Kite Oregon

5/20/2012
NABX 10: Ivanpah Dry Lake Bed

Leaving the North Oregon Coast's wind in the spring time is usually less than ideal. For any kiter knows the fair weather wind starts in March. Traveling away from the wind is a "no no" for kiters. "Never Leave Wind!"

For all my years kiting, I've had nothing but perfect conditions on the Oregon Coast. Only for the friends, family, and Ivanpah, dare I leave Oregon. It's no secret that Ivanpah is a world class location, where the fastest in the world set speed records. The venue is perfect! An international airport only 40 miles away! Very cheap hotels located mere miles from the vast expanses of Ivanpah! Seriously, what more could a location offer one!

In anticipation for the event, NABX 10, Sean Butler and I check the weather daily. Several times a day we'd get FaceBook messages, emails, and phone calls regarding our departure for and arrival at several planned stops for NABX pre-event.

Sean and I packed rigorously trying to cram over 20 kites, 2 Libre Hardcore buggies, what we thought was enough buggy tires, first aid, camping, coolers with ice, beverages, food, cameras, computers, clothes, protective gear, coffee, and bocci ball for the event. Our initial plan was to head down early and grab a pre-event location to crash.

As the two of us depart from N. Oregon coast on Friday March 30th and head down 1-5 we are surprised to drive smack into a huge storm. From Southern Oregon down to Southern California it poured and blew us all over the highway. Our enthusiasm grew into fear as we realized how incredibly difficult and tiring this drive had become. Sleeping while the other drove, was impossible. When I could get a quick wink in, I'd awake to the vehicle swerving, and me shouting "are you ok?!"

Finally a break in the bad news! On the way down, I'd been in touch with my long-time friend Adam Caudill. Adam had been checking the weather at the pre-event locations, and at Ivanpah. He was able to convince us to cancel our camping plans, and drive the few extra hours out of the way to come stay with him and his family. Promises of beer, hot tub, comfortable beds, hot showers, and wonderful company took our attention from the event itinerary. An amazing detour!

Just days before the event,Arjen van der Tol, "Fast Arie" was messaging me weather stats from Ivanpah. He stated, "Saterday, High winds at Primm!". Sure enough! All the way from Europe, our friend hit it. Crazy, Crazy winds at Primm!

April 1st, arriving at Ivanpah was awesome. 25+ hrs of driving, and we hit the surface of the lake bed. Wind reports said it gusted 40+ mph, only a few rode that afternoon. I personally put in about 25 miles. Just enough distance to brush the dust off my playa skills. We rode 7 straight days at Ivanpah, and enjoyed every minute of it. I even got in a little night riding!

By Far the windiest I've ever experienced at Ivanpah! It didn't take long to make the change from beach to desert playa. In total, through out the week, I logged over 230 miles of distance and recorded respectable speed, but failed to break my personal best 68.9 mph. Better winds next year!

NABX: Well, I can't tell you much more than it started Wednesday April 4th and went through until Saturday April 8th. If you want to know more, you'll just have to go next year!

Basically, meetings were held at noon everyday to outline the event itinerary. Announcements about events, clinics, and parties were explained by event organizers. Attendance and participation was epic.

Heartfelt moments were shared as the group remember "AJ", a dear friend who passed this year. He will be remembered and often talked about! All who were lost over the years were remembered.

For More information about NABX visit www.nabx.net

In closing: I have to thank those who made this years event possible.

The first and most important thank you goes to Sean Butler. A guy couldn't have a better friend! He's always ready for action, never ever backs down from opportunity to step up and participate!

Also, www.flyozone.com! Jeff Howard and www.ozonepowerkitesusa.com.

Finally, all the NABX organizers and NABX attendees...

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT NABX 10!!!
-Eli Anderson

3/8/2012

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