Negative-G - La Ronde - Le Monstre Showdown 2014

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I absolutely look forward to getting together with my "Coaster Family" as I call of my enthusiast friends from the Negative-G Forums and the American Coaster Enthusiasts but it is always hard when a trip comes to an end and we have to say goodbye and walk away. People like Paul, Adriana, the Remhofs, Illinois Mike, Alabama Mike and those who weren't there with us like Greg, Gump or Waterboy and others are family. Blood may not bind us but our passion and friendship does. Distance, time and money; the three things everyone is short of, keep us apart but I have to remind myself that there will be other events and there will be other days at parks with my coaster family and to enjoy them to the limit when they come.

A few years ago Six Flags and Cedar Fair started putting in swing rides at their parks. Cedar Fair purchased a bunch from Mondial and Six Flags purchased rides like Vol Ultime (Ultimate Flight) from Funtime.

When most enthusiasts start comparing rides or getting into heavy geek debates; like a who has the better coasters or who has the better operations it is rare that Six Flags beats out Cedar Fair.

In the debate over which park chain made the wiser decision on which brand of swing/tower ride to purchase Six Flags and Fun Time stomp Cedar Fair and Mondial. First off these swing ride/tower rides actually swing. You rock back and forth from chains that look to be as big as the ones used in a kids backyard swing set 100-400 feet in the air whereas the Mondial ones are held in place by steel tubes that feel more like you're on an observation platform instead of a thrill ride. Then there is the fact that these actually work. Cedar Fair's many Mondial Windseekers are notorious for breaking down, strannding riders 300 feet up and a freshly refurbished one which was moved from Knott's Berry Farm to Worlds of Fun this year and was supposed to open months ago is still not running and it is almost July. Win Six Flags.

The Le Cobra rollercoaster at La Ronde, Montreal, Quebec

It is time to turn on the way back machine. The next stop is the 1980's. I love the sign for Le Cobra it just screams the 80's as the painted up plywood and artwork just fits that decade although Le Cobra was added to La Ronde in 1995.