In the simplest terms, a single rider is an individual who fills an empty seat on an amusement ride. On many rides, the single rider is essential to performance. The single rider adds weight to a vehicle and weight plays an essential role in ride performance. Too heavy and a vehicle can’t perform its function safely. Too light and the experience isn’t as smooth as it could be. On some attractions, total vehicle weight means the difference between making it over the top of that hill… or rolling back and trying again. But that is the technical advantage of the single rider. From an engineering standpoint, the single rider fills a spot and brings a ride vehicle within peak performance-to-weight range.
But there is more to it than that. We are more than that…
The single rider is also the mom or dad in child swap, taking turns so each can enjoy their favorite ride.
The single rider is the fan who rides the same ride over and over again, trying to get the high score.
The single rider is economical, making the most of their time and energy while sacrificing the option of riding with their companions.
But they are also the hopeless romantic, looking for a ride partner – a platonic friend or maybe something more – who also enjoys the same things they do.
They are gamblers. They rely on fate to shuffle the cards and put them in the right place at the right time.
This author is a gambler, but I am also an explorer, venturing into the world on a solo journey, meeting new and interesting people along the way.
And this is Life in the Single Rider Lane. See you there 😉