The Ride
The Leap the Dips was built in 1902 by the Edward Jay Morris Company when Lakemont Park was just starting out as a Trolley Park. Like most older coasters it was a figure-8, which was thrilling for their time. The Leap the Dips was put out of the commission in 1986 when Lakemont Park became Boyer Town USA. The people of Altoona and members of ACE decided that it was time to revive the coaster. In 1998 they raised enough money to restore the coaster and it reopened on May 31,1999. It earned the title of the oldest wooden figure 8 coaster in the world and even the oldest coaster in operation period. The Leap the Dips proves that a classic never dies.
The Experience
As you walk up the old wooden steps and board the refurbished side friction cars you get a feeling of nostalgia. The cars roll to the lift hill were they are lifted to the 41 foot summit. The coaster drops down a slight dip, then starts though three figure 8's that incline down. After the first two inclined figure eights, the trains dips under the structure, rounds the last turn, and then goes through two bunny hops, which are the longest drops on the coaster. As you return to the station the operator pulls the wooden handle to activate the brakes. You can actually smell the wood as it rubs against the cars. The coaster stops and you exit the station. This coaster is a must for any coaster fan. Get to Lakemont Park and ride it if you haven't had the opportunity.
Photos
Photos by: Coaster Control
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ACE Plaque
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First Figure 8
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