Bikes vs. roller coasters
#1
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From: New Jersey
Bikes vs. roller coasters
So last month I road my first "hypercoaster" with my son. For reference, it was Candymonium at HersheyPark (No special tricks - just a really big regular coaster). He was disappointed that I didn't think it was all that and a bag of chips. I like roller coasters, and it was cool that it pulled my cheeks away from my face, but I think that cycling up and down hills in traffic every day (with actual control of the ride and actual danger) took away from my enjoyment of this particular ride. It was my somewhat subdued reaction that disappointed my son. He didn't fully grasp that I do stuff way more thrilling than this every day.
I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. My favorite thrill on my daily commute is one small steep downhill section. Some days I catch a break in traffic, make a left at speed, and continue on even faster. Some days, I have to stop and wait for traffic. The thrill is not knowing until I get there how the hill will treat me.
I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. My favorite thrill on my daily commute is one small steep downhill section. Some days I catch a break in traffic, make a left at speed, and continue on even faster. Some days, I have to stop and wait for traffic. The thrill is not knowing until I get there how the hill will treat me.
#5
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Joined: Jun 2020
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From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 2018 Jamis Renegade Exploit, mid-90's Dean El Diente, 2010 Scott Addict SL, 1998 Trek 730, 1996 Trek 930, 1992 Trek 790, Xtracycle Swoop
My 9-year-old son went to a friend's birthday at an amusement park a few weeks ago. The mom of the birthday boy told me my son was fearless and went on all the roller coasters. I told her the roller coasters couldn't be any scarier than riding around behind me on a bike, which he's been doing since he was a year old.
#8
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Joined: Jun 2019
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I've been there but the thrill-seeking can easily lead to an early demise. Calm down, cycle safe, and stay around to ride more rollercoasters with your son. Be cautious in how you define your cycling to your son. Son's love to outdo dads.
#9
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
My 9-year-old son went to a friend's birthday at an amusement park a few weeks ago. The mom of the birthday boy told me my son was fearless and went on all the roller coasters. I told her the roller coasters couldn't be any scarier than riding around behind me on a bike, which he's been doing since he was a year old.
#10
Commuter, roadie



Joined: Jun 2022
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From: SE Wisconsin, USA
Bikes: Trek: Domane AL3, Checkpoint SL7; Priority Apollo 11, ZiZZO Forte + eBikes
Interesting analogy.
For my part, if I'm getting anywhere near the adreneline rush on a bike ride on public streets as I would on a roller coaster, then it means I'm probably not riding too safely! (or it's a lame roller coaster)
There's a certain thrill to a nice descent on a road bike, but for me, descending on a mountain bike through the woods was a higher thrill and with no cars or posts or pedestrians to worry about. Too bad it's so impractical in my part of the country. (SE Wisconsin; flatlands)
For my part, if I'm getting anywhere near the adreneline rush on a bike ride on public streets as I would on a roller coaster, then it means I'm probably not riding too safely! (or it's a lame roller coaster)
There's a certain thrill to a nice descent on a road bike, but for me, descending on a mountain bike through the woods was a higher thrill and with no cars or posts or pedestrians to worry about. Too bad it's so impractical in my part of the country. (SE Wisconsin; flatlands)
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#13
Your answer reminded me of this:
https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ?si=idPYjpV79BnfyW_T
https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ?si=idPYjpV79BnfyW_T
#16
Gruppetto Bob




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From: Seattle-ish
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Bianchi Infinito & Campione de Mundo
I would put a single track mtb on a technical track against a rollercoaster. A road bike, nah.
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#17
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Priority Classic Plus Gotham-Edition
So last month I road my first "hypercoaster" with my son. For reference, it was Candymonium at HersheyPark (No special tricks - just a really big regular coaster). He was disappointed that I didn't think it was all that and a bag of chips. I like roller coasters, and it was cool that it pulled my cheeks away from my face, but I think that cycling up and down hills in traffic every day (with actual control of the ride and actual danger) took away from my enjoyment of this particular ride. It was my somewhat subdued reaction that disappointed my son. He didn't fully grasp that I do stuff way more thrilling than this every day.
I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. My favorite thrill on my daily commute is one small steep downhill section. Some days I catch a break in traffic, make a left at speed, and continue on even faster. Some days, I have to stop and wait for traffic. The thrill is not knowing until I get there how the hill will treat me.
I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. My favorite thrill on my daily commute is one small steep downhill section. Some days I catch a break in traffic, make a left at speed, and continue on even faster. Some days, I have to stop and wait for traffic. The thrill is not knowing until I get there how the hill will treat me.





