The final of the Liga Catalana took place last weekend in the mountains behind Berga. This was the first time I have been to the Porte de Comte launch at about 2000m, needless to say its nearly October and it was COLD! There was no wind nor thermals coming through launch and it looked like it was going to be a day for clinging to the rock faces to stay up. The clouds were filling in above launch and the sunny spots getting smaller and smaller as the task was set - a 49km race to near Tremp. I really couldn't see how we were going to cross the boonies after Oliana in those conditions, but i'd reckoned without cloudsuck! Climbs were in the 5-6m/s range above 2200m and pretty much non-existent below. At base of 2600m it was baltic, just 6 degrees, and i was frozen! By trying to stay in the sunny areas and avoiding what looked like biggest dark clouds behind I managed the first 20km to the Liga B goal in 40 minutes with just 4 turns!! Near Oliana after sinking nearly vertically climbs became scrappy, even the vultures and buzzards were all on glide - all of the time! I ended up landing in Oliana goal right next to the bar (which is always an ok end to a flight) and was followed in by some very happy Liga B chaps.
Things to learn from today:
1. Sometimes its necessary to fly over places with no landings at all & hope for salvation.
2. Stop making so many decisions and just follow the group
3. Remember to check my trimmers before launching - or I probably won't!
PS. Well done to Lee Garcia for winning the Catalan League this year - its GREAT to see you back in competitions!
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