Sunday, March 29, 2009

Aerotowing in Colorado

When I checked the Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding and Paragliding website to see if anyone was going to fly last weekend, Jim had posted a thread about aerotowing on Sunday. I had heard rumors about Jim and Tim getting their Dragonfly towing operation up and running, but nothing solid. I was stoked to see they were operational. Ever since I moved to Colorado I've fantasied about aerotowing. Between working most weekends, not having a tow rating, and missing good opportunities to learn I could never seem to make it happen. Last Sunday I finally did and it was awesome.

I headed out to Farm Flight, about 50 miles east of Boulder on the high plains at 6:00 am Sunday morning. When I rolled up Jim, Tim, and JT were there setting up. JT was about to take a tow on Tim's brand new Wills Wing Sport 2. Farm Flight had everything we needed. There was a shaded common area facing the runway with picnic tables, refreshments and a grill Jim had brought. It was surrounded by plenty of grass to set up, hangers, port-o-johns, and of course dogs. There was plenty of wide open space to the west and north to bail out if a weak link broke down low. The last ingredients were dolly's, a golf cart, and Tim and Jim's loaner Dragonfly.

Farm Flight

Tim Test Flying the Dragonfly

I helped JT as much as I could and made it a point to watch his technique as he towed past. He had a solid takeoff and soon disappeared into the mountains on the horizon. While JT was exploring the air Jim and I got my harness dialed. I didn't have tow loops installed so we choked tow bridals on the shoulder straps until get permanent loops. I opted for a release on each side and Jim hooked me up with a smooth broken-in release for the primary on my right side. JT landed, reported that the air was mostly smooth, and took another tow.

JT's Tow


JT's Landing

After JT's second tow is was my turn. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, it would be my 6th aerotow ever and my first time towing since I got my rating. I mentally rehearsed the tow and my "outs" if a weak link broke, then I asked Jim and JT to listen to me talk through my flight plan. They gave some good input and after running the pre-tow checklist I told Jim I was ready. Jim gave the signal and Tim hit the power. The Sport 2 wanted to lift off the dolly in no time, but I waited a few extra moments before releasing the dolly. The only major difference from towing in Florida was the dust cloud generated from the Dragonfly's prop. Before long we had cleared the field and were climbing quickly. Even at a field elevation of 5500' the Dragonfly had plenty of power.

My Tow

Hanging Out Left of the Tug

As we climbed out to the west, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains were spectacular. I've seen the view a million times at work, but it was different being out in the open air and 360 vantage of a hang glider. I would argue that the mountains are more impressive from out in the plains than up close in Boulder. Tim signaled and I pinned of at 2500' (about 8000' above sea level). The air was as smooth as glass. Towing is such a contrast to the mountain sites in Colorado in that the first moments aren't spent frantically trying to work any lift possible to get high. I tucked the tow bridle in my harness, relaxed, and took in the view. Everyone raves about the Sport 2 and I can confirm that it flies like a dream. I explored the VG range, then did a set of wing overs followed by a stall. It certainly felt like a high performance glider, which would haunt me later.

Enjoying the Sport 2



I had the Hero Cam mounted on my helmet and after another set of wing overs I lined up above the runway to film Tim taking off again in the Dragonfly. He was giving Maureen a ride. As they climbed above me I worked an area of zero sink and set up my for my landing. The wind was light out of the southwest, I found another area of zero sink down low over a dark cow pin that was about abeam the downwind end of the runway. As the lift petered out I rolled out from my turn into a downwind, base, and final approach. I had a great landing right where I planned just past the port-o-johns.

My Landing





Here's a Hero Cam video of the entire tow:

After I landed I asked JT to critique my takeoff. I felt like I was over controlling a bit on tow and seemed to hang out slightly left of the tug (just like in Florida). JT gave me some good feedback and suggested I lead with my shoulders and not my feet, using more "bump" corrections. I knew not to lead with my feet, but in hindsight I was definitely doing it. On the second tow I consciously lead with my shoulders and immediately noticed the difference. The corrections were more immediate making it easier to follow the tug. In fact the entire second tow was cleaner and uneventful until the landing.

