From Dial-up to Daring Drops: The Early Days of ACE

Before the days of social media, how did coaster enthusiasts connect? 

In this episode, we go back to the early days of the internet when ACE members first found each other online. Join co-host John Davidson as he speaks with three enthusiasts about the creative ways they connected through early online forums, shared dial-up images, and meeting in-person at theme parks.  

We'll chat with Bill Buckley (Controlling the Thrills with Irvine Ondrey Engineering); Rendell Bird, renowned ACE roller coaster model; and Dave Althoff, who has been answering coaster questions since the internet's infancy.

In some ways, ACE and the internet grew up together, with coaster enthusiasts finding each other by sharing slow-loading pictures of coasters while ACE members found each other in theme parks.  As ACE turns 45, we’ve been celebrating our history all year. 

Relive the nostalgia of the early internet and learn how it enabled a community for coaster enthusiasts across the world. Discover the connections that led to the founding of ACE 45 years ago!

In this episode:

• Meet the group and learn of their history as they each share their internet and coaster enthusiast stories
• Learn about rec.roller-coaster; in many ways the birthplace of theme park talk on the internet
• Finding other enthusiasts online and sharing coaster photos in a pre-social media world

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

• Having an impact on the future of ACE
• Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
• Developing friendships in a small group
• Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

Podcast Volunteer Team 

• Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
• Producer: Derek Perry
• Editors: Bob Randolph and Alex Monastersky
• Show Notes: Liz Tan
• Project Manager: Corey Wooten
• Correspondent: Bryant Yeager