Central Florida is getting a brand new “roller coaster” of sorts this weekend during a wild and wacky Red Bull competition in Altamonte Springs.
Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster presents an entertaining and twisty spectacle that involves decorated bikes and pairs of riders navigating an obstacle-filled track with water on either side. The event will make use of Cranes Roost Park on Saturday with an estimated attendance of more than 30,000 people.
After receiving more than 300 applications, Red Bull chose 30 teams (with two riders each) to navigate the course. They will be judged on their creativity, showmanship and distance by a panel of three judges: Orlando Magic legend Dwight Howard, Central Florida-based professional wakeboarder Meagan Ethell and social media creator Zack Fairhurst (@MaddZak).
“It’s definitely an honor to be on the judging panel, and I’m really excited to get out there this weekend and see all the different crafts and teams,” Ethell said. “Seeing this event make its U.S. debut got me really hyped. It’s very fitting to bring it to Central Florida, the roller coaster capital of the world.”
In Orlando, team names range from “Banana Bois” to “Daft Hunks” and “Golden-ish Girls” to “Monorail Mayhem.” Online voting for the People’s Choice Award shows bikes designed to look like a dragon, a shark, a fire truck, a DeLorean and an alligator.
The bike-centric challenge started in the Netherlands in 2023 with the name Stalen Ros, which translates to English as “Steel Horse.” Dozens of competitors went head-to-head to navigate obstacles like a drawbridge and cobblestones, blending artistic design with cycling skill.
Following the success of several European renditions, including “Kolo Molo” in Prague, “Sattelfest” in Germany, “Tandemkapen” in Sweden and “Vel’eau” in Belgium, Red Bull saw an opportunity to bring this event stateside.
Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates encouraged the community to come and see the spectacle in person.
“Whether you’re a competitor, a fan, a family or a first-time visitor, we are thrilled to have you join for a day filled with laughter, awe and excitement,” she said during a news conference announcing the event.
Renderings for Orlando’s roller coaster-inspired track show two humps immediately after the launch pad, then curved berms and a drop. The finish line and victory bell sit just beyond a water tunnel.
“It’s about fun and showmanship. There’s a little bit of competitiveness, but I think it’s mostly about the fun,” said Orlando-based professional wakeboarder and Red Bull athlete Guenther Oka. “To get your bike from point A to point B without falling in the water seems to be what will get a team the first-place prize, but I think along the way we’ll have some funny spills.”
A map shows the course layout for Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster, which lands at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs on Sept. 27. (Courtesy Red Bull)
Jay Zembower, chairman of the Seminole County Commission, said the event represents an exciting opportunity for the outdoor-centric community.
“Seminole County has built a national reputation for sports tourism and outdoor adventures. We’re known for world-class sports facilities, miles of scenic trails and a community that embraces bold ideas. Red Bull’s tandem rollercoaster fits that perfectly,” he said.
Orlando-based professional wakeboarder and Red Bull athlete Guenther Oka, left, stands with public officials, from left, Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower, Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates, Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, and Guilherme “Gui” Cunha, Seminole County’s director of economic development and tourism gather during a press event for Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster at Cranes Roost Park in Altamone Springs on Aug. 6. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, said this event adds to a growing tally of sporting events that bring visitors and tourism dollars to Seminole County.
“If you take a look at the activity in Seminole County over the last 10 years, we’ve had over 800 events with 1.6 million visitors and over $370 million in economic impact,” he said. “We’re so proud that so many sports organizations, including FIFA, NCA, WWE and MLS have hosted events in Seminole County, and we are really proud to add Red Bull to that portfolio.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
If you go
Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster has free admission with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the competition beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at 274 Cranes Roost Park Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. Tickets are not required to attend the event. The event will also be available for streaming on Red Bull’s YouTube channel starting at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. More information: redbull.com
