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X-Scotia 2008: It's On!

(As reported on the BHPA website)

The Red Bull X-Alps has a lot to answer for. However weekend warriors who don‘t fancy two weeks hoofing around the Alps might like to consider the "wimp‘s version" - the X-Scotia.

It‘s organised by the Scottish Hang-gliding and Paragliding Federation and will take place… when it‘s worth doing! The event will see 50 of the UK‘s most determined paraglider pilots tackle a 70km race around three mountain peaks during a 36-hour window. Starting at Lochearnhead, just south of Loch Tay, competitors will have to make three turnpoints on the surrounding summits of Ben Vorlich (985m), Ben More (1,174m) and Meall nan Tarmachan (1,043m) before crossing the finish line back at Lochearnhead.

Competitors must travel the route unassisted and self-contained, hiking and/or flying around the turnpoints to the finish line before the event closes. The race will be a continuous challenge involving route selection, weather evaluation and timing decisions. When not flying, pilots must carry all their equipment at all times.

The X-Scotia will be held on the first good flying weekend between April 19th - 20th and May 17th - 18th as Scottish weather can be a bit fickle. Entry is limited to the first 50 registrations (BHPA Pilot rating is the minimum standard). More details and full regulations will be available soon - start training (and paring your gear down) now! To register contact Cliff Smith at cliff1494@sky.com.

X-Scotia: Scotland's own Red Bull X-Alps

As you know by now, X-Scotia is happening in April or May next year.
Here's some more outline information - but remember that all plans including the route and start/finish are still provisional, so probably not worth doing any training runs with a bag of rocks yet.

As if.

More details to follow soon but Cliff is starting an "I'm interested and want to play - but I might have lots of excuses ready" list at:



This has been sent just in time to change your list to Santa to include some lightweight kit.

Essential X-Scotia training will start with tree felling and burning at Tinto next weekend.

Mike

-- Mike Jardine
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HI Folks,

Since we've all been so inspired by the X-Alps, there is going to be an event in Scotland in exactly the same style. However, since few of us have the time or fitness to walk 850 km, we're going to run an event on a scale which will be achievable for all of us.

The X-Scotia will be a weekend race round 3 Munros - at this stage the most likely are Meall nan Tarmachan, Ben More (Crianlarich), and Ben Vorlich (Lochearnhead ). Distance is about 60 km. The general format will be an early Saturday morning start, probably in Lochearnhead, and a latest finishing time on Sunday early evening - with parties on Friday and Sunday evenings ! It will be run on the first weekend to offer some flyable weather of 4 possibles in Apr / May 08.

Rules will be as XAlps except with no pre-organised outside support, and the 3 turnpoints can be rounded in any order.

There are lots of details being developed at present by the organsing team - who as always will welcome any offers of assistance!

So, its time to get out and start training. These winter HP days will take on an entirely new perspective as we get our lightweight kit sorted and set off across some unexplored terrain.

See ya
David

 

     
Lanarkshire & Lothian Soaring Club
Email: info@llsclub.org.uk