Truck is lubed and ready to go, trailer is prepped, glider and harness are cleaned and ready. There are a hundred other things to take care of before I leave town, and I'm ticking them off one at a time.
This Saturday morning I'll be leaving for Lakeview, which calls itself the Tallest Town in Oregon as well as Hang Gliding Capitol of the West. Along with many other pilots, I'll be spending next week there competing in Hang-On, the US National Hang Gliding Competition. So far, the weather forecasts have been looking promising, although this morning's projected lapse rate for Saturday was less than I was expecting. The first task is Sunday, so I'll be anxiously awaiting the next update.
Last year was my first venture into the world of national competition. It was originally planned for Lakeview as well, but a fire in the area forced a last-minute change of plans. That change moved it into my own back yard, the Rogue Valley, so I had no excuse not to participate. I actually surprised myself by placing first in Sport Class and around 15th overall, as well as logging my best cross-country flight so far. It's amazing how much harder one tries when there is a set task to complete.
This year I've worked out a deal with the meet organizers where they would waive my entry fee in exchange for the artwork for t-shirts and trophies. This should offset the expense of gas, food, and camping somewhat.
My goal for this year's comp is to better my best flight in Lakeview, which essentially amounts to completing the 26-mile flight from Sugar Hill to the town of Lakeview. This year I made it 18 of those 26 miles, but I think if I'd have pushed the envelope a bit further, I could have gone the whole distance. Hopefully, having a set task will again nudge me along. I'll be flying with some of the best pilots in the country on some of the hottest speed-machines made, so I have no intention of competing with anyone but myself.
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