Blog: A slow start but Craig Morgan goes big on Task 3 (and is currently leading the comp! Although he is too modest to tell you that himself…)
‘The level is very high…’ Meet the Belgians
PWC Turkey day 5 Task 3..
83k Race to goal.
The Resurrection
At two o’clock many of us were resigned to losing the day. All the wind dummies had been ‘sacrificed’. They’d gone down in the inverted, windy, non thermic gash! (Sounds nasty).
Phil Broers gallantly set up for another top to bottom in the hope it may have turned on. Then like a Phoenix from the flames of disaster our heroic Meet Head Sami, hopped on a borrowed Aircross and lobbed off to all our cheers. A departure from the norm for standard meet head protocol we all cackled!
After 10 mins soaring the drafty breeze he went down like a Led Zep disappearing behind the shoulder to the left. Most of us groaned and contemplated another soak in the Hot Baths back at the hotel.
Suddenly a roar went up. The big bald Turk screamed out harnessing the first solid thermal of the day. Raul Penso (task setting committee) didn’t muck about. He immediately took control of the rudderless ship and mustered the troops to set another more realistic task given the wind increase and time loss. And we launched.
In my haste to tweak my speed system and loosen my right riser somewhat I fed the line the wrong way and actually exacerbated the asymmetric deployment. Tit! My right riser now resembled a lazy ‘S’ rather than the tight left one’s straight appearance.
I contemplated asking for permission to top land but knew it wouldn’t be easy or safe in the drafty conditions on launch. Bollocks to it – a touch of trimmer should sort it out, and I pressed on.
It was snotty as usual in the confluence of winds that swirl in the melting pot of a gash.
We worked it. And 50 minutes later from 2-5 we nipped over the back to TP 1 on the plateau behind.
Low again but the hard case Valic’s brothers found a low save and a collective sigh of relief was heard. The 45 degree drift took us down valley and up to safety. A gentlemanly waft ensued which was really relaxing conducted as it was by a posse of race hardened nutters. “After you Sir …”
Wattsie needs Flymaster. It directs the pilot to the shortest route by cutting corners and shaving tangents. He must have flown a kilometre further than the rest of us flying directly at the turn point 2 which had a big 3 k cylinder. Anyways he made it back as we all amalgamated in another cruisy 2 up. Very cool.
Everyone behaving themselves for a 10 minute slow but steady climb. Then off thru the boonies in a new direction. The field split and I chanced my arm to the right where Rafael Luckos had raced off to and was climbing.
The bulk of the field went left to the ‘banker’ climb being highlighted by a couple of lonesome low flyers. It proved to be a blessing for me as my 4 k glide put me ahead of the pack.
Half way thru it though I wanted ‘back’ so as not to jeopardise my good overall position. A famous philosopher pilot once said “Indecision will put you on the deck”. So I held my nerve and stayed on glide. It came good and Rafa, Maxime Bellmin and I worked the modest lift in the strong cross wind.
It got nervy as goal was only 5 k away but needed a 24:1 glide to get it. We bounced and buffeted and lee-sided our way thru to 2 k away and I committed to goal.
Sniffing up wind into the town’s buoyancy I was teased like a horny young school boy.
Eventually my evil mistress slapped me round the face and told me to piss off home with my kacks round my ankles!!! I dirted 1.25 k short of speed section. Drat!
But none the less the furthest lawn dart so far. Rafa cruised in behind me beaming from ear to ear. I cussed. He laughed. “You crazy British fool” he said, “The task has been stopped ten minutes ago when we were above the last hill.”( Note to self – must turn my radio on … ) But – brill. Even better no one will get to goal and devalue our best (failed) efforts.
At least 4 guys cruised over to make goal 10 minutes later – but all to no avail. Task Stopped.
A good retrieve home and Bob’s your uncle – another large plate full of top grub, early to bed and hopefully the same again tomorrow.
Before I sign off – can I officially apologise to my Mrs & best mate Chrissie, who once again has become a paragliding widow for this 10 days. I know I’m a selfish git – but I couldn’t do it without you. I love you girl.
Over and out
Craig
Competition website
Paragliding World Cup Association
Paragliding World Cup TV (Vimeo)
Craig Morgan is current British Champion: read an interview with him here
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