Task 1

Our first race day in Abtenau was one of the most memorable flights I've experienced on a paraglider. Nothing could have been more perfect (well except that I could have won the day!). The organization is excellent, the weather was perfect, it was in all regards a perfect 10 for the day. I flew quite well, and even though I was typically late for the start, I managed to play catch up for the first 50 kilometers, and then stayed right with the lead gaggle until we were 80k along the course line.... Then, after a long 20 k glide, I just didn't quite get the thermal that the other leaders were working so I decided to push out in front for the next valley crossing..... It really looked like a good move and that it should work over there but I ended up getting stuck on a ridge for almost 10 minutes looking for a thermal. Meanwhile, the entire lead gaggle and several others flew over my head and the day was over for me in terms of being competitive. I was still determined to make it to goal because 124k was the longest race I'd ever flown and almost the longest flight I'd ever flown. I finally got a climb and just relaxed for the rest of the flight, took my time to get as high as I could and try and take in the incredible scenery. I finished in 36th place for the day which was still respectable considering the caliber of pilots attending. I think almost 90 out of the 145 pilots racing made it to goal.. Simply amazing that that many pilots could all make it 124 kilometers on a paraglider on a race day....