ACE - Ride With Us

Saddle up for a recap of Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas! Host Jessica Gardner is joined by Nick and Kelly Carlos aka "The Quirky Coaster Couple" to share their coaster love story, from meeting at the park to getting engaged atop Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger and eventually hosting a theme park wedding at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Then they break down everything that makes Roller Coaster Rodeo one of the most unique enthusiast events around, including exclusive ERT, lift hill climbs, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP perks, and tips for first-time attendees. Whether you’re planning a future Rodeo trip or simply want to hear about one of the industry’s most beloved events, this episode is for you. 0:52 Meet the Quirky Coaster Couple 4:04 A roller coaster love story 21:59 How the Quirky Coaster Couple began 28:35 What is Roller Coaster Rodeo? 34:25 Day One 49:24 Day Two 1:22:17 Day Three 1:26:35 Tips for first-time attendees 1:32:24 What’s next for the Quirky Coaster Couple? 1:33:17 Final thoughts Follow the Quirky Coaster Couple on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads: @quirkycoastercouple Ride With Us is the official podcast of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) @ridewithus Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner @themeparkette Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Edited by: Bob Randolph Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown, and Parker VanBelleghem Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

This episode is all about ACE members marathoning roller coasters! Kalin Profitt talks about getting 10,000 rides on Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mike Cameron shares the journey to 25,000 rides on Renegade at Valleyfair! 1:57 - Meet Kalin Profitt 34:23 - Meet Renegade Mike www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yXGiRkpiY‌ www.valleyfair.com/blog/2024/june/renegade-mike-hits-25k-rides Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph Correspondents: Gerik Gooch and John Davidson Production Manager: Corey Wooten

In this celebration of Black History Month, Gerik Gooch moderates a roundtable with four fellow ACE members who are Blusiasts: Black enthusiasts. Airtime Myke, Duwena Tillman, James Mason and Alan Franklin share their stories, reveal their favorite parks, events & coasters and discuss the joy of finding community. They also discuss the history of Black Americans and the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. In this Episode: [1:02] Introductions [7:13] Myke’s coaster journey: marathoning Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg [17:06] James’s coaster journey: Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point; Boblo Island; parents who rode and still ride [25:08] Duwena’s coaster journey: American Eagle at Six Flags Great America; Walt Disney World; theme park enthusiasts; immersive worlds; Universal Studios Japan [34:08] Alan’s coaster journey: mom’s bribe to ride Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain; more parents who still ride [42:54] Alan’s service with the Air National Guard; fighting California wildfires [46:05] Duwena becomes an enthusiast; plus-size riders and “the walk of safety"; tears of joy for Iron Rattler; victory on TRON Lightcycle / Run [53:04] HoliWood Nights; custom wristbands & music festival culture; Roller Coaster Rodeo; last rides on Kingda Ka [59:39] ACE events: Lost Island; Stricker’s Grove; ACE Spring Conference; Schwarzkopf documentary; paper maps and atlases; media days, connections and more [1:18:36] Desire for diversity; Myke assembles the Blusiasts [1:28:41] "Roller coasters as art"; finding Black coaster family; examining our history; shoutout and welcome to our non-Black supporters; Blusiasts are a "great time!" [1:40:34] Top coasters: Steel Vengeance, Fury 325, VelociCoaster, The Voyage, Intimidator 305, Flying Dinosaur, ArieForce One, Iron Gwazi, El Toro, X2, Stardust Racers, Zadra, Voltron Nevera and The Ride to Happiness [1:58:09] Outro: where to find us on social media Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph and Gerik Gooch Correspondent and Show Notes: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Author Bill Shea has written a charming book that tells a story that might be familiar to coaster enthusiasts! Billy's Grandpa Joe is taking him to his favorite amusement park but when Billy wakes up, he sees nothing but rain. Tension mounts – will Billy and Grandpa Joe's day be a washout or will Grandpa Joe save the day? In this episode, correspondent Bob Randolph talks with Bill Shea about his story and the inspiration for this book. Join us for their heartwarming conversation about the book, the gift of grandparents, Bill's work with Autism Speaks and a whole lot more! In this Episode: [1:30] Meet Bill Shea [8:30] Bill’s work with Autism Speaks [14:43] Behind the book [21:00] The road to getting published Links Get your copy of A Grandpa Joe Day Autism Speaks Playland Park Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need. Our intrepid podcast team was on the show floor, taking in all of the excitement. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the expo in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. Our special guest is ACE member Lauryn Heller, who shares her experience with ACE and perspective of attending IAAPA Expo for the first time. In this Episode: [03:05] Intro to the episode, meet Lauryn [07:09] IAAPA Expo Day One! The train reveals, the press releases and the ways the social media team covers the day. [28:14] Trever Dyer, Global Director of Sales and Marketing for S&S Worldwide walks through the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin’ Swing at Hersheypark [37:42] The VidantaWorld BON Luxury Park announcement included Ricardo Etges from Vekomoa discussing the Tecuani Beast coaster and teases many 2025 announcements! Links Hersheypark's Twizzlers Twisted Gravity - 2024 IAAPA Expo Official Gondola Unveil Twizzlers Twisted Gravity VidantaWorld Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

Since Worlds of Fun opened in 1973, it has delighted visitors to the Kansas City, MO location ever since. It’s home to many historic rides and has a rich history. ACE members had a chance to visit the park during the 2024 Preservation Conference, enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences, great catered meals, ERT and some thorough presentations. During the conference, Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shared a delightful presentation that highlighted the park’s history. Join us for a replay of this presentation plus a Q&A with the ACE members in the audience. In this Episode: [06:40] Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian and worldsoffun.org founder Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shares the park’s history [11:10] Shoutout to the original Von Roll skyride from the park’s opening days [12:00] Moving the steamboat Cotton Blossom from California to Kansas City! [19:00] Adding and subtracting rides over the years [41:40] Questions and answers about the park Learn more about Worlds of Fun Visit worldsoffun.org to learn more about the park’s history or visit their Facebook page. Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondent: John Davidson

Onboard audio can add so much to an already exhilarating roller coaster experience. Join correspondent John Davidson for his conversation with Devin Flannery, Solutions Architect at Alcorn McBride Inc. They take a deep dive into Devin’s journey to the role and uncover some tricks of the trade along the way! Check out Alcorn McBride events during IAAPA Expo 2024! Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondent: John Davidson