Channel: Coolest Thing

Category: People & Blogs

Tags: backyard roller coasterhomemade roller coasterrollercoasterbackyard rollercoastershomemade rollercoastersbackyard buildblue flash retiresblue flashcoolest thing i've ever madejohn iversall the bright placesjohn ivers rollercoastersroller coastercoolest thingcrazy buildsindiana

Description: Blue Flash roller coaster, built by John Ivers, is arguably the worlds' most famous homemade backyard coaster and the only one with a full loop. For the past 18 years, John and his wife Sharon have been operating it along with it's little cousin "Blue Too" (a kiddie coaster) in his backyard in rural Indiana. John, a retired welder, was able to purchase scrap steel from his employer and managed to complete "Blue Flash" for under $1500 back in 1999-2000. A couple years later he made "Blue Too" mainly for something for his grandkids could ride. People from all around the world have come to experience the homemade roller coaster first hand and John and Sharon have loved every minute of it. "Blue Flash" even inspired a story in the best selling novel "All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven after she and a friend went and rode the coaster herself. Now John and Sharon have made a decision about the coasters future and the future of "Blue Flash" and "Blue Too". (Watch until the end) Special Thanks to John and Sharon for having us. I've been wanting to have the "Blue Flash" on the show for years, so I'm thrilled to have made it happen. You can't imagine 2 nice people. Thanks so much to Taylor from @Coaster Studios for licensing some extra footage to me in order to make the episode better. Producer/Director/Editor: Guy Georgeson Director of Photography: Paul Los Associate Producer: Julia Bird Music licensed from: Audio Network Additional music licensed from: Epidemic Sound Additional Footage licensed from: Coaster Studios Additional photos licensed from : Getty images Big thank you to the Bell Fund for additional funding of this season!