Flight

Task 2, Low base to start off with, 84km goal. I took the second start with Dave Matthews, Gordon Rigg, Paul Harvey, Andrew Hollidge and Phippsy. We topped up to base again immediately behind the hill but the sky ahead was completely overcast. We stopped in every zero and clung onto it for life allowing the wind to blow us down the course. Phippsy went down here and Gordon got very low. Just Dave, Paul, Andy and me hanging around at 1800-2000ft asl for almost an hour. Eventually the sky opened a little and the lift got stronger, i found a better climb upwind and got to base first and decided i had to go instead of wait around as i needed the points to try and get ahead of Paul and Andy who beat me the previous task. I managed to get a good few climbs, tried not to get low but did dig myself out once where i got below 500ft and stopped a football game as they all expected to see me land (probably because my legs were out in preparation)- i got myself into this situation as i had glided for a convergence cloud but when i got to it found nothing but strong sink, i think it was the cloud collapsing and almost cost me the day! The last 20kms were very easy, strong climbs, strong tailwind and i managed to get to goal first with Andy the only other rigid in goal 11 minutes behind and Dave another 10 minutes behind being the only flexwing in goal. Paul had landed halfway with Gordon. Turned out to be my second 1000 point task win and got me a second place for the competition and still first overall for the Series heading into the final round in the Dales. Really fun day.