April 2009 Newsletter

The flying season in most parts of Europe is now well underway and Piedrahita is no exception. Things are looking good for the season ahead, with the weather pattern promising an excellent season and improvements to the facilities in light of the fact that we are running the World Championships and a number of high level events over the next 3 seasons.

Improvements of Take Off and Landing Field for 2009

Paragliding currently has a high profile in the provincial government of Avila, after we secured the World Paragliding Championships for 2011.

Last year some provisional improvements were made at the launch (graded and covered in granite chippings). This year a far more ambitious plan has been approved and €33000 are being invested in improving the gradient (raising some 70cm at the highest point and grassing the area).This work is scheduled to start after Easter.

We are now using a large landing field about 100m from our house right next to the village. This has now been secured and paid through till 2011.

Weather Station at Take Off

We will soon have a weather station for checking the weather at take off. This should be installed by May and will allow us to check the wind direction and speed at take off more accurately via the internet rather than a telescope and a big windsock. The company installing it also propose to have WiFi coverage on the take off area.

Weather for 2009

The weather pattern seems to be back to normal this year. Last year threw up some annoying weather in May after a freaky warm and dry winter. This year the classic pattern seems to be occurring. We have had a harsh cold winter with plenty of snowfall and rain especially in November and December. March has been almost fully flyable, warm (around 15ºC) but too mellow for long XCs.

We are now getting some classic XC days in April and the valley breezes are strong enough to pull the wind onto the Peña Negra launch even with forecasts for contrary winds. April is a little like May in the UK. It gives us some of the best open XC days, but can also be fickle with various days interrupted by frontal system passing through.

This year we are not fully open for business until May the 3rd. This was because of our new house project (though unfortunately that is delayed). May and June are my favourite months in the valley. It is when it is at its prettiest; green and florid and commonly with Cu studded skies. Last year we had more bookings in May than any other month……which was ruined by freaky weather. Unsurprisingly we have a lot fewer bookings for May this year, though we are likely to have epic conditions in May this year if the normal pattern continues.

Changes at Flypiedrahita

Not many really. The same as last year in that we will be moving out of the house at the start of the season to give more room to our guests. This gives the opportunity for more single rooms for those coming alone.

Last year we moved just next door, so were still able to help out at breakfast time. This year we may not be as close so we will not be maintaining the breakfast supplies throughout the week, but just starting you off with enough to get you through the first few days, until you have time to get to the shops.

We now have 7 chickens, so hope to provide you with free range eggs, and of course there will always be our honey throughout the week.

As in the last few years we will be doing 3 evening meals which are included in the price. If the whole group wishes then we can prepare evening meals at extra cost on other days.

2009 Competitions Calendar

• British Paragliding Open (28th June – 4th July
• Spanish Paragliding Open (5th – 11th July)
• XC World Series (30th August – 5th September)

Normally there are few other pilots flying, apart from those in our groups, so we have a huge take off for less than 10 pilots. During the competitions there are normally 150 pilots, so things can get a lot more crowded. However, competitions can be fun and offer good learning opportunities. All these events are open to competent XC pilots. One of the key reasons that Piedrahita has been granted the Worlds is that is a comparatively safe and easy environment for competitions.

If you are looking to compete in you first international open, these events could be a good place to start.

We do not run our normal service during these dates as Steve is involved in the organisation of the events. However, accommodation is offered at 100 euros for the week of the British and Spanish events. For the XC World Series, we offer accommodation and transport, at a price of 400€ for 8 days of retrieve.

 

We hope to see you this season to share some great flying adventures.

Best regards

Steve and Puri.