NEWS

Cedar Point is the perfect place for thrill-seekers

by Tarika Powell

Several miles away from Cedar Point the light from Power Tower is already visible. Power Tower, the tallest ride at the Point, is just one highlight of the record-breaking park. Hold on tight!

The annual trip to Cedar Point was sponsored by Wilder Student Union. Tickets cost $20 - $11 less than regular price.

Monday morning about 80 people crammed onto a yellow school bus for the 30-minute ride to the park. But any discomfort endured during the ride was more than made up for upon arrival.

Cedar Point is always bubbling over with excitement. The always-waving park staff, the over-excited children, the thrill-seeking teens and the adventurous senior citizens are all looking for the best way to make the day unforgettable.

In addition to the huge rides, there are various food and drawing booths, game rooms, train rides, kiddy rides, craft houses and even a "Gorgeous Ladies" house. Cedar Point has several of the largest roller coasters in the world, including Mean Streak, the tallest wooden roller coaster. The height of the Power Tower still seemed unreal upon arrival, so many Oberlin students decided this would be the first ride. After conquering it, the rest would be child's play.

The Power Tower consists of two 300-foot-tall vertical shafts. On one side, the riders are thrust upwards 240 feet while on the other side riders are lifted slowly to the top then dropped 240 feet. "It's one huge phallic symbol," said junior Marla Shu.

Upon reaching the front of the 30-minute line, everyone grabbed a seat. Without hesitation seat-belts were strapped on and pulled down. Power Tower is unique in having no coverings or cars for the seats; just you, the open air and the trembling people beside you.

The ride technician checked the belts, the lift began, and the bathroom trip that had been made less than five minutes ago was necessary once again.

At about 50 feet the thrill-seekers perhaps began to wonder what they had been thinking; others closed theirs eyes for the heavy praying.

At about 100 feet it was time for the vow to never have sex, drink, swear, fight, covet, envy, lie, deceive, doubt or even step foot outside the church again if God let you survive this ride.

After reaching the apex the coaster fell 70 miles per hour towards the thousands of tiny dots on the ground. Luckily for the riders, hydraulics caught the coaster at 60 feet and it bounced softly to the ground.

So went the rest of the intense rides at the park: excitement, regret, terror, relief, then more excitement.

All the rides at Cedar Point, many of them record-breaking, were worth both the wait and the price.


Photo:
Hold on tight!: The Corkscrew spins while the Power Tower looms at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. A group of Obies ventured to the park on Labor Day thanks to the Student Union. (photo by Tarika Powell)

 

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Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 2, September 11, 1998

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