WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:04.980 It appears that Lakeside in Colorado is trying to reopen Cyclone for the 2026 season. 00:05.660 --> 00:11.020 It was recently spied testing. If this ride reopens, it is a major win for the park 00:11.020 --> 00:15.360 and coaster enthusiasts. I will explain why in this quick news update. 00:16.420 --> 00:22.700 Cyclone opened in 1940. It was designed by Ed Vitell and is his last standing coaster. 00:23.700 --> 00:28.480 The ride was a crowd pleaser and operated without any notable accidents for 70 years. 00:29.280 --> 00:33.260 But in July 2021, a rider broke their wrist on Cyclone. 00:34.000 --> 00:38.440 They alleged the ride's restraints and clearances were insufficient, causing the injury. 00:39.380 --> 00:42.180 Due to ongoing litigation and guidance from state regulators, 00:42.800 --> 00:45.440 the Cyclone has remained closed ever since 2022. 00:46.440 --> 00:51.380 It is clear that people miss this ride. Whenever Lakeside makes a post on Facebook, 00:51.820 --> 00:54.480 people are asking if and when the Cyclone will reopen. 00:55.200 --> 00:59.180 This has been clearly advertised as closed on the park's website to the park's credit, 00:59.840 --> 01:02.240 but it likely has negatively impacted their attendance. 01:03.220 --> 01:06.820 Considering Elish Gardens may soon close due to the River Mile project, 01:07.120 --> 01:11.220 it would be an absolute shame if Denver lost their other amusement parks simultaneously. 01:12.620 --> 01:16.440 Prior to my visit, I had heard a lot about Lakeside that was run down. 01:16.940 --> 01:21.240 I finally visited this park in 2025 and I had a nice visit. 01:21.240 --> 01:26.220 I was always fascinated by Lakeside ever since seeing it in the old PBS documentary 01:26.220 --> 01:31.440 Great Old Amusement Parks. The place looked stunning at night with all the neon lights, 01:31.720 --> 01:36.760 and those did not disappoint. And I loved the collection of retro flat rides. 01:38.220 --> 01:42.440 Now this park definitely could use some TLC. No one denies that. 01:43.020 --> 01:48.280 But the biggest issue were the ride closures. It's stung to see Cyclone sitting idle. 01:48.840 --> 01:51.820 This is the main reason I have not made any videos about Lakeside. 01:52.540 --> 01:56.560 It is really hard to fully review a park when their headlining coaster is down. 01:57.620 --> 02:01.380 I noticed there were wooden panels fixed to the sides of the train on Cyclone, 02:01.880 --> 02:05.360 presumably in an attempt to restrict the clearance envelope of riders. 02:06.300 --> 02:10.980 These look similar to the panels we see on trains on New Texas Giant as six flags over Texas. 02:12.300 --> 02:16.500 Last week, a video was shared about track work being done in the Cyclone. 02:17.000 --> 02:21.180 I saw a few vents being shortened, but it's hard to tell if they were making any 02:21.180 --> 02:24.140 clearance changes or if it was just standard track work. 02:24.800 --> 02:28.620 Then a few days ago, Ace shared some photos of the coaster testing. 02:29.300 --> 02:34.480 This was a very encouraging sign because this had not been seen in quite some time. 02:35.220 --> 02:38.560 The trains did not have the wood panels on the side like I observed during my visit. 02:39.120 --> 02:42.480 They appear to be identical to when the coaster last ran in 2021. 02:43.800 --> 02:49.920 Will Cyclone reopen in 2026? I sure hope so, and I think there's a good shot 02:49.920 --> 02:52.600 I'll reopen given the recent maintenance work and testing. 02:53.320 --> 02:57.740 A park strap for cash like Lakeside likely would not make that investment if they 02:57.740 --> 02:59.880 did not have a suspicion that be able to reopen it. 03:00.540 --> 03:04.120 And it does have a historical precedent of running without incident for decades. 03:05.560 --> 03:08.800 Lakeside has not updated their website yet for the 2026 season. 03:09.340 --> 03:14.840 Right now, it still shows that Cyclone is closed, along with those 2025 hours. 03:15.560 --> 03:20.920 Typically, this park opens in early to mid-May, so we should know in the next one or two months 03:20.920 --> 03:24.500 if Cyclone indeed will be operating, and I sure hope it will. 03:25.080 --> 03:28.420 And if it does, I will make every effort to get on at this year. 03:29.500 --> 03:34.220 Do you think Cyclone finally reopens in 2026? Let me know down in the comments. 03:34.220 --> 03:39.420 If you enjoyed this quick news update, I would appreciate it if you gave this video a like, 03:39.780 --> 03:44.620 and you consider subscribing, because there will be a lot more roller coaster and amusement park 03:44.620 --> 03:48.740 videos here at Canobie Coaster. Thanks for watching!