Chasing the Wind

I had my first flight since returning to New England on Wednesday.  I really needed to do something active outdoors after sitting around watching it rain for over a week but I didn't want to re-injure or retard the healing of my shoulder.  That is why I dragged my feet when JJ called all excited about flying at Mount Ascutney.  I just knew the "death march" into launch would be pushing my shoulder too far.  Luckily, at least it seemed like it at the time, the morning forecast showed Mount Greylock (with a very short walk into launch) might be a better choice since the forecast called for very light winds from the east.  I added Peter J to the call and he was also in favor of skipping the long hike.  After adding in PK's moaning about his shoulder and Randy's sore muscles, we "settled" on Greylock for the day.

John B called to say he was coming as I was leaving to pick up Randy and JJ.  He didn't want us to wait, but we ended up picking him up along Route 2 after taking longer than expected to gather the other pilots.  Of course, we kept questioning our "decision" all the way there.  We could have used some maple syrup to go along with all the waffling.

We met Peter, PK, and Gary at the top.  Unfortunately, it was blowing down on launch.  We waited for launchable cycles that never came.  Time for plan B.  It was too late to make the 2 hour drive to Mount Ascutney, but we discussed Petersburg Pass before settling on the Mohawk Trail across the valley.  Lucky for us, it was trickling in nicely when we arrived at launch so I lead the way back to the cars for my glider.

New glider in New England for first time

John

The Mohawk Trail is only about 700 feet (213 m) above the LZ, so it can be difficult to get up on a no-wind day.  Peter needed to leave early, so he didn't waste any time suiting up to go.

Peter

He managed to get above launch and hung on for awhile but eventually settled into the LZ below.  PK was next.  His flight was similar to Peter's up to the point he was about to start his landing approach.  He snagged a weak thermal and, with us cheering on launch, managed to climb away.  JJ was next.  He briefly got above launch but was soon wiggling into the LZ.  Randy launched into the best cycle of the day.  He got above the ridge and managed to hold on.  I was next.  John pointed out a hawk climbing down the ridge to the left, but the wind was too cross on launch.  Every time I had a good launch cycle, Randy and/or PK were right above or in front of me.  Of course, every time they were climbing away, it was 90-degree cross.  Sigh.  I finally ran off in a reasonable cycle while Randy was overhead and climbed above the ridge.

Randy and I shared some climbs and one disorganized climb lower on the ridge where Randy finally said he had enough and went to land.  I played with the birds that were also struggling to get up while PK floated far overhead at 5000 feet (1500 m).  The highest I got was 3400 feet (1000 m), about 1500 feet (450 m) above launch.  John launched and soared a bit before landing.  I flew for about an hour before leaving for the LZ; no need to stress the shoulder.  PK landed shortly after I did.

John and Randy

We packed up and stopped for dinner on the way home.  JJ later pointed out that the amount of airtime a pilot got was directly proportional to their physical discomfort.  Um.  ;-)

We interrupted a couple in a truck when we pulled into the in the dark parking were we left John's car.  We had a good laugh at their expense after they composed themselves and drove away.

I was tired of tying and untying gliders by the time I got home; I had tied and untied the straps eight times!    Maybe the season around here is finally underway.

Flights: 1, Duration: 0:51

Spring Training Wrap-up

I'm back home watching a cold rain fall from a featureless gray expanse overhead.  It is hard to believe that a few days ago I was in the middle of the "best east coast flying" I've ever seen.  I picked the perfect time for an extended flying safari.  I flew at Wallaby Ranch, Quest Air, the Florida Ridge during the Rob Kells Memorial Competition, and all over northern Florida and Georgia during the Flytec Race & Rally.  I flew 32 out of 55 days and many of the days I sat out were still soarable.  I accumulated 84 hours of airtime, flew over 1200 miles (1900 km), and I've got the tendonitis in my shoulder to prove it!

I spent time in the air and on the ground with many new and old friends from around the globe and created enough memories to fill a room.  Us hang gliding pilots are a strange breed; the variety of people hooked by this sport continues to amaze me.  The only thing more amazing is how this diverse eclectic group comes together like family.

After a few more days of forced rest while this cold (50 F / 10 C) springtime New England rain falls and I'll be ready to take to the sky again; for the season hasn't even started here!

Photo by Steve Pearson

Update: This was my 500th post!

