Yes, they have an iFly in Yonkers. But…they also have one in Kansas City, and when in Kansas…well I like to think of it as my homage to Dorothy and that twister.
I was a little nervous to make the reservation, and I would’ve backed out if it weren’t for Suzanne’s gentle prodding. We had arrived in KCM (that’s Kansas City, Missouri for those of you uninformed) on our first day and were driving through Kansas on day two so it made sense to do this first thing in KCK (Kansas City, Kansas, again for those uninformed). Our appointment was at 10:00 am and after paying an extra $10 a head to get the “high fly” experience, the two of us joined a father and son for a five minute instructional video and subsequent quiz. We learned the restrictions to flying: no back trouble – check(ish), no history of heart trouble – check, must not be pregnant – check and double check, must weigh less than 300 lbs – check, no prior shoulder dislocation – check! Additionally, the sound in the tube is deafening, so there’s no speaking. You must know the hand signals for “chin up,” “legs out,” “legs bent,” and my favorite – “relax.” As if.
We got suited up in our fly suits and sat on the bench waiting to go into the giant tube. I pushed Suzanne to the head of the line. She did great! Then my turn. Our instructor Logan was a.) adorable and b.) simply adorable. He gently guided me into the tube and I was immediately inundated with hand signals. Keep your chin up. Straighten your legs. Relax. And then I flew.
Logan had hands on me most of the time, but…I FLEW! It was the shortest flight in the history of flying and it lasted forever and when I exited the tunnel it was actually graceful – a tremendous surprise. I was a bit jittery but felt good. Except for my shoulders. They felt like they were severely dislocated. Hmmm…no PRIOR dislocation, but this might just do it. I gave up my second “High Fly” flight to the young boy in our group so as not to spend the rest of our trip in traction. By the way – the boy accepted and said nothing. I hate when I have to prompt people to say “thank you.” But I did.
Suzanne did her second flight which included the high fly portion which meant she was able to go with the instructor higher up in the tube. She went up, up, up with Logan gingerly holding on. Seriously, if he hadn’t I’m convinced we’d have lost her.
If you’d like to see my flight video, click here.
It was fun. It was exhilarating. It was a little scary. But remember, I was scared on The Cyclone, so you judge.
Suggested by Rick and Trish Carpenter
Completed 9/12/17