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<DIV> Hi Kieth </DIV>
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<DIV>A very Interesting question. We have all asked that question many times I am sure.</DIV>
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<DIV>Why do we travel to events? Why do we travel hours and hours in the early morning hours.</DIV>
<DIV>Travel back late and exhausted from the days actives?</DIV>
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<DIV> Why do we spend so much money just to fly at a contest? Why do we miss weekend club events just to travel to a pattern contest?</DIV>
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<DIV> Why do we miss family events just to travel to an empty piece of flying land with a pack of pilots taking turns flying in 100 degree sun?</DIV>
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<DIV> Why am I not HOME, sitting in the sun near my pool? I have to be honest and admit I do ask myself these questions once in a while also.</DIV>
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<DIV>. Why do we wait it out in heavy rain?</DIV>
<DIV> There we are standing under a tent with rain storms and winds. Holding down tarps over our expensive planes walking in the mud to go fly the last round. The bugs are out and all we want to do is get into dry clothes. Why?</DIV>
<DIV> I have asked myself many times at contest and practice sessions just that What am I doing here? </DIV>
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<DIV>I do not really know except I enjoy flying pattern and it is worth all the effort and sacrifice it takes to keep flying pattern. I practice with a contest in site. It helps me stay focused on my goals. </DIV>
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<DIV>There is nothing like flying a sequence at a contest. I have always been able to fly better at an event then in practice. Not that I practice as I should! I have had great flights and not so great. They have always been worth the trip to the contest.</DIV>
<DIV>However contest for me have always been the reason I study and try to perfect my flying skills. I must have my planes in flying condition and radios trimmed and set up. </DIV>
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<DIV>THE BEST part is the pilots at the events help with any problems or questions we have with new airplanes and radios. We have the best pilots in one small patch of pattern land! Lots of expert advice.</DIV>
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<DIV>Friends and pattern are one word in my book. I have made lifetime friends from our contest. I see that for many at our contest.</DIV>
<DIV> I notice the pattern pilots welcome the new pilots at contest and coach and help them through the day. You know that pilot will return to the next contest its great!</DIV>
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<DIV>I only wish I had more time to attend our events. I became a Contest Director 17 years ago and helped CD pattern events for my club. I always try and help promote many events and contest. I try and give back to the hobby as much as I can. </DIV>
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<DIV> Contest are not just for the pilots flying. I have seen pilots drive to an event with an unfinished pattern plane just to seek advice on there project. Some pilots come out to judge and help and enjoy the day.</DIV>
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<DIV>Contest are fun and rewarding in many ways not just at the award ceremony. YES it is worth the trip and expense. So pack the car and have fun!</DIV>
<DIV>See you all at a contest </DIV>
<DIV>Marguerite Gargiulo</DIV>
<DIV>NSRCA Intermediate Pilot</DIV>
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<DIV>n a message dated 6/2/2005 9:09:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, khoard@midsouth.rr.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid">
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I guess what I’m trying to get here is: What gets you to go to a contest 5-8 hours away vs. spending the weekend at your local field or just driving to visit your flying friends at their local field?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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