MPH Sports <>
writes:

Lakeview, Oregon, July 22-28, 2007



We here at MPH SPORTS are excited to bring you HANG-ON and it is shaping up to
be a great hang gliding event! As the organizers of successful competitions, we
have the experience to make this a terrific HG comp.



For those of you who don’t know me, I am a hang glider pilot (30+ years), a para
pilot, a private pilot, and a glider pilot. I have entered many competitions
over the years and I understand what makes a great comp. I have always said that
a sanctioned competition is the best environment to sharpen pilot skills, attain
new information and grow as a pilot in a short amount of time. Where else can
you weigh your decision-making skills against so many other pilots (some better
than you) that are trying to achieve the same goal? Competitions are where I
have had my biggest jumps in my flying skills and SOME OF THE MOST FUN!



HANG-ON will be a sanctioned hang gliding event modeled after the successful
format developed by MPH SPORTS for Rat Race paragliding competition. To date,
Rat Race is the most successful ongoing US PG competition ever. Last year, it
sold out (110 pilots) in less than 48 hours, four months before the event. The
success of the event is largely due to the strong competition organization,
pilot participation and mentoring program.



The goal for Hang-On is to provide a safe and educational training environment
in the competition arena. To achieve this, MPH SPORTS has rented a great
headquarters with multimedia and wifi at the fairgrounds in Lakeview. The HQ
will be used as a meeting room, classroom and party room.



At HANG-ON headquarters, we will have GPS training before the competition.
Pilots can also expect to have classroom training time in the evenings and as
weather permits. As with the success of the Rat Race, we will encourage
experienced pilots to participate in the training and sharing of knowledge. We
will promote a mentoring program that pairs more experienced comp. Pilots will
those who are not as experienced.



Lakeview, itself, is infamous for being a great hang gliding destination. It is
known as the



“Hang Gliding Capitol of the West”. The Lakeview locals love pilots and the
flying conditions are great at that time of year. The LZ’s are big. The terrain
itself lends itself to pilots of different skill levels. Therefore, there will
be different categories for rigid, flex, sport, and single surface. We intend to
have tasks that are appropriate for each group - tasks that are both do-able and
fun. Since “Hang on” requires a H3 rating with turbulence and XC endorsements, I
will be in Lakeview a week before the competition in the roll of observer to
sign off pilots in special skills.



HANG-ON event organization will be top notch and promises many perks that you do
not receive at other competitions. My wife Gail has organized five Rat Race
comps and loves doing it. For HANG-ON, she is partnering with the Lakeview
Chamber of Commerce and together they have planned great pilot parties with food
and live music.



SO, in conclusion, the shirts and trophies are already ordered. The scorekeeper
is booked. Other than typical weather, the only thing left to make this an
amazing event is you. Please help us spread the word! Go to
http://mphsports.com or
http://hangoncomp.com and
sign up.



Better yet, sign up and bring a friend. They will thank you later.