Backyard Rollercoaster with a loop- COOLEST THING I'VE EVER MADE-EP14

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 @CoasterStudios 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!

[@CoolestThing]

UPDATE! Our friends over @coasterstudios have a new video on the current state of the Blue Flash! Check it out here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZfWanummZJob9k

[@mackmcmillan9905]

Humility and sheer force of will. That's the kind of person who built it all... Intelligence isn't a sheet of paper from a party school.

[@TheLifePhoenix]

Beautifully said!

[@ShawnD1012]

"Blue Flash cost me... $1,500" Me: just figured out how to spend my stimulus.

[@RaptorAlex]

What a shame. I've ridden Blue Flash and Blue Too several times. The last time I did, John told me he was considering selling Blue Flash. He also recently lowered the weight limit from 200 pounds to 150 because the track was seeing so much wear. These coasters are part of roller coaster lore and history, and I am going to miss them. Funny story: When John was building Blue Flash, he wasn't sure the train would make it through the loop. He decided to test it with only the lift, drop and loop completed. He put sandbags in the seat and sent it up the lift. It didn't make it through the loop, and the sandbags flew out, so he strapped himself in and went for a ride. He went through the loop. Only because the track wasn't done, he crashed into the grass. But he knew it would clear the loop, and he built the rest of the ride. Thanks for making this video.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for watching! I've seen a couple of yours as well, nice stuff! I sent it to John and Sharon and they loved it as well, which means a lot to me. Such a nice couple. Cheers - Guy

[@oneandonlysound3453]

Coolest thing is they have actually both been sold to a buyer who built a support area for the part over the barn and is trying to get permitted to let more people ride both of them as they now have been relocated to a place that also includes a very old classic ferris wheel. They shall live on for many years to come.

[@katiehession2355]

That ending totally made me tear up! 😭

[@CoolestThing]

Katie Hession It gets emotional, should have warned you! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewschannel4259]

@@CoolestThing I'm wondering if he retired them because of structural problems.

[@danielle4971]

Railfan Andrew well obviously

[@TacoStacks]

I am insanely jealous.

[@CoolestThing]

As am I! Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@ddd1hhh]

It’s Taco!! Hey Taco!! Hope you’re doing well!!

[@timeckelmann1196]

Build your own it is not difficult or complicated. Most are willing to put in the effort. All you really need in the way of tools is a chop saw and a mig welder.

[@luke2042]

I love this guys attitude

[@ppipowerclass]

I had heard that John was going to retire it a while back. This guy is an amazing human. We could all aspire to be as humble and just an overall good person like he is. He may not be a " world traveler ", but he IS world famous!

[@CoolestThing]

For sure! He is such a good hearted man. Thanks for watching! Cheers - Guy

[@a13zombieslayer]

Looks safe...but fun

[@saraliz241]

The fact that this is 11 minutes away from me(and has been for my whole life) and I never got to go and ride it is devastating🥺

[@triple7marc]

The ride was saved!! Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZfWanummZJob9k

[@saraliz241]

Marc W. Wow! Thanks for letting me know!

[@duncanevy]

Been by it a hundred times myself and never rode it. I'm about 35 min from it but I used to see it all the time going to Terre Haute.

[@harryhonsoo3255]

More people like him and his wife we need em!

[@jeffreyruschjr6248]

As I recall a "homemade" water slide....built to be the tallest and fastest.....was slinging people into the air even decapitated a kid...."HOMEMADE" THEME PARKS ARE 100%ILLEGAL

[@peterchristensen9585]

I want a neighbors like that! What a cool couple.

[@mbgrafix]

Blessings to you and your wife!

[@robertwallace5498]

John is such an awesome and wholesome guy. Very inspiring to see him build something so cool, and he was so casual about it!

[@cnc4243]

Please make more videos like these

[@ioanatodosia4602]

Cutest and Coolest Grandpa alive or what

[@CoolestThing]

Ioana Todosia Yes!!!

[@Nicovanzylfed]

John is an exceptional human being.

[@chessie2003]

I'm definitely disappointed that I never got the chance to ride the world's most famous homemade roller coasters. Still, I'm glad John was able to share his incredible work with so many people.

[@CoolestThing]

Us too! I didn't get to ride it either (I was ever so slightly over the weight limit). I did get to ride Blue Too though and it was quite the thrill even for a kiddie ride. Thanks for watching! Cheers - Guy

[@R7A8w2e9T3S7]

Hey, I got to ride it in August

[@CoolestThing]

Sweet!

