2015 Windy Ridge Aerotow Hammondsport, NY

[JimD]

You want a fire pit...I can do that!

Actually, we have a fire pit that we use for one of the other (non airplane) groups...

[Csessa]

Not much more I can say that has not been said. It was a great extended weekend of flying and friends. This is a wonderful site and the local club members are great hosts. Dinner at the field two nights worked out great and Saturday night ribs were outstanding. Not to be redundant, but thanks to the tow pilots for putting in so much time. As we saw, towing puts a lot of stress on the tugs which just means more repair time when they get home. The folks on the other end of the line appreciate your investment, time, and skill.

It is difficult to teach Jim Dolly anything about putting on an event, but I think we have him convinced a fire pit is a must for Cumberland in November.

Hopefully the Windy Ridge folks will invite us back next year. Maybe we can get a few more of them up on tow.

Many years ago I told my hiking friends that if they looked at the weather forecast before going on a hike they would never get in the woods. Recently one of our leaders told me the same about going to aerotow events. This weekend was the perfect example. First I questioned going at all. Thursday afternoon and Friday were great. Then I questioned Saturday because the local forecast looked horrendous. I went anyway and it was another fabulous day. A little cold but what outstanding (oh !@#t I'm too high) lift.

Also, thanks to the folks who talked me into the Blanik. It was perfect for the conditions and what fun to fly.

Just a couple photos from my phone.

[hello82]

more from Gary's hanger

[hello82]

[hello82]

and some more

[hello82]

Yes, thanks a mill to Jim and all the Windy Ridge club guys for hosting the event and being so super, and Len, Jim and Steve for doing all the towing. Was a superb event and much fun. Great people, food, flights, laughs, and scenery. In a warm hotel room now in the Catskills with the Msss after camping in the pup tent for 3 chilly nights...it was quite enjoyable still. Many, many, lessons learned on this trip!! LOL.

Sorry to those who could not make it and hope to see you at the next one.

Matt

[French1]

Wow, great weekend of aerotowing. Thanks the the Windy Ridge Club for hosting and taking care of all of us there; feeding us and keeping us warm with a fire. Special thanks to Jim, Mike, Paul, and Tom from Windy Ridge. Also Thanks to Jim D and Len for all the towing. My wife and daughter took pictures, so we will get those posted shortly. Personally, I had two of my longest flights ever with the Blanik. Looking forward to hosting again next year.

Steve K

Steve,

glad you all had fun time, I will bring my Blanik next year and join you for a Blanik squadron flight.. seem to be the proper place to do it!

See you soon

Stéphane

[stevekremer]

Wow, great weekend of aerotowing. Thanks the the Windy Ridge Club for hosting and taking care of all of us there; feeding us and keeping us warm with a fire. Special thanks to Jim, Mike, Paul, and Tom from Windy Ridge. Also Thanks to Jim D and Len for all the towing. My wife and daughter took pictures, so we will get those posted shortly. Personally, I had two of my longest flights ever with the Blanik. Looking forward to hosting again next year.

Steve K

[lenb]

Today was a crisp day!! Winds were from the North-Northwest ish all day. The lift was fantastic. Some of the best I've ever seen. There were multiple Blaniks out today ( 4 I think ) and we towed until we couldn't see anymore. Then it was time for a BBQ. The club put out a first class meal with BBQ ribs that fell off the bone, baked beans and baked potatoes. If you left hungry its your own fault. Jeff, our staff photographer was able to stop by for the day with his wife, they were in Chicago visiting their daughter and stopped in for the day on the way home. Be ready for some great photos to be posted.

The evening ended with another campfire ring and lots of laughter.

[Stew]

Anybody bring Smores fixin's? Good lift and tolerable winds to everyone! Bidule steering to be proven by the cross winds.... fingers crossed.

[Xroadie]

I hit the "like" button!

[lenb]

Interesting news Steve, we'll discuss it tomorrow. May be a perfect fit.

Another good day today at the field. Lift was pretty good most of the day. Even with the cross wind, all the guys did a marvelous job flying and landing with precision. When darkness rolled around, the club arranged for some excellent pizza and a bonfire!

[Steve P]

Enjoy!

While you're there, you all might want to discuss an early June date for this event next year?. Sky High can't do the weekend they did in 2015 if Horizon stays on their new mid-June dates. So, there may be an opening in the 2016 core season?

[lenb]

Arrived at the airstrip at about 2:45 to see a Porter take off with a Blanik in tow. ALRIGHT!!!!!
Flying has started. We backed in the trailer and quickly put together the DG800 to join in on the fun. The Canadian boys, Gudmund and Brian are already here and flying, as well as Gunny, Steve Kremer and Connio. Jim D did all the towing today with his Porter, what a beast with the new prop on it.
After a fun afternoon of flying we all went to the lake for dinner at the Switzerland restaurant. Good food and great company!!
See ya tomorrow.

len

[JimD]

Arrived at the field at 1:00pm...the troops are starting to roll in now!