RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017

Date: Saturday 12 August 2017
Venue: Oakwood Theme Park
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy and Christine Hine, Alan Hunt, Ann Morgan, Bradpeet, Charlie and Emily Turner, Death, Mark and Margo Lewis, Mandy, Ryan Hackett, Stevie Bee.

DISCLAIMER: The above is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Oakwood. I sincerely apologise to anyone else who was there and I've not listed.

N.B. Any use of "today" or "Saturday" in this report means Saturday 12 August 2017.

Rationale for Trip

The RCCGB's annual visit to Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, to enjoy a one-hour ERS on the wooden rollercoaster Megafobia before opening time, a one-hour dark ERS on Megafobia with party music and disco lights after closing time, and more riding in between. This was my sixth consecutive year of attending this trip. My only concern beforehand was what to wear for the dark ERS, bearing in mind the ColourFest UV powder paint party was taking place before the dark ERS, and some members might turn up for the dark ERS covered in UV powder. The weekend before Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017 I had a rummage through the bottom of my wardrobe and found an old sweatshirt, which had a couple of stain marks towards the bottom of the front. I immediately knew it would be in my best interest to wear that old sweatshirt during the dark ERS, as it wouldn't matter if I got a little paint powder on that. In 2012 to 2016 inclusive, I took my fluorescent yellow cagoule with Skatedrive on it, but decided to leave that at home this time. As for my self-designed pink hi-vis waistcoat with "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" on the back (which I had printed prior to Mega-GLOW-Mania 2014), I put that, folded up, in the bottom of my rucksack Saturday first thing, but knew it would be extremely unlikely I would want to wear it during the dark ERS.

Saturday First Thing

Having awoke at 06:30, I had an early breakfast at 07:45. It consisted of a choice of cereal (I had cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full cooked breakfast (1 fried egg, 1 hash brown, 1 sausage, 2 rashers of bacon, 2 grilled tomato halves, baked beans, chopped mushrooms), four triangles of toast and a carafe of coffee. At 08:48 Mark and Margo arrived to give me a lift to Oakwood. They intended to meet me earlier, but were delayed having their breakfast at their accommodation.

Oakwood Theme Park

Welcome to Oakwood

Despite the delay, Mark, Margo and I arrived at Oakwood at 08:56, and everyone was still waiting outside the Park entrance. Almost straightaway some members noticed I was wearing an old sweatshirt. I said I had deliberately put that old sweatshirt on as, due to its condition (slightly stained anyway) it wouldn't matter too much if some UV powder gets on it during the dark ERS, as I anticipated was almost inevitable. My blue Team Bath hoody, made by Surridge, which I wore to Folly Farm the previous day, was back in my hotel room, as I definitely didn't want UV powder on that. At 09:00 the Club entered the Park for the morning ERS. On the way in I noticed the front field (where the Club has played baseball early afternoon previous years) contained plants required for an event later in the year and was therefore fenced off.

Megafobia ERS

The day began with a one hour ERS on Oakwood's famous wooden coaster Megafobia, which has been operating since 1996. It was designed by Dennis McNulty and Larry Bill, and built by Custom Coasters International, Inc. According to the RCDB, Megafobia is the fastest and tallest wooden coaster in the UK. Surprisingly though with a track length of 2956 feet it's only the UK's fifth longest woodie. Unlike Blackpool's Big Dipper, Megafobia is not an out-and-back coaster as the track crosses over a few times. Also the wood is unpainted unlike the wooden coasters at Blackpool. During the ERS I enjoyed eight goes, as follows:

First go: Not only was this my first go on Megafobia during this ERS, it was also my first ride of the day. Unfortunately I have no record of where I sat on the train for this go.
Second go: Fourth row with Death.
Third go: Second-from-back row with Stevie Bee.
Fourth go: Second-from-back row with Mandy.
Fifth go: Back row with Christine Hine.
Sixth go: Seventh row alone.
Seventh go: Third row with Alan Hunt.
Eighth go: Second-from-back row with Mandy.

Altogether this was a great ERS on Megafobia; the perfect way to start the day at Oakwood. Although the sky was largely cloudy, with glimpses of sunshine, it was dry at the time.

