For the first time in a long time the temperature is in the double digits, it’s partly cloudy so the operations team forgoes the usual sunburn that comes from the morning meeting. The department heads churn out the usual information to everyone, hours, attendance guesstimates, news, sports, weather, and the occasional ride incident report. For the last four months this team has assembled in this very same spot, preparing to do battle in an arena filled with hostile guest and dangerous machinery. Thinking back to the start of this season I am reminded that I didn’t trust some of these people to operate a toaster. Yet, with some training and guidance and a whole lot of experience, they are now confidently and safely operating a $15 million piece of hardware. For the department trainers, the fruits of their labor are on full display here. These truly are some of the best ride operators we have ever had.