[@itsgoff]

@4:15, Nike Air Monarch IV representing

[@bradleyrupska4988]

I live in St Petersburg Florida now. Heather and I moved down in 2018. Heather and I where born and raised in Terre Haute, IN. I always wondered the story of this backyard rollercoaster!! I am a Electrician so, I have worked in Southern Indiana for a long time!!! I am sorry I never stopped by to look at the coasters or ride them!! I will tell you!!!! I always looked fro 41 at the coasters and wandered why and how!!! Thank you so much

[@shuggarbhabewomensworkwear9565]

What a wonderful story!!!! TFS!!!!!

[@ChrisB257]

All best John & Sharon - what a great way you have embellished other's lives. Congrats on the 46 years - and many more. :)

[@CoolestThing]

ChrisB257 I will pass that on! Thanks for watching! Cheers, Guy

[@NicoliRavioli117]

Wish I could’ve ridden this. Looks so cool. This guy is the coolest grandpa ever.

[@CoolestThing]

Agreed! It was very cool. Me and my camera guy rode the kiddie one and it was a little rough. Lol. I was a little too heavy for the loop one though. Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@bauer0788]

I'd see this thing every single morning going to school. My folks built a house just down the road from him and it was always so cool to hear stories and such about this! So sad it isn't up anymore! :(

[@informed1436]

Omg I love the roller coaster family ……

[@doug2078]

Now there's two Cool people !!!!

[@1.4142]

He finally made the loop come true!

[@CoolestThing]

Did he ever! Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@triple7marc]

I see you were there with Alec and McKenzie!

[@carvinlambert6899]

Sharon, you two are great! He's a cool dude!

[@CoolestThing]

For sure! They were so great to film with. Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@TheOfficialCzex]

What a legend! That's absolutely amazing. More power to you, John.

[@CoolestThing]

TheOfficialCzex he was such a good dude to film with too. Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@Jesus-bc1hw]

At 2:30 you can see the unfinished track and the guy riding it like it's nbd lol made me laugh a lot! An awesome project!!!

[@Siirmixalot]

That is awesome.

[@johnkelly3939]

대단한 할아버지일세

[@delboytrotter8806]

Coolio......... This is the feel good channel.

[@bodipsypha]

What a great story!

[@BREDATOR1]

He called it 'the blue flash' after his pants.....lucky it wasn't called 'the Brown flash!' Imagine taking the first ride!.......brilliant stuff.

[@ScratchGlass9]

What a cool Papa !!! Good love, great wife, wonderful life !!!. Some of us are really happy. FJB.

[@rprescott4284]

So glad to see a post from you. Love your content... please post more!!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you! Will do! More coming up! Cheers- Guy

[@whowantsmymeat]

Next one he builds "The Blue Waffle"

[@clyptic8932]

This remind me of the scene from All the bright places, such a great movie

[@estelapereyra2924]

I am from Argentina. I will miss you! I looked many times your videos! :'-( Good luck forever! And thanks for the funny moments that your videos gave me!

[@CoolestThing]

Gracias Estela! Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@EclipseOfMusicDJ]

At least they’re still able to be ridden now. They were sold to Haunted Hoochie in Columbus Ohio. Coaster Studios has a video up about that. I wish I would’ve gotten a chance to ride them sooner so that I could’ve talked with John about them. I’m a carny, so seeing any homemade rides is interesting nonetheless and I always love hearing the stories behind them.

[@CoolestThing]

That's awesome! Thanks for letting us know! Cheers- Guy

[@MisterBubbaMan]

This is gonna be me when i grow old

[@johnbuckley8721]

Amazing

[@snoek1971]

So awesome!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@CoolestThing]

It is super amazing! A little bumpy to ride, but very fun. Thanks for watching! Cheers - Guy

[@rigilchrist]

Wow.

[@CoolestThing]

It's quite incredible. Thanks for watching! More cool epsiodes coming up later this year! Cheers- Guy

[@BLYTOO]

good i lov it omg

[@Kaptainator]

It was sad driving by a few weeks ago and not seeing the coasters there. They have been there as long as I can remember.

[@Kaptainator]

@@nimpbl3494 I know, but I can't drive 500 miles just to see it.