Free Time

When the ERS ended, members dispersed around the Park. Due to the front field having been planted with crops for an event later in the year, and no suitable alternative open space for ball games, it was not possible for the Club to have a baseball match early afternoon unlike previous years. Therefore once the morning ERS ended, there were no further communal activities planned as part of the trip itinerary until the dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time.

Spooky 3D

My first ride during normal opening time was Spooky 3D. I rode it with Mark and Margo. This is an indoor dark ride with a spooky theme. Riders are issued with 3D spectacles at the start of the ride, and return them at the end of the ride. Quite frankly I was disappointed with this ride; I didn't find it particularly scary and the 3D effect wasn't that brilliant. My one go on Spooky 3D now was my only go on it all day.

Flight of the Giant Peach

A roller coaster in the new-for-2017 attraction Dahland. To access this ride, you have to walk through a giant peach, followed by Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker's House (this is walkthrough attraction in itself, and it is possible to exit the house without riding the coaster). The coaster itself (which is a Pinfari RC40) has an interesting history. According to the Roller Coaster Database, it had three incarnations at M&Ds Scotland's Theme Park. It first operated there as Cobra until 2001. M&D's operated Cobra as a traveling coaster after the 2001 season. During the 2003 and 2004 seasons it operated at M&D's Park as the Express. After disappearing again in 2005, it operated at M&D's Park as Space Coaster from 2006 to 2015. By the time of RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2016, the coaster was already standing behind hoarding at Oakwood. However, according to the RCDB, it finally began operating at Oakwood on 1 August 2017. When it was my turn to ride I got into the train, which climbed the lift hill and travelled around the twisty track back to the station. One go consists of one lap. According to the Oakwood website, it's supposed to resemble a journey from Dover to New York. I'm not sure why they say that, because to me it just seemed like a rapid journey around a twisty, undulating track, with a few bumps along the way. This was quite a fun ride, but it was all over too quickly for my liking. Having exited the ride, I had a second go. After that I decided to go on something else, but knew I'd be likely to have more goes on Flight of the Giant Peach later.

Bobsleigh

A toboggan run. When I got there the queue was already quite lengthy, and it took me longer than I expected to reach the boarding point. You sit on a toboggan and are carried up a lift hill to the top of a steel track. At the top you set off downhill along the steel track (set in the hillside), around a series of U-bends, under gravity. To control your speed along the way, use your brake. You must slow down as you approach the station. Thus with the lift hill, and going down the steel track, one could argue this is a coaster of a sort. Altogether this is a fun ride, but due to the queuing time I limited myself to just this one go for now. In fact this ended up being my only time of riding Bobsleigh all day as I didn't return to it later.

Coffee Break

The time was now around 11:45, and felt like a coffee, so I went to The Little Darlings Café to have a cup of coffee. Being as this café is located in Neverland, it made sense for me to go on some of the rides in Neverland after leaving this café.

Tink's Flying School

Formerly Plane Crazy, in 2013 this ride was relocated to Neverland, re-themed and renamed Tink's Flying School. Basically this is like a carousel, with planes suspended from the top. When I got on there was a noticeable breeze, so the attendant warned everyone on board that if it got really windy she would have to stop the ride. As the ride spun around the planes were forced outwards by centrifugal force. Turning the rudder in front of me left or right forced the plane to twist whilst the ride was in motion. In fact, by turning the rudder the correct way at the correct time, I could take advantage of the breeze, which added to the fun; however I knew when to turn the rudder back to avoid twisting the plane excessively. Once the ride ended I queued again to have a second go, which was just as much fun. When my second go ended, I left Tink's Flying School to go on something else.

Neverland Chase

A tractor ride in the Neverland area. I got into the tractor "Oak 4" which worked its way around the circuit and back to the station. Not a particularly exciting ride, but worth one go just to say I'd been on it. This was my only go on this ride all day.

Crocodile Coaster

This powered kiddie coaster formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park as Junior Dragon Coaster from 1992 to 2012. Since 25 May 2013 it has been operating in the Neverland section of Oakwood as Crocodile Coaster. Although this is a very mild coaster, with a minimal rise and fall, it was still worth riding anyway. I enjoyed two goes as follows:
First go: I sat in the back row. From the back I was able to see the front of the train around the bend.
Second go:I was hoping to sit in the front row, but since the front two rows were already occupied, I sat in the third row.

Oakwood Aerodrome

This Neverland ride features a set of planes on spokes. They are supposed to go up and down, around in a circle, but on this occasion they just went around in a circle without going up or down. Each plane is themed around a particular country, bearing a person's name and the applicable country name. I rode in plane number 4 Jean Claude (France). Although it wasn't particularly thrilling, it was worth riding to say I'd been on it today. My one go on this now was my only go on this all day. This was also my last ride in Neverland for the time being.

The time was now around 13:10. By now it was warm enough for me to remove my jogging bottoms and go around in just my T-shirt and shorts for the rest of the afternoon. Just before leaving Neverland, I had a few pictures taken of me sitting on the green caterpillar outside The Little Darlings Café.

Tea Cups

This is a tea cup ride just outside the enclosed circus area of Oakwood, and is therefore self-explanatory. I fancied a go, so I got on and enjoyed one go on it. The ride experience was what one would expect from a tea cup ride. For now I only had one go.

Speed

This Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter (Custom) steel coaster has been operating since 13 April 2006. Each ride car seats eight riders (two rows of four seats). I enjoyed two goes, both of which I sat in the front row. After leaving the station, the ride car ascended the vertical lift hill, and went down the first drop, which is beyond vertical to begin with and vertical the rest of the way. Next it went uphill, downhill, uphill again, around a bend on an angle and down into a vertical loop. After another climb there was a heartline roll and further twists and turns until the car returned to the station. Altogether a thrilling and fun steel coaster.

Treetops

This Zierer Tivoli – Large steel family coaster has been operating since 1989. The train leaves the station and climbs the lift hill. After the first drop, the train follows the track through twists and turns amongst the trees. In certain places the track goes close to the ground. Finally the train returns to the station. For now I limited myself to just one go, in the second-from-back row. Sitting close to the back meant it took me almost the longest to clear the station when the train was despatched, and I was able to see the front of the train around the bends as it went around. This was my final ride before lunch.

Lunch

By now the time was 14:10 and I felt like a light snack, so I went to The Little Darlings' Café in Neverland. There I had a cheese and ham Panini and a cup of coffee.

Immediately after lunch I went for a walk around part of the Park. After that I wanted to ride some of the water rides. I put my rucksack in storage at the Box Office because I didn't want to have to take it on the wet rides. However I kept my all-in-one splashsuit with me as I knew I'd want to wear it on the water rides, even though the sun was now shining. I was hoping to start with Drenched, but even though its scheduled opening time of 14:00 had already passed, it was still closed and didn't look as though it would be opening during the next hour or so. For now I aimed to ride some of the other water rides, starting with Snake River Falls.

Snake River Falls

A set of four water slides which you ride fully clothed in dinghies. The slides leave from the top of a tower. The staircase leading to the top is split into lanes, each one clearly indicated by an overhead sign at the bottom; therefore you have to decide which slide you want to queue for before you start climbing the stairs. Facing the slide entrances from the launch platform, from left to right they are as follows:

Cobra: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.
Left open slide: a straight, open top slide. It starts with a downhill slope, followed by a much shallower (albeit wavy) gradient. Finally there's a fairly steep drop before the run-out. The water is at its deepest just before reaching the run-out; depending how you land there you may get wet.
Right open slide: a straight, open top slide identical to the left open slide.
Python: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.

N.B. references to the two open slides: left and right are as viewed at the top of the tower, i.e. with your back to the top of the stairs and facing the tops of the slides.

You may get wet on these slides, which is why I put my splashsuit on to ride them. Just like most of my previous visits to Oakwood, I was hoping to ride all four slides in succession. Unfortunately on this occasion, only the two open-top slides were operating. The tube slides Cobra and Python were closed. I rode the two open-top slides twice each in the following order: left open slide, right open slide, left open slide, right open slide.

