No Cliché Headline About Las Vegas, Just The Thrill Rides

Photo: The Roller Coaster at New York New York

I woke up this morning with quite a bit of pain, but not as much as yesterday, so that made me happy. What made me happier? I drove over to Ronald’s Donuts to get vegan donuts (an apple rollup and a raspberry filled). It’s a rite of passage for any vegan who comes to Vegas. Of course, I was here last October and went to Ronald’s back then, but whatever. I needed two rites of passage. Maybe a third tomorrow?

The Roller Coaster

When I was in Vegas last year I almost went on this ride, but I wanted to save it because I knew I was doing this tour.

Anyway, after Ronald’s Donuts I did some work and headed out to CVS to get ibuprofen and a heat pad for my back. I popped the max recommended dosage (800mg, although the package doesn’t say that), wrapped the heat pad around my torso, and headed for The Roller Coaster at New York New York.

There was no line so I hopped right on. As we climbed the first drop all I could think was “please don’t hurt my back please don’t hurt my back.” I was most worried about the looping. I wasn’t sure how compressing my back would feel and I wasn’t all too excited to find out. Thankfully The Roller Coaster has awesome seats that fit me *and* it wasn’t too bumpy. (I’m going to guess it wasn’t really bumpy at all, but with a sensitive back even a smooth ride is bumpy.)

All in all, a great ride. I probably would’ve enjoyed it more if I wasn’t so worried about my back. :)

The Canyon Blaster

Photo: The Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus Adventuredome

Next was The Canyon Blaster at the Circus Circus Adventuredome, an indoor theme park. It’s extraordinarily hot & stuffy inside, especially when you get to the top of the first hill on the coaster.

I was actually quite afraid of The Canyon Blaster, because it goes upside down 4 times and it’s a more traditional corkscrew style seat. I didn’t fit too well, but all was good. Either ibuprofen is the greatest invention ever or these coasters are smooth enough not to aggravate my injury. The nice folks here gave me an unlimited ride wristband, but I didn’t want to push my luck so I only went on it once.

That was it for actual coasters in Vegas. I drove by the NASCAR coaster at Sahara a couple times and was a bit sad. It closed down a few weeks before I started the tour. Actually, there was a sign at the Sahara about some kind of “Everything must go liquidation sale!” Who wants to go in on a coaster with me? (586) 265-4212 – let’s do this!

Thrill Rides at 1,000 Feet!

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go on the rides on top of Stratosphere. They’re not roller coasters, but whatever, this is my tour. :)

I went to the top of the Stratosphere last night and the view was awesome so I decided I’d go on them tonight. Bad move. The Big Shot was closed tonight due to high winds. :(

So I got in line for Insanity, which is basically a swing that hangs over the edge of the tower.

Photo: Insanity on top of Stratosphere Tower

Picture that, but at night, with the bright lights of Vegas shining and the high winds blowing. A fun, and just slightly terrifying, time. Why is that if you put a carnival ride a thousand feet in the air it’s now a thrill ride? ;)

Next up was XScream. It also hangs over the edge, but it shoots you out and brings you back. A slingshot of sorts. It was fun, although the herky-jerky motion of getting shot out wasn’t the most perfect thing I could’ve been doing. Damn you Desperado!

Photo: XScream at Stratosphere

That was it for Vegas!

More Las Vegas photos here.

Tomorrow I make the journey to Utah and Saturday I’m heading out to Lagoon Theme Park with Darren. If you want to meet us get in touch.

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Note: I received complimentary access to all the rides written about today.