bar the awards ceremony...
Well, all up a slightly disappointing result for me, some good day scores (23, 23, 68) let down by bombing the first task and to a lesser extent hitting the ground out in front in the third task when it all shaded out (87th). With the overall not reflecting the extent to which the Aussies pushed the pace (or maybe really reflecting the pace pushing ;-))
71st Gareth
114th Che
117th Dave
137th Brian
As a country we did about as expected, ranked 26, finished 24.
Very interesting flying when we flew, one more turn in a thermal costing 30 places in the race and generally a strange mix of very fast racing with very slow sections. 2-3 minutes at the end meaning 50 gliders.
In this comp it doesn't pay to be out the front, the good guys were leaving 10-15 pilots in front to check the conditions before committing to a line. The guys who stuck to the gaggle were rewarded for consistency, a 60th place everyday basically means a top 25 result. On the other hand it's good to be in a race where a 130km triangle task takes 3hr 30mins and 107 pilots make goal, with 130 over 110km. To finish in the top 50 on a task means really pushing along, any off line or slow transition loses many places.
Thanks to the team for awesome company, to Gav for the spare reserve, JJ for the flymaster and Louise for everything else!
Now for a long trip home!
Friday, July 26, 2013
All Over
Very windy today, task is cancelled and the comp is over! Prize giving is tonight and we all start parting ways tomorrow.
Photo of the lenticular clouds and a few more words on my blog:
http://www.paratothepeople.com.au/worlds-day-12-wind-and-wave/
Che
Photo of the lenticular clouds and a few more words on my blog:
http://www.paratothepeople.com.au/worlds-day-12-wind-and-wave/
Che
Thursday, July 25, 2013
No task
Wind over the back. No task. They're testing the risers of all the ice peaks in the top half of the comp, so waiting at hq to get my glider back.
Update: so the took pics of the risers, but they don't know what they're looking for...
Got the glider back and we're heading up to Beklemeto Pass for soaring and scenery...
Dinner on tonight, i guess the comps more or less over... some teams are heading home already.
g
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Task 6
Called for 130km then 119km then canned...
The briefing was "eventually the extreme turbulence will overwhelm the hammering backwind and it will be launchable"...
So after about an hour of delays they tossed a poor windtech off the hill into what was ugly air, he bravely (stupidly) called level 2 although it was obviously crap. The organiser then canned the day to a round of applause.
The sun was extreme, its hot and there was some impressive dusties kicking off in the valley.
Off to the pool!
g
The briefing was "eventually the extreme turbulence will overwhelm the hammering backwind and it will be launchable"...
So after about an hour of delays they tossed a poor windtech off the hill into what was ugly air, he bravely (stupidly) called level 2 although it was obviously crap. The organiser then canned the day to a round of applause.
The sun was extreme, its hot and there was some impressive dusties kicking off in the valley.
Off to the pool!
g
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Task 5
131km Race to goal - the other way around the valley...
3000m base, 5-6m/s max with mostly about 3-4m/s, 130km flat triangle in 3hrs 36. Now thats more like it!
I was slow in the mid course but took a good line to the last turnpoint and hammered the sketchy final glide with the leaders for about 20th i think.
Brian was just in front but dirted about 400m short and KK was 20km short.
Heres Che coming into goal:
And every nights dinner - caprese salad
3000m base, 5-6m/s max with mostly about 3-4m/s, 130km flat triangle in 3hrs 36. Now thats more like it!
I was slow in the mid course but took a good line to the last turnpoint and hammered the sketchy final glide with the leaders for about 20th i think.
Brian was just in front but dirted about 400m short and KK was 20km short.
Heres Che coming into goal:
Monday, July 22, 2013
All roman and stuff
Day cancelled due either the rain or the fact that the chairlift wasn't working. I think the latter...
Road trip to the ancient city of Phillipopolis (Plovdiv) to see all the roman stuff.
Roman theatre from 140AD
Wacky roman style house
Roman style cobblestones
Roman style gate
More roman style theatres
Roman style beer ads
Sunday, July 21, 2013
The Aussie Team Chooses to Drink:
When you are soft and choose to land because of just a little rain and lightning, enjoy a soft coctail :-)
Task 5
80km T-shape
Launch opened then closed then opened with people already calling level 3 before leaving the ground.
