Condor Racing
After exploring some ridge running in the Alps recently, Sunday's task was an expedition low-level on the Nympsfield Ridge. Nympsfield - Bath Racecourse - Nympsfield.
The grid lined up with Simon Leeson and James Hood joining in for the first time, and totalled 9 gliders plus spectators. Stewart Henshall gave a detailed briefing to help those who had not had time to do the homework.
Winch launching at Nympsfield
A small glitch with the task and hosting was quickly sorted and then they were off. Simon and James immediately headed off south in their ASW20's. The other pilots took it a little slower testing out the conditions on the ridge. Dan Hender found a thermal just after the -less than 1500ft start- and got to a dizzy height before setting off direct for the TP at a fast speed.
Gathering before the start
The return leg was much trickier with everyone conserving height as much as possible and finding the view very different at 800ft or below, there were even some landouts.
Those who managed to creep back along the ridge then had to spend some time gaining height as the finish was set at above 1300ft QNH.
The race was won by Dan Hender at 103kph, with Chris Warnes 2nd place at a creditable 88kph, and Simon Leeson at 80kph.
Lead and follow
Thanks to Stewart for shepherding along the way, (and spending more time outside his cockpit taking photos). I suspect those who landed out will have another go at the ridge again. The benefit of Condor - practice, repeat and improve! Come and join us - the DSGC racers / expeditions on Tuesday, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. - J&P
