The AHGA's XC Contest 2009

Mike A.Frank Domokos & I Driving up to Mingus and thinking how nice it was to have such a World Class Flying site.Got up there to se only a small crowd,five pilot's in all.Again launched last at 12:35pm.But not with out the help of Marcy B. pulled my clothing down from the inside of my harness.It got buckeled up when putting on the C.G.1000 and was uncomfortable.Greg B. helped launch everyone,thank you both.Flew out front and to the right,now 200' below.Headed N.along the ridge,hooked a good one 600'-900'all the way to 14,100'M.S.L.It was a warm 53 degrees.Mike A. was gaining fast and Frank D.was on chase,I love it!This day would turn out to be the strongest between thermal sink day of the whole year.Avg.of 400'-800'F.P.M. Over the back S.W. of the A.P.S.transfer station,down to 8,500'.It took some time to lock into this one.This would be the best thermal of the day,topping at 15,100',its getting cold.Mike and I would seperate for good at this juncture,a good challenge for Frank.Headed for the S. end of Chino Valley.Back up to 10,600' glided towards Talking Rock Ranch Golf Course.Down to 8,100'about 2,600'A.G.L. The thermals down low were badly broken & scattered with very little drift.Anyway topped out at 13,600'directly above the Golf course.Took some pictures,cruised on.In a -head wind of 4-12 M.P.H.with heavey sink,my V.G. had a twist in the line and couldn't pull it all the way on,just over 1/2,a real bummer.Came in over Mud Tank Wash, 3,200'A.G.L. Desided to bring her down and land.Dropped a smoke bomb,a nice 5-10 S.E.then about 50'-70'A.G.L.the smoke just stopped.So flaired a little high come down on my feet & base tube.Then about 5 min. later this young Ranch hand Cowboy drives over & says, your on private lands.He ask me how much the glider wayed.He sympathized with me and said I've still got to lock up the gate when I leave.After talking with him for awhile,I was able to convince him to dummy lock the gate,so Frank & Mike could drive down and get me.About 4th's of a mile,and he did.Thank you Matt.A difficult 36 miles.Mike landed just passed Paulden.Speical thanks to Frank D.Happy Landing's Andy Rockhold