The sky was dark and grey that morning, the clouds already threatening to deliver what had been forcast the day before. As we stood in line, waiting to show our tickets and gain admission, it began to sprinkle. Though the crowd was a bit thin, spirits were running high, for we were about to ride Cedar Point's newest coaster... The Mantis! Soon we were allowed to enter and the crowd quickly made its way to the center of the park. Hidden from our view until we are almost on top of it, we finally discover the new stand-up thrill ride... the tallest, steepest, and fastest of its kind. The purple, red, and yellow structure rises over the nearby Iron Dragon coaster. In fact, the lift hill of the Mantis runs directly over the lift hill of the Iron Dragon. While the rain continues to fall lightly, my first chance to ride finally arrives... WOW! Talk about a fast ride! I know that I've ridden coaster that actually travelled at a greater speed, but the Mantis FEELS faster than anything else. Mantis ride operator and Pendleton native Stacey Richey said she gets that comment quite often. Most everyone is very impressed with Cedar Point's newest addition to their impressive colelction of roller coasters. Meanwhile, the rains continue and the ride has to shut down because of water building up in some areas on the track. So... a perfect time for those of us waiting to chat with the friendly and helpful ride operators of the Mantis. We hear the reasons for stopping when it rains and why the newer coasters have fewer problems with that. We get advice on where to stand to take the best pictures of the Mantis. (The nearby Giant Wheel is a great possibility.) And we hear tidbits about possible future coasters in the park. A fun time is had by most everyone during the 2 1/2 hour wait until the ride can run again. This year, for the first time, I was able to ride the front seat of every coaster in the park. (Except for the Jr. Gemini which they still won't let me ride because I'm too tall!) As well, I checked out the Imax movie "Speed" and the musical humor provided by the Showcase Shenanigans group before the movie started. I also watched the Summer Spectacular laser light and fireworks show which Stacey had recommended last year. Although I missed it last year, The show this year is a quality production lasting about 25 minutes and featuring music from the fifties with a nice patriotic finish. According to Stacey, the reaction to the laser show this year has been mixed. "Some people really enjoy it, but others were much more impressed by last year's show." I asked her about the difference between them, to which she replied, "Last year's was more about the 125 year history of the park, so it seemed to be a little more special." (Now I REALLY wish I had seen last year's show!) And so my coasterful summer begins with 14 rides on 11 coasters at the wonderful world of Cedar Point! Join me as I travel to 13 more parks this summer. It should be a great ride! Thanks again to all those wonderful ride operators for making a trip to Cedar Point so much fun.