Pilots all took off, climbed out to the massive cu sitting above launch, half of them calling level 1 and the other half level three.
I climbed with a small gaggle off the course line to the west into a big patch of sun and watched the fun from outside.
Meet director on the radio "no development on the radar" - pilots "its raining and theres lightning hitting the ground" - meet director - "oh ok then"
Big line of rain across the course, spiralled down, walked home!
g
Launch opened then closed then opened with people already calling level 3 before leaving the ground.
Pilots all took off, climbed out to the massive cu sitting above launch, half of them calling level 1 and the other half level three.
I climbed with a small gaggle off the course line to the west into a big patch of sun and watched the fun from outside.
Meet director on the radio "no development on the radar" - pilots "its raining and theres lightning hitting the ground" - meet director - "oh ok then"
Big line of rain across the course, spiralled down, walked home!
g
Saturday, July 20, 2013
A litte sightseeing tour
Yesterday I decided to take it easy and do a spot of sightseeing. I have put up a few pictures and words on my blog:
http://www.paratothepeople.com.au/worlds-day-6-aerial-tourist/
Che
http://www.paratothepeople.com.au/worlds-day-6-aerial-tourist/
Che
Task 4
Task 4 - 121km ziggy zaggy
Had a bad start - low and backwards, but trucked along the ridge in search of some lift anyway, getting a good climb out in the sun. Today I touristed around the course at the back of the gaggle, and finished about 10mins behind the leaders. Fun flying with some decent lift for a change, mixed in with the usual scratchy 1m/s crappy sections.
The last 30km was all full bar, with my instrument reading -400m to goal at the last turnpoint (15km?) and arriving +1200m... holding full bar for that long makes my legs tired and my shoulders sore from hanging off the B's through the lift sections (+3ish).
I came in at 3hrs 40m, Brian lead the Aussies in at 3hrs 32, Che was in between, and KK visited the locals for an hour or so.
Launch Flowers
Dave getting some Mike Tyson in him
Goal from too high
Todays paragliding boots pic
Tonights sunset
Friday, July 19, 2013
Task 3
117km zig zaggy thingy.
Mixed for me, great start, at the front with KK and Matty Senior (NZ), got low, struggled for a while in the 20-40km range. Then chose a similar line to Task 2, bombed down the course while the lead gaggle took a dog leg around the high ground and hit the second turnpoint with the lead gaggle.
On the way back, some stonking climbs at 4+m/s deposited many pilots in the cloud with some doing the right thing and spiralling down again afterwards. Base was about 2300 and change but some guys got to more than 2600m and one near miss in a cloud caused a pilot to full stall, then not manage to restart the glider, landing (safely) under reserve.
Anyway, Che and I started to the last turnpoint in front, but the whole courseline was shaded out and I decked it about 84km with a lot of pilots. Che and rest of the lead gaggle who were mostly higher scored some 0-0.3 style crappy lift and slowly, slowly climbed out and backwards. It took them about an hour to get to base and get back to where we were standing watching.
So Dave just came in, got to goal (slowly), so thats good.
G
Mixed for me, great start, at the front with KK and Matty Senior (NZ), got low, struggled for a while in the 20-40km range. Then chose a similar line to Task 2, bombed down the course while the lead gaggle took a dog leg around the high ground and hit the second turnpoint with the lead gaggle.
On the way back, some stonking climbs at 4+m/s deposited many pilots in the cloud with some doing the right thing and spiralling down again afterwards. Base was about 2300 and change but some guys got to more than 2600m and one near miss in a cloud caused a pilot to full stall, then not manage to restart the glider, landing (safely) under reserve.
Anyway, Che and I started to the last turnpoint in front, but the whole courseline was shaded out and I decked it about 84km with a lot of pilots. Che and rest of the lead gaggle who were mostly higher scored some 0-0.3 style crappy lift and slowly, slowly climbed out and backwards. It took them about an hour to get to base and get back to where we were standing watching.
So Dave just came in, got to goal (slowly), so thats good.
G
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Some sitting in the sun
Great looking day, high base great clouds...
Solid over the back all day. Task called for 2, 2.15, 2.30, 2.45, 3.00, 3.15, 3.30....up to 4.30. Then canned.
Heres the paragliding pic of the day
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
After an interesting start soaring up the side of clouds waiting for the clock 150 of us glided as one towards TP1. I then took a lonely direct route along the shady course line to TP2 whilst 149 other pilots went back well off course for some broken sun. Broken sun proved way smarter. I dirted at TP1 then watched them all patiently work the broken sun then fly over my head and on towards goal.
Looks like Gareth came into goal 23rd and KK 80th, nicely done!!
Task 2
86km race to goal
Bit of a funny day, with strong over the back all morning and some crazy dustys ripping speedarms and bags into the air, with one bag thermalling to base.
Very late start after the weather calmed down with a 1515hrs start across the valley, launched early and enjoyed a easy climb to base in what was 100% cloud cover, many pilots just kept going into the cloud.
Timed the start to perfection with Che on one wingtip and Dave just below, the Aussies led to the gate and first turnpoint, where we had to start looking for lift as the guys who for some reason (surely not cloud flying) were really high, glided several hundred metres over our heads and down the courseline.
Really scratchy first two thermals but then we got good lines and climbs allowing us to skip some gaggles.
Haven't seen Brian yet but I came in at 2hrs 21m and Dave was a couple of minutes behind. Che made the second turnpoint i think.
Fun!!
We'll see how the results pan out, but we might catch the NZ'rs with a bit of luck!
G
Pre start gaggle
Bit of a funny day, with strong over the back all morning and some crazy dustys ripping speedarms and bags into the air, with one bag thermalling to base.
Very late start after the weather calmed down with a 1515hrs start across the valley, launched early and enjoyed a easy climb to base in what was 100% cloud cover, many pilots just kept going into the cloud.
Timed the start to perfection with Che on one wingtip and Dave just below, the Aussies led to the gate and first turnpoint, where we had to start looking for lift as the guys who for some reason (surely not cloud flying) were really high, glided several hundred metres over our heads and down the courseline.
Really scratchy first two thermals but then we got good lines and climbs allowing us to skip some gaggles.
Haven't seen Brian yet but I came in at 2hrs 21m and Dave was a couple of minutes behind. Che made the second turnpoint i think.
Fun!!
We'll see how the results pan out, but we might catch the NZ'rs with a bit of luck!
G
Australia and NZ sitting in the sun for 4 hours
More pre start, after this i think the gopro got too cold!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Day 2
Task canned before we went up the hill, strong wind over the back and forecast 1ms climbs. Apparently hot springs and mud baths are the order of the day.
Monday, July 15, 2013
I am still not clear what happened with the instruments but I guess it's linked with launching well after the start gate had opened with a large 10km exit start centred from another waypoint. Fine time to find a new problem. In hindsight I should have studied the map more carefully and manually taken the start rather than depending on a dubious arrow - daft thing was the arrow was literally taking me around in little circles rather than towards the gate.
The actual task was initially slow but buoyant then quickened as the cloud partially cleared and the sun opened up the course lines. Very happy with the new lines and the glider, the decisions, the climbing and the glides - just need to get the start!!
 |
| KK and Che talking helicopters on launch with Gareth |
Mantrum
S%#t, F*&k, S&^t, S$%t, F*@k...Ok, now that I have that out of my system.
I had troubles right from the start, my instrument was just as confused as me. We had launched after the race had already started and the instrument was telling me to go back to launch for some unknown reason. Once I thought I had it sorted I started on course as the instrument played its happy little tune, but was doubtful that I had tagged the start cylinder. I tried checking my track in the air and I was already 80% sure I had missed it.
I had a great run for the rest of the task, mixing it with a few of the guns. We took a good line out from the mountains and into the flats which was a much more direct route and it proved fruitful. I was not sure of our exact position relative to the rest of the field, but I knew we were doing ok. At the last turnpoint I realised that we were the lead gaggle. I came in around 5-6th for the day. On the ground I checked my track properly and have missed the start and blown a really good task result. Brian arrived not long after me, with the same doubt of his start. It turns out with have both blown it due to this quirk of our instruments, unbeknown to us previously.
Now beer! Tomorrow better!
Che
I had troubles right from the start, my instrument was just as confused as me. We had launched after the race had already started and the instrument was telling me to go back to launch for some unknown reason. Once I thought I had it sorted I started on course as the instrument played its happy little tune, but was doubtful that I had tagged the start cylinder. I tried checking my track in the air and I was already 80% sure I had missed it.