Flytec Race and Rally - Day 6

The task for day six was from Viladia Georgia to Allendale South Carolina.  Once again I contemplated not flying due to my shoulder, but hey, how hard can it be to fly a hang glider?  ;-)

The town mascot showed up for our morning meeting along with several reporters.

We staged our gliders along the launch line and then waited for any sign of lift in the blue sky above.

Some cumulus started popping and pilots started queueing for launch.  I made the mistake of waiting too long and most of the line emptied out in front of me.  A few of the earliest launching pilots returned to the field, but most climbed out.  I was second in line to launch when we had to move the launch line to deal with a wind direction change.

I had a good tow and was on my way.  I wanted to start early to avoid a thick band of cirrus that was quickly approaching.  I was still in my initial climb for the first start but was in reasonable position for the second.

The first part of the course was fast and predictable but as we approached the convergence line from the coast things got soft and overdeveloped.  I tried to race hard as I could using a single hand in climbs and even sometimes on glide.  After a couple hours in the air, my shoulder was really bothering me so when faced with a long uncertain glide over trees and swamp with rain falling on me, I turned to the north and landed with Larry and Nick.  (Thanks Sue for letting me use your phone when I discovered I had no cell service.)

Bill and Mavis showed up even before I finished breaking down.  We loaded up and then picked up Patrick who landed only 7 km short.  Bummer!

We enjoyed sushi in Aiken South Carolina and relived our flights.

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:53, Distance: 84.7 miles

Flytec Race and Rally - Day 5

The fifth leg of the Flytec Race and Rally was from Americus to Vidalia Georgia.  Any lingering plans to fly to Chattanooga were squashed with souring weather to the west and north.  Instead we turned towards the coast and better weather.

Personally, I've been dealing with an increasingly inflamed shoulder resulting from flying for a couple months without rest.  I thought about staying on the ground yesterday but just couldn't bring myself to pass up yet another day of great flying.  I had to dial back my flying, but still had a great time.

I had a good start but chose a path to the right of course line that initially worked well but left me struggling after a single good climb.  I spent the rest of the flight trying to work off that initial delay.

I had one memorable climb where I spotted an enormous swirl in a wheat field.  I watched three birds head for the invisible dust devil only to turn away after being tossed around.  Of course, I dove for the swirl and prepared for battle.  It was a "all hands to battle stations" for a few moments until I got established in a wicked-good climb.

I shared great climbs and views with many friends along the way.  Many pilots made goal.

We spent the evening sharing stories at a sweet "treehouse bar" in town the dragged ourselves back for much needed rest.

Flights: 1, Duration: 5:13, Distance: 120.6 miles

Flytec Race and Rally - Day 4

The fourth leg of the rally was Americus Georgia to Eufaula Alabama.  The forecast for today originally predicted brisk northwest winds, but the morning forecast showed light and variable winds slowly becoming west-southwest.  The task committee chose a later-than-usual start since the task was shorter than the previous days and it took awhile for cumulus to form.

I was 3rd or 4th to launch behind Steve piloting the tow plan.  The ride was rowdy from the "get go".  I finally released around 900 feet (300 m) and immediately started climbing to base over the airfield.

Photo courtesy of Alex McCulloch

I soon noticed a glider with a broken keel laying on the ground just in front of the launch spot.  I saw people run to assist the pilot and became worried when the crowd didn't move the glider aside to resume towing.  This usually implies the pilot was hurt and this was the case.  Patrick and then Charlie got on the radio to let know that Julia had crashed and was hurt.  I watched the ambulance arrive as I glided away from the airfield in case a helicopter extraction was needed.  After awhile I was told to land and then told I could stay in the air if I wanted.  A few minutes later I was told to land immediately since the police wanted everyone on the ground before the medical helicopter arrived.

Mitch, Curt, me, and two other pilots did our best to chew down through 5000 feet (1500 m) of air.  The field was still active when we landed, but we all were on the ground and out of the way before the helicopter arrived.  (We found out later Julia was OK, aside from cuts and bruises).

The task committee hastily tried to salvage the day, but it was probably too late to pull off a task that would be fair to all the pilots.  Jamie finally cancelled the day and a few pilots decided to fly around the field.

Some pilots are fashion trend setters.

I parked my glider for the night near an abandoned crop duster.

Bill, Patrick, and I met a small group for dinner in Americus before returning to the airfield and our tents.

We plan to continue our journey tomorrow.

Flights: 1, Duration: 0:33