If your biggest complaint about amusement parks is that the rides are too fast, thrilling, and automated, prepare to be dazzled by the bicycle-powered attractions at the Gunma Cycle Sports Center.
The park, found in Minakami, a town in Japan's Gunma prefecture, is comprised solely of bike-themed rides such as a cycling monorail and Rolling Thunder, one of the world's only pedal-powered roller coasters. By all accounts the rides are a blast, despite the need to have your tetanus shots and knee cartilage in order before entering the park.
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Now that we're starting to see pedaling incorporated into more practical applications, like phone chargers and breweries, I'd love to see an idea like a bicycle-themed park take off in the US—albeit with a few more updates and polish. Take a virtual tour with this video guide to Gunma’s bike rides and oddities.
