Latest posts for the topic "ZipRider @ Grindelwald"

ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:46:48 GMT

This has just opened in Grindelwald. The First Flyer originated in the USA where it is known as a Zip Rider.

The First Flyer gives four people the chance to simultaneously yet independently, glide through the air on a length of cable about 800 metres long, at speeds of up to 84km/h.

In effect the construction is four parallel Tyroliennes, which link the starting and finishing platforms without supporting masts. Guests sit in a special harness which is very similar to that used for paragliding. The harness is attached to a safe roller mechanism.

I'll be giving that a go in January!! :P :shock:

http://www.ziprider.com/video-gallery/snowbird/index.html

ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:54:14 GMT

getjim wrote:This has just opened in Grindelwald. The First Flyer originated in the USA where it is known as a Zip Rider.

The First Flyer gives four people the chance to simultaneously yet independently, glide through the air on a length of cable about 800 metres long, at speeds of up to 84km/h.

In effect the construction is four parallel Tyroliennes, which link the starting and finishing platforms without supporting masts. Guests sit in a special harness which is very similar to that used for paragliding. The harness is attached to a safe roller mechanism.

I'll be giving that a go in January!! :P :shock:

http://www.ziprider.com/video-gallery/snowbird/index.html

heaps of fun for sure :D

but I would point out that it's odd that they originate in the US and yet the construction is made up of "Tyroliennes" :D I think they've had some some Hollywood copy writers there :D The difference is those sit harnesses which unless I'm entirely wrong originate in the working at height access industry and are also used to enable disabled to have a go at things like zip lines and abseiling.

anyway, loads of fun, is it open in the winter though?

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:02:04 GMT

Yep. Opens 20th December. Most of the text is pasted from the Grindelwald website so I think a bit of literary license has been used in the descriptors.

Looking at the Zip Rider site it looks like the seats and their harness system are patented but they do look like a working at height type seat.
There's a self braking system fitted as well. :shock: so it's a totally hands free sytem, just open the gate and off you go.

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:19:06 GMT

getjim wrote:Yep. Opens 20th December. Most of the text is pasted from the Grindelwald website so I think a bit of literary license has been used in the descriptors.

Looking at the Zip Rider site it looks like the seats and their harness system are patented but they do look like a working at height type seat.
There's a self braking system fitted as well. :shock: so it's a totally hands free sytem, just open the gate and off you go.

brilliant, bring back photo's :D

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:35:47 GMT

One of the papers did a bit on this :

http://www.20min.ch/ro/news/suisse/story/25669496

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:34:38 GMT

Thanks for that ise. I'll be there 10th Jan, can't wait. :P

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:49:43 GMT

They actually have one of those over the cliff tops in The Isle of Whight.

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:51:56 GMT

Ahh but can you ski on the IOW?

Re:ZipRider @ Grindelwald

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:34:02 GMT

getjim wrote:Ahh but can you ski on the IOW?

No definately not........but would be wonderful if you could :lol: