US COASTER FANATIC’S MISSION TO RIDE MEGAFOBIA
One of America’s most enthusiastic wooden rollercoaster fans has travelled across the Atlantic to ride Megafobia at Oakwood Theme Park.
Originally from Washington, teacher Rob Thornley’s hobby is travelling the world to ride iconic wooden rollercoasters.
Megafobia – which celebrates its 20th birthday this year – is regularly voted among the best ‘woodies’ on the planet and has attained legendary status among fans worldwide.
During his visit Rob will be staying with his friend and fellow teacher Dai Davies. The pair first got to know each other back in 1982 when they met during an exchange visit Dai made while he was working at Ysgol Dewi Sant in St David’s.
Since then many students from the school have travelled to Seattle as part of exchange visits and been helped by Rob.
After visiting Oakwood, Rob will travel on to Blackpool before heading to France in search of more wooden coaster rides.
Opened in 1996 and manufactured by the leading US company Custom Coasters International, Megafobia is close to a kilometre in length, and is 26 metres tall at its highest point.
Famed as one of the wildest wooden coasters on the planet, Megafobia has been voted the best ride in the UK and the third best ride in the world by coaster enthusiasts from the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain.