originally posted on 6/2/2022
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer. View full-sized image.
Even 120 years after opening, Leap The Dips continues to break records. It may only have a nine-foot drop and a maximum speed of 10 mph, but this ride is not about the stats. As the world’s oldest operating roller coaster, riders have the opportunity to experience history and an engineering marvel, rather than just observing or reading about it.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer. View full-sized image.
A president had yet to ride in an automobile and World War I had yet to begin when Leap The Dips opened at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Riders today still experience a ride like nothing else. Leap The Dips is one of only nine side friction roller coasters in the world and the only one in North America.
What is a side friction roller coaster? Side friction-style coasters were a significant step in the development and engineering of roller coasters, opening the door to the thrill rides we know today. They are truly creative thinking at its best. The side friction-style wheel assembly, composed of two wheels versus today’s three wheels, allowed coasters to run at greater speeds and without a brakeman riding along.
Photo: Alex Rigsby. View full-sized image.
Riders step into a four-passenger, two-row loveseat-style coaster car and immediately notice a difference from coaster cars today — there is no restraint. Operators then push the car onto the chain lift hill. After taking two-and-a-half trips around dips and hills on the figure-eight layout, riders roll back into the station where the manually operated hand brake brings them to a stop.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer Collection. View full-sized image.
Leap The Dips has not been open for riders all of those 120 years. In 1985, it was set for demolition when a massive fundraising campaign, in which ACE played an important part, saved it. A preservation success allows riders today to savor the same experiences as their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents and possibly create a new memory alongside them.
Photo: Kris Rowberry. View full-sized image.
Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a member of the National Registry of Historic Places and an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark and ACE Classic Coaster by American Coaster Enthusiasts, Leap The Dips receives the celebration that it deserves. A ride offers an extra special memory-making moment that allows riders an opportunity to experience the importance of creative thinking, ingenuity, education and advancement in their lives. Preservation of this treasure allows riders to step back in time again and again.
Photo: Alex Rigsby. View full-sized image.
Photo: Kris Rowberry. View full-sized image.
— Elizabeth Ringas
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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