I had a great run for the rest of the task, mixing it with a few of the guns. We took a good line out from the mountains and into the flats which was a much more direct route and it proved fruitful. I was not sure of our exact position relative to the rest of the field, but I knew we were doing ok. At the last turnpoint I realised that we were the lead gaggle. I came in around 5-6th for the day. On the ground I checked my track properly and have missed the start and blown a really good task result. Brian arrived not long after me, with the same doubt of his start. It turns out with have both blown it due to this quirk of our instruments, unbeknown to us previously.
Now beer! Tomorrow better!
Che
Day 1
"I was in front when i hit the ground..."
First task: over the back, cloudy, late. Start went when we were all still sitting around, waited about an hour then all bombed off together. Whirling gaggle of stupid in 1.5ms... I pushed on and had a great fun flight pushing hard but made a bad course decision and got flushed by the wind coming down the gorge.
First task: over the back, cloudy, late. Start went when we were all still sitting around, waited about an hour then all bombed off together. Whirling gaggle of stupid in 1.5ms... I pushed on and had a great fun flight pushing hard but made a bad course decision and got flushed by the wind coming down the gorge.
Spectacular scenery...
Heres Dave demonstrating his "yay, we're all together" pose
Heres Dave demonstrating his "yay, we're all together" pose
And our farmer friend mowing the grass with his enormous scythe
Sunday, July 14, 2013
KK's True Colours
At the opening ceremony yesterday, KK showed us why he was really here. Quite a sneaky collaboration with the organisers I think.
Che
Che
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Practice makes perfect
The dreaded admin day!
We fronted early to get it over with, although the forecast was windy and unflyable so in theory there wasn't any hurry.
Brian, Che and I sneaked through unscathed, but KK was missing his FAI card and the bureaucracy was stubborn, Brian fired up the HGFA and I used my official voice on the organiser guy "The federation will deliver it to you by email" - "oh, ok".
After the admin, some tandems were lobbing off the hill so we trucked over to the lift in the team Delica and went for a fly, the hill was pretty ratty so everyone jetted out into the flats for a bit more practice and then landed so we can go and learn how to be safe at the mandatory briefing.
Luckily Trene is on the ball and has forward through KK's paperwork!
Pics for the day:
KK running man
Aussie House
The hill from the flats
We fronted early to get it over with, although the forecast was windy and unflyable so in theory there wasn't any hurry.
Brian, Che and I sneaked through unscathed, but KK was missing his FAI card and the bureaucracy was stubborn, Brian fired up the HGFA and I used my official voice on the organiser guy "The federation will deliver it to you by email" - "oh, ok".
After the admin, some tandems were lobbing off the hill so we trucked over to the lift in the team Delica and went for a fly, the hill was pretty ratty so everyone jetted out into the flats for a bit more practice and then landed so we can go and learn how to be safe at the mandatory briefing.
Luckily Trene is on the ball and has forward through KK's paperwork!
Pics for the day:
Friday, July 12, 2013
Worlds bonus coverage - mystery meat
Tonights menu as pictured here
contained one of the following:
But what was it? Extra prize of loot from the worlds to the correct guess in the comments section...
Practice day reboot
Up the hill earlier today with big development over the range to the west. Running reverse in cycle which was blocking the generally over the back drift. Did a quick down the Ridge for about 7 km then the thunder in the distance triggered a practice full speed final glide to the town lz. About an hour of zooming around high on bar to get acclimatized to pushing hard.
The task was canned shortly after and the sky was full off spirals and big ears. Most got in before the gust front but I saw one boom 9 deposited in the trees. And there was a pile of gliders trying to squirrel into alternative spots. I'm currently sitting at the lz Cafe eating bratwurst. Best walk home before the rain!
Brians tip of the day: beware the gust front
Before and after shots of the hill!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
First flying day
After a LONG trip our gracious host Kiril met me at the airport for the 2 hour trip to Sopot. All along the way the sky looked awesome but as we rolled up to the house there still wasnt anyone in the air. I quickly threw most of my clothes on the floor of my room and got a lift over to the lift.
