Ton up Kid in Yorkshire

The long weekend 27th May to 31st June saw us head to Yorkshire for the 2nd round of the Hang Gliding British Open Series (BOS). With a variable forecast and Yorkshires reputation for rain whilst we were pretty sure we would fly we reckoned two days would be about it.

Day one (Friday) saw us at Wether Fell (Hawes) with a 85k task to Wombleton. The sky did not look to good but a slot opened up seeing a few gaggles get away. I managed to sneak away with a couple of gliders and put in an average plus distance of 33k giving me 6th for the day but still a little disappointing as 3 rigids and one flexwing made goal proving it could have been done. Still some nice flying a safe landing and good to be back in the thermals.

Day two and three were sightseeing, walking and socializing days and surprisingly pleasant with it.

Day Four saw us believe in the forecast and rig in the rain in anticipation of the front clearing. A task was set of 65k from Wether fell to Model Ridge and sure enough at the specified time of 15.30 the clouds cleared and we went flying! I had a real fun time flying with 3 of the countries top pilots as we flew out of the Dales over RAF Leeming towards goal. On approach to Goal we had caught up with the front and heavy rain was to be seen at goal. Whilst the others bravely glided into it so having to land with wet gliders resulting in some mayhem although no actual breakages I took the scenic route being sucked into cloud then flying back away from goal for a few k before managing to get low enough to have another go. Arriving at goal several minutes later the rain had stopped the sun came out and it was a tippy toe landing with dry kit although a few points less :)

Day Five was a big one with a 161k task to the coast past Hull again from Wether Fell. rain showers made timing at launch a bit tricky and the brave few were well on their way by the time i got in the air. Still managing to get away in a nice slot with one other a cracking flight ensued as we flew out of the Dales past Ripon, then York (nice Cathedral) and finally over Hull (muddy river) before gliding into the blue and to goal by the coast to complete just over 100 miles and to be the first flex wing in goal, one of only three to make it. . A great day with a task win and great end to the comp with a comp' win and no pressure for the next round as comp' leader ............