The morning air had given way to rowdier midday air. I had visions of dialing my thermal skills while exploring the area. It was a little too early and the thermals were too light and disorganized to climb in. I gave up on staying up and started boxing the field to set up my approach. Then I noticed a big truck driving down the dirt road next to Farm Flight. Surely this would trigger any potential thermals that were brewing on the surface. I hung out in the disorganized zero sink above the same cow pin as the first tow waiting. Nothing ever came and my greediness would soon bite me in the ass. I stayed above the cow pin until the last possible turn then set up for my approach. All I needed to do was roll out on base and drop into the field. The wind had picked up so I would have landed almost in the same spot as before. Instead I rolled out on a downwind and hit solid sink. I pulled in to keep my speed, but burned up any altitude I could have made the field with in the process. Quickly, I thought up a plan B. There was a slight incline on the east end of a clearing past a junk yard of farm equipment. I flew straight to it and planned on taking the uphill with a slight left cross wind. It worked out, but as I was running out the landing I let the left wing rise and the nose came over in slow motion. Both I and the glider were fine, but it was an embarrassing contrast to my previous landing. The hill I landed into wasn't visible from the patio and everyone wondered what the hell I was doing.

Tim's Sport 2 had never had its nose cone soiled and I felt horrible for being the first to do so. Part of the problem was that I did not properly account for the difference in performance of the Sport 2 compared to my Fusion. The Sport 2 felt "sporty" in flight, but even though the Fusion is old and wrinkly, it easily has enough performance for me to have made the field in that situation. Regardless of the glider, turning downwind when I was in a perfect position to roll out on base with some extra altitude was stupid. Most of the mountain sites in Colorado are somewhat restricted so there isn't much room for choice in how to approach them. I think having so many different choices in the wide open plains threw me for a loop. Either way it was a learning experience and not one I will repeat if Tim let's me fly his glider again.

Overall it was a great day and aerotowing in Colorado was a dream come true. Jim and Tim have a solid operation and JT's input was invaluable for me in my learning process. I'm going to keep progressing incrementally, perhaps towing the Fusion next time. The cross country potential in the eastern plains is huge. I've seen cloud streets set up there that go to the horizon. On the right day a flight deep into Nebraska could be well within reach. Thanks to Jim, Tim, JT, Rick for taking pictures, and everyone else who came out for a great day.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Molly Cam

I was brainstorming new uses for the Hero Cam recently when a brilliant idea literally knocked me out of my chair. Okay, I was leaning back too far and the chair got away from me. As I picked myself up off the floor I could hear my 2nd grade teacher's voice echoing in my head - "Don't lean back in your chair, you fall and crack your head!"

Back on topic, my idea was Molly Cam. The Hero Cam was surely shock resistant and waterproof enough withstand what Molly could dish out, the problem was finding a way to mount it. I tried using a strap-on helmet mount attached to her collar, but within 30 seconds it was dangling below her belly. After some more thought and chair fallings I decided her life jacket would be the best platform. I used two cam straps lashed in opposite directions to secure a base plate to the top of the life jacket and it held the camera rock solid.



The last ingredient was a suitable walk to take her and the other dogs on. The 18" of snow we got yesterday was the perfect opportunity (see previous post). The footage is jittery and nauseating, but it's hilarious to see a walk from Molly's perspective.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Snow is Back

It's been on holiday since January, but after the warmest winter I can remember it's finally back in Colorado - Snow!! As the day wore on the dogs grew frisky to get some powder under their paws.


Jo and I headed out to what I call the Mini Black Forest near Eldorado Springs Canyon. The blizzard was in full effect with over 16" on the ground, drifting to waist high in places. We enjoyed fresh tracks the entire time.





As the wind whipped up, near white out conditions developed and we soon wondered off course. I had to brush off my rusty orienteering skills and use landmark alignment to shoot straight-line bearings back to the truck. Jonny V. saw the truck at the trail head and decided go for a snow run / rescue mission. Luckily, we were almost back to the front gate when we met up. After we realized the strange figure running towards us was Jonny we all had a good laugh!


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Tortoise Beat the Hare

Andy Pruitt and Coach Brian both agree that even though my knee is acting up, I should still train. I have to keep my intensity in check and supplement my rides with tons of stretching, but I've been getting out. Today I was slated to do a 1:30 recovery ride, staying in heart rate zones 1 and 2, which for me is a max heart rate of 155. I spent Monday and Tuesday riding in 30mph plus wind and was over it. Today I decided hide from the wind in the protection of the foothills. The ambient temperature would be colder, but without the windchill it would feel warmer. I would have to climb, but if I kept it super mellow I could stay mostly in my assigned zones.

