The Cyclone's 80th Birthday Next Week

Don't look know, but the Cyclone in Coney Island turns 80 next week, and it looks pretty good for an octogenarian that takes that kind of daily beating from moving cars and the elements. There will be a birthday celebration on June 26, with riders in their 80s taking the first ride of the day. The Cyclone Dream Team, as reported by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle includes Chimilio Estanislau (84), Louis Picariello (81), Ed Murman (81) and Seymour Wershberg (80). The first 80 riders will ride for free on Tuesday, 6/26.

Here are some Cyclone facts from the Astroland website:

Operation Began: June 26, 1927
Operated by Astroland Park: since July 3, 1975
Designed By: Vernan Keenan
Built by: Harry C. Baker
First Owners/Operators: Jack & Irving Rosenthal
Initial Investment: $175,000
Type of Ride: Compact wood twister

GROUND DIMENSIONS: 75 feet by 500 feet
HEIGHT: 85 feet
LENGTH OF FIRST DROP: 85 feet at a 60 degree angle
TRACK LENGTH: 2,640 feet

NUMBER OF 180 DEGREE TURNS: 6
NUMBER OF DROPS: 12
CHANGES OF DIRECTION: 16
NUMBER OF TRACK CROSSOVERS: 18
NUMBER OF ELEVATION CHANGES: 27

SPEED: 60 Miles Per Hour
RIDE TIME: One Minute, Fifty Seconds
TRAINS: 3 Trains, 3 Cars per train
CAPACITY: 24 Passengers per Cycle

UNUSUAL FEATURES: Steel track on almost entirely wood structure; Classic Trains, station, and operational procedures; distinction of being the most copied roller coaster ever built -- 7 "clones" currently operating throughout the United States, Europe and Japan.

The Cyclone was designated a New York City Landmark on July 12, 1988, and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since June 26, 1991.

We'll no doubt mark the occasion on Tuesday, but it's never too early to say, Happy Birthday, Cyclone!