The Bank Holiday and a few days either side saw us in mid Wales for the final round of the British Open Series Hang Gliding Competition. Courtersy of Bill N we were in luxury accomodation causing some envy from the other pilots for a change.
The Friday was blown out but the Saturday saw us up bright and early (thanks Bill) to hopefully catch a use able slot on the Long Mynd before it got to windy. By the time we (Kaz, Bill N, Graham A & myself) arrived at 06.20 there was already a Hang Glider rigged and ready to go, who could be that mad, oh yes Pete Atley! It was too breezy for the Paragliders so I test flew a small Wills Wing Eagle that we had just picked up whilst Pete a beat up the ridge enjoying the lack of other pilots.
Back to Bills Camper for breakfast then back up the mynd for the Competition task which was set at 82k cross wind to Uttoxeter, a serious challenge given the by now strong breeze (25-30mph). I was first over the back and did pretty well under a grey sky getting past Telford before decking it at 42k's. After about 15 minutes on the ground the sky brightened up and the gaggle flew by although most were on glide and only made a few k more. However Gary Wirdnam on his Wills Wing T2C that we sold him early this year made it all the way to win the day with a stunning flight.
The rest of the comp was either blown or rained out but we had some good laughs and Graham A and Gunny did manage to sneak in an evening flight on Paragliders late on the Saturday.
Overall scores saw myself finish 5th with Garry W winning the series giving Wills Wing a good result with four in the top ten. here's to next year
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