On Saturday 21st February 2009 I went to Fumay with Jean-Yves and Jean. Flying conditions were also good on sites at the sea-side in north of France and the soaring dune of Zoutelande in The Netherlands. As for soaring at the sea-side, that day we should had to wait until the evening to get interesting windforce, so we decided to go to Fumay. The wind here was also very weak but we didn't mind about that. It's good to practice starts and landings in calm weather conditions in the beginning of the new flying season. In the afternoon we have met a local pilot (Jean-Luc) who's been cleaning up the start at Revin the same morning. I don't know if he was involved but the Fumay start has also been cleaned not so long ago. So no obstacles and no branches at this starting place. Look for yourself, enjoy the pictures.
On Sunday 8 Februari 2009 I went to Zoutelande in the Netherlands for some wintersoaring. Conditions in the morning were quite excellent, but temperatures were freezing. While some early birds were already flying, most of us were still doubting if it would be worthwhile making the trip to the coast. Around noon, as the wind blowed harder and forced the wings to land, some delta pilots showed up and were dancing on invisible winds together with the glorious seagulls. Together with Patrick and Bart we arrived at 13:00 in Zoutelande, some good flying already in the morning (isn't it Hans?) and it looks like the weathergods aren't happy to see us. Half an hour later we greet Jean-Yves, Steph and Jean and a whole bunch of colleague Pickupclub-members Seppe, Steven, Carl, Ronny, Frank, Bart and new member Danny... I bet I have forgotten to mention some other members, sorry for that and thank you for being there, this was a great gathering! Winds were blowing hard, more than 40km/h and no possibility for taking-off. Grey clouds approaching the coast, they soon delivered some strong wind and melting snow, most of us flee in the direction of the beachrestaurant "De Zeeuwse Riviera". Thank you for giving us the chance to take a pauze in the warmth, time to chat with one another, drink a "Belgian" beer and ask the wind to take away the bad weather from the seaside. Prayers were answered around 16:00, some impatient ones were already taking-off from the beach. Others were taking their bags to the official start on top of the dune. Clouds break and behind these fluffy curtains blue sky still exists, sun finally showed up. One by one taking-off, more and more sunbathing wings swoop above Zoutelande-beach. Around 20 wings were airborne. Windforce is decreasing and goes under 30km/h, Bart is giving a helping hand at most starts on the dune, thanks for your help Bart. Most impressive and divergent colored airballet, earth turned, sun disappeared behind the horizon, full moon showing up behind the dunes, this was a day full of wonders. Enjoy the pictures.
It has been 2 months that theres been no
flying with the wing.Weatherconditions
were not ideal for flying on the Belgian sites, neither on the sites over the
border.Except a day or two of groundhandling
and a reserve-throwing-exercise, the wing has been kept folded in the bag,
waiting for real flights.
Then, all of a sudden, it was last week
that Ive got this question from a colleague at work.He told me about his plan to organize a
cyclo-cross race in his hometown, Loonbeek.He wondered about the Free Tibet-paraglider flying nearby, as an
additional attraction during the race.As there are no big hills in the area and that thermals at this period
of the year hardly develop, I
said that this only would be possible if someone would fly the wing with a
paramotor.The idea was born and I found
someone who could borrow us a paramotor.As Jean-Yves has some paramotor-experience he was ready to fly with it.
On Sundaymorning we had some slight
battery-problems but we finally managed to get the wing into the air.As the wing took-off late in the morning,
there was already some wind blowing. Because of this, the bumpy flight only
took about 20 minutes with afterwards a safe landing.In any case the action was a great success. I would like to thank Jacques for bringing up the idea, Olivier from Easy
Flying for using the paramotor, Jean-Yves for flying, Patrick for the pictures
and Lena for supporting.Enjoy the snowy pictures below.
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