[@laykantheealien5722]

I LOVE HIM

[@CoolestThing]

He's awesome for sure! Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@LawnStars]

Sweet

[@CoolestThing]

They were super nice for sure! Cheers- Guy

[@breadboi3334]

this reminds me of Phineas and Ferb

[@MrKawaiiKing]

👑Didn't the book All The Bright Places mention this homemade mini roller coaster?👑

[@CoolestThing]

Yes it did! It's the one!

[@jordanlarson6488]

amazing

[@CoolestThing]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching! Cheers - Guy

[@triple7marc]

All The Bright Places featured a roller coaster that was meant to be this, but the one featured in the movie is actually just a replica. The coaster in the movie has the same layout, but the track type is different (much more sturdy and more like a real roller coaster that you’d find in an amusement park).

[@ronduff4325]

I remember seeing this on Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations . Mike about broke his neck ! The loop de loop is the neck hazard .

[@gegegenokitaro]

John)I'm done. Smithsonian)Hold my beer. That thing has written USA all over it.

[@johnnyc.5979]

I love these videos you make. So positive and inspiring, and makes me realize what an idiot I am.

[@johnnyc.5979]

Joking of course, but the videos are great.

[@CoolestThing]

Lol! Thanks so much! More videos coming up so make you feel inadequate. lol! Cheers - Guy

[@michaelwells5320]

Legend

[@chooch1995]

Those would be 'positive' G's, my friend! Remember - if you're getting pressed into your seat, it's a positive, if you're getting lifted out of your seat, it's negative.

[@chooch1995]

@@carterarris1108 - actually, that's not true. As you're sitting here you're being subjected to 1 'G'. The 'G' we're referring to stands for gravity. While on the earth's surface at rest, we experience 1 'G', not negative 9.81m/s.

[@triple7marc]

carter arris When talking about roller coasters, negative G’s are airtime... as in coming out of your seat. Positive G’s are getting pushed down in your seat.

[@triple7marc]

carter arris I know what I’m talking about. Just stop. I know that in physics ”pushing you down” is negative, but WHEN TALKING ABOUT ROLLER COASTERS, positive G’s are pushing you down and negative G’s are pulling you up.

[@chooch1995]

I see our resident genius 'carter arris' has pulled his comments........hmmmm.........

[@triple7marc]

@@chooch1995 Perhaps he Googled it... just like he told us to do.

[@anitawells3705]

Smile Jesus loves you John three sixteen ❤❤❤❤❤ awesome video ❤

[@TrautsEwol]

He sounds like boomhower from king of the hill

[@shreever9473]

This inspires me to build my own roller coaster. I don't care what the government says about it

[@CoolestThing]

Lol! Good luck and be safe. Cheers! Guy

[@freedomfries6618]

I am pretty sure I would die if I rode this thing.

[@fdhdd102]

He should have sold them to a park and painted them up

[@chrisgouger9299]

Looks safer than the rides at coney island...

[@newq]

Man, I just know that someday one of my stupid projects is gonna snowball like this and I'll accidentally get famous. It seems like the shortcut to that path is to not try to do it, just do something that makes you happy and others will notice!

[@CoolestThing]

You got it! Keep up the stupid projects! Thanks for watching! Cheers, Guy

[@nicholasson4186]

Imagine being the one person that disliked this video

[@CoolestThing]

Lol! Can't please 'em all.

[@ranestorypictures1738]

Always a joyless loser

[@theChef1337]

Roller coaster video: Me: ok. I’ll watch

[@Charlies_Factory]

What an idiot

[@CoolestThing]

Glad you did! Cheers - Guy

[@CoolestThing]

Huge thanks to John and Sharon for having us and best of luck with their next chapter! More episodes of cool things coming up! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit the BELL button to get notified when we upload again. Cheers- Guy

[@lisamarie7851]

Jealous of the coaster and true love 😭😭😭

[@schildknaap_van_gent]

you are an engineer to be honest

[@truckupgf]

I'm sure his homeowners insurance had a lot to do with him shutting it down.

[@WarrenGarabrandt]

The whole time I was watching it I couldn't help but wonder how he ever got his home owners insurance to sign off on that.

[@AkiraAlexisSoyra]

If he lived in my house... He would’ve cried of joy... There’s 3 different roller coasters for 7 of us, the size of the extreme ones in a regular theme park... It was a great times back then, nowadays, I rarely speak to my family... 🥺

[@MurrayHerts]

That loop looks like whiplash

[@SwashbuckleGames]

Phineas and Ferb IRL

[@tabel4844]

I remember seeing this from the road and thinking, "Only in Southern Indiana.." 😂

[@sbsb7845]

Looks like Health and Safety told them to close it down. And they did

[@LetsGooo]

Do you have a source for this info?

