That is a long one Rich! But nice flight.

Here's quickie from England... white cliffs.

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Helo?

No thanks, if I want to fly in a brick, I will take a big ass trebuchet over that.

Yep it's a long video Karl, but so many different conditions and situations going on. And great scenery. You had mentioned interest in fly in Colorado. Bingo.

I liked how he would talk thru what was going on as things changed good learning opportunity.

In driving around Colo myself, the west side of the Sangre de Christo mountains look like soaring dream land. Tall ridge so long it stretches into New Mexico , north south orientation perpendicular to the westerlies, perfect setup. Just no population in that part of the state to have airports. Maybe around the great sand dunes park area.
Worth looking into.

My niece is very into gliding with the Air Force academy in Colo springs. They are very active with sailplanes and she is on their soaring team. But that is on the front range.

I wish I could be more helpful in helping you find the site there that you are looking for..
Is there a network of soaring clubs?

Cheers Richard

Karl, you sure do have interesting hobbies.

I've never been in a glider. (Not sure flying them in X-Plane counts.) Looks like fun. I may have to see about taking a check ride someday - there is a glider club not too far from me.

Yep I love soaring, I really love those videos of mountain soaring in Colo.
But I'm not likely to have the budget for a sailplane.

So Ive been looking closer at Para gliders and hang gliders.

I came across this neat video of the history of hang gliding.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-hRSUjJFmCc

It included comments by Peter Brock, the racer, car designer.

I didn't realize that he was an early hang gliding enthusiast.
Even said that the thrills of hang gliding were greater than he had ever had on track.

Cheers Richard

Am starting a 'hit list' of locals south to north amid the Rockies---beginning with Sangre de Cristo range to the south---thanks Rich. There's the SSA. Soaring Society of America. They list club locations (soaring ports) across the US. Each local is unique. Some rent gliders... some don't. Some only rent to "club members." Am listing targets for now. Later, will call to find out what each port offers. Am at beginning of this Rocky Mountain vision. A bucket-list thing.

That vid pilot, Bruno, he posts a fair volume of soaring content. I too like his delivery. He's got a flight from his base to the Grand Canyon. Long flight... good commentary.


"Interesting" ...fine word for soaring Jim. To defy gravity with no apparent engine is indeed a heady---fun---game. I looked into your Sherwood area... you have 2 places not too far away. If you go, be great if you take & post some pics and commentary! BTW, everyone who puts eyes on spin-on admires. My relentless appreciation your way Jim.


Fascinating history. I actually was always interested in hang gliding---for the simplicity of it---but there's no opportunity in Miami for that. And so the glider direction.

Was in Switzerland a while ago. Watched a fellow set up a hang glider atop whatever mountain we were on... next to a sheer cliff. Continued to watch until he picked the wings up, took a few quick paced steps... and left. Those few moments remain indelible. As I write this, I'm intoxicated (slightly) recalling those moments. Begs the question, why we find pleasure in some things and not others?

Canadian Rockies?

Invermere, BC - been going here since I was a kid, there is really good thermals off Swansea mountain with a glider/prop “airport” close to the base. I’ve seen gliders/hang gliders stay up for hours.

Soar the Rockies – Invermere, BC Canada

Heathen, non-believer:D

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Thanks Bob! Wasn't planning to go into Canada but why not. Invermere is appealing. Is on the list.