Catch up

Content and tired, we are here at the race terminus- Fairhope, Alabama. 

We are tired, grateful, relieved and proud. 

The past six days have been full of planning, briefings and long days of flight. 

On Saturday and Sunday, prior to the race start we were mostly focused on race preparations. There were briefings on proceedings, fly-bys, safety, start & terminus process and the weather. 

Kathleen and Sandy arrived on Saturday afternoon. That night we attended the Start banquet with the parade of race teams and a wonderful presentation by Bill Harelson. Bill presented pictures and spoke about the record he (and his support crew) set for 'speed around the world over both the Earth's poles' in a plane with a single combustion engine. The story was very impressive.   During the program many weather alarms sounded on smart phones signaling a local tornado warning. Tension rose as pilots wonders about the welfare of the aircraft at the airport. Our dedicated leaders committed to a trip out to inspect the planes, and we were relieved to see a subsequent message of confirmation later on that all appeared to be a-ok. 

On Sunday the briefings and our readiness planning continued. The nerviness was interrupted -gratefully - by some time with sisters, aunts, great-aunts and cousin Lydia, Patty and Susie who braved the crazