James Fordham, of Fairburn, Ga., has ridden Fayetteville’s ArieForce One roller coaster 1,000 times during its first three months of operation.
Since its March grand opening, ArieForce One, the newest roller coaster at Fun Spot America Atlanta, has been hosting guests of all ages. From coaster “newbies” to self-proclaimed aficionados, feedback from the attraction has been positive, the company said.
Even though the ride has been open for less than three full months, Fordham found he could not stay away from the coaster that reaches a speed of 64 miles-per-hour and set a goal to ride ArieForce One that many times before the end of June.
His mission was officially accomplished on Friday, June 16 at 5 p.m. EDT. June is World Roller Coaster month and June 16 is a special day for coaster fans. Each year theme parks around the world, including all three Fun Spot America locations, take part in the largest simultaneous dispatch of roller coasters.
Started by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the annual event commemorates the anniversary of the switchback railway, the first modern roller coaster.
While the largest ride takes place at 2 p.m., Fordham had to extend his visit that day to reach this goal on the first-of-its-kind coaster. At 5 p.m. he sat in the back row — his favorite — of ArieForce One. He invited Andre Corbin, the Regional General Manager for Fun Spot America, to join him. A member of ACE himself, Fordham was joined by numerous ACE members for the monumental ride. The ride platform was filled with cheers and high fives when the coaster rolled back into its hanger-themed station.
Citing the coaster’s airtime moments as the biggest reasons ArieForce One has become his favorite, Fordham also pointed to the amazing drop that takes place over the park’s arcade building and immediately rotates into the “Chili Dip” barrel roll element.
When asked the secret to experiencing ArieForce One easily so many times, Fordham said, “Riding a roller coaster is like skiing. Figure out how and where to move your hips and follow the train’s path. I love it!”
“The support and passion guests like James have for Fun Spot means so much to our entire team,” said Corbin. “We are proud to be James’ go-to coaster park and excited to ride with him again on his next milestone.”
ArieForce One is the latest attraction at Fun Spot America Atlanta. Located
Located at 1675 Ga. Highway 85 North, Fayetteville, Georgia, Fun Spot America Atlanta’s summer season is in full swing. Open every night until 10 p.m. the park is readying for its upcoming July 4th Fireworks Show which will take place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
Prices start at $35 for a one-day pass for one person. For more information about ArieForce One, Fun Spot America Atlanta, and to sign-up to receive exclusive updates about the park, visit Funspotamericaatlanta.com.
