Andy Pilmmer 2nd in first round of the BPC

Another happy customer was able to show the rest of the field what can still be done on a trusty Aspen 2. The Borders British Paragliding Cup/ Scottish Open competition got this year's UK XC Comp scene underway, although only one day was possible, due to the great British Weather.

This is what BPCup pilot Andy Plimmer, who was 1st sports class and 2nd placed overall, had to say.

"After a wet and windy first day, conditions soon transformed into what turned out to be an epic days flying. The task a 46k race to goal at Hawick seemed ambitious initially as the very light WNW breeze played havoc with the field coming from all directions but the right one. A chance thermal from right of launch gave a slow scrabble up for a lucky few, one of whom was myself, this enabled connection with proper thermals and the game was on."

His plan was to try to stay high,based on the fact that the route had some long crossings of high remote moorland and to fly conservatively which hopefully would avoid any hot-slog walkout to the nearest road if he tried to rush to much.

"By climbing when able and progressing steadily I got past the worst bit until a long glide across the last valley left me a bit desperate 10km from goal. Some bumpy air and sniffs of lift drifted me on until a good climb from cut forestry got me up in company with an other lucky pilot. Now goal was in site and it was a calculated gamble to leave before my friend and dash for the cylinder. He stayed climbing for two more circuits which was just enough to give me 20 seconds lead and 2^nd place in the Cup. An entertaining landing in the middle of a cricket match was improved by several beers from the pavilion. Later pilots had the full hailstone and big lift experience as the day over-developed as predicted, this caused several to ping into airspace at over 5500ft".

"Brilliant views of both East and West coasts will stay with me for a long time and I really recommend the area if you get a chance."

Great to see that the Gradient Aspen 2 can still do the business.