From: Downhill Ruckus
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Where: Columbia, MO

NEW DOWNHILL THRILL ROLLS INTO COLUMBIA

Local adrenalin junkies can now get their fix at the new amusement attraction at the Midway Expo Center this fall. Downhill Ruckus offers thrill seekers the experience known as zorbing; a ride downhill inside an enormous inflatable ball.The ball, appropriately dubbed the “Ruckus Sphere,” stretches over eleven feet in diameter. The riders enter this human-sized hamster ball through a narrow tunnel. The inner chamber is connected to the outer shell by hundreds of small ropes. Air is inflated in between, which provides a two-foot air cushion that protects the riders from the ground. There are two options for your trip downhill, sliding or spinning. Just add water, and the Ruckus Sphere is converted into a rolling water slide. This version, called the Hydro Ride, is an invigorating experience. The riders enter with a dive through the tunnel and splash into approximately 15 gallons of water. The slippery interior allows the occupants to slide down the hill as the sphere rotates around them. This can be enjoyed by children as young as eight years old. Aspiring astronauts will love the Harness Ride; an intense adrenaline rush that allows one or two riders to be securely buckled into a harness to be rolled head-over-heels. The ground and the sky go zipping past as the rider is subjected to feelings of weightlessness and g-force. The harness ride is restricted to those who are at least twelve years old and 52 inches in height.Downhill Ruckus opened their flagship site in Osage Beach in May 2009. The Columbia location can be found at the Midway Expo Center, across from Fearfest Haunted House. Rides begin at $20 for solo riders, $35 for tandem riders. Rides will be available on Saturday afternoons from 11am to 5pm until Thanksgiving, and on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7pm to midnight until Halloween. Thrill seekers can also schedule rides at others times by calling (573) 999-1271. Zorbing originated in New Zealand and has grown popular in Europe. The United States was introduced to zorbing in 2007. Downhill Ruckus operates one of only a few zorbing parks in the country.Downhill Ruckus is the sole U.S. partner of the high-end, German manufacturer of zorbing products, Downhill Revolution. Brandon Arnold, owner, explains, “Cheaper zorbing products were available from China, but lacked vital safety features which we believe would result in injuries to riders. Safety is our number one concern.” Downhill Ruckus also provides sphere rental by the hour for off-site and corporate events. Clients have used them for company picnics, team building exercises, birthday parties, project graduations and much more. Contact them at info@downhillruckus.com for more information and to make arrangements tailored for your specific needs.# # #