ACE - Ride With Us

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: [email protected]. 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