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X is for XL (Magnum XL-200)


I love to ride roller coasters, and my favorite amusement park is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. When I first started going to Cedar Point, we would race across the park at closing time to ride Magnum XL-200 one more time.

"The Magnum XL-200 is a landmark at Cedar Point. Built as the first coaster in the world to top 200 feet, the Magnum travels along the Cedar Point Beach and right along the shores of Lake Erie. In addition to the multiple hills, its 72-mph speed, a unique "pretzel" turn-around and three tunnels, you can see Canada from the top of the lift hill on a clear day!" from www.cedarpoint.com



It wasn't long before Magnum XL-200 became boring, and Millennium Force became my favorite coaster (probably still is my favorite!).

"It's a coaster so big and tall, we had to coin a new name for this type of steel scream machine - the Giga Coaster. Millennium Force is the park's star attraction, standing 310 feet above the Earth. It broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000 and continues to deliver ultimate thrills to those who challenge it. Dive to the ground at an 80-degree angle and reach speeds of 93 mph during your two-minute journey." from www.cedarpoint.com


The first time I went to Cedar Point I went with three other teachers. It was my first year in the Bloomington School District. Since I was on two teams I only worked with these teachers every other day. Perhaps they asked me in March (not really sure). Loving roller coasters it seems like a great opportunity, but I was a bit apprehensive about making a twelve hour car trip to Ohio to ride roller coasters with ladies I didn't know all that well especially since I don't sit that well.

After the long journey we found the small town of Sandusky. The park is on Lake Erie and not noticeable as one turns into town. One of the members of the group started yelling, "Where are the roller coasters?" By the time we found the hotel, I was laughing uncontrollably and couldn't get out of the car to register. When I finally was able to disembark the minivan, I had tears running down my face. For several years after we went to a different park every summer. It also gave us the opportunity to create an interdisciplinary unit around roller coasters which we presented at NMSA (talk about a comedy of errors). A great relationship was formed.

Comments

kc said…
Your team was so awesome. I loved working with all of you gals. Lucky for me, three of them came to OGMS.

Do you still do your roller coaster unit?
1:56 PM
mm said…
In the days of NCLB, it's a bit too difficult.
2:59 PM
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