Obesity has many, many detrimental side effects: increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, knee problems, foot problems, problems walking, heartburn, high cholesterol, back problems, increased risk for certain cancers, fertility problems--but none can take the wind out of your sails as much as not fitting into a roller coaster.
For a couple of years back there I told myself that the roller coasters I was trying to ride were more narrow than other roller coasters. And then I got to the point where I could not ride some roller coasters because I simply didn't fit in the seat, or the bar didn't go down far enough, or the belt needed an extender. Ugh.
So it was with mild trepidation that I waited in line for the new "Ravine Flyer II" at Waldameer Park & Water World in Erie, PA (incidentally the same park I worked out in my late teens and where I met hubby--he ran the "Wacky Shack"--you can't make this stuff up folks!). Would I fit in the seat? Would the belt latch easily? Would people stare? Would the bar go down or would the worker try to be polite while they pushed with all their might to close it?
I stepped into the car, easily slid into the seat, fastened the belt, pulled it taunt (18 extra inches of belt folks--a HUGE difference from the "Son of Beast" ride in Kings Island a few years back!), waited patiently for the attendant to release the lap bar to lock us in--YES-YES-YES-YES (no, I'm not sitting next to Meg Ryan) I did it, the bar goes down effortlessly, 1st click, 2nd click, 3rd click--I made it 3 clicks! We Are the Champions begins playing in my head and the next thing I know I'm deliriously happy, screaming as I go down the hill and up the next!
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