Monday, July 02, 2007

The Cyclone

How sweet it is! The world famous Coney Island Cyclone turned 80 years old last week and it's still a terrifying ride. This picture is of the famous first drop which is an airtime inducing 85 feet long and 60 degrees steep. The thrill ride was the world's fastest roller coaster from it's inception in 1927 until 1972 at nearly 60 mph. It may not be the fastest anymore, but it's still one of the scariest: While much of Coney Island is under siege from developers, the Cyclone is a landmark (NYC, NY State, and National Historic) and is protected. You will fly out of your seat on nearly all of the 12 drops and the wooden coaster shakes and rattles on every turn. Here's to another 80 years (and then some!)

Check out some YouTube videos from other people's rides:
1. front seat
2. back seat