The reason no one was flying was that the chairlift was stopped. ..and the aussie team was sitting under a tree with blogging legend Ivan and Nick Scurlock.
So after a slight delay we went up to launch where the guys doing the Bulgarian Open had a briefing and Nick and Che and I went higher to find a spot without a glider on it (150 pilots in the comp).
Launched before the comp and quickly climbed out to 2300. Fantastic views, mountains up the back are about 2500m high, all grassy with big gorges. Day was excellent flying with 2-3m climbs, Che and I headed the opposite way to the comp, doing a lap of the ridge in the other direction, then catching the comp coming back from the first turnpoint and tagging along for a while, since i hadn't slept for several days, I called it a day after 2 hours and 50+ km and Che came into the LZ shortly after for about 60km.
In the Bulgarian Open, Brian made goal and Dave landed at the last turnpoint.
Brian tip of the day: Take out speedbar pulleys for that extra few km/hr.
I'll take my camera flying today for some more scenery pictures.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Preparation in Spain
My training regime for xc, by not flying xc:
I will be trying to post regularly on my own blog at paratothepeople.com.au and will post the links up here when I do.
Che
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Last Minute Prep
Hi all,
I'm going to try and do a daily update, cause it's winter and i know how much internet flying goes on during the cold dark months! Lucky everyone has the xalps to watch!
Went for a trip to Blackheath yesterday for a last minute training run, there was about 20 gliders enjoying the winter air with base about 1900m and up to 3m/s climbs later in the day. Practised scratching from out in front, patience to get to base, glide out into the valley and start again. Great views, but cold hands, I wonder what the flying temp will be like in Bulgaria, i'm prepared for arctic puffy jacket or Brian style short sleeves, so we'll see. The GoPro on head with remote on risers works well, but my full face (certified) comp helmet has nowhere to put it...
Brian has settled into Team Australia House in Sopot and has sent back a request for vegemite, i'm assuming that is to sucker our hosts into trying it rather than a real desire for a black gooey hit...
Dave should be leaving today and I'm leaving tomorrow to arrive on Wednesday with Che.
Thanks to JJ for the spare Flymaster and Gav for the spare reserve, plus all the local flying guys for support and parawaiting company.
Off we go!
G
I'm going to try and do a daily update, cause it's winter and i know how much internet flying goes on during the cold dark months! Lucky everyone has the xalps to watch!
Went for a trip to Blackheath yesterday for a last minute training run, there was about 20 gliders enjoying the winter air with base about 1900m and up to 3m/s climbs later in the day. Practised scratching from out in front, patience to get to base, glide out into the valley and start again. Great views, but cold hands, I wonder what the flying temp will be like in Bulgaria, i'm prepared for arctic puffy jacket or Brian style short sleeves, so we'll see. The GoPro on head with remote on risers works well, but my full face (certified) comp helmet has nowhere to put it...
Home to make a big pile of clothes, flying gear and instruments on the floor of the living room. Seems like a lot of gear to pack into the airline limit of 23k
g, considering that the glider/harness/reserve*2 are at least 11-12kg of that. It's the electronics that hurt in the weight stakes.Brian has settled into Team Australia House in Sopot and has sent back a request for vegemite, i'm assuming that is to sucker our hosts into trying it rather than a real desire for a black gooey hit...
Dave should be leaving today and I'm leaving tomorrow to arrive on Wednesday with Che.
Thanks to JJ for the spare Flymaster and Gav for the spare reserve, plus all the local flying guys for support and parawaiting company.
Off we go!
G
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Kicking off the next chapter
Welcome to the continuation of the Australian Paragliding Team blog, it's great to look down the sidebar and see stuff all the way back to 2009.
I just mailed off the new uniform to Brain and David, with Che already training hard in Spain, I'll deliver his by hand next week in Bulgaria.
Excited to be heading out for a couple of days training in Sopot before the festivities begin!
Keep an eye on the blog as we accelerate towards July 13th and my birthday, i mean, the start of the Worlds!
I just mailed off the new uniform to Brain and David, with Che already training hard in Spain, I'll deliver his by hand next week in Bulgaria.
Excited to be heading out for a couple of days training in Sopot before the festivities begin!
Keep an eye on the blog as we accelerate towards July 13th and my birthday, i mean, the start of the Worlds!
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