Power Kite Forum

Race Results?

food - 8-4-2006 at 09:25 AM

Where are the race results? I've read that the leather buggy won the Pimp competition, and that there was a Rag Flapper race, but what about all the other races and competitions that are mentioned on the website? Was there not enough wind?

deanaoxo - 8-4-2006 at 11:57 AM

There was not. I'm sorry to say that we were unable to run any races, and barely got the rag flappers run, and only because of their enthusiasm and percitance.

Even so, they were racing in trying conditions. I made a film about it, and will get it posted as soon as it is edited. Conditions were wind all over the place, changing directions as well as speed.

This was one of the worst years for wind. We were thankful for the lack of rain, but the usual windyness of Ivanpah just was not there this year.

Though we tout the event as a success due to the enthusiastic response of participants, we really didn't get to get as many miles on as usual, and those who did, suffered for it.

Hopefully, we will make up for it next year. Believe it or not, plans are in the works now to have events that will not require wind.

The survey is open now, if you would like to contribute. Help us to help you to make the event better than ever.

aoxomoxoa

mecdave - 9-4-2006 at 02:58 PM

Here are the results of the NASA Wing race:

1st Glenn Pedro (1st in all three races)
2nd Susan Orgeron (2 second place finishes)
3rd Charles 'AJ' Jackson

The one and only big dust devil of the whole week hit the pre-race meeting and nearly stopped the racing before it ever started. A couple racers got lifted out of their buggys and Claxton broke some bridle lines and had to get another foil.

Once we got past that it was a blast with the winner and second place finishers flying smaller 3.4 and 3.1 meter wings. The other (5) contestants were flying bigger wings and were generally overpowered in the up and down winds.

NABX - 10-4-2006 at 01:54 AM

Official results for NABX 2006 races/games (only 2 this year due to poor wind conditions) are posted here:
http://www.nabx.net/results.php

loren - 10-4-2006 at 02:41 AM

Been meaning to post asking why there weren't races. There were only two days without wind during the day, and even those days it kicked on a little after 4, smooth and easy. The other days the wind was cooking and I distinctly remember wondering on two of those days why the races weren't being run because the wind was so good. One of the days I ran the course the Blokart guys setup at least 3 times. The day the NASA wing race went off I was cruising the whole lakebed on a 2m ALL DAY. Actually, 3 or 4 of us were warming up on the small course they used just before they started thinking that it was going to be a race for everyone.

I was bummed there weren't any races, I was looking forward to doing the circuit this year. I'm also really surprised that you thought it was one of the worst years for wind. I buggied longer and more often this year than ever. One day I buggied a total of 6 hours, and another for 5!

mecdave - 10-4-2006 at 04:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by NABX
Official results for NABX 2006 races/games (only 2 this year due to poor wind conditions) are posted here:
http://www.nabx.net/results.php


Ok but AJ was flying a NASA Wing in the NASA Wing race, not a PL. His buggy is a Libre Full Race also. Susan was in her V-Max.

And can we please drop the 'Rag Flapper' reference from the Official Results? Sure, that's the common term for those weird foils, but do we really want to Officially denigrate another's form of wind powered fun? And it really was fun for those participating. Just look at their smiling faces...

http://buggytexas.com/v-web/gallery/NABX-06/IMG_8604

deanaoxo - 10-4-2006 at 07:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by loren


I was bummed there weren't any races, I was looking forward to doing the circuit this year. I'm also really surprised that you thought it was one of the worst years for wind. I buggied longer and more often this year than ever. One day I buggied a total of 6 hours, and another for 5!


Well there you go, the first race complaint i've heard. If you want to race you have to let us know. Please racers, if you feel you missed out, let us know. We are not anti-race, far from it. We did not hear you, and if you wanted to and we weren't listening, our bad.

Please take time to fill out the survey and let us know exactly what you thought. This is YOUR event. We do it for YOU and we want you to be happy. If you want to race, i don't care if there are only three people that want to, we will run races, some how some way.

Sorry Loren, i really am.

aoxo~!

deanaoxo - 10-4-2006 at 07:15 AM

Quote:

And can we please drop the 'Rag Flapper' reference from the Official Results? Sure, that's the common term for those weird foils, but do we really want to Officially denigrate another's form of wind powered fun? And it really was fun for those participating. Just look at their smiling faces...

http://buggytexas.com/v-web/gallery/NABX-06/IMG_8604


Yikes, yer gonna hate the movie i just posted then.....stay tuned for that one!

aoxo~! From now on it's NASA Wing Executive Kite Racers or NWEKR!

mecdave - 10-4-2006 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by deanaoxo

Yikes, yer gonna hate the movie i just posted then.....stay tuned for that one!


