Paramotoring - Recreational Expedition
What is a "Recreational Expedition"? It's Fly Away Paragliding's
new concept in fly-ins.
We travel by paramotor to a new site each day, flying over remote
and exciting landscapes. Each morning we'll choose which site to
fly to - typically a distance of 8-14 miles. A driver will pack
up camp and meet us at the next site. In the evening we'll fly for
fun, scoping out the area.
San Rafael Reef, Utah
 This
year we are going to the San Rafael Reef in Utah.
This area is full of dramatic stone towers and eroded bluffs. Antelope
graze the harsh vegetation that grow in the rock formations.
170 million years ago this area was an inland sea. Now this ancient
sea bed has been uplifted to form the reef. A million years of wind
and rain sculpted this soft stone into buttes and spires, giving
the land an other worldly look. (As a matter of fact, this area
was used for the alien planet in the movie “Galaxy Quest”.)
The layering of the stone erodes into interesting columns that inspire
the imagination. These columns, called “goblins,” are
most evident in “Goblins Valley State Park." Acres of
land are covered with these goblins, creating the image of a huge
chess board.
This is a desert environment, rocky with little water. The reef
is cut with slot canyons. Lizards, jack rabbits and antelope are
some of the wildlife you can see. The reef has a few junipers, which
the climate turns into natural bonsai.
WHEN: We'll meet the evening of February 22nd
and fly until Sunday the 27th.
WHY FEBRUARY? The San Rafael Reef is in the middle
of the desert, and conditions can get unreasonably strong in the
hot summer months. Winter flying will give us longer flying opportunities
each day with more reasonable temperatures in the 50's and 60's.
WHERE: The San Rafael Reef is located west and
south of Green River, Utah, approximately 5.5 hours from Denver
or 3 hours from Salt Lake City.
COST: $450 (Includes pancake breakfasts and dinner,
plus driver support and guiding)
Participation is limited, so call soon to reserve a spot: (303)
642-0849 (or send an
email).
WEATHER
In the warmer summer months, the conditions are way too strong
to fly. In the winter, the milder weather allows us to fly. Starting
in December, the “Four Corners High” sets up. This is
a stable high pressure center that sits over the reef all winter
long. Typically, we have blue skies, light winds and temperatures
from the high forties to the low sixties.
WHAT TO BRING
Everything you may want! There is nothing there and no towns in
the vicinity. Make sure you have what you want.
For flying, make sure you have:
- a radio
- a GPS device (and know how to enter way points)
- a helmet (this goes without saying)
- a reserve parachute (also goes without saying)
Make sure you have a way to carry water and food on you motor
in case you land out.
BEING PREPARED
Now is the time to get up to date on the maintenance of your motor.
As this is a remote area, there are no services available. You don't
want to be that person watching everyone else fly because you haven't
kept up with the maintenance of you rig.
Have the spare parts you may need like, props and spark plugs.
Bring basic tools.
You will need a tent, pad, and sleeping bag. Bring clothes for
chilly nights and warm days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
This area is environmentally sensitive. So that we are not targeted
as “evil,” we’ll need to follow these guidelines:
- No modified exhaust system. If you’ve made your motor
louder than stock, don’t show up.
- Avoid intruding on others. Stay away from hikers and other
camp sites when possible.
- Do not chase wildlife.
- Remove all trash, leave the camp area clean.
We want to fly here for years to come. Proving that we are responsible
land users will protect our rights to fly here.
 FLYING
Altitude
We’ll be launching from 5000 to 6000 feet. You’ll need
a good forward launch.
Landing Out in Remote Terrain
All of the designated sites are accessible by car, however, at times
we will be crossing remote terrain. You may need to climb to assure
a glide to a reasonable landing area. In some cases you can follow
roads or choose to fly over more scenic land.
Beware that landing in some areas may mean a long hike to a road.
In some areas retrieving your gear may be near impossible.
Never fly without a full tank of gas, water and snacks
NO MEDICAL SERVICES
The nearest hospital is over two hours away. We need to fly conservatively.
Paramotoring Video
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