1st trips on Cedar Point's new Maverick are up for bids

4/12/2007

SANDUSKY - Thrill-seekers who want to be among the first to ride the new Maverick roller coaster at the Cedar Point amusement park now have that chance.

The Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross is teaming up with Cedar Point to auction seats on Maverick to the 72 highest bidders, with bids starting at $75. Money raised benefits the Red Cross.

A winning bid will include an inaugural ride on Maverick, breakfast at the park, a commemorative medallion, and complimentary admission to Cedar Point on its May 12 opening day.

The steel coaster will feature one of the steepest first drops on a roller coaster and speeds of up to 70 mph. Throughout the 2 1/2-minute ride, passengers will experience eight "airtime" hills where they feel weightless, three inversions - twists that turn riders upside down - and a second launch through a dark, 400-foot tunnel to reach the ride's top speed.

Bids will be accepted through 8:30 a.m. May 9. For information on how to place a bid, call the Red Cross or visit www.firelandsredcross.org.