Author Topic: Northwest Regionals? (Read 4995 times)

Russell Shaffer · « **on:** May 08, 2009, 08:08:42 AM »

How many people are likely to show up in Eugene for the regionals? Am I going to be overwhelmed by the crowds? I've never been to any contest at all.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2009, 08:41:50 AM »

Russell,
if you want a feel for it,, go here
http://flyinglines.org/nwregionals.08.html

its the report from last years regionals. What you need is to hook up with a couple people you talk to on here then they will introduce you around. I will say the regionals tends to be a little more of a serious contest than some of the other events throughout the year. but its still fun and no better place to meet a lot of the people you communicate with on here

keith varley · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2009, 08:44:52 AM »

If you are planning on attending any contest this year make it the REGIONALS. People come from Utah ,Washington , Oregon, California ,BC , and Alberta. And even a few more places I suppose. The whole thing is very welcoming and not at all overwhelming.You will learn a whole lot , and get to see some of the worlds best. But there is no body too famous or well known ,to be friendly and helpful to any beginner, There are six circles going at once ,so in a few seconds you can walk over and watch combat , speed and racing and stunt. I have never felf overwhelmed by the crowds. I always enjoy myself.Keith Varley

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2009, 08:56:18 AM »

Thanks guys. I know already know Mark is very helpful but I am still nervous.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2009, 09:03:14 AM »

Russell you will not be disappointed in attending a large contest like the Reginals. I have not made it up there yet as I live in eastern Kansas and do good to make Tuscon or even Denver. The reginals remind me of what the NATS used to be. You could stand at one end of the strip and watch most of the competition. Combat was usually off in some grassy area. If you make it, look up Leo Mehl the kid or even Randy Powell, they will show you around.

And most of all and most beginners never think of this. If a competitor is getting ready to fly, don't bother them. During lulls in flying is the best time to approach someone unless he/she has just tried out the durability of the pavement. Have fun, DOC Holliday

Howard Rush · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2009, 10:10:01 AM »

Quote from: Russell Shaffer on May 08, 2009, 08:08:42 AM

How many people are likely to show up in Eugene for the regionals? Am I going to be overwhelmed by the crowds?

I would guess eight people in combat, two dozen in stunt, including the West Coast Varsity, and a smattering in the other events. We'd be pleased to meet you.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2009, 02:23:11 PM »

I'd say there's about a 50% chance I'll make it this year. Some other stuff has come up and if I can get out of it, I'll come, but it's not looking all that great right now. A definate maybe. Sigh...

Russell, if I'm around, I'd be glad to help, show you around or protect you from Mark. Whatever.

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2009, 03:43:40 PM »

Randy ole buddy, Mark is NOT the one he has to watch out for. It's Ralph, Marks' alter ego. He is the one you gotta watch out for. You have seen his antics as well as Oswald. Latimore and Isabel. When those four are around there is no tellin what can happen. The other three mentioned will not be there so Ralph will be alone and anything can happen.

"Billy G"

Scott B. Riese · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2009, 04:02:58 PM »

Russell. Could you e-mail me at riese5080@comcast.net with a phone number I think I have something for you. OH I'm the ed of stunt this year.

Kim Mortimore · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2009, 05:08:58 PM »

How is practice circle availability, especially on Friday?

Thanks,
Kim Mortimore

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2009, 06:30:50 PM »

Gee, and all this time it was Dirty Dan that I was really worried about. It turns out that he is innocent.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2009, 07:51:35 PM »

jeez I sure am glad I have friends! lol

Kim, practice time is normally available friday. I typically get there as early as I can and practice my tush off since I have been mostly snow, rain and wind bound all winter. there are several circles including a couple grass ones

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:25:49 PM »

Russell...I'm planning on being there, so be sure to look me up. Best way to meet folks is to volunteer. "Running" score cards is one of my favorite things to do...stand behind the judges and watch the flying, take the cards and hustle back to be ready for the next takeoff. You'll learn a lot about how it's done, if you do this for just one event that interests you.

Kim...plenty of practise time on Friday...especially early. Holla if you need a launch...just stay out of my lunch!

Steve

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:53:02 AM »

I'm thinking of camping at the site - I know there are no facilities but it might be nice to be close. Are there pros and cons to this? My wife isn't so sure. Whoops!!!! I just realized that it is THIS weekend. I had Memorial Day on the brain. Must be getting senile faster than I thought. Better get myself in gear.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:49:55 AM »

Russell,

Not this weekend. Next weekend. May 22, 23 and 24.

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:33:27 AM »

Thanks Randy. My wife just clued me in - for some reason I was only seeing this weekend and the last weekend of the month.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2009, 11:32:23 AM »

Russell,
I stay on site typically, Pat shares his abode with me. there is no power hookups, and there are portable facilities for other needs,, I guess if you were looking in a guide book for camp sites it would be listed as primative?

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2009, 02:53:56 PM »

Since it's Eugene it is probably grass? Not a dust bowl.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2009, 04:46:35 PM »

Yep there is grass to pitch a tent on, or park a trailer or just throw your sleeping bag out,( if yyou dont mind the rain, lol)
oh wait, its not going to rain THIS year is it!

