Duo go coaster crazy!
Tim Smith and Kevin Burshten won a “Coast for the Cruise” ride challenge recently at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota.
A local radio station invited listeners to take part in the stunt on SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, a Gerstlauer Eurofighter coaster. The final two contestants rode the ride for nine days, 194 hours, or 2,507 rides, in which time they travelled over 1,000 miles.
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge ascends 90 degrees to the top, plummets at 97 degrees and goes into an upside-down loop. Riders experience 5G forces and intense twists and turns at 59 mph. Except for bathroom and meal breaks, Smith and Burshten had to remain on the ride at all times – even to sleep.
In recognition of their endurance the duo won a vacation on the Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean International, including an airfare and $1,000 spending money. They each also receive a Golden Lifetime Pass to Nickelodeon Universe for a family of four, though one suspects they may have had enough of the place for the time being.
