This is Ollie's write-up about the meet.

Hi All,
Thought I should update everyone on the Mayhem contests and flying.

Saturday had some wind and challenging thermal conditions. It was ridge soarable, but pretty cross from the NNE. A task was called to the blue water tower on top of the mountain about 10 miles to the southwest. C's were to go there, then had a goal at Dr Dales about 2 1/2 miles back into the wind. Bs were to go to the water tower and return to Henson's LZ. As were to got to the water tower, upwind and into the valley to the Galloway airport as second turnpoint, the back to Henson's LZ. Eric had the longest flight getting a bit back from Galloway, but John Sumner won the day with a goal flight for Cs to Dr Dale's grass strip.

Saturday we enjoyed some great food provided by the TTT locals. Some of enjoyed some fine libations as well. The rest of the weekend was flyable but not great for competition. The weather proved challenging Sunday with only James Stinnett getting out 7 miles on a fantastically over called task. Steve Lee flew 40 miles, but alas, wasn't in the competition. The weather was even more iffy Monday and no task was called. A few piltots hung around to free fly, but big clouds loomed and the winds were pretty cross. I sure had a great time hanging out and enjoying the treat Henson's Gap site and all the fun people at Mayhem.

Streamer drop was won by Jeff Bozart of Atlanta with a drop of 110' from the pie plate. In second was Tom Pruitt at 200'.

The spot landing was won by David Johnson with a landing of 6 feet from the pie plate. Second was Chris Christoferson with a landing at 9 feet.

The Mini Meet was a great example of what our handicapping system can do to level the playing field. First place was won by C pilot John Sumner on his U2. John is from Florida and flys Wallaby. He did very well on the first day and his lead held. Second place was won by A pilot Eric Donaldson on his Talon. Third place belonged to A+ pilot James Stinnett on the Phantom.

The spot and streamer drop winners walked away with cash prises. The Mini Meet winners won fabulous hand carved hardwood trophies that are among the nicest hang gliding awards I've seen. TTT Awards Committee Chairman Eric Donaldson created them and was lucky enough to win one too! Thanks for all who came out to have fun with the Tree Toppers. See ya on the hill!

Ollie

This was the view of part of the set up area at the Tennessee Tree Toppers Mayhem. It was a 3 day fun event for all levels of pilots. I was only able to attend for the first day, and I wasn't able to fly in it, as my elbow is still giving me fits. It is getting better, and I will be back in the air soon.
I took alot of pictures that should be avalible on the TTT website, as soon as I get them the disk. I posted some of them for your enjoyment. The good, bad, and the ugly ones this time. I will let you judge which is which.

This was the first flight for the TTT Mayhem on Saturday. If it looks a little different, that's because it always is for Chris Starbuck. His wire & keel crew just rolled him off the ramp for his launch. This guy is always amazing to watch, and to be around. Once he gets out of his wheel chair, he gets some help from his friends, and soars for hours. Real inspiration to behold what he does.

Dick Heckman always lends a hand, everytime that we have meets. His presence is always a welcome site. Nice to have the USHPA represented at our functions. Even at a nice low-key, fun meet like this one! He regularly makes it to the Alabama sites(Gurley), Lookout Mountain Flight park, and around the Tennessee Tree Toppers sites. He is shown here helping James Stinnett get to the ramp. That Phantom is one sleek, fast, high performing wing ! (I am not jealous, honest !)

What is the value of an experienced wire person? What is the price of having enough wind in your face to get you out of trouble when you need it? What's the price of flying away from the mountain afterwards and soaring for a couple of hours in sweet bouyant air with alot of your friends, instead of being in the trees? Priceless

What happens when you ignore the ground signals for wind(katabatic),downwind,and downhill? Nothing bent or broken, just a narley sound echoing down the valley :^}

After the last pilot landed today at the meet, I was able to make it to Lookout's Saturday nights party. Rick's band was playing, the kegs were tapped, and a nice bonfire was blazing. The food was gone(it was after 10pm when I arrived), but everyone was having a great time.