Summer Fun: Coaster Enthusiasts

Go ahead, approach the American Coaster Enthusiasts at an amusement park, and they’ll tell you straight up: They’re a bunch of nuts.

Founded nearly four decades ago (what?!), the group visits amusement parks across the country, and meets periodically throughout the year to preview new rides – yes, without lines. But Jeremy Murphy, ACE assistant regional rep, told me it wasn't all G force and amusement park margaritas. "We support the parks, we support preservation, and reconstruction, and historical memories of the parks. We like to enjoy ourselves as well as helping."

Except for this weekend, when ACE hosts its two biggest events of the year: consecutive conventions at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. Fiesta Fest, the first of the two, runs Friday-Saturday and centers around the opening of Batman: The Ride, which the park's billing as a "4D free fly."

It looks intimidating, but remember these are professionals here. Murphy's been a member since 1998. “It was back in the old newsgroup phase of the Internet,” he said. “I heard about it, met a couple of members out at Six Flags, and never looked back.”

The social aspect seems almost as important as the roller coasters themselves. After breaking in The Batman, members head to cool down at Schlittercon on Sunday (free Saturday admission available) for an early morning traipse through Dragon's Revenge and a late-night Comal float.

Events are open to ACE members and their guests only. To become a member visit www.aceonline.com to register. Dues are $60 per year, with multiple-year options.

Check back here next week, as your intrepid reporter is joining these nuts on their quest for the perfect coast – and will report back.

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The Austin Chronicle’s 2015 Summer Fun Issue hit the stands Thursday, May 14. Read more Summer Fun stories at austinchronicle.com/summer-fun.