Waterfall

Two giant slides descend from the top of a tower. You launch yourself at the top on a plastic tray; for this reason some members call this the tea tray ride. The correct riding procedure is to grip the tray handles tightly and lean forwards. At the bottom of each slide you float across a shallow pool of water before hitting the run-out, which is a shallow uphill slope covered in artificial turf. Depending how you hit that shallow pool, you may get wet. For this reason I kept my splashsuit on to prevent me getting wet. I ended up having six goes as follows: left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide. N.B. references to the two slides (left and right) are as viewed at the top of the tower, i.e. with your back to the top of the stairs and facing the tops of the slides. On most of those goes I managed to sail across the landing pool without keeling over, and thus continue some distance across the run-out. Even when I wobbled a bit on landing, I managed to avoid falling into the water, unlike one of my goes last year. That said, sliding the two slides was easier without my rucksack on my back this time (that's why I put it in storage at the Box Office before going on the water rides).

Skull Rock

You will get wet (or possibly soaked) on this log flume whatever the weather. This formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park, and began operating within Neverland at Oakwood in 2013. Being as I was already wearing my splashsuit, I kept it on for this ride to prevent me getting wet. I sat in log 4. The log sailed around the canal and up the lift hill, ready for the drop and mighty splash which followed. Having disembarked I waited again for a second go, and when I was called forwards I sat in log 3.

Once I had completed my second go on Skull Rock, I saw Ann Morgan standing near Tink's Flying School. She noticed I was wearing my all-in-one splashsuit, and asked if I was feeling hot in it. I said I needed it to keep dry on the water rides, but being as I wasn't intending to ride any more water rides for the time being, I took it off without further ado.

Tink's Flying School

Next I enjoyed two goes on Tink's Flying School. On both goes I turned the rudder left and right to turn the plane in flight, but I ensured I didn't over-spin the plane in either direction. Obviously I had to put my splashsuit beside me in the plane on both goes as I was no longer wearing it.

Coffee Break

At this point I briefly left Neverland and walked across to the Box Office, whereupon I put my splashsuit in my rucksack, but collected my phone and camera. Having done that, I returned to Neverland to have a much-needed coffee at The Little Darlings Café around 16:50. After I had finished my coffee, I walked across the Park from Neverland to Dahland.

Flight of the Giant Peach

Now for a few more goes on Flight of the Giant Peach. I ended up having two goes, front row followed by second-from-back row. Just like when I rode it in the morning, each journey around the track was over too soon for my liking.

The Ladybirdoline

A group of circular trampolines in Dahland. Being as the jumping surfaces are black, whereas the padded surrounds are red, the whole cluster resembles a red ladybird with black spots, hence the name. Adults can jump on them, therefore I decided to have a go on them. All the trampolines were in use when I approached them, so I had to wait a few minutes for one to become vacant. When one became available, I got on and enjoyed jumping on it, which was great fun! A notice stated that users should limit themselves to 90 seconds, so I checked my watch regularly. Even so I went slightly over 90 seconds, but I vacated my trampoline voluntarily and didn't need to be called off. This was my only go on The Ladybirdoline all day.

Tea Cups

My next ride was the Tea Cups. The ride experience was just the same as when I rode it early afternoon. Once again I limited myself to just one go on this tea cup ride; in fact this turned out to be my final go of the day on it.

Clown Coaster

This Pinfari Circus Clown steel coaster has been operating since 1997. It's the smallest of the Park's six coasters, and is located in Circus Land. Being a kiddie coaster the rises and falls are very small. Officially adults can only ride it when accompanying children. However on this occasion I showed the attendant my trip badge and RCCGB membership card, and I was allowed to have one go on it. The train climbed a slight hill and down the first drop. After two more small rises and falls it was back at the station. One ride consisted of multiple laps of the track, but I didn't count how many there were. Although a very mild ride, my one go now was definitely worth it to say I had ridden all six coasters at Oakwood during this visit. This was my only go on Clown Coaster all day.

Crocodile Coaster

Now for a few more goes on Crocodile Coaster. I ended up having two goes, as follows:
First go: I sat in the back row.
Second go:I was hoping to sit in the front row to have an unobstructed view of the track. Unfortunately the front row was already occupied, so I sat in the second row instead. This ended up being my final go of the day on Crocodile Coaster

Tink's Flying School

Being as the exit path from Crocodile Coaster led me towards Tink's Flying School, I decided to ride Tink's Flying School next. This time I limited myself to just one go on this ride.

