The beginnings of the roller coaster were in 15th Century Russia. Large ice slides were constructed of wood, and people would climb up steps before riding to the bottom. The popularity of these slides caught on in other countries, and by the 1700s, slides began appearing that didn't need ice. There were even attempts to build loop coasters as early as the 1840s.

Some people in particular deserve special mention for their contribution to rollercoasters. John Miller popularized the practice of track banking - tilting the track on its side around turns - and designed and built more than 100 rollercoasters.

And in 1927, Harry Traver, who usually designed flat rides, designed his famous roller coaster, the Cyclone, at Crystal Beach, Ontario. Traver believed that the public was ready for an extreme thrill ride - he certainly gave them one. The Cyclone was probably the roughest ride ever built. It was so common for passengers to leave battered and bruised that a first-aid post was situated at the exit platform to treat broken ribs and snapped collarbones!

Fortunately, rollercoasters have just kept getting better! Let's check out some of the greatest rollercoasters in operation today.

Thrill Ride starts with a warning "The following persons are urged to take caution before boarding this site: Expectant mothers…Persons with bad backs…Persons with neck injuries…" A familiar and ominous warning, but seriously, this site is a MUST SEE.

If it's photos you're after, visit here. Photographer Joe Schwartz brings you over 200 great photos.

So what did banking mean? Can you still remember? The world of rollercoasters has a whole series of jargon. Become an expert on the coaster lingo today. This site offers explanations of terms, jargon, abbreviations, definitions - just what is a "boomerang" and watch out for "camel backs". There's also a link to books and magazines about coasters.

If you think you have a great concept for a new ride, check out the Rollercoaster Design Contest. This site also has tips on speed, motion and other directives you might want to know before you start your design.

If you really think you know your coasters AND your movies, take this short quiz, e.g., in what movie did Eddie Cantor get chased around the Long Beach Pike and on the Cyclone Racer?

"The number of rollercoasters peaked at about 1,500 in the early 1900s but by 1960's had dropped to just a few hundred. Today, there are approximately 700 coasters worldwide. One of the fundamental goals of American Enthusiasts Homepage is to ensure that roller coasters will be around for future generations to enjoy.

Here you can find out more about Six Flags Theme Parks, including Six Flags over Texas, Magic Mountain, Waterworld, Astroworld, Hurricane Harbor, etc. Riddler's Revenge, the world's largest and fastest stand-up roller coaster was launched at Six Flags Magic Mountain on April 1st. One of the nice features of this site is you can watch a video of the rides. And don't forget to check into the availability of jobs this year or season passes.

Not dizzy yet? Still coming back for more? To wrap up this tour, grab a ticket, climb aboard and hold on tight for Tim Melago's Directory of Amusement Parks and Roller Coaster links - you're in for a great ride!