ACE Members Take on Six Flags’ Polar Coaster Challenge

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originally posted on 1/13/2020

Photo: Denise Stokes, Six Flags America. View full-sized image.

Did you know that the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a Polar Coaster winter? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, that means “freezing, frigid, and frosty” with predictions of frigid temperatures and snow for the majority of the country. The Almanac explains, “This winter will be filled with so many ups and downs on the thermometer, it may remind you of a ‘Polar Coaster.’”

What kind of ride will that take us on? Six Flags celebrated this weather prediction on December 7 with a chain-wide Polar Coaster Challenge that ACE members participated in at some of the parks. For enthusiasts riding coasters in the cold, no big deal. So, what’s the twist? Wearing summer attire! For much of the country, it was a chilly day, and ACE members rode in some true polar conditions.

ACEers board Nitro in chilly weather.
Photo: Mark Davidson Collection. View full-sized image.

Photo: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.

Those at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) were experiencing 16-degree wind chill at the bottom of the first drop of Nitro. Air temperatures of 36 degrees plus an 81 mph coaster speed equals an exceptionally chilling ride! The entire stunt was a huge success to benefit Special Olympics of New Jersey with 348 attendees, about 20 of whom were ACE members. Every rider was presented a certificate of participation to celebrate the completion of the challenge. Why would anyone take this challenge? Mark Davidson, honorary ACE member and ACE New Jersey assistant regional rep, shared that he took the challenge because he had turned 60 a few days prior and wanted to prove that he could still do such crazy stunts. He also shared that he enjoys cold temperatures, so it wasn’t such a challenge for him. After his Polar Coaster rides, Davidson headed north to the annual ACE New Jersey event at Storybook Land and continued his chilly coaster riding fun.

Six Flags’ Kristin Fitzgerald delivers instructions to the crowd.
Photo: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.

Photo: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.

Fourteen ACE members took the Polar Coaster Challenge at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois), where riders took about 10 consecutive rides on X Flight. Temperatures kept their rides challenging, being in the high 30s throughout the day. All attendees brought a new item of clothing, donating to benefit PADS of Lake County (an organization that provides support, resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis).

The summer dress was deceiving for a December ride.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.

Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.

Eight ACE members joined the general public for an hour of rides on Wild One at Six Flags America, where most could remain in their seat for repeated rides. Temperatures hovered in the high 40s to 50s and riders were adorned in Holiday in the Park hats and gloves to take the edge off the cold. Laughter could be heard as attendees wondered what they were thinking when they signed up for this challenge, but all had a blast with great conversation and memorable moments. As park opening neared, temperatures seemed to suddenly drop, and a cold wind blew in making those last few rides a true challenge. ACE Member Elizabeth Ringas of Virginia shared that she participated with her son Vassilios because it will be something they always remember doing together and will probably always wonder what they were thinking!

— Compiled by Elizabeth Ringas
ACE Communications Director and ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative