I NOW HAVE LIVED (Rangely, CO) 10-11

[David Kyle]

Away on business rangely ,CO I found time to kite the local resevior in the wake of the last storm.  As I set up the 7m Bullaroo with full TFD and motorcycle helmet, the local sherriff showed up to get a piece of the action.  I ran him through the launch procedure, telling him "on my signal, just back away."  Having never seen a kite, he said "I have no problem backing away from that thing,"  under powered at first, the wind quickly jacked up to  somewhere in the 40's, changing the water back and forth into an array of greens like a chameleon.  Amazingly the construction of the dam kept the surface of the water barely smooth, allowing me to throw of a massive wall of water crossing the lake in 30 heartbeats, or in about two seconds.  Five cars, and two more  police officers showed up to watch.  I closed my sessiopn after a micro burst, took a violent swipe,  at my kite instantly wadding it up like a piece of paper in mid air.  Needless to say, I had to scoop out my shorts!  Rigging down to a hundred questions, a crappy old man made me stop and think for a moment when he said,"what are you, some new breed of idiot".

[Constance Mallula]

Great story Dave!!!!

Did you say to old grumpy guy "Yup".....

C

[Kenny]

You described the type of situation where everything can go wrong in a split second. Unstable, incredibly strong storm wind, small riding area, and riding alone. A full face helmet and PFD are a good idea, but I am not sure if they would have saved you if you were picked up by a microburst.

BTW, when I first started riding I rode in similar situations, so please don't think I am some kind of over-protective wussy. When I first started riding in 2000, I entertained the windsurfers with multiple splats, drags, and nasty wipeouts. However, what can be an exhilarating experience can easily turn into a kitemare. It is much like playing Russian Roulette, how many bullets do you have in the chamber and how many times do you want to squeeze the trigger? It is a rush, but if you play sooner or later you are going to pay.

[tjacques]

Kenny that is some real good advice. everyone needs to be carefull out there. IMO mountain winds can be severe. everyone be careful out there.

[David Kyle]

I realize the risks and understood the consequences, but I couldn't resist getting that once in a life time ride. Actually the riding area was two times the reach of DC and of crystal emerald green.