A visitor from Redmond played out the delicate dance between caution and risk Tuesday when he put down his money to be the first person on the Southeast Portland amusement-park ride that just days earlier had malfunctioned, leaving riders suspended high up off the ground.

Oaks Amusement Park made national news on its opening day last Friday when AtmosFEAR, a pendulum ride that uses gravity and momentum to make a 360-degree loop, got stuck at the apex.

Photos posted on social media showed 28 thrill-seekers strapped into their seats with their heads pointing toward the ground. At least one lawsuit has been filed.

In a statement Tuesday, a spokesperson for Oaks Park said the ride’s manufacturer, Zamperla, had completed an inspection and found nothing wrong.

“No mechanical, technical or maintenance issues were found,” spokesperson Emily MacKay wrote. “Software data reflects that the incident was not the result of operator error. A state-qualified independent inspector has also performed a full inspection, clearing the ride to resume operation immediately.”

For the ride’s return Tuesday, the amusement park turned off the 360-degree mode and offered riders 180-degree and 260-degree options.

But at first it wasn’t clear anyone would dare step aboard.

People stopped in front of the gargantuan AtmosFEAR to take photos but shook their heads when asked if they planned to ride it.

Then, up stepped Joe Bray, 44, who was visiting the park with his family. He knew all about the malfunction.

“Not scared at all,” he said. “With all the attention, I’m sure the park’s insurance company wouldn’t even let them think about opening it until it was safe.”

Two of his daughters, Harmon, 14, and Jubilee, 22, decided to join their father on the ride.

“My wife,” said Bray, “thinks I’m nuts.”

Cammie Bray, who watched from a distance, ready to record the ride on her cellphone camera, expected nothing less from her husband.

“He’s the first guy in line for anything crazy,” she said.

When the ride ended, Joe Bray walked over to his wife.

“Well,” she said, “you’re alive.”

Joe Bray smiled.

“It’s good you didn’t lose me,” he said. “There’s no insurance money.”

— Tom Hallman Jr. is a member of the public safety team. Reach him at 503 221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com