On 9 July Galen Kirkpatrick broke the US / North American FAI Triangle record, she tells the story of that day
I broke the US/North American FAI Triangle record on 9 July. I was in Sun Valley, ID with my partner and many of the best pilots in the US for the wedding of our dear friends Emily Mistick and Evan Bouchier. The wedding was the main attraction but the meteorological stars aligned and thanks to the hard work of Evan Bouchier, Gavin McClurg, and Chuck Smith, we were allowed to fly from the top of Mt Baldy.
Evan designed a triangle task and then trusty Gavin briefed us on how this flight would be the new record if completed. I revelled at the talent in the group. I was sure that if the record fell it would be a communal effort, as it was, but I didn’t think I would have much to do with it. “Safe launch, safe landing, and something in between” I said to myself.
I love XC but my flying the last couple of years has primarily been in competitions. I have the qualities of a good XC pilot – creativity, desire and curiosity – but I haven’t been as motivated to chase distance on my own. I have felt consumed with the adventure of becoming myself and...
