Cyclone (Lakeside Amusement Park)

The Cyclone is a wooden roller coaster located at Lakeside Amusement Park in Lakeside, Colorado. Designed by Edward A. Vettel, the coaster opened in 1940.[1] Following the closure of Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park, Cyclone is the last remaining roller coaster ever designed by Edward A. Vettel.

Cyclone
Lakeside Amusement Park
LocationLakeside Amusement Park
Coordinates39°46′51″N 105°03′14″W / 39.7808°N 105.0540°W / 39.7808; -105.0540
StatusClosed
General statistics
TypeWood
DesignerEdward A. Vettel
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height90 ft (27 m)
Drop89 ft (27 m)
Length2,800 ft (850 m)
Speed55 mph (89 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2:00
Max vertical angle50°
Capacity1,100 riders per hour
Height restriction42 in (107 cm)
Trains2 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.
Cyclone at RCDB

Ride experience

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The coaster starts by turning right, then turning left before entering the lift hill. After turning left while dropping, the coaster goes up another hill and turns left before dropping again. After turning left over two different hills, the ride goes over a bunny hop which doubles as a near-miss moment for riders. The ride then does one airtime hill before turning around and doing 3 final bunny hops before turning right into the station. These sharp turns and fast paced speed intrigue people. The coaster's station braking system is operated by two sets of manual handbrakes, rather than a hydraulically-operated system found in most roller coasters.

Awards

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Cyclone has been awarded the ACE Classic Coaster award, which is given to historical roller coasters by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.[2]

2021 Lawsuit

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In July 2021, a man reportedly injured his wrist after it struck a part of the track due to "a poor restraint system."[3]

The lawsuit was filed on April 1, 2022 by 25 year old Florida resident Daniel DePaola, who was visiting Denver at the time of the incident[4]

Lakeside has declined to respond publicly per policy to "not comment on pending litigation."[5]

The Cyclone is currently Standing but not Operating. As of the end of the 2023 operating season, the park has not provided any information about a potential reopen date stating "the ride will stay closed indefinitely 'due to maintenance.'"[6] Their official website states: "Cyclone Coaster and some other rides are currently Closed"[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Cyclone - Lakeside Amusement Park - Roller Coasters". www.ultimaterollercoaster.com. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  2. ^ "ACE Coaster Classic Awards - American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)". www.aceonline.org. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  3. ^ Jojola, Jeremy (June 28, 2022). "Man sues Lakeside Amusement Park for roller coaster injury". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  4. ^ Wingerter, Justin (April 15, 2022). "Lakeside Amusement Park sued over alleged injury on The Cyclone". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  5. ^ Wingerter, Justin (April 15, 2022). "Lakeside Amusement Park sued over alleged injury on The Cyclone". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  6. ^ Kelty, Bennito L. (July 7, 2023). "From Cyclone to Twister III: Ride Through Denver's Roller Coaster History". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Lakeside Amusement Park Official Website". Lakesideamusementpark.com. Retrieved 14 October 2023.