The Women Who Fell In Love With Roller Coasters

You might think, "everyone loves rollercoasters!" And you'd be (almost) right - what's not to love about these funfair rides?

But some love the curves, the hard, shining steel, the graceful sweeping movements and the rhythmic bumping a lot more than the average! There are a handful of cases internationally of women who have strong romantic feelings towards rollercoasters, and who even consider themselves engaged or married to these iconic attractions.

For example, Gaëlle Engel did not fall for a man with piercing eyes or a charming smile; she fell head over heels for a large purple fairground ride named Gravity in a true whirlwind romance!

Gaëlle Engel - Floating on Cloud 9 with Gravity

The love story of Gaëlle and Gravity is not your everyday boy-meets-girl tale. The two first locked "eyes" at the Foire aux Plaisirs de Bordeaux in March 2021, and as fate would have it, returned to the very same spot to exchange their vows two years later in 2023. But the surprises don't end there. The couple shares a 'son,' the creatively named Cybernetik. Cybernetik isn't your typical child but a model rollercoaster crafted by Gaëlle herself.

As a talented model maker specialising in fairground rides, Gaëlle's attachment to objects isn't solely artistic. She identifies as an objectophile, someone who finds deep romantic and often even physical attraction in inanimate objects. While to many this may seem unconventional, Gaëlle finds solace, confidence, tenderness, love, and genuine happiness in Gravity's towering presence.

True love never did run smooth, and Gaëlle's relationship with Gravity is no exception. The roller coaster's touring nature means he's constantly on the move, hopping from one carnival to another all across France. Like a loyal partner, Gaëlle ensures she’s by his side, come rain or shine.

But Gravity is not the first thrill ride to have captured Gaëlle's heart: Sky Scream at the Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany was the first funfair attraction she fell in love with. Their love story spanned seven years but came to an abrupt halt in 2022 when the park authorities, uneasy with her profound feelings, barred her from visiting.

While Gaëlle's story might be a rollercoaster of emotions, she's not alone. The world is brimming with objectophiles who've professed their love for everything from graceful statues and magnificent bridges to iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower. Many even believe these objects possess souls, feelings, and distinct personalities.

She isn't even the only person who is in love with roller coasters! Amy Wolfe Weber has also gone public with her peculiar affectations - and who knows how many hidden rollercoaster-lovers might be out there?

Amy Wolfe Weber - Dizzy with Love for 1001 Nachts

Back in 2009, the then 39-year-old Amy made headlines when she joyfully announced her marriage to 1001 Nachts, a dazzling rollercoaster stationed at Knoebels Amusement Park. For Amy, this wasn't just a fleeting fascination. She had been infatuated with the funfair ride for a decade, marking her bond with over 3,000 rides. Such was her commitment that she adopted the surname 'Weber', tipping her hat to the ride's manufacturer.

Amy's heart has cherished numerous objects over the years - she's not just a one-rollercoaster woman! An accomplished church organist, she graces multiple churches across Pennsylvania with her music - sometimes falling in love with the objects she performs with. But 1001 Nachts is her soulmate, and when she can't be with it, she keeps a picture by her side - and some spare nuts and bolts from it close at hand.

But, as with all unique paths, Amy's journey hasn't been without hurdles. From misunderstandings to outright ridicule, Amy has faced them all. She confessed to losing both jobs and friends due to the 'widespread ignorance' surrounding objectophilia. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken.

Gaëlle's and Amy's passion for rollercoasters is a heartening testament to the endless possibilities of love. Love is love, after all, even if it's a couple of loops and turns off the beaten track!