[@coreyburkhardt1819]

This is incorrect. This family is my ex's grandparents.

[@CoolestThing]

Nope, it wasn't them. It was John and Sharon who chose to shut it down.

[@tectonicD]

Kids around there think he’s the coolest guy in the world

[@ericpl7227]

The scary part is, this coaster is probably safer than the "amusement park" ones!

[@vilmfilm]

what? lol

[@davidsomers]

Whiplash heaven 🙈😂

[@spikeshostagetv5935]

I wonder how he tested it to make sure it was safe? But its damn bad ass

[@CoolestThing]

Spikes Hostage TV I think he literally strapped himself in and made sure it made the loop. You can see in one of the photos the loop just extends into the grass. When he knew the loop worked, he finished the rest. Thanks for watching! Cheers, Guy

[@spikeshostagetv5935]

@@CoolestThing yea. Always. Do what you do man that's best for you. keep up the channel man hope you blow bigger

[@CoolestThing]

Spikes Hostage TV thanks so much!

[@AkiraAlexisSoyra]

Cool roller coaster! I miss riding them... My spinal issues prevent me from ever going on one ever again... 😭

[@katymendes3238]

Is this the same rollercoaster from “all the bright places”?

[@CoolestThing]

It is!

[@nabri-nfg3262]

All these people are old What does that tell you Life expirence could do anything for you

[@indecay8756]

it tells me they have time and money

[@CoolestThing]

Well, time anyway. A lot of the people I visit live quite modestly but find creative ways to get it done. I think John said he spent $1500 on the first coaster and bought steel piece by piece from his former employer. Thanks for watching! Cheers - Guy

[@ijustpostedth1s724]

Pardon me for saying so, this guy sounds like Bill Dauterive's more articulate brother. Great job on the coaster tho. Well done.

[@filipkunilo9183]

Just metal these days even disposable would cost thirty times as much sadly :S

[@anorangewithacapybaraunder2370]

I can build a house with 2 cards.

[@bobdylan1968]

Lmao "I didnt use anyyyy math". Well. Seems pretty proud of that one.

[@CoolestThing]

Lol! Well, she works!

[@skateman3846]

Gavurlarrr

[@sighaddie9767]

The only place there are people like this is indiana, everyone here’s a little bit crazy...

[@Akira2304]

Who’s here from all the bright places🥺😭

[@sirdanielwatlingsmbe5625]

Has it been demolished or is it sbno?

[@CoolestThing]

Apparently it's no longer there, not sure if he sold it or if it went to scrap.

[@A_A610]

Bad news: Both rides were dismantled Good news: Both rides were dismantled because they were purchased by a Halloween haunted house owner in Ohio and rebuilt on his property, with the intent of getting them cleared to operate for the public during the Halloween season.

[@CoolestThing]

@@A_A610 Just the video! Great news! Thanks for letting me know! Cheers- Guy

[@itzchrono7773]

Is this Phineas and Ferb?

[@jordanrader9281]

1500 dam shouldve done that when I had my 10 thousand But see dad you van make a thrill ride for 1 million or less

[@christianbible7351]

Very Cool, but I would never put any other person on it especially a kid unless I wanted to get sued , because if something broke or they get hurt, That would be bad very bad

[@triple7marc]

Pretty sure nobody has gotten hurt on this thing since it opened in 2001 (or earlier).

[@vinillamaxilla6843]

They* built it.

[@jeffbrooks3813]

Just went by today January 25th 2020 the blue Flash and the blue Flash too are both gone I just about wrecked my truck they both were there last Saturday

[@CoolestThing]

Oh man, heartbreaking. They had a good run though. Thanks for letting me know. Cheers - Guy

[@jeffbrooks3813]

@@CoolestThing if I go back by next weekend I will stop and get some pictures of the empty place it's sad

[@x4v]

2020 update but this was posted 2019... hmmm

[@CoolestThing]

Well, it's technically the "latest" update, and 2019 update in 2020 just doesn't sound right. lol

[@MATTHEW3438]

Both the Blue Flash and Blue Too have been saved and have received new leases on life. Check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZfWanummZJob9k

[@CoolestThing]

Great news! Thanks for the link!