So post the link already! Here's a shot from the 'Making of the Rag Flapper Video' ... :singing:

http://buggytexas.com/images/nabxragflap.jpg

good wind

markite - 10-4-2006 at 01:08 PM

When we came back to Canada we were telling everyone it was a great week for wind down there. We were at Superior monday and tuesday it rained all day, wednesday it kicked ass wind - that was the day I almost killed myself thinkingh I could handle a 3.5 Raptor on a downwinder and caught a nice strong gust, accelerating past 55mph and climbing when a stronger gust hit surging the kite forward then collapsing and popping open directly behind me as I desperately tried to get out of the harness - good thing the power was so strong it snapped a brake line in two places, sheared the knot off the leader on the kite at the power line, snapped the other end of the 300 lb Q-Power line and at the same time snapped one of the PVC handles in half! After being realived I wasn't killed I was bummed that it all happened at 57mph and if I could have ridden out that gust it would have been a beauty.
Then thursday was now wind until late afternoon and then nice smooth evening wind, friday was using a 4.5 most of the day and saturday was a great day using a 2.5 all day and consistently doing runs in the mid 50's and couldn't believe there were only a few people out on the lake - and then came across Lawrence way down at the end of the lake with the broken collar bone - glad it wasn't more serious, he was really shaken up when it happened - it was also lucky the blow cart guys had stopped to help him.
I put on just over 310 miles this year even with the rain day and the one no wind day. Would have loved to do the team enduro again but I was also having a hell of a good time just ripping up and down the lake.
I couldn't complain about the wind, just my stupid GPS that kept shutting whenever I did a run that seemed insanely out of control fast.
Had a great time, and have over 300 pics that I still need to post somewhere.
Mark Groshens

Good wind......but no races!

Mike Predovic - 10-4-2006 at 09:35 PM

I had a great time buggying all week. Even on the on day it only started blowing in the late afternoon, once it started it was fantastic. I too was a bit confused as to why we did not have any races. Traditionally, the circuit is always scheduled on Friday and the enduro on Saturday. I think everyone was waiting for the traditional announcements. If I had known that tradition had change this year then I definitley would have spoken up. Perhaps next year we can reastablish the schedule.

Sincereley Mike Predovic

robvree - 10-4-2006 at 11:25 PM

I have to agree with Mike, a schedule is a must, even if it has to change due to wind conditions. This year I had no idea when and if, any of the events were happening.

Photo Rob

meg - 11-4-2006 at 12:17 PM

i agree that there are many improvements that need to be made regarding the running of NABX. we have made endless notes and want to improve in every area. the fact remains that there are just a few of us volunteers trying to do it all. no matter how well intentioned, there are only so many hours in each day. this was the biggest turnout yet for the event (under both names) which made even more work. we also do not want it to be the same each year and through our striving for keeping it fresh, it does not make it routine. i imagine the races took a back seat to the auction and extra dinner on Saturday night, which was required due to BLM changes. we will continue to try better, and there will be a spot on the next registration form for those who want to volunteer a couple of hours.

meg

kitemaker4 - 11-4-2006 at 12:39 PM

The nasa wing flyers put on there own race. We had buggyers that were officials for us and we rounded up some cones and raced. Next year if people want to have races with foils they need to organize there own race. Just my thoughts.

Susan

meg - 11-4-2006 at 12:42 PM

thanks Susan.

i was just about to say that i am going to talk to the committee about deligating the organization of races, games, workshops, etc.

this event is as good as all of us want to make it.

meg

jonesing4wind - 11-4-2006 at 07:06 PM

Susan,
You are on to something. Volunteers to head up each event/auction/clinic/race/freestyle/whatever/ etc. is a great idea. Each volunteer would head up 1 event and report to the comittee for changes/schedules/rules etc. One of the very best (IMHO) things about this group of people is that we are all so hang loose and easygoing! But it can get in the way of scheduled events. I think a whiteboard or dry erase board in the tent with days and times of all the events would be a good thing. That way, anyone can find out when to attend thier desired events. Of course the races etc would be wind/rain dependant. But events like clinics/workshops, dinners, and auctions could go on as scheduled. I am a pretty good buggier, but I am just getting going on the board. I think each night in the tent hold a meeting where we can exchange ideas and stories for each discipline? I am just rambling now. Anyway, we are all interested in these things and making the event on the whole as good as we can, so lets keep the dialogue open.

