November has entered it's first week bringing forth high winds, rain and fog. But this time of year has it's benefits because the wind direction leans more to northerlies which has the benefit of using WinGreen for some serious combat flying aka slope soaring. Albiet you may have to dress up in attire more adapted for an Artic Expedition.
Although on the coast the wind was slight, further inland in the hills of North Dorset the wind was sweeping down from the north in a steady blast of around 15mph. Being confirmed by Compton Abbas weather station the Team head for WinGreen slope, a tight bowl facing Shaftesbury a few miles away to the north.
The advantage of Wingreen slope is there is no major hike to get to the slope. Out of car and straight on to the slope, whereas Gourds Farm although a nice slope coping with mainly southerly directions, it require a fair walk to the area.
Using the forum Roll Calls, it was decided to meet up at Wingreen rather than go to Cashmoor first aiming for around midday at the slope.
Temperature was around 12 degrees but chill factor made it feel more like 8 degrees. With blue skies and occasionally some grey cloud some exciting fliying commenced. After a few flights to get the "feel" of the wind it was time for some combat. Lot's of contacts, falling out of sky, disappearing below the horizon but most of all fun and laughter all round. Bits of winglets tumbling earthwards on many occasions. Poor Simon!
Jon got shot down numerous times, I think they were picking on him deliberately. He was finally put down after a big contact and losing a elvon rod. Big Dave had some radio problems after being taking out but got it sorted eventually. John ireland seemed to fair pretty well this time round, his Zagi surviving well. Next time John! Graham's wing started becoming tatty, Chris M's new wing came off unscathed, although he did avoid most of the battles! Little Dave, pictured here wrapped up nice and warm got away with it too. I am sure his zagi carries about half a kilo of ballast! Yours truly, the wing flew well initially but after a while became sluggish. This due to the fact that the covering was feeling off, one elvon becoming detached and not having enough ballast. Time for a refurb before the next battle then! In my opinion the best slope session this year. There are some large size images now in the Gallery. Take a look!
What the Team would really like is to see more members get involved in this fun sport. It's cheap and the best pound for hours of fun money can buy. If you don't have a zagi you are welcome to come along and use one of ours for a trial. You'll be hooked in no time!