I headed out on the Superfly from North Boulder to do a Boulder Canyon, 4 Mile Canyon, Poor Man Rd, Sunshine Canyon loop back to town. It was only about 1800 feet of climbing and mostly gradual except for short parts of Poor Man. I was able to keep my heart rate down by soft pedaling most of the time. By half way up 4 Mile Canyon I was hovering around zone 2.5 and in a good grove jamming to some tunes. Then out of nowhere a gaper on a road bike attacked me. He was out of his saddle and sprinting, staring indignantly at me as he passed. After sizing him up I could tell I could easily take him out and after the way he looked at me thought he deserved it too. I mustered every bit of maturity, professionalism, and discipline I could to stick to the plan. As he pulled away ahead of me I recited under my breath "maintain, maintain... stick to the plan" and soon was happily back in my grove.

Once I was on the steeper sections of Poor Man I had to ride comically slow to keep my heart rate down. It was cold and light snow was falling. I thought about how grateful (and tough - Ha!) I was to be out on a day like today. After an eternity of slow motion climbing I neared the top and caught a glimpse of my former attacker. He was completely cracked and walking his bike up the steep incline. Like a shark in bloody waters my first instinct was to attack, but I maintained my discipline and continued to slowly turn the cranks over. The great irony of this was that when I did eventually pass him (in super slow motion) it was even more belittling than normal.

I resisted rubbing it in, instead smiling and uttering a "Good Day Mate" as I toodled by. I don't think he ever suspected the firestorm of competitive energy I was restraining from unleashing on him. Like most "bike path wars", undertaken by over-competitive, under trained "bike-pathaletes", it would have served no purpose. I find it interesting that the more my knee hurts the more driven I become (you could draw an unflattering parallel to George Bush here, but I digress). When the time is right I'll release the firestorm, until then I'm happy to toodle along and smile!

Poor Man Recovery Ride 1:32, 17.8 Miles, 1879 Feet of Climbing

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Lookout 3-21-09

Saturday I decided to give my knee a break and dust off my Colorado wings. My last flight in the Rocky Mountains was 5 months ago, so I was due. Saturday's forecast called for unstable air with highs in the 70's. The thermal index and top of the lift looked promising plus the moderate southwestern flow aloft could even lead to an XC from Lookout to Boulder, something I've been keen on for years. I pulled the Fusion out of its tube and headed to Lookout.

When I got there BJ, Steve, and Dennis Pagen (visiting from PA) were setting up HG's while Sparky was setting up his bag with a ton of other paragliders. After catching up and confirming that it looked promising I dumped my harness bag and lugged the Fusion up the hill. I hadn't flown the Fusion since my cliff launch on the White Rim trip last November and had since done some maintenance on the glider. When I put it back together I forgot to mount my vario bracket on the downtube, so I was planning on a lengthy set up. It took forever to pull the downtube and slide the bracket on, so long that I missed the best cycle of the day. With BJ's help I got the job done and was finally ready to fly.

Dennis with Steve Launching


BJ Ready to Fly


BJ Skimming Launch


PG's and Downtown Denver


While I was pre-occupied with that, Steve and Dennis launched, followed by BJ who top landed later. JY and Fred launched from the south facing launch. In Dennis's words, it was a "cooperate and elevate" kind of day and everyone took turns getting high and loosing it in the light conditions. As the low pressure moved into the area, raggy high clouds would blow in and shut everything down periodically. Steve got up to 8500' at one point and was able to explore the sunny slopes to the north. Eventually, the afternoon turned mostly shady with a few "sucker holes" of sun rolling through here and there. They would lure brave soles off the mountain who would sink out after an extended sledder. It was March in Colorado, if an extended sledder was all I could get, so be it! I'd be happy take advantage of a sucker hole if it would get me a launch and a landing. Sam Crater got some great shots of the day, here are a few.

Sam's Photos of the Day
(the Fusion and I are the only HG facing away from launch)






As I hooked in and readied to launch the wind got light and turned cross from the north. I waited for over an hour for a decent window. It finally came in the form of a 5mph breeze blowing straight in. I pointed the nose down, ran like hell, and slowly lifted off, feet still kicking, about 30 feet later. Amused at how long it took to airborne I pulled in and tried to kick the lower windsock with my feet. Once I was clear of the road I somewhat aggressively pushed out and was surprised to find descent lift. To everyone else watching on the hill it looked like I hit a boomer right in front of launch. There was a mass exodus off the hill and after two turns in my newly found thermal there where 5 gliders of both types in the air. We all worked together, scratching low on the hill for a bit. BJ launched right after me and easily out climbed me in his Sport 2, which was no surprise. After I while I tired of the crowd and headed out over the primary LZ. I was high enough to explore some areas of zero sink, but I never found anything strong enough to take me up. My rusty thermal skills kept me in the air for a solid 20 minutes, but soon the valley was full of shade and I could tell it was just a matter of time before things turned off.

