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Way back in the
1970s, before all those straps were used to strap people in tight on the waste
and around their necks, back when there was only one single bar that closed
about one foot (30mm) away from a person's body, way back during a time
where the Safety Patrol wasn't in force - the BEST Rollercoaster on the planet
existed. Understand that the only thing separating the rider from mid-air was
that one, single bar
That Rollercoaster was the CYCLONE at Coney Island,
New York! This ride went 90 miles per hour and the first drop was almost completely
verticle.
Below are two pictures. One is a close up picture taken at the
Fiftieth anneversary of the Cyclone with Tani and Phil in the front seat. We are
desperatly trying to wave at the camera with one arm and holding the bar with
the other arm - and having a hard time. At the time, you had to be in the front
seat to have the photo taken. However, the last seat was always the best seat
and the wildest ride. This ride was one huge cosmic HOOO WEEEE! The rollercoasters
today that loop around can't compare to it. The Cyclone was on a wooden track,
you were not constrained in the seat and could easily fly out when it went into
free-fall, if you were small and not holding on. The second picture below is of
the entire train of the Cyclone
Close up shot with Tani and Phil:
.
Full shot of whole train: