What do you think it would be like to ride on a roller coaster in an 9-ton car?

Try Highway 4 from Namiamo to Tofino in a motorhome pulling a compact car. At first an 8% grade feels very steep. Then comes the 14% grade! You almost feel like the seatbelt is the only thing keeping you from falling onto the windshield! Even a roller coaster lover like Iggy would have enjoyed this ride!

Did this roller coaster glide on ice-smooth rails? Nope. Lots of bumps and bounces and tight turns left then right. We used the brakes liberally because the lowest gear didn’t come close to holding the speed down. And down it had to stay, as they were not kidding with the 30 kph (kilometer per hour) signs — those corners really weren’t safe much above 20 mph!

Of course, sometimes the eyes could leave they highway. They were met with grand vistas of snow-capped peaks and mountain lakes, making it well worth the drive just for the scenery along the way — never mind the wonderful Pacific Rim park we were heading for!

Now, I’m sure you could find an 14% down grade in Kansas, though I’m guessing that it would be a short drop as you fall into a pothole in the highway. This northwest roller coaster sure has that beat!