‘More schoolgirl errors…’ writes Judith Mole
Classic sky in Ager at the Women's Paragliding Open 2011. All photos: Judith Mole
The day started with some high cloud and more was forecast to come, but in the end it was a classic post frontal day. Good cumulus and great climbs.
The task committee set a valley task, since the wind was predicted to pick up during the day and go east… not a good direction. The 62.3km task took us to a start at the east end of the ridge, then to the train station, Agullo, Sant Alis, onto the south ridge beyond Ager, the Tablones launch and then goal at camping.
On launch at Ager
By race start we were all high, climbing under lovely cumulus. At first it was a bit rough, but the climbs got stronger and smoother as the day went on. Given the sky, we may have under-tasked, as it was easy to make the transitions across the valley, often with clouds to surf under, rather than top up with. Quite a few in goal, with Laurie winning before Yayoi and Yuki. Eleven in goal in total.
And me… well more humiliation. I put the wrong proximity on the furthest turn point so flew 6km unnecessarily.
On glide above the Ager Valley
Tragically, I was at cloudbase at the point when I should have turned and flown to the end of speed section, and would have breezed into goal. With the extra spare kilometres, I got back to the ridge too low and landed short. It has cost me 100 points overall. When I grow up I might learn…
BBQ and party last night at the Women's Open
BBQ and party in the evening was great fun. And can people at the Pre-Euros in St Andre stop texting Nicky with their retrieve co-ordinates? It’s a long wait if you expect someone to come from here!
'Please stop texting ... I'm busy!' Bending over backwards to get everything done, keep safe and have fun at the Ager Women's Open 2011
PS: Nicky and Chris discovered a parameter error in task three, and subsequently the task can be scored. This has changed the leader board again. I didn’t do quite as well as I hoped, but came joint ninth for the day. Still, I am thrilled it’s in the scores.
See all Judith Mole’s posts from Ager
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