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But those who know me most, especially since elementary school, know that I am a huge nerd about roller coasters. Living in Southern California has been such a blessing because I have access to some of the best roller coasters in the entire world. Some of them are just minutes away from my house.
However, I didn't always feel this way. I used to have a BIG FEAR of heights (its not nearly as bad now, but it is still a bit intimidating at times with other very tall points). I used to HATE going to thee parks because it meant that I would have to ride these things. I love looking at them and watching videos about them, but would NEVER ride them.
So thus came my epic journey to overcome my fear.
I had to start off small so I start at the easiest place: Disneyland. Granted, Disneyland's roller coasters are nowhere near the size or scale of anything else around here, but those rides hold a place in everyone's heart because they are so memorable, so that is why they are special.
I took on the MATTERHORN BOBSLEDS first.
Then BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD.
Finally, I rode SPACE MOUNTAIN. SPACE MOUNTAIN took longer because I was scared of riding in the dark, but I got over that pretty quick. SPACE MOUNTAIN still remains a must do at Disneyland for me every time I go.
Then I had to move on to bigger rides. A little closer than Disneyland is Knott's Berry Farm. There, they have a wooden roller coaster known as GHOST-RIDER. It does have a decent size drop at 108 ft., and is one of the only wooden roller coasters you will find in this area (because wooden roller coasters are such a liability in Earthquake Territory). But for my best friend Kevin's birthday back in 2001, or 2002, we went to Knott's and I went on it. Now it is my favorite wooden roller coaster....and it has been 3 years since I have ridden it. Every time I seem to go to Knott's, it is always closed. Bad luck.
Then came the ride that helped me completely erase my fear of roller coasters: GOLIATH at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
This ride is a whopping 235 feet tall with a 255 foot drop that goes underground and reaches speeds of up to 85 mph. Talk about a HUGE leap in conquering my fear. This ride was just too tall for me...but again, I was given some positive encouragement. Kevin and I went again for his birthday in 2003 and I decided that I needed to put this away once and for all. Yes I was utterly terrified to do what I was about to do, but I felt that I had to do this for me. I needed to not be scared anymore and stand up to my fear. So as Kevin and I sat in the seats and started to go up that huge hill, my heart is racing and I'm telling myself "Why are you doing this? What is wrong with you?" But we got to the top, the clickety-clack of the chain began to slow down and we started to face down, and I could see the bottom of the drop.
As we started to go down, I held on SUPER TIGHT, but for a split second, my mind told me, "You did it! It's not scary and roller coasters are your friend! Now raise those hands and have a blast!" So as we pulled towards the bottom of the drop going about 85 MPH, the camera at the bottom just barely caught me in my seat trying to raise my hands (I will find the onride photo for you all to see). I can now say that when I go on that ride, I have no fear. I feel like I am flying and I am just free. There is no way to describe the feeling of sitting in the front seat of that ride, flying at 85 MPH and feeling like you are just flying, leading the rest of the train to a great place. And when you are done, you have all conquered something truly grand.
So finally, after I had no more fear of roller coasters, I decided to really see how far I could go with this passion and tell you all that my favorite roller coaster (now and always) will be CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN'' at Disney California Adventure.
I am pretty positive that all of you have been on that at least once before. I have ridden that single roller coaster...
.........111 times. The most in one day was 7. This total accumulated from having a Disneyland Annual Pass for many years.
To me, roller coasters are like a drug. But it is a kind that actually keeps you healthy. Roller coasters have been proven to make you healthy because the rush of adrenaline that goes throughout your body is pumping more blood to your heart, thus increasing overall circulation. So being scared is a good thing at times because it gives our heart something to work on.
Roller Coasters are my drug. Any chance I get to ride, I certainly will :) I will post up pictures of me riding some of these rides if I can find them. Or if you are really adventurous, watch this video of me riding CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' to see just how big of a nerd I am.
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