Mark
Strata Poster
Naked Riding
Well, what a morning.
I arrived at around 8.15 to an already quickly building queue. We had all been advised that the gates did not open until 9am, but they were expecting over 100 people to be taking part so in order to ensure we were in the first 40 (the capacity of the ride) we had to get there early.
So with a towel in hand and my forms in my bag I was waiting patiently. There was a lot of discussion throughout the queue as to whether people thought they were within the first 40.
The gates then opened on schedule at 9am and we slowly began the signing in process. It was beginning to look like I was just outside of the first 40 which was a little disappointing despite the fact that everyone would be awarded a certificate. As I ebbed closer to the front of the queue the guys in front of me were given there number. I was in… I was number 40!!!!
After giving over all my details and getting a nice big number sticker for my arm the moment dawned that it was time to get naked. At this point I will be really honest and say I was VERY nervous! With a poncho ready I headed to the toilets, got changed and donned the poncho that we were allowed to wear on the walk up to the Green Scream.
Being number 40, I was the last to arrive and so I literally took off the poncho, sat down and after a few last minute checks that everyone had removed jewellery and so on we were off.
It was certainly the oddest and most bizarre experience I have had in recent years, especially on a rollercoaster. Part of me just felt so wrong that I was sat on coaster, in public, completely in the buff. Still, there were massive cheers on the train and from all the spectators nearby as we passed through the station for the rides second lap of the circuit. I don’t think many realised that the train always does two circuits as they seemed to be taken by surprise as it carried on going.
All in all, despite feeling totally weird and unusual it was a fantastic experience. Another one of those things that can be looked back on so very fondly and with pride. The money will be going to a great cause because breast cancer is such a widespread concern and I am really proud that I was able to do my bit.
Many thanks to all of you that have donated sponsorship money so far. If you have not already donated but would like to, my fundraising page will be open for a little while yet. Head over to www.justgiving.com/mark-shaw to donate!
Well, what a morning.
I arrived at around 8.15 to an already quickly building queue. We had all been advised that the gates did not open until 9am, but they were expecting over 100 people to be taking part so in order to ensure we were in the first 40 (the capacity of the ride) we had to get there early.
So with a towel in hand and my forms in my bag I was waiting patiently. There was a lot of discussion throughout the queue as to whether people thought they were within the first 40.
The gates then opened on schedule at 9am and we slowly began the signing in process. It was beginning to look like I was just outside of the first 40 which was a little disappointing despite the fact that everyone would be awarded a certificate. As I ebbed closer to the front of the queue the guys in front of me were given there number. I was in… I was number 40!!!!
After giving over all my details and getting a nice big number sticker for my arm the moment dawned that it was time to get naked. At this point I will be really honest and say I was VERY nervous! With a poncho ready I headed to the toilets, got changed and donned the poncho that we were allowed to wear on the walk up to the Green Scream.
Being number 40, I was the last to arrive and so I literally took off the poncho, sat down and after a few last minute checks that everyone had removed jewellery and so on we were off.
It was certainly the oddest and most bizarre experience I have had in recent years, especially on a rollercoaster. Part of me just felt so wrong that I was sat on coaster, in public, completely in the buff. Still, there were massive cheers on the train and from all the spectators nearby as we passed through the station for the rides second lap of the circuit. I don’t think many realised that the train always does two circuits as they seemed to be taken by surprise as it carried on going.
All in all, despite feeling totally weird and unusual it was a fantastic experience. Another one of those things that can be looked back on so very fondly and with pride. The money will be going to a great cause because breast cancer is such a widespread concern and I am really proud that I was able to do my bit.
Many thanks to all of you that have donated sponsorship money so far. If you have not already donated but would like to, my fundraising page will be open for a little while yet. Head over to www.justgiving.com/mark-shaw to donate!