Having left Tink's Flying School I exited Neverland and collected my rucksack from the Box Office. I could have shown my ticket to put it back in there later if I wanted to, but as it happened, I didn't return to the Box Office again the rest of the day. As I continued walking around the Park, I proceeded along the path beyond the stage that leads alongside the Boating Lake. Along that path, I saw Charlie Turner for the first time since the morning ERS, and spoke to him briefly. After that I continued along the path to the Boating Lake queuing point.

Boating Lake

Pedalos on a lake. The last two years I've ridden these with another RCCGB member, but this time I didn't bother looking for another member to ride with, and simply approached the queue alone. My only concern was whether or not they would allow single riders on the boats. Anyway after a few minutes' wait, it was my turn to ride, and the attendant said individuals are allowed to ride these boats alone. Regardless of the number of individuals in the boat, riders are allowed to go around the island once only. I pedalled around the lake, staying to the right of the island all the way around. On the way back I noticed a lot of weed close to Megafobia, so I steered well clear of the weed. Obviously pedalling around the lake alone this time was harder than when I rode with another member the last two years. Having disembarked my legs felt a bit tired after all the pedalling. There's no way I could have had two goes straight off.

Treetops

So far I had only ridden this steel coaster once, and now was a convenient moment to ride it again. Once again, I limited myself to just one go, but for some reason one go consisted of two laps this time.

Speed

Although I had already ridden this beyond vertical drop coaster early afternoon, I was determined to have at least one more go on it this late in the day. I ended up having two goes on it, back row followed by front row. Both goes were great fun.

Once I had completed my second go on Speed I the time was around 20:00. Knowing I would want to get something to eat soon after that, I headed back towards the hill in front of the stage. As I walked past the landing area of Waterfall I saw Nev and Stevie Bee. Feeling concerned about the possibility of UV powder being thrown around soon (possibly even outside the designated area), I went to the shop at Megafobia exit and enquired what time the UV powder was to go on sale. It was already on sale, but visitors were not supposed to throw it until after 21:00. I admitted that I didn't want to buy any; in fact I was hoping to get as far away from it as possible. For now my next port of call was Moon Landing.

Moon Landing

A drop slide called Skyleap until 2012. In 2013 it was renamed Moon Landing and given Moon theming, including some information about the Moon at the top of the stairs. Adults are allowed on it, so I was keen to have a few goes. Its vertical drop didn't seem as tall as Demon Drop Slide at Flambards, Buzzard's Swoop and Red Devil at Devon's Crealy or the red drop slide at Puxton Park, but it was still great fun. Furthermore unlike the aforementioned drop slides which all have flat run-outs, Skyleap's run-out has a hump at the end. If you go fast enough along the flat section you will go over the hump. I enjoyed four goes on Moon Landing.

Evening Dinner

Around 20:20 I went to Woody's Burger Bar to get something to eat. Now seemed the ideal time to go there, so I could order something, consume it and leave this area well before the ColourFest UV powder paint party began at 21:00. I ordered a large Double Burger Meal, which included large fries and a large drink; I chose Sprite. As soon as my order was ready, I ate it in the indoor seating area.

After Dark

ColourFest

The ColourFest UV powder paint party was billed to run from 21:00 to 21:45 as part of the After Dark event. Visitors could buy UV powder paint packs from the Megafobia shop to throw at others in the designated area towards the bottom of the hill in front of the stage. The coloured powder was intended to glow under the ultra violet lighting in the designated area. This time I deliberately took an old grey T-shirt and an old sweatshirt with me, so I got changed into them shortly after leaving Woody's Burger Bar. Even so, for several reasons I didn't want to take part in the UV powder fight, and I definitely didn't want other people (whether RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017 attendees or the general public) throwing UV powder at me, so I tried to stay well clear of the designated powder throwing area. I went into Neverland. Thankfully I didn't see anyone throwing UV powder around in the parts of Neverland where I went during this part of the evening.

