Another year, another PB!

This was Sunday flying, but the forecast stood there- showing big potential from Monday already! On Wednesday I marked my interest on 200+ flights; I telegrammed a few groups interested with XC…

The day before, the forecast was still on the edge of being too windy (and epic)

We started in Burton-on-Trent. The plan was to hit Much Marcle Hill. I had never been there before. A small hill, a few miles behind Malverns & OK to take strong wind… Regardless of having my plan already, I constantly checked the latest forecast updates as we drove. Last minute, already at the crossroads of M5 & M50 I asked the driver to go straight/south. I said, - Dima- we are going to Frocester! He just asked - have you flown there before? - NO mate, but I heard the view from the car park is nice and has a picnic area…

As we continued… I did not enjoy the view from the motorway- big cirrus clouds down south. It was the main reason I wanted to fly from a bit higher up north.

Once arrived at Frocester- It was a massive relief. Almost all of them sky gods in one place! I honestly- did not expect it. I guess I'm not flying that often and lost my confidence in the site & the weather judgment: D.

The takeoff got a bit more challenging than anticipated! I had to use help (thanks Mark) as the strong gust flipped my wing upside down… And kept blowing for another few minutes. Me- having 6 layers on top got tired & sweaty in no time- just by holding the wing in the gusty minute before hill departure.

The first gaggle went up to 1000 ft. I don't know how/why I didn't join them when they were all climbing slowly. I guess my expectation was an instant 5 m/s elevator this time of the season. I watched them for a bit, and it looked like they did get that strong thermal from 1000ft upwards.

I was scratching the treetops for 40+ minutes! Then I saw RichM & ChrisJ had managed to find some scrappy bubble/thermal… And I joined them! This was a proper poor thermal to go XC with. We had like 200 m AGL when committed to XC. In the next few kilometres, we improved height to 600 agl. Not great. I would return to TO after a few 360s, if not for the fact I had top pilots with me… And at the back of my head, I knew the sea breeze would enter the area any time now, stopping us from flying away.

The plan I sketched up was simple- go north. Crosswind as much as I can for the first 50k! Just trying to run away from the cirrus cloud shade forecasted down south all day. I can see on the track- I executed that pretty well (especially considering the strong wind). After all, I watched the timelapse from it- and yes, clearly crosswind on each transition between thermals. Clouds move one way and I glide to the side: D.

The goal was set to 160km, Huntington.

About 15 km before the goal, I had a strange crisis in my head; I only tried to stay high and kept checking distance and glide and some other parameters - like a crazy lad. I could not think straight… In my head, it was THE slowest 15km ever! I didn't want to glide- just stay up and check numbers on my XC Track: /

I hit my goal- then went straight over some old airport- I was 100% sure I would get a good thermal from it. Once I got a lift I understood it was windy. My Artik 5 handling is great. Turns almost instantly. I had to chase THE flat and long thermal! I made a turn and got out of the core. Then I had to race for it downwind!

Last thermal wanted to take me to the coast! But I got stopped by Norwich airspace (not expected to go this far really). I had to leave it at 3k ft AGL. I wasn't 100% sure if the wind would let me cross-fly to hit round number (Km), or if it would push me into the airspace! I did the last glide on the full bar, very close to the airspace border. I was flying pure north, but my legs were pointing at about 315 - NW; D… Funny to watch it on the time-lapse video.

I understand this day many pilots would continue far beyond their goals. I was just lucky to have my bro who watched me live- and texted me; GO MAX! I'm on my way to get you! (massive thanks! )

I lived like a celeb for the next few days… Till Saturday; >

I also got properly busy the following week and had no time to enjoy what just happened to me.

I ended up going to bed at midnight. (pretty late for someone who gets up 5 am for work)