Hell Ride `97
Ingredients:
  • 24 frosh
  • 3.5 tons of concrete
  • 900 lbs. of steel
  • $300 of lumber
  • Room 5'8"
  • 2 sofas
  • 4 Mountain Dews
  • 2 Dr. Peppers
  • 1 bag of Funnions
  • 400 watts of Wagner
Combine over a period of three weeks to produce an 80+ minute audio extravaganza.


Supplies in Purgatory Learning from the mistakes of previous classes, study and preparation for Hell Ride `97 began well in advance. Construction commensed during spring break with the demolition of Interhovse over spring break. It proceeded smoothly with the exception of the unwanted involvement of the Administration, which resulted in the slight changing of plans.

The final date corresponded with Movie Weekend which conveniently gave the upperclassmen something to do while they waited for the music to begin. Hell sealed itself off from the rest of the world around 10:00 Sunday night and the final preparations began. Work continued inward as Nicholas Breen, Ryan Cox, and myself completed the door barricade on what had once been my room and closed ourselves into the Vault.

Nick amidst concrete Safety percautions included two fire extinguishers, pliers and screwdrivers, hammers and a pry bar to tunnel out into an ajoining room in an emergency, fans for adequate ventilation, and plently of ear protection. Everything else was left the the invaders.

Finally, the music began. At first, it was almost peaceful. We were done. All that was left was to wait, eat snacks, and keep a ride tally on the wall. We had no way to tell where or when the invasion would come.

The first sign of progress came from slow rythmic pulses in the floor. Upon further investigation, it was noted that the entire front wall of the room was also moving. The hallway had been entered. They were at the door.

This continued for an exceptionally long time. Then a second group began cutting their way down from Hyperspace through the top of the closet. They appeared tired, so we offered them Funnions.

The vault We continued watching the demolition of my closet until a note was passed in the window. The police had shown up and wanted the music to be turned off. We agreed with them and began our next challenge, getting out. After a few minutes of peeling back layers internal barricades, we made our way to the hole in the closet and dropped triumphant into a hallway full of people.

Our only error had been over-estimating the abilities of the upperclassmen. We had counted on them to find some way to demolish our defenses, but the Ride had played for 80 minutes and most of it was still untouched. Everyone set about cleaning up and I moved back into my room two months later. I don't think it can ever be the same after the Infinite Time Hell Ride, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

Nathan Schara
Frosh Work Chair 96-97
Blacker Hovse Damage Control

The front door Nathan cutting a steel plate


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