The windsock below in the primary LZ was showing a north breeze and the thought of all us landing there at the same time with a quartering tail wind was not appealing. I had plenty of altitude to make it to the wide open Miner's field to the south, so I pulled on full VG and when on glide. About half way there I hit a good sized bump, but was going too fast to get turned around in the narrow thermal. Instead, I turned in the surrounding sink while bleeding off all of my energy. It was a bad decision. I pulled on 3/4 VG and dove for the Miner's field. Still in the sink I considered doing a fly-on-the-wall on a steep uphill straight ahead with the tailwind, but a turn of 20 degrees to the left took me out of it. Dennis was breaking down his glider on the north end of the field and confirmed that the winds were still out of the north. I had just enough altitude to comfortably clear two sets of power lines, fly a tight base and final and land right next to him. I rounded out in ground effect on a slight up hill and when the time was right, flared like hell and ran. It was a perfect landing for the conditions and was a nice way to end the 5 month gap I'd had since my last real flight in the Fusion.

Tracklog




BJ landed next and we all broke down together, stoked to have stayed up as long as we did. Dennis had the longest flight of the day, staying up for almost 2 hours. It was interesting to watch his persistent style, he was a little too low to hit the boomer that got Steve and BJ high, but he was able to use every bit of lift coming up the hill until eventually he was looking down on all of us. It was good fun, with great company, and nice to feel like a hang glider pilot again.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Jo's New Ride

It's been a rough week since my last post (below). Not much has changed with my knee, although I did get in to see Andy Pruitt. Thanks to everyone who emailed, commented, called, and encouraged me this week. Your support is phenomenal. I do have a plan of attack for salvaging the season which I'll post it when I iron out the details.

In the meantime, I've learned over the years that the best way to get out of a funk is to get out of myself. True happiness comes from giving and being of service to others, so I took up a project that's been on my list for some time. Back in January when I first posted about the HiFi (here), I promised to reveal in a future post the source of the Sram XO parts I swapped out for the HiFi's Shimano XT components. That source was this, a 2009 Gary Fisher Superfly.

Another Superfly!?



That's right, there has been another Superfly living in our stable, but this one is a size Medium. The blatant consumerism is nauseating isn't it! Really!! In true consumeristic form, i.e. 12 months of zero interest, I was able to surprise Jo with it at Christmas. I say "at" instead of "for", because by selling her Spot singlespeed and with 9 months left to pay off the difference, it's her purchase. I was just the facilitator. Having ridden a carbon bike on the White Rim trip she was ready to enter the realm of carbon mountain bikes. The problem was that other than a few rare factory models there aren't any carbon singlespeed 29ers around, so we would have to convert it. Which brings me full circle back to this week's project.

Jo has been engulfed in working, renewing her EMT, and getting her Yoga Instructor Cert. so building up the bike hasn't been a priority. Having stripped it of shifters and derailleurs, her Superfly hung naked from the basement ceiling until last Thursday. It needed a singlespeed crank, SS chain, cog, and chain tensioner. Since the Superfly doesn't have horizontal drop outs the chain tensioner would be the biggest headache. The simplest solution (isn't that the point of a singlespeed - simplicity) was a Yess Labs bottom bracket mount chain tensioner.



It works like this (from another Superfly SS conversion).



With the chain tensioner set, a FSA 32 tooth crankset with a clear polycarbonate bash ring, Sram singlespeed chain, Chris King 19 tooth cog, and a Surly spacer kit would complete the build.

Thursday, after a painfully slow (pun intended) ride up 4 Mile Canyon, Doug and I set to work. It was a quick and relatively painless build. It turns out that the 32-19 gearing combination and semi-vertical dropouts allowed the chain to be the perfect length and tension without the tensioner. Although, that will change if Jo decides to run a different gear. Doug literally tightened the last bolt as Jo pulled up into the driveway. It was a great surprise. She was stoked! It weighs 18 pounds. Here's the finished product.



















Jo and I went out for the SS Superfly's first ride on Friday. If I could describe the Superfly in one word it would be "Love". Every time I ride it I love it more! As a singlesspeed the Superfly shined even more. The bike is stunning and has a ride that backs up it's looks. It fit Jo like a glove and even though she's only ridden a handful of times this year, she was fast! So fast that I would have stayed at home and saved my knee if I had known that's how it was gonna be. She went out again today, a sunny Saturday afternoon, and whooped some gaper ass. I'm scared to see how fast she's going to be when she gets some proper training miles in her legs.