Highland Challenge

[Lostgriz]

Hey,

I just wanted to give a quick update on the second weekend of competition at the Highland Challenge. Day 1 was a bust for me. I banged around in ratty air on my first flight before landing for two relights that ended with my release popping twice prematurely. Michelle was the only sport pilot that left the park on Saturday, so she won the day. Nice job Michelle!

Sunday's forecast looked better than Saturday, but by 1:00, we were wondering if it was going to happen. Late in the day, the overcast skies parted and we ended up with a really fun afternoon of flying. The goal for the sport class was Wye Mills with a waypoint of Queen Ann. I believe that Michelle and I were the only pilots to make goal, but all of the sport pilots ended up having great flights. Alex and I had a couple good climbs to cloudbase together. While I messed around with my instrument trying to get Queen Ann to register, Alex went on glide toward Wye Mills and ultimately landed just few miles short of goal. When I was finally able to get my waypoint to register, I made my way to goal with the intent of trying to fly back into what was a decent headwind. I messed around for over 15 minutes just north of goal trying to tank up before making the up wind trek back to Highland. I was at around 1200' when i got back to the site where Alex had landed, so I decided to call it a day and pack up with him.

This was one of those really fun days when I probably wouldn't have hung on to go XC, but ended up having a really fun flight. To me this is what the Highland Challenge is all about. If you enjoy a fun challenge and hanging out with some great people that are all passionate about flying, you need to participate in this event next year.

Matt

[John Simon]

I have to second Matts thoughts. Charlie, with the help and support of the gang at Highland have put together a great weekend event. It has been a long time since I came out to fly and had 8 or 10 XC pilots set up and ready to ride. The format is casual but we all try to fly a task and just have fun. Saturday we flew a 35 mile dog leg to Cambridge across the Choptank river. It was a spectacular flight cruising over the river and towards the Chesapeake. Two pilots made goal in the open class and none in the sport (tough task with the wind stronger than originally thought).

Saturday night, Heather made dinner for about 15 or 20 folks as we enjoyed telling lies, some cornhole matches and a cigar or two.

Sunday we again had a large crew and as Highland has offered us a dedicated tug, we all launched quickly with little waiting. The sport and open tasks were overlapped to some degree with a west (downwind) leg to Wye Mills the Sport goal and also the first turnpoint of a 34 mile triangle in 10 to 12 mph East winds for the Open class. Two pilots made goal in the sport class and lots of good flights, with Rich H flying right past Wye Mills and nearly to the Chesapeake and others getting their first "goals". One pilot made the triangle in Open and all were there to enjoy a beer in celebration afterward.

Whether you are interested in XC, camaraderie, Beer, Bagtoss matches or learning a little about comps, it's just a plain good time, great people and fun flying. Check out Charlies website and join in on the fun if you want to fly a little XC. It's really been a great time so far.

http://sites.google.com/site/highlandweekendcomp/

Take care,
John

[hefalump]

WOW ... Sounds like you guys are creating an X-C hang glide training program. A couple of seasons of this kind of HG X-C activities and the Mid-Atlantic region could be know as "where all the best comp. pilots come from". I'm especially encouraged by the Sport class guys getting out there and going X-C.

[John Simon]

If they don't go we beat them.... at the very least they get no beer and a stern look.

[Lostgriz]

If they don't go we beat them.... at the very least they get no beer and a stern look.

It is a good thing I can take a beating.

All of the open pilots have proven to be great mentors, that have been more than wiling to answer all of my newb questions.

It really is a great time!