RoldaOpen - Colombian Nationals

[mingram]

Tom and I are in Roldanillo, Colombia competing in the Colombian Nationals. The comp is for PG, but I've flown with several HG here. It's super dry and hot here and conditions have been really good. On the first day I flew two personal bests for me - longest duration and distance...almost 4 hours and 35k!

Live tracking for the comp is here. We're all required to fly with SPOT trackers and have to SMS when we land or they come looking for us!
http://www.livetrack24.com/events/FAI2013-1

Yesterday's task was 81km. Tom almost made goal, but only got scored for 40km because his Flymaster missed a turnpoint. I at least hit two turnpoints, but decided to leave the turbulent thermal I was in when the pilot next to me had a full collapse and threw his reserve. As soon as his reserve came out the wing reopened, but he had a nice landing and is ok.

Today's task is 102km, but it was really tough with the high cirrus and I only made the start. Not sure about Tom since his live tracker doesn't seem to be working today.

Anyways...Roldanillo is really great. Friendly people, really safe, easy retrieves, great fresh fruit and food. Great place to fly.

Here's a quick video:



Matt

[FlyingFelix]

Wow, that looks like a lot of fun!
This time of the year I cannot help but be jealous of those sweet flying conditions.

[sailin]

Very cool Matt !! Keep us posted. I would live to make it down there someday.

Jon

[tomceunen]

Today Matt and I flew likely in the biggest gaggle ever, +100 pilots in the mountains waiting for the start to open, amazing and very busy/chaotic , one needs to be alert with so many close together

some selected pics (not of the gaggle too busy steering)
https://picasaweb.google.com/1113086422 ... 6mb9JXZhgE
https://picasaweb.google.com/1113086422 ... tCs6IOwgQE

[mingram]

Finally broke through today!  Best flight ever! 73km and 6 f'ing hours in the air! Paragliding is destroying my bladder, but I'm happy.

I had to climb this hill where some palm trees are growing to get a cell signal. 
http://instagr.am/p/UUdNAGCzCh/