Ridge Running 2

[RichH]

Word is in that a pilot from NY Dave Hopkins may have bagged a 200+ mile flight in NY. The inital word is part of his flight was accomplished on ridge running flying an ATOS..Getting nervous JR!! The inital communication does not spell out the ratio but it does show the potential..Don't believe this flight will meet the 60% on the ridge we set for the bet JR but its still one heck of a flight ..Way to go Dave!! Also, I am trying to find a sponsor for an open x-c challenge that we will name the Tim Donovan Memorial Challenge..The rule for this challenge is to accomplish a x-c flight that originates in the eastern states of the U.S along the appalachian mountains. The goal is to fly 60% of the flight on ridge running either connecting ridges or flying a consistant ridge for a complete milage of 200+ miles. I can think of no fitting memorial for Tim than to have this Challenge named after him. Rules and documentation requirements to follow and any help in setting this up feel free to contact me at: Hiegels@AOL.com. please feel free to leave me your thoughts on this forum..Thanks Rich

[theflyingdude]

Word is in that a pilot from NY Dave Hopkins may have bagged a 200+ mile flight in NY. The inital word is part of his flight was accomplished on ridge running flying an ATOS..Getting nervous JR!! The inital communication does not spell out the ratio but it does show the potential..Don't believe this flight will meet the 60% on the ridge we set for the bet JR but its still one heck of a flight ..Way to go Dave!!

Dave Hopkins has had several great flights on his Atos this year and last, but they've all been pretty much downwind runs including his most recent. As I've previously indicated, I wouldn't mind losing this bet, but I haven't heard of any x-c flights that would make me even remotely nervous about our little wager. Dave's flights just basically reinforce what I've said all along (an opinion Larry Huffman shared here, as well), that the really long flights in our part of the country will be accomplished by flying downwind, rather than along a ridge. Still, if you're feeling especially emboldened by Dave's flight, then perhaps we should increase the bet?

Knowing Tim, I think he would like the idea of a ridge-running challenge named in his honor. It also might increase your chances of winning our bet, Rich, but I'm still feeling pretty secure about the odds being in my favor. And even if I would lose, I'd be delighted that someone made that flight.

JR

[RichH]

I'm glad you recognize its all in fun..but there are many very good pilots who agree with me as well..I'm glad you like the idea of the challenge..Looking for some input on rules, and flight documentation..Talked with a glider designer the other day in regards to the challenge and he agreed that its only a small matter of time before a pilot achieves the ridge running goal..The biggest limiter is pilot attitude and availability to a good launch point on a significant ridge...Rich