Sean Jones

sunset-Jim - 11-4-2006 at 09:40 PM

I totally agree with others stepping up to the plate to run and organize such specific events such as racing. And that goes for any other specific type of event that anybody can think of and possibly willing to volunteer to run. There's just way too much to do for the committee to do it all. One thing that I did enjoy more at this years event was to be able to see Claxton get more time in the saddle. Way to go Claxton!! All work and no play, who in the hell wants that...lol I do want to say that I did have a blast this year and would like to thank all that had a part in making it such a great week.

loren - 12-4-2006 at 10:43 AM

Dean, I had a blast either way, I was just looking forward to the races and should have spoken up when they weren't happening, but that would have meant I had to stop buggying... fat chance! I didn't get why in your response you seemed to blame the lack of races on crappy wind.

Here's the thing. This was my 5th SBBB/NABX, and every year I've been, the races were organized by the event staff or someone who'd been pre-ordained to do so. They were scheduled, and they happened. Each race had a set day and was moved if the winds weren't co-operating... same with the freestyle event.

We've never had to come to you guys and say "hey we want to race". Nor were we told this year that that's what we had to do if we wanted something. So you can understand why it wouldn't happen... no precedent and all that. I completely understand you guys are stretched incredibly thin and working your ass off, so don't take it as a complaint of laziness or whatever, but there was a distinct lack of communication this year. If I'd have known that was the situation I'd have said something or helped to get the races rolling.

Question: What changed this year event staff wise that prevented the races from happening like they always have?

Re: Volunteers. Agreed. If you guys need help doing in order for it all to get done by all means speak up.

Constructive criticism guys and gals. It's what'll make the event what we all want. And to reiterate, I had a kick ass time even without the races!

deanaoxo - 12-4-2006 at 04:27 PM

Kudos to all who hang out here, and go to the event, you guys rock so hard.

First off, Loren, we dropped the ball. My perception was skewed for sure, what was i thinking? (serious) Second, the solution is what's happening right now on the board, people stepping up. Here's what we are going to do:

First off, White Board in tent: Big, checked and updated dailey. Meg's idea.

Second. Place on application for volunteers so we can have your schedule for you when you get there.

Third. Sound system that will fit on roof of rental car for drive by announcements. So if we do have crap wind for awhile, it comes up, we want to put something together, we'll be able to let you know without blowing that damn truck horn. (geez, some people don't like that!?)

Fourth, we keep it simple. Tell us what you want to do, how many hours you can give (we're looking for a 2 to 4 hour block) and we will schedule it.

Fifth. The shirt. The only way to get a never b e f o r e offered STAFF t-shirt! Minimum hours will be required.

Now please, keep the ideas and communication going. Take the survey, we read it before each event, to go over what we need to do.
http://www.nabx.net/survey.php

Not as an excuse, but more as an explanation, two things effected us this year. Increased BLM hassles, and Scott was gone(he actually does stuff!?) we were a little understaffed and we were a little tweaked from BLM.

We will continue to struggle with BLM, but we can be better prepared for sure with personel.

Thanks to all for helping, please, please when at the event, and you think something could happen, needs doing, you have a question, ask one of us, seriously. The only thing we have trouble with is scheduling, the wind that is, but if you guys want to set race times, we're down with it.

More aoxomoxoa yes!

loren - 12-4-2006 at 04:48 PM

You covered it all my man. Thanks for following up!

mecdave - 12-4-2006 at 06:57 PM

Hey guys, just wanted to stick my nose in (again) and add my 2 cents. I can confirm what Dean is saying. The short handed staff *was* running a bit ragged the last few days of the event. Noticing that, me and NASA wing racers pretty much took it upon ourselves to set up and run the race. The consequence of that action was a plainclothes BLM officer showed up on the playa during the races and gave Dean a hard time for having the cars out there.

I felt bad for having put Dean in that position, so right after the last race was over and pictures were taken I decided it was best to get off the playa. I considered leaving the cones out there as I had seen you guys running the course before the races, but decided it would be in the event's best interest if we ended it then. It was a decision I made on my own and I didn't share it with anyone else, so I take full responsibility for ending any further racing that day.

Hopefully we can get the BLM monkey off our backs by next year and everyone can have all the fun all the time.

Oh, and my apologies to Dean. You didn't deserve any more hassles then... nor now. Thanks for all you do. ;)

jonesing4wind - 12-4-2006 at 08:07 PM

That brings up a question, which may be a little off topic. Is there anything we can do as a group to ease the BLM relations? I mean, we (I hope!) are all pretty good about not dropping trash on the playa and keeping the car speed down and not buggying on the shore. But I am sure there are many, many things which the organzers go through to keep us in the saddle for the glorious week that is NABX. Is there anything we can do to help out with the BLM? Even during the 51 weeks we are dreaming of next years event? Let us know!!

