Official Practice

First official practice day. Much clearer sky today; it was possible to see stuff, like mountains and other gliders. Grand Prix tasks are usually fairly short two to three hour affairs and this was no exception. 280km running the ridges, first to the south and then north. The first part was low and dirty, up against the rocks at not a great altitude. The ridges weren't working all that great. It is amazing how far some of the guys will push on before stopping for a climb. Up to the north it bcame a bit more routine for me; the ridges still weren't that great but the thermals improved. I was able to overhaul nearly everyone and was actually one of the first over the line at 121kph . But, you know, big deal. It was only a practice day; not everyone did the task and probably not everyone who did the task was going flat out. The TV/Internet people have arrived and tracking is installed in our gliders and is obviously working. As I rolled to a stop Mark told me about the ripper thermal I had on the last leg. (It was 9.5kts av) The big screen is up and Mark reckons the graphics are sensational. Pity it will all happen in the wee small hours for folks back home. Here is our tie down. All very civilisedTomorrow we get to do it all again. It is a tough life