I first flew the Owens Valley in a clinic (Owens Valley at its Best!) with Kari Castle in 1995. The stories of flying hang gliders in the area were intense and intimidating to a new paraglider pilot, but upon talking with Kari, I was assured that the fall conditions are far more appropriate for our slower, softer "dope chutes."
     The first day, Josh Cohn had joined the group of pilots under Kari's instruction as an assistant instructor and wind dummy. He and I proceeded to work the lift along the range from Flynns to Benton, some 27 miles from launch. I watched as Kari "mother hen" rounded stray pilots up from deep canyons by spiraling her Edel Atlas (DHV-1) down to them, leading them out of danger and on to the next warm thermal.
     I have flown the Owens every year since the clinic, mostly in the fall, when Bishop really comes alive (Rodeo, Classic Car Show, Film Festival, etc.). The air during this time is usually fat, smooth, great for getting high (10-17K) and going far (12-35 miles). There are always some blown out days, but there is always so many other activities to engage in while in the Owens: rock climbing, fishing, four-wheeling, hiking, etc. that pilots and their families will find many ways to enjoy this unique area.
     Gunter will be the primary launch (7850 ft) for this event, about midway up the White Mountain range, giving the opportunity for tasks to both the north and south.
     Safety director, Mark Axen, has a good amount of experience in the Owens Valley, having directed the Paragliding Nationals in 1993. It was reported that at 8am each morning, Mark would release a balloon and make the call as to whether the day would be flyable. This allowed competitors to plan early for other activities on no-fly days. The video 'Paraglide: The Movie' was made from footage taken from the '93 Nationals.
     Given: the Owens Valley is known for its 'Big Air' and will command a great deal of respect, but the fall conditions will likely be appropriate for accomplished P4 pilots ready for their first competition, as well as the seasoned X-C masters.
     The entire valley at approx. 4000 ft msl is a virtual landing zone, with its flat alluvial fans below the steep, rocky mountain range. Thermal activity is predictable, that is, almost every knob, rock and ridge will be a reliable lift trigger, making extensive cross-country flights possible.
     A highway runs from one end of the valley to the other, making retrieve very coordinated. Even if a long task is called into Nevada, the participants can still choose to fly 'IFR' (I Follow Roads) for easy retrieval.
     Often the flying days in fall are 'blue,' that is, without clouds, where the lift is only defined by other pilots, birds or triggers on the landscape. These days are often welcome, as the pilot can ascend as high as the lift will take them, without limitation from the restrictions of cloud clearances. I have climbed to 15-17K feet over White Mountain, gliding close to 10 miles from the top of the thermal without ever turning again in lift.