Giant Dipper hits 60 million riders

Damian Reyes (right) is joined by Kathi Reyes and other riders in celebrating being the 60 millionth riders on the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Friday afternoon. (Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Register-Pajaronian)

SANTA CRUZ — Raul Vire, from Texas, had never ridden the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk before Friday afternoon.

What would have been a milestone just for him ended up being a milestone in the history of roller coasters.

Vire joined 23 other riders as the 60 millionth riders on the 88-year-old wooden roller coaster Friday. The riders received Giant Dipper sweatshirts and an entire bag full of Boardwalk memorabilia.

“It feels really good,” Vire said, adding that while he knew the history of the ride, he didn’t expect to be a part of such a feat.

Kris Reyes, spokesperson for the Boardwalk, said the park still has higher expectations for the roller coaster.



For the complete article see the 07-27-2012 issue.



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