each other utilizing the space.

They have everything from a water park to 6 roller coasters. But what it is that really makes this place special is the atmosphere. It’s a combination of the décor, signage, and construction style. It has a Mom and Pop feeling. You will find no corporate here, just old fashioned Hoosier. Indiana stole the cheese from Wisconsin.

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So far, we have had some great times at Great America and the season is just getting started. We’ve been there 3 out of the 4 days that they have been open.

Although the water park is not open yet, the cost of the season passes has already paid for itself. The rest of the days are free. The tailgating is also fun and getting to be quite popular at the park.

I’ve created a new category to chronicle the adventures and also uploaded pictures of our excursions to the Shures Photo Gallery.

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