Images from Solo Meet 2008
© All images Flycam BMSS Ltd
The Blackhorse Club
Solo Meet 2008
3rd May - 5th May 2008
Having returned to the Black Horse for the Solomeet in 2007 for the first time in more years than I care to remember, when it was announced that the Solomeet 2008 was not to be over the Easter weekend 2008 (presumably because Easter was unusually very early) I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed yet at the same time I could look forward to the first May Bank Holiday.
Following the successful ‘hopper get-togethers’ held at the Black Horse over the last three years the Black Horse Balloon Club again played hosted the event primarily aimed at all pilots who enjoy flying alone whether in a basket or ‘leg dangling’. But others were not refused space on the launch field. Described as a ‘grass-roots’ fun style meet and open to all solo balloonists with no restriction on maximum envelope size. The only stipulation made for pilots wishing to be considered for a ‘prize’ was the flight be made by pilot alone!
Arriving at around 22.15 on the Friday night there was just time to meet up with Steve Roake, who I had agreed to retrieve for on the Saturday, and grab a pint before getting some sleep ahead of briefing at 0600 on the field.
Saturday Morning dawned and with Lenny Vaughan giving a forecast surface wind of 5kts and the Gradient wind giving a track towards Aylesbury thirteen balloons including six hoppers took off from the field next to the pub. By the evening the gradient wind had increased in speed to around 11 knots again heading in the direction of Aylesbury although this was likely to slow down a little later so with numerous members of the public watching from a safe distance by 7pm five balloons had taken to the air.
By Sunday Morning the hot tea or coffee and bacon rolls provided by Hilary Revel ably assisted by Tim (on kettle filling duties) was more than welcome for those waiting for briefing at 6am. The winds had dropped overnight to around 7 knots at 160 degrees and after details regarding refuelling had been given four teams flew plus two local passenger balloons operated by Ted Moore.
Although I had to leave after the morning launch due to other commitments once again it was a good weekend showing that friendly events of this kind can be lots of fun and I for one look forward to the 2009 Solomeet.
For a full list of the images from this Event contact Flycam-Bmss.