Tink's Flying School

When I got to Neverland, Tink's Flying School was still operating, so I decided to have one go on it. By now the sun had already set, and thus I was riding this during the civil twilight. Although ride operated, and I turned the rudder in the same manner as during the daylight, the ride experience seemed slightly different compared to during the day. This ended up being my final ride during normal opening time.

Coffee Break

Having left Tink's Flying School I went to The Little Darlings Café, hoping to have a coffee. When I got there at 21:15, there was still enough time for me to buy a cup of coffee and drink it inside the café before it closed at 21:30. I sat and enjoyed my coffee knowing there was no risk of me being hit by UV powder there. By the time I had finished my coffee, the café was officially closed and it was time for me to leave. I was the only customer in there at the time.

Firework Display

Around 21:50 it was time for the After Dark firework display. This time I watched the display from a point on the hill behind Moon Landing. I chose that point because, although the ColourFest UV powder paint party officially ended just before the fireworks began, I was concerned some individuals might still be throwing paint powder around in the designated area towards the bottom of the hill. The firework display featured fountains and rockets in a variety of colours, accompanied by music. In addition, the name OAKWOOD made up of lights, changed colour (sometimes it was one colour, sometimes it was a mixture of colours). When the display ended, an announcement was made "Thank you for visiting Oakwood Theme Park. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again soon." in Welsh followed by English. After that announcement the Park was officially closed and it was time for the public to leave. However for Mega-GLOW-Mania trip attendees the best was yet to come.

Megafobia Dark ERS

As the public left, members headed for Megafobia. I walked down the path towards Megafobia, passing Moon Landing and Bobsleigh exit along the way. Everyone was waiting at the Megafobia entrance for the ERS to start. Many members (but not me) were wearing or holding glow sticks, some had something with flashing lights and some were wearing hi-vis clothing. Some members had participated in the ColourFest UV powder paint party, and were now intending to ride Megafobia with paint powder all over their hair and clothes. Since I was now almost certain to get some of their second-hand UV powder on me during the ERS, I deliberately wore my old sweatshirt (which was already slightly stained anyway). One member asked me why I wasn't glowing. I said I was unwilling to wear my pink hi-vis waistcoat due to the likelihood of getting second-hand UV powder on it. After a few minutes' wait, members were allowed to proceed up the entrance path to the entry platform. The music began at 22:07, thereby officially signalling the start of the ERS which lasted one hour. When I got to the entry platform, Mark and Margo already had their disco lights set up at one end of the exit platform. During this ERS I enjoyed eight goes on Megafobia, as follows.

First go: Second row with Emily Turner.
Second go: Front row with Bradpeet.
Third go: Back row with Mandy.
Fourth go: Unknown row with Charlie Turner. He gave me a spare glow stick. Although I didn't have a joiner to secure it around my wrist, I held it in my hand for this and my remaining goes.
Fifth go: Seventh row with Charlie Turner.
Sixth go: Unknown row with Stevie Bee. He was covered in UV powder. I guessed I'd end up sitting near or next to him during this ERS, but I didn't mind as I had already deliberately prepared myself by wearing an old slightly stained sweatshirt.
Seventh go: Unknown row with Michael (another guy who was covered in UV powder).
Eighth go: Unknown row with Stevie Bee. This was the last train of the day for members. Nev had to rewind the music to the start of "New York" for this one.

As usual, party music accompanied the one-hour dark ERS. The selection of song snippets had changed quite a bit from previous years, but anyway the final four songs, played in full, were:
Dancing Lasha Tumbai
Amarillo
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
New York

The dark ERS officially ended when last train entered station and "That's all folks" (from Warner Brothers cartoons) played on sound system at 23:11. Altogether another hair-raising ERS, definitely the grand finale of the day. The ride seemed considerably faster and rougher than during the morning ERS. Riding Megafobia in the dark was totally different to in the morning; it wasn't possible to see where we were going or the surrounding countryside, however lights in other areas of the Park could be seen. That coupled with use of glow sticks etc. on the ride, plus the party music and disco lights in the station added to the fun; no wonder this has been called "the best ERS of them all". It's a pity I felt the need to wear an old shabby sweatshirt which I didn't really want to wear during this ERS, but being as certain members had taken part in the ColourFest UV powder paint party before riding during this ERS, I had no alternative but to wear something I wasn't too worried about getting a little paint powder on. In my heart of hearts, I really wanted to wear my pink hi-vis waistcoat with "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" on the back, but I didn't want second-hand paint powder on it, which is why I kept it folded up in the bottom of my rucksack throughout this ERS.

