2006 Portland Area Soaring Society Cross Country Race

Sundays was forecast to be a little warmer and that proved true. The thermals were stronger but further apart and the thermal strength below about 800 feet was considerable weaker. We had an "official" protest regarding the "lack of testosterone" (anti-doping) for team WWGaR and their lack of drive to try all the spokes of the task area. A secondary comment was made that the missing "dope" was concentrated in Amy as she pushed to complete her LSF level V cross country run. Congratulation Amy!

The task for the day was a simple speed course of 14.4 miles. All teams completing the course receive 750 points plus a percentage of 250 point based on their speed. Maximum score was 1000 points for the fastest team for the day. Teams that do not complete the course receive a percentage of 750 points based on their distance flown.

The day started off to a slow start as most teams launched several times before actually getting on course. Most thermals seemed to end at about 500-700 feet and no one was anxious to start a run. Bob Nelson threatened to hide the Team XCellence transmitter from Mike to insure he didn't try to start too soon. Finally at 11:50 he stepped up to the winch and launched, promptly flew into the biggest thermal yet for the day and climbed out to 1000 feet. Someone was heard to say "Did you make a reservation for that?"! Shortly thereafter all teams were up and off to race.

Team WWGaR made two attempts on the course with a best time of 60 minutes, or 14.4 MPH
Team XCellence made it around the course in 46:55 minutes for an 18.4 MPH
The Glidiators also finished the course in 49:00 minutes at a speed of 17.63 MPH
TTDA landed short for a distance of 7.24 miles
Oh Yeah again got on course for a distance of 1.0 miles

Next year, if there is a next year, we'll try to get a launch point near the the center of the area, in Perrydale, maybe eliminate the shorter legs, require a visit to each "spoke", and have more of those Pepper Brats for the barbeque.