Sean

deanaoxo - 12-4-2006 at 08:15 PM

Dude, i'd take a hundred more on for us to be able to do what we do.

We are so working on ending this BLM thing correctly. It is tough going, and i've been in contact with our buddies from NALSA and we are fairly united. We want to move the dwma line off our playa, and get our staging spot back.

We want fair and comprehensive use rules. We want to stop being treated as the problem, and recognized as what we are, the best thing that ever happened to Ivanpah Dry Lake.

I pledge that as long as i can do it, i will defend our right to recreate on the public lands available to us, regardless of time or cost to myself. We are good folks out playing with the wind, and have every right in the world to do what we do.

Any race, any time under our permit, is a good race. We've paid our way, and you guys and gals can race as long as and with as many people as you need. We at NABX will help in what ever way is needed. It's one of the reasons we are there.

Little known fact: Does anyone know why you need a permit on Ivanpah, and why the lake is not open use?

Fact: To preserve the lake surface for the Kite Buggiers and Land Sailors!

The BLM has forgotten that little fact, and will need to be reminded of it.

If anyone knows an attorney conversant in contract law, and of dealing with the Feds, now would be a good time for them to help us with a little Pro Bono work. We woudn't mind them looking over some documents one bit.

Please contact me off channel.

Keep the aoxo flowing~!

CHANNIN75 - 13-4-2006 at 08:44 AM

If it helps I am volunteering my time right now.......if you need something local done please feel free to ask......if it helps all of us to be able to come together once a year I will do whatever is needed......

Improvement is needed but with all of the family coming together I dont think there isnt any obstacle that cant be dealt with.

Flyin High
Shannon :smilegrin::singing:

Fireball - 13-4-2006 at 10:10 AM

Same with me here Dean If I can do anything to help now or next year count me in. had a great time and plan on coming back next year.

khooke - 16-9-2006 at 10:24 PM

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I was reading through the posts on this board and was sad to see all the posts re. racing/not racing and who's responsible for organizing the events.

I'm planning on coming in 2007, but I must admit I'll be pretty pissed if I drive 600 miles from Nor Cal and find out it's just a free-for-all with nothing arranged. Admittedly, bugging on dry lakes is pretty damn cool, and getting together with a bunch of like minded buggiers for some serious buggying is still a cool event, however it would be a shame if there was not any arranged events, eg races or safaris (group buggying out to point x and then returning).

If all it takes is arranging for participants to stand out an event to be an 'official', then count me in. I certainly would stand out an event to help with being an official if it means I race in the next event.

Being from England, one of the most awesome buggy events I've ever been to was organized by the BBC (British Buggy Club) and it was a week long buggying event at Berrow (it was a yearly event for a while, I think I went in 1997). The guys running the BBC did an awesome job of setting up scheduled events, including races for different classes (beginners, novices and experts), and everyone had a great time. They weren't over obsessive with the rules, and I think this kept it fun. Sure, cruising up and down the beach is fun, but so it competing in a race with 30-40 other buggiers!

Hope you guys can work it out for NABX.

Kevin

deanaoxo - 18-9-2006 at 07:13 PM

We are, and it is, and it will be. Count on it, but if the wind don't blow, it just don't.

Anyway, i've made sure to list all the concerns, and now that my main event of the year for fun is over, i'm back to my main event of the year for work. Funny, why am i so tired after both of them? ah well, maybe i'm just not smart enough to figure it out.

So, anyway, we are in the process of getting the DWWMA line changed, we are also going to try and do all the things listed up above. We have renewed support from plenty of long time participants as well as newbies that want to get with the program and help out.

It is a great event, and will only get better.

As we get closer to the event, after the new year, there will be a call for volunteers, and we will attempt to sign people up before the event so we can run races, do clinics, and in general have more fun than should be possible with yer clothes on.

Pleanty of aoxomoxoa coming for sure! Be there or beware!

oxo

CHANNIN75 - 19-9-2006 at 03:24 PM

Well I said it before and I will say it again.....I am all down to help out anyway that I am needed (with my clothes on...tee hee)
and I think having the volunteer info on the registration is an excellent idea:yes:
But the question is how many hours do I have to put it to get that oh so cooler than cool STAFF T-Shirt??

Flyin High
Shannon :duh: