Lilli here:

When riding a rollercoaster, it is generally assumed that one's thoughts will proceed along the "Whoa...oh, dear, this is very high -- wheeeee!" line. Not "Bloody hell, this thing's going to fall apart any minute!" Of course, most rollercoasters do not fall into the same category as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Giant Dipper.

As we stood in line for the ride, various cheerful bits of trivia flash out from overhead TV screens. For example, "This ride opened on May 17th 1924!" and "The Giant Dipper has had over 45 million riders!" Yes, folks, this rollercoaster is over 80 years old and you are going to certain death. Now aren't you glad you know that?

After about 20 minutes of similarly reassuring tidbits, our adventure on the Giant Dipper officially began. The line of worryingly dinky little plastic cars started off its journey by entering a pitch black tunnel, amid much creaking and interesting rattling noises. These sound effects did not cease after the initial startup, and remained my constant friends throughout the ride. After far too many bumpy twists and sudden drops, I shakily stepped back onto solid ground and reassembled my tangled composure (and hair). And after seeing a particularly flattering snapshot of myself clutching at my glasses and the safety bar for dear life, I resolved to abstain from rollercoasters for some time to come.

Brian again: Click on the image below to watch a video of the ride, which starts in what a laudatory plaque from the American Roller Coaster Enthusiasts calls "a thrilling serpentine tunnel":