The Shures Network » Theme Parks

1st Ride – American Eagle

Aden — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:43:23 +0000

In my humble opinion, 28 years later, still the best ride in the park.

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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Spinning Round & Round

Aden — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:30:01 +0000

Six Flags Great America – Condor Video

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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2009 1st Trip Hurricane Harbor

Aden — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:59:07 +0000

Posted some new pictures in the Shures Photo Gallery.

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Great America Flashback

Aden — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:14:31 +0000

Posted some pictures of mini me at Great America.

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That’s All Folks

Aden — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:35:56 +0000

Quick trip to Great America.

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2009 Great America Season Pass

Aden — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:38:32 +0000

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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