Rough River 200
I was trying to remember how many times N95BJ has taken me to Rough River. One of our hosts Dave Russell told me right away. Three. This is my third trip across the river and through the trees to the bluegrass of Kentucky. I envy those of you that had the presence of mind to start building and get in on the good life early. As time goes on and the miles fall away behind the prop I appreciate the effort and discipline that went into your accomplishment. And how getting a plane in the air requires discipline that positively affects our lives in other ways. Those of us that made it to the party later find a welcome place in the Canard movement, and can readily settle in at our chosen place to fit in.
This year Oshkosh was the most fun I have had there. The same for Rough River this time. Just great fun. It helps if you spent Saturday on the ramp with bright people chasing air molecules over the airfoils and cowls, which is always the case. And especially if you can end the night asking the right person what they do for a living, Especially if he starts out saying that he is a machinist and is soon describing how he was recently making a smooth surface on titanium by blasting off layers of molecules with ions. Especially if there are two others in the group agreeing with him and finishing his sentences with him. Yeha. Oh, and it helps if you enjoy talking about airplanes in the rain, which I do. While growing up we usually didn’t haul hay in the rain. Usually.
Bruce Sinclair made the trip interesting. If you met him at RR you know what I mean. Two weeks earlier he had come in from Australia and had taken my place at Reno sleeping on Tim LaDolce’s kitchen floor and working Security at the Races. Then he spent a couple of days at our home in Fort Worth. I was surprised that with all the things to do in Cowtown, while I was at work he spent most of his time on our back porch. Thursday night we did the last minute buttoning up on the plane and solved many of the secrets of aerodynamic efficiency. Also, it is interesting to listen to the thoughts of others at this time in our American history.
On the flight east we paralleled the frontal system that was pinwheeling over Kentucky. We had smooth and clear sailing between layers until approaching RR. Arriving at mid-afternoon, with a little patience we found long holes it the pinwheel spokes and dropped down under the deck and made the flyby over the eleven planes at the park. By evening there were several more. And more on Saturday. While the decks were often at 4 or 5 thousand with blue patches of sky around, it seemed that most folks arrived while there was some mist in the air. Bruce was in eze haven no matter how many planes were there. Me too.
Next time you are there at RR be sure to be present when hosts Dave Russell and Sam Chambers recount the history of the event. Also, if you can get in on any of their lunch or dinner conversations it will be a treat, especially if they describe trying to get their own planes finished and to the event, specifically the personal awards they have presented each other. A hint, Dave is a urologist. He mentioned some of his thoughts on augmentation and i cant wait to see the results.
This year there were several folks that were particularly enjoyable and interesting to be around. For those of us that haven’t made all of these canard flyins, we are surely aware of the things we must have missed. Which makes it all the more enjoyable and worthwhile to spend time on the ramp and dining with special folks that are normally mostly an apparition at the keyboard.
The first year with the VariEze I flew 200 hours and made Jackpot, Kanab and Oshkosh. And RR soon thereafter. Thirteen years is long enough to observe some trends and cycles. The last couple of years here we moved out of a 28 year home and built another, so little new idea work has been done on the plane. I have flown the plane on most weekends and did arrange to fly 31 times in 31 days. The obvious characteristic of the plane during this time has been its dependability and ease of maintenance. The early investment of time into researching the plans and CPs, and extra work that went into building a sound structure is paying off, along with a few items that make it user friendly. And with grandkids sprouting up, my wife is finding her way in to the plane again.
I believe that while at RR Bruce got much the same answer as mine on minimizing accessories on the plane until well into the restricted period. Many emotions fade and facts come into focus during that time. Even after flying for several years there is still time and interest in sprucing things up a little here and there.
So much for a few thoughts on Rough river. Thanks to you that made it fun and interesting. Already on my calendar for next year.
