Piston-mediated motion dampening system

An amusement ride, comprising:

• a zip line;
• a passenger carriage slideably coupled to the zip line;
• first and second tubular elements spaced apart from each other, the zip line extending between the first and second tubular elements, wherein each of the first and second tubular elements defines an enclosed internal channel;
• first and second pistons positioned within and movable along the internal channels of the first and second tubular elements, respectively;
• a tension member extending between the first and second tubular elements, wherein the tension member is coupled to the first and second pistons;
• and
• a stop bracket coupled to the tension member between the first and second tubular elements, and slideably coupled to the zip line, the stop bracket being configured to engage the passenger carriage of the amusement ride, wherein engagement between the stop bracket and the passenger carriage moves the first and second pistons along the internal channels of the first and second tubular elements, respectively.

A method for dampening motion of a passenger carriage along a zip line, the method comprising:

• positioning a tension member in a path of a moving passenger carriage;
• engaging the moving passenger carriage with the tension member;
• pulling a piston within an enclosed tubular element and coupled to the tension member in response to the moving passenger carriage engaging the tension member;
• and
• compressing a compressible substance within the enclosed tubular element as the piston is pulled within the enclosed tubular element, wherein compression of the compressible substance dampens motion of the piston and the moving passenger carriage.