Roller coaster enthusiasts often complain about ride roughness more than casual riders. This difference stems from the frequency of riding and the resulting impact on the perception of pain versus pleasure. The average park visitor rides a handful of coasters a year, making the experience a novel thrill that outweighs any discomfort. Enthusiasts, however, accumulate many rides, often experiencing multiple rough coasters in short periods. This repeated exposure lowers their tolerance for discomfort and shifts the balance from thrill to pain.
For infrequent riders, the excitement of a unique experience overshadows minor discomfort. Even a rough ride becomes a memorable event, easily forgotten until the next park visit. Their focus lies in the overall enjoyment and atmosphere of the park.
Conversely, enthusiasts who frequently subject themselves to intense forces experience a cumulative effect. The thrill diminishes with repetition, while the physical strain becomes more pronounced. A rough wooden coaster or an SLC, tolerated once or twice a year, becomes unbearable after multiple rides in a month. The pain becomes the dominant sensation, overshadowing the diminished thrill.
This isn’t to say enthusiasts don’t enjoy riding; they simply have a different perspective shaped by their immersion in the hobby. Riding Rita, for example, might be enjoyable once or twice a year despite its roughness. However, frequent rides would likely lead to associating the coaster solely with pain. There are exceptions, of course, where extreme discomfort outweighs any enjoyment, like with rides such as Baco.
Ultimately, pain tolerance varies, but the sheer volume of rides experienced by enthusiasts significantly impacts their perception of coaster roughness. The more frequently one rides, the more attuned they become to discomfort, leading to more complaints. This heightened awareness arises from a deeper engagement with the hobby and a greater sensitivity to nuances in ride experience.
