2022 Outdoor Results

June 2022 Outdoor Results:

Some of the nicest free flight weather in recent memory failed to bring out the troops in any meaningful number.  Where was everybody?  Those that attended were greeted with calm to light variable winds early which made retrieval just a short walk.  The air was essentially flat early on but thermal activity picked up later as things warmed up.

Andy Ringlien took high points for the day placing first in several events, notably maxing out in P-30.  Ken Barry placed 2d in P-30 and will likely push his way to the top sooner than later.  He was accompanied by his wife and grandson who kept busy with a cat glider.

A big thanks to Ashley Ringlien, Tim Brockman, and Dean Hanson for generously timing many flights. 

July 2022 

The weatherman promised wind, and wind we got.  I suppose it could have been worse and in fact, later in the day, it was.  But the wind in the morning was from the straight south giving us clear drift over three open fields.  As maxes were set at 90 seconds, everyone managed to stay on the field.  Retrieval by car was possible for the longer flights and tired legs.  Matt Decker, cursed by youth, often jogged or ran.  It appeared that storms were headed our way as thunder and lightning were active in the west but they managed to skirt the area and we remained dry.  The wind also dropped to zero for a time which was welcomed but any lift that was once available disappeared.

CD Gary Oakins used the lull to treat us to deep-fried sunfish filets and coleslaw.  Many thanks, Gary!

The Honaker family from Grand Rapids came down to watch and fly.  Josiah Honaker put up some nice CLG flights for a win in Junior.  Hope to see them again.

Flying recommenced, but the wind increased along with a shift to the northwest toward the trees and chest high corn which managed to swallow up my P-30.  Thanks to those who joined the unsuccessful search.  With the increased wind most chose to call it a day.  Andy chose to continue flying so as to complete his events so he and his support team, Ashley, moved camp to get a more favorable drift.

In the meantime, lured by a three dollar Crockett hook and my last red 9.5" prop, I returned to the corn and began to systematically walk cross-rowed while looking left and right.for the wayward P-30.  I finally found it. but it was much farther into the corn than I thought.  I went back to watch Andy finish up his flights, some of which also found corn, although a different field.  We looked for a while with no success before I had to leave.  Any luck Andy?

August 2022

What started out as a cold (54 deg) misty and foggy day turned out to be a glorious free flight day.  We spent the first hour or two shivering,swapping lies, and looking at our shoes but the air cleared and serious flying commenced.  Not much in the way of thermal activity early, but there was buoyancy at altitude. As the day progressed and the temperature rose, the real good air developed.  Winds remained light and variable throughout the day and we all managed to avoid the woods and corn.  Another positive is that we had 10 contestants which is, I believe, a season high,  Greg Hinrichs and his wife Mary visited from Monona (?) WI and Jeremy Ames from Edina flew HLG and CLG.  Hopefully we'll see them again.

Contest highlights include Ken Barry's first place in P-30 narrowly missing a max on his third flight.  Andy Ringlien took top point honors with 28, winning several events.  Dave and Andy battled it out in Jimmie Allen and posted some amazing flights.  I launched my BA Cabin into lift and it went nearly OOS straight overhead before DTing.  This led to a long retrieval of (drumroll please) 30 feet.  Not to be outdone Andy launched his Skokie into a brick lifter.  Long after his max was obtained it could be seen that it had shedded its prop but continued to bounce in lift like a paper bag and was last seen at great altitude and distance.  Did you find it Andy?

Next up is Sept.11, Gary Oakins CD.

September 2022 Results:

Well, our string of good weather continued on Sunday, and it might have been the best of the season so far.  Minimal drift, lots of good air, even without trying to find lift.  The new faces, soon to become regulars, put plenty of pressure on the old guard which made for a competitive meet.

Flying started right on time, as there was no need to dawdle and successful flights soon filled the air.  Andy Ringlien, assisted by wife Ashley, put in his usual fine performance, taking five events.

P-30 was hotly contested with eight entries and only 22 seconds separated the top four finishers.

Jeremy Ames put in a good showing, grabbing second in both CLG and P-30.  Dave Braun took the large rubber events with wins in Moffett, OT Rubber, and (show me the money!) HoSoFo.

  Great day, great weather and a good turnout.  And, hate to admit it, but the rocket launches courtesy of the Tripoli rocket group were entertaining.

  Next up is the Oktoberflug 10/9/22.  See you there.