Thursday, we launch The Voyage

It'll be a little crazy in the Thanksgiving section on Thursday.

The British are coming!

Last July when we announced The Voyage, I got back to my office and found about 25 voicemail messages waiting for me.

One was from my old pal Andy.

Andy is the founder of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain.

He was stoked.

Actually, hysterical is probably the more appropriate word.

Andy was talking so fast I truly couldn't understand him -- it sounded like the message was in fast-forward mode.

So I listened to a few other messages and then went back to the crazy one.

After about five replays, I finally recognized the voice.

Andy.

He was so excited about our announcement that he wanted to know if he could bring a group over for opening day.

A group of British citizens crossing the ocean blue in search of a new...coaster?

And freedom to...ride the most brilliant wooden coaster ever built?

Not quite the pilgrims, but close enough!

Ten months later and Andy is on his way. He and his group flew into Detroit this afternoon and are currently enroute to Santa Claus. They'll be driving half the night.

...just to be among the first to ride The Voyage.

Andy and I spoke again the other day. He told me he's bringing a group of 64.

And half of them have never been to the States before.

Call me crazy, but I found that to be rather humbling.

The news media is lined up. WFIE-TV starts out with live shots around 6:00 am CDT.

WSTO will broadcast live most of the morning.

News25 is bringing up a sat truck for live reports over the noon hour.

Thursday evening, some lucky contest winners will get to Ride with Ron.

And Channel 6 from Indy is coming, too. Others, no doubt, who will show up throughout the day.

Sorry we couldn't invite everyone to join us for the Launch. We'll be sure to post links to the articles and videos that are produced.

And you might even find a surprise or two waiting for you on our website Thursday morning.