Summary of my day in order of activity

Morning ERS: Megafobia 8

After ERS
Spooky 3D 1
Flight of the Giant Peach 2
Bobsleigh 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café

Tink's Flying School 2
Neverland Chase 1
Crocodile Coaster 2
Oakwood Aerodrome 1
Tea Cups 1
Speed 2
Treetops 1

Lunch at The Little Darlings Café

Snake River Falls left open slide, right open slide, left open slide, right open slide
Waterfall left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide
Skull Rock 2
Tink's Flying School 2

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café

Flight of the Giant Peach 2
The Ladybirdoline 1
Tea Cups 1
Clown Coaster 1
Crocodile Coaster 2
Tink's Flying School 1
Boating Lake 1
Treetops 1
Speed 2
Moon Landing 4

Evening meal at Woody's Burger Bar

Tink's Flying School 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café
Firework display

Dark ERS: Megafobia 8

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Freetime Combined)

Ride	Total
Boating Lake	1
Bobsleigh	1
Clown Coaster	1
Crocodile Coaster	4
Flight of the Giant Peach	4
Megafobia	16
Moon Landing	4
Neverland Chase	1
Oakwood Aerodrome	1
Skull Rock	2
Snake River Falls: left open slide	2
Snake River Falls: right open slide	2
Speed	4
Spooky 3D	1
Tea Cups	2
The Ladybirdoline	1
Tink's Flying School	6
Treetops	2
Waterfall left slide	3
Waterfall right slide	3
TOTAL	61

Rest of Saturday

When the ERS ended Nev gave a short speech before everyone returned to the car park. At this point Mark and Margo dismantled their disco lights. Since they were giving me a lift back to my hotel, I asked the attendant if I could wait on the exit platform until they were ready to leave; he said I could. Whilst I waited, some members of Oakwood staff had a bonus go on Megafobia once around the track - just themselves. When Mark and Margo were ready to leave, I returned to their car with them and they gave me a lift back to my hotel. After our final goodbyes outside the hotel car park I was back in my room around quarter to midnight, dead tired.

Outro

Highlights

Morning ERS on Megafobia before Oakwood opened to the public.
Adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count.
Riding all the other five coasters and several non-coaster rides again.
Meeting Nev, Charlie and Emily, Mark and Margo, Ryan Hackett and others again.
Reasonable weather; dry all day and sunny at times.

Lowlights

Two of the Snake River Falls slides (Cobra and Python) were closed.
Feeling the need to wear an old sweatshirt after the ColourFest UV powder paint party started.

Summing Up

Altogether a coaster crazy day at Oakwood. Turnout was higher for Oakwood than for Folly Farm the previous day, presumably because the Oakwood trip was on a Saturday, whereas the Folly Farm visit was a Friday. Even so, early on someone felt turnout for Oakwood was lower than recent years. Anyway it was great adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count, and re-riding each of the other five roller coasters, including Clown Coaster which I didn't expect to be able to go on, and several non-coaster rides (including Bobsleigh, Snake River Falls and Waterfall) again. It's a pity Bounce is no longer in use. One can only hope Oakwood will replace it with a new major ride in the next few years. It was great meeting other Club members again. The weather was better than that at Folly Farm the previous day; although the sky was largely cloudy (with glimpses of sunshine) all morning, the afternoon was generally sunnier and the best of the sunshine was in the evening through to sunset. The upshot of that was I felt warm enough going around in a T-shirt and shorts during the afternoon and much of the evening (unlike Friday). Best of all it was dry all day, and after sunset. Many thanks to Nev for organising the trip, the staff for operating Megafobia before opening and after closing, and to Mark and Margo Lewis for providing the dark ERS disco lighting and for giving me lifts to and from Oakwood.

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