Bruce had to leave early and while the DS zone was really cooking while he was there, after he left we were lucky to get some even sweeter energy periods in the zone. That being said, Bruce had his Carbon Pike in the 'thunderzone' at least twice. That's when the energy is sooo perfect that the plane makes the sound of rolling thunder the whole time its grooving. Sort of a deep 'grinding' sound or like when you roll a big empty plastic garbage can with wheels over the side walk.
Frankfort's DS zone is different than anyothers I have worked. The land is almost flat behind the face, but it tapers down just enough to allow strong hearts, steel balls and good thumbs to get up some very serious DS energy.
It seems that the best energy develops just before a thermal hits the face. Frankfort's DS zone is easily 100' back from the face and it's sweet spot moves left or right depending on where the thermal energy develops out in the valley.
Once the thermal hits the face, the DS zone completely dies off, well at least in comparison to when its working ;-)
One warning, DS eats batteries! The servos get to working soo hard and so often, that flying for a half hour is like thermaling for 2....I know I flew the juice out of some 1100 sub C's yesterday for a bust tailboom :-(
I would estimate that I stayed in the zone for at least 2hours, the front side is too boring as thermaling and fast passes(mega dives aren't nearly as fast as the backside) are for the TD field.
>From the forecasts you guys need to get your hot glass down there today and tomorrow, rain or not. Today looks best though. Leave the foam home, other than to use one to test the landing and lift for yourself.
Ballast is for the front side guys. So don't worry about lead.
Gordy
still in the after glow of yesterday's DS ing
