I'm off to Bulgaria!

After a nice American lunch at Red Robin (burger, fries and a Coke) with Carmen and the girls, I'm on the shuttle and on my way to LAX. 

I'm feeling pretty comfy in my Pearl Izumi socks, shoes and jacket!  I love my team jacket from USHPA too. Nice 

Thanks USHPA for my fly jacket!

Rob, our team leader is already in Bulgaria and has the rest of the team with him at the Team USA house. He'll be back to Sofia to pick Josh and me up tomorrow night. 

My next post will likely be from Munich (change of planes) or the day after tomorrow in Sopot, where we will be staying. 

Thanks for all the warm wishes!

Cheers,

Marty

Rat Race was a success

The forecast was spot on, and unfortunately we lost the first few days.  The practice day was, however very good and those that chose to fly ahead of the rain had great flying to tide them over the days to come.

Nicole shows Pete her wrist X-Ray after tossing on the practice day.

 After several days, we went up to launch to see fog, which lifted and gave us a short task.  Nobody in goal, but many landed together.  Marco and I landed with many others.

The Armada at the start on the last day.  Fun 3 full days of racing!

Mad props to Torsten and Michael Sigel who pushed the lead gaggle while they were there.  Michael won it but Josh took the final day ahead of him into goal. Nice Josh! Way to go Nick and Eric too. 

  Bill Belcourt took the trophy for sport class. Marco Edged out his dad for 2nd place, Luis ending up in 3rd.

Off to the world championship in Bulgaria!

Go Flying Monkeys!...not to be confused with the Hawaii thermal research monkeys.

Dunlap Nationals a Success! Officially 2013 USA Team Member!

Hats off to Josh, Eric and Arnie, for a great showing at the US Nationals this year.  Dean was a close 4th and many others had notable flights.

I finished in the middle of the pack this time, learning even more about Dunlap and some of its unforgiving ways.  Ironically, I was one of the only two to make goal on one of the hardest days with Canadian pilot Nicole McLearn, and managed to dirt when many made goal on others. I was even in the top 3 at goal on a nearly 80 mile task won by Josh then Dave (not in comp) me, Dean and Rob.  I flew with Bill Hughes for the last stretch and we were a great team. Unfortunately, he fell out the bottom and landed a few km short.  Nice effort Bill.

Josh, Bill, Dean and Rob from Left to Right on the 78 mile journey lasting nearly 6 hours.

Rob, Dean Marty, Josh and Dave Turner at Goal.

Yesterday made it official that I will be on the USA Team going to compete at the World Championship in Bulgaria July 13-26th this year!  It has been a dream of mine for many years, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.

Donations and sponsors are still needed to fund the US Teams.  Your tax deductible donation can be made here:
http://www.usparaglidingteam.org/index.html

The Rat Race is next, and I look forward to flying with friends new and old, and honing my skills before the big event.