A thrill-seeking former Google executive is attempting to ride every rollercoaster in the UK in just over two weeks. Dean Stokes, 36, believes he will become the first person to achieve this extraordinary feat if he can conquer 120 coasters across 32 theme parks in 16 days.
The ambitious journey will start in Brighton and conclude at Thorpe Park. Stokes worked for five years at Google before leaving the corporate world to set up his own technology training business, having grown tired of being unable to try new things.
YouTube adventure gains momentum
The former UK head of Google for Education has launched his own YouTube channel as part of his new venture. His videos about the planned rollercoaster challenge have already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times across social media platforms.
Stokes, from Brighton in East Sussex, shared his plan with former Google colleague Simon Fasolo, 44. Despite hating rollercoasters himself and refusing to join his friend on the rides, Fasolo decided the trip would be a great way to explore the country.
Brighton start for epic challenge
The duo will begin their quest at Brighton Palace Pier, home to the Crazy Mouse and Turbo rollercoasters. According to the route map on the deanrides.com website, they hope to conquer four parks and eight rides by the end of the first day.
"I've ridden over 100 rollercoasters in around 25 different theme parks across 10 different countries," Stokes said. "But I still haven't actually ridden loads of rollercoasters in the UK, so I just thought, why not?"
Corporate escape fuels passion project
Stokes explained his motivation for leaving the corporate world: "One of the reasons I left was to have a bit more variety in the work that I do and so starting the YouTube channel on the tech side was part of that." He added that if he was going to create a completely different channel, it would focus on rollercoasters and theme parks because he's such a big fan.
The challenge includes every rollercoaster classified as a thrill or extreme ride, avoiding family and children's attractions. "As far as I know, I think I'll be the first person to do it - the only person mad enough to do it," he said.
Social media support grows
Stokes remains open to suggestions from his social media followers for additional tasks within the challenge. The pair have booked around half their hotels and plan to travel by hire car, though delays and unforeseen issues could create stress during the journey.
"I think it's going to be quite a lot of stress at points, but I'm looking forward to it overall," he said. "On social media, I realised it was really resonating with people."
Theme park enthusiasm spreads
Stokes believes people want to have fun but are often too scared to pursue their passions, especially as adults. "There's this whole community out there that loves theme parks, whether they're proper enthusiasts or just people that like going in the summer with their family, and they are now really excited to follow my progress," he said.
One follower commented that the challenge represents "the UK theme park enthusiast's dream". The adventure will take them across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with plans to drive to Dublin for additional rides in the Republic of Ireland.
Historic parks feature in route
Stokes is particularly excited to support independent amusement parks and visit historic seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, which is over 100 years old. He has requested permission to film for his YouTube, TikTok and Facebook channels, with several theme parks offering free tickets.
"A lot of the parks have come back to me and are really on board with the whole idea," he said. "I need the good summer weather to continue, as I've only packed shorts and T-shirts, and one jacket."
Future challenges already planned
Looking ahead, Stokes is already considering his next adventure once the UK challenge is complete. "I think the natural next step would be to choose another country and do the same," he said.
Germany's world-class theme parks represent one possibility, whilst Japan's attractions also appeal to him. "But I'll do well to finish this challenge first," he acknowledged.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