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2009, 07:10:38 PM »

Actually, the forecast is looking promising. But you have to remember that the place IS awfully green. My wife and I say that if it is raining anywhere in Oregon, it will be Eugene.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2009, 07:17:40 PM »

As we say in Seattle, April showers bring May showers.

Jim Pollock · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:07:12 PM »

Russell,

The reference to West Coast Varsity refers to these Guys, Paul Walker, Dave Fitzgerald, Ted Fancher, Brett Buck,
Howard Rush, Keith Trostle, Phil Granderson and a couple more.....Enjoy the show, it will be really, really good!

Jim Pollock

Howard Rush · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:32:42 PM »

I think of the Varsity as being just the first four. The NW Regionals is usually a lively competition for fifth.

Jim Pollock · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2009, 11:36:29 AM »

Oh Howard,

Don't be so modest. You know that your in the process of making the varsity the top 5!

Jim Pollock,

Oh yeah, lets see here East Coast Varsity includes Orestes Hernandez of course, Derek Barry, Windy Urtnowski and Bill Suarez.

Then there's the Southern Varsity. Bob Gieseke, Doug Moon, Richard Oliver, Bill Rich

Kim Mortimore · « **Reply #24 on:** May 13, 2009, 04:00:42 PM »

A friend of mine who grew up in the Eugene area says, "We have four seasons in Oregon: spring, spring, spring and spring."

Kim

Randy Powell · « **Reply #25 on:** May 13, 2009, 04:11:19 PM »

Kim,

Gee, in Washington, we only have 2 seasons: Winter and August (to quote Steve Helmick).

It's looking less and less like I will be there. Sigh....

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #26 on:** May 13, 2009, 06:52:29 PM »

Well guys, I have gone from thinking about chickening out to looking forward to this. I'll get to meet a lot of people and hopefully learn a lot. I'm sure I'll never be a serious competitor but it will be fun. A friend of mine from Portland says "if you can't see Mount Hood it's raining - if you can see it, it's going to rain."

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:33:25 PM »

sheesh, you guys only think that washington state is the seattle , vancouver I5 corridor,, theres a lot more state than that,, heck out here in pullman, we have winter,, then spring for a week, then summer for a month or two, then fall for a week and more winter!

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:23:48 PM »

That's a lot like Klamath Falls, Mark. It was 28 here this morning and it will probably freeze occasionally until July.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #29 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:27:59 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on May 13, 2009, 09:33:25 PM

sheesh, you guys only think that washington state is the seattle , vancouver I5 corridor,, theres a lot more state than that...

Then prove to us that you exist by having a contest over there. I'm looking forward to going back to the tri-cities. That was fun.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #30 on:** May 13, 2009, 11:56:33 PM »

Howard,
I have tried, regretably, there seems to be some sceptisism that a contest would be sucsessfull, but rest assured I am trying,, If you guys know any of the CBCL club,, harass them for me, tell em Howard sent ya,,,

and by the way, thanks Howard, its good to get positive feedback,,

Brett Buck · « **Reply #31 on:** May 14, 2009, 12:00:34 AM »

Quote from: Russell Shaffer on May 13, 2009, 10:23:48 PM

That's a lot like Klamath Falls, Mark. It was 28 here this morning and it will probably freeze occasionally until July.

Oh, but it never ever rains in Eugene over the Memorial Day Weekend. I can assure you that I have never had to wear a rain jacket, long underwear, and ski gloves after sitting in torrential rain for three straight days. Yeah, that's the ticket!

Brett

ptg · « **Reply #32 on:** May 14, 2009, 11:28:15 AM »

Quote from: Brett Buck on May 14, 2009, 12:00:34 AM

Oh, but it never ever rains in Eugene over the Memorial Day Weekend. I can assure you that I have never had to wear long underwear

Brett

TMI

Randy Powell · « **Reply #33 on:** May 14, 2009, 12:02:05 PM »

>> Oh, but it never ever rains in Eugene over the Memorial Day Weekend.<<

Uh, really?

Pic from 2006 Regionals. Flying Lines photo.

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #34 on:** May 14, 2009, 01:30:41 PM »

Rain? Regionals? Naw.
Just remember Oregon's State Motto:
"Sunshine? We don' need no steenkin' sunshine."

We will be working on the Eugene field this weekend to get it all ready for the Regionals. The grass grows several inches per day.

Floyd

Brett Buck · « **Reply #35 on:** May 14, 2009, 07:04:11 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on May 14, 2009, 12:02:05 PM

>> Oh, but it never ever rains in Eugene over the Memorial Day Weekend.<<

Uh, really?

Pic from 2006 Regionals. Flying Lines photo.

Obviously Photoshopped and fraudulent.

Brett

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #36 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:03:59 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on May 14, 2009, 12:02:05 PM

>> Oh, but it never ever rains in Eugene over the Memorial Day Weekend.<<

Uh, really?

Pic from 2006 Regionals. Flying Lines photo.

You guys should run tether boats instead of planes...

Randy Powell · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:10:37 PM »

Brett,

Uh, yea, that's it.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:50:24 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on May 14, 2009, 08:10:37 PM

Brett,

Uh, yea, that's it.

I think I am just off-camera to the right! THAT was a miserable weekend.

Brett

Scott B. Riese · « **Reply #39 on:** May 14, 2009, 09:08:30 PM »

I had a great weekend in 2006 I won $300 playing poker.