Updates - Paragliding National Championships 2002

2002 US Paragliding National Championships

September 20th - 28th, 2002

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Updates
US Paragliding National Championships, 2002

8/23
Lee Anne and I were in Bishop for the last two days, meeting with important contacts and checking out the event sites and LZ's. We met with LADWP, and have their blessings. They own a lot of land in the valley, and they are totally cool with the event and the proposed LZ's we will be using.

We met with the WMRS, and they are really great. The goal will be there or at nearby Flynn's LZ whenever we can. Red Bull can even set up a tent for the competitors to shade themselves under. No party there, just GPS check in, panel discussions and goal landing is OK. Participants will park outside the fence along the road, and can hang in the LZ while people fold their gliders.

I have talked with Jay Farbman, a videographer who will be staying the week taking footage and editing it each night, so we can show it the next day during GPS download or at events. By the end of the meet, we should have a nice segment, and we may offer it for sale. The final edits will be made after the event, so we'll likely send the finished video later to the competitors if they decide to buy it. I think that showing footage each day will add a nice feel to the event.

Tuesday will be Casino Night, we met with the department heads there, and they will be organizing blackjack, poker and slot tournaments for anyone interested. There will be a small buy-in, likely $5 or 10 which will be returned to the winners in full. They are also putting together an optional meal of Tri-Tip steak, corn on the cob, salad, roll and drink for our group for $8.25 each for whoever wants to eat there. We will be asking for people to sign up for this at the pilot's meeting friday night so we can get a ball-park head count. The Poker game will be Texas Hold'em. http://www.paiutepalace.com/Games/cards.htm

We also made plans with Keough's Hot Springs. There's a large BBQ outside for our use, where we are planning a weenie roast on thursday evening. We will treat the competitors to the hot springs and pool. We soaked in the water ourselves, and felt great afterwards - the mineral water is so soothing. I am personally really stoked to add this to the venue! http://www.keoughshotsprings.com/

The Millpond Music Festival will be going on during the first three days of the comp, and I am thinking of going to see Elvin Bishop. http://www.inyo.org/Millpond%20Festival.htm

We now have 75 registered pilots, with more coming in every day!!!

We need to coordinate all the volunteers, if you are thinking of helping out, please get in touch with Lee Anne at leeanne@flyaboveall.com.

I am really glad we did not schedule the meet for the end of August, as initially planned, the dusties were fighting with the wind and the valley was BALLISTIC! The end of September will be much better, I am looking forward to getting high over the Whites!

-Chad

8/26
Added the local rules page to the website, all pilots should familiarize themselves with this information.

-Chad

FREE FLYING
Because of transportation challenges, a one-lane four-wheel drive road and forest service requirements, free flying from Gunter will be restricted to Official Wind Technicians and launch volunteers after the start window has closed. Any flights from Flynn's, Paiute and Walt's Point are unregulated and not part of this competition, and there will be no competition enforced restrictions at these sites.