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Jun
29
Written by:
Jeff Shapiro
6/29/2009 11:26 PM
Yesterday was forecast to be more West later in the day indicating that we should go to the Aspres launch. It was very North when we woke up so there was a lot of question as to whether we should instead be going to Chabre for a task. It is extremely difficult for the organizers and there is a lot of pressure on them to make the correct call for each day and when 130 pilots are set in motion, there is no going back on their decision. The mounting pressure comes in part because we have only had 3 scored tasks since the Worlds have started and as of yesterday had only 5 more days possible. With only 3 tasks, 1 bad result or slow finish (which is very easy here) can cost a pilot numerous positions. An example is Robert Reisinger. He is, for sure, one of the best pilots in the world and was in 3rd overall until coming into goal late on the last scored task which bumped him down into the 30's or 40's. My own interest in flying more tasks is high because of two tough days leaving me very little chance to make up ground with only a few more days. Needless to say, yesterday I was very keen to fly. I can still score for the team with a couple of fast days so my interest has shifted solely to this purpose. Also, I have been sick with intermittent fevers and a head full of fog for the previous few days but yesterday, the antibiotics had taken effect and I was feeling great with no ear problems and lots of energy. It was one of those days that I just wanted to get in the air, for the pure bliss of it. The mood in the van on the way up the hill was fun and the energy level was high. Zippy is doing very well and Jeff and Dustin (who has also been sick) were feeling good and ready to try to blaze.
We arrived on top and my stomach dropped a bit when we immediately noticed that it was blowing (pretty hard) over the back. By the time everyone got set up, it had come around a little but was still predominately 90 cross. The times were pushed back and rumors and reports started flowing that the conditions at Chabre were perfect. Bummer. After a long wait, the cycles occasionally started coming up the hill (although I think it was mostly rotor) and we all lined up. We had waited so long that I had a strong feeling the day would be canned. Manfred, Jonny and a few others launched and most ended up getting drilled and landing out front or down the valley. Manfred and Jonny both got up but from very low and a long way down valley where they were able to escape the "over the back" influence of Aspres. My heart really sank when two gliders came over Aspres quite high from Chabre, apparently during a flight of around 100ks. A few others intermittently got off the launch I was in line for (including Jeff) while Gerolf and I pushed to try to get people going. In the end, launch conditions were not safe and they called the task and closed launch to free flyers after an hour of sweating in my harness. We broke down, drove down and met Jeff back at camping after he had flown the 15 or so k's back.
Today I have a feeling that we will go up Chabre. There is conflicting weather info as to what the chances for precipitation are. Last night, the storms materialized and there was a bit of lightning and rain. Today, they are calling for 80% chance this afternoon but I don't have any idea based on the inconsistency of the weather and the nature of the Alps whether or not it will over develop. Right now it is beautiful outside. I will hope for the best.
By the way, I am bummed that my sd card is shot and I have not been able to take in flight photos but Jeff and Dustin have been taking nice shots of how beautiful and grand this place is. Check out their blogs;-) Regardless of the competition, we are all very happy and stoked to be here. This is truly one of the most spectacular places in the world to fly hang gliders.
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