Biggest Loser for Coaster Enthusiasts, So They Can Ride Again
It goes without saying that safety’s important when riding roller coasters. If restraints like lap bars and over the shoulder harnesses do not fit correctly, riders would be in danger. Add the U.S.’s growing obesity rate and you have more and more theme park guests getting turned away just as their about to enjoy a great coaster.
For example see Cedar Point’s “Guests with Exceptional Size” section of their Rider Safety Guide:
“Due to rider restraint system requirements, guests of exceptional size may not be accommodated on some of our rides. This may apply, but not be limited to, guests who exceed 6’2″ or those who exceed 225 pounds, have a 40″ waistline or 52″ chest or females who exceed 200 pounds or wear a size 18 or larger.
Our larger guests may experience difficulty on Blue Streak, Chaos, Corkscrew, Disaster Transport, Mantis, Maverick, maXair, Mean Streak, Millennium Force, Mine Ride, Power Tower, Raptor, Skyhawk, Top Thrill Dragster, Wave Swinger and Wicked Twister.”
I’ve ridden with people who have had to take the ‘walk of shame’ and were asked to get off the train. Another positive for my beloved B&M coasters is that they typically have trains with a few larger seats for just this reason. I wonder if they have these special seats on their European and Asian coasters. Hmmm…. Having to get off the train and move to another seat must still be embarrassing.
One of the guys over at CoasterCrew was unable to ride Millennium Force and now he’s decided to do something about it. They’re working on starting a Biggest Loser-type competition to help the enthusiasts on the site get back into riding shape again. Good for them. Any excuse to get in shape and adopt a healthy lifestyle is great. Especially if it allows you to enjoy one of your passions.
What do you think about this issue? Have you ever been unable to ride a coaster? Leave a comment below.
May 31, 2008 at 14:52
I just rode Ravine Flyer 2 for the first time yesterday and the seats are quite snug with a divider between riders and individual seatbelts and lap bars. Phenomenal ride, though. I rode it with a bunch of my students on our senior class trip. They are a bunch of screamers, but I didn't hear a peep out of them after the first drop. They all got off the ride with gleaming eyes, breathing HARD! I haven't had that out-of-breath feeling since I rode The Voyage, so the Gravity Group has managed to do it again. You need to come to PA this summer, Joel!! Judy P in Pgh
July 18, 2008 at 16:06
The comment below was posted on a different post. It's obviously an ad for something, but someone may find it useful. So I'm re-posting it here:—————————–Dear Coaster Critic:I was recently told I was tooooo large to ride the coaster…so after hearing this I was determined to lose weight and get in amerishape…..Here is a valuable tip for all……The best way to lose weight, tone up, and help lower your blood cholesterol level is to eat less saturated fat,carbs,and begin to control your current weight with walking or do another physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. This plan is based on these simple steps and amerishape.com has taken the guess work out of figuring this out on your own.Use up at least as many calories as you take in. Be physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, if not all.Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.Eat fish at least twice a week.Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods. Limit how much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol you eat. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1 percent fat and low-fat dairy products.Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet. Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.Follow the American Heart Association and amerishape.com recommendations when you eat out.Read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list.Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products. Regards,Anita Gross