 Slope 2 Event 15 - 17 May 09 The Long Mynd |
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1. Unfortunately the pre-entry to this event was somewhat on the low
side. This was then compounded by a high last minute drop out rate. The
actual number involved hit a new low with three Hon. Members and one
serving, but hey ho we there with a shed load of models so head for the
hills.
4. SATURDAY 16 MAY 09. Upon the same small crowd meeting up on the top
it was very noticeable that the weather had changed. Very low cloud,
rain and high wind. A tactical withdrawal to the Holly Bush Café
therefore took place. At this stage Colin Waite decided that his boots
were past their best and a trip to the adjacent Outdoor Shop followed.
This was staffed by an extremely pretty and very helpful young lady with
the result that we all brought something. Who said that sex doesn’t
sell? Spent up, we noticed that the weather had lifted so once more up
the hill.
Neil Tricker Neil Tricker RAFMAA Gliding Compsec email: gliding@rafmaa.co.uk
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detectable ESE drift. Following
a short wait the cloud lifted and a decision was made to head for Ashlet,
as the better location, Ashes Hollow being closed due to bird nesting
activity. After a decent walk and ascent, P Ed staff please take note of
this compared with for example, fishing, we settled at a site between
Ashlet and Yearlet. The wind was very light and Lee Wilson was the first
to commit shortly followed by everyone else. Due to the very light and
variable wind much landing out and walking down and up the hill was
required. However the thermal detecting skills were honed and the flying
continued until two notable things happened. First Lee decided to return
to the car for his DLG and about 30 minutes later the skies turned
black. Before the rain commenced I offered the use of a four metre
square plastic ground sheet which, when pegged down, was large enough to
shelter all the models and the three persons remaining on the hill. We
then took the opportunity to lie down as the heavens opened. After about
20 minutes as the rain began to ease Lee arrived in the guise of a
drowned dog having been caught out in the rain. To further add to Lee’s
discomfort the wind had veered and increased to the point that it was
now too much for his DLG. Following a short trip around the corner a
very good session of flying was undertaken with good lift and landing
areas which continued until about 1700hrs after which the clarion calls
of the local pubs became too much to resist. Meal of the day, Indian.
The wind had settled as a SSE so we headed for the large gully
on the back of Ashlet. Upon our arrival the wind was averaging 35-40mph
so we broke out the foamy models and proceeded to have fun. The wind
speed varied with the gusts and at one time during flying a gust of
72mph was recorded. No soft hearted flyers here. Due to the wind it was
at times hard to stand therefore kneeling or sitting whilst flying
became the order of the day. Terry Griggs then demonstrated just how far
downwind a Zagi can go should you mess up the landing approach on the
downwind side of the hill. No actual competition was carried out because
of the low numbers so free flying continued for the day. Meal of the
day, Chinese.
the normal and inverted
techniques were attempted with increasing levels of failure. Lee then
took the view of why sit when you can lie down. He then commenced a very
able demonstration of hovering six feet above the ground whilst
performing an aerobatic display. Somebody please find him a bad woman
before he becomes any more proficient. Once again the large plastic
groundsheet proved its worth with this time all the models and four
persons being afforded shelter. Upon packing up the groundsheet it was
noticeable that Lee was the first to choose the most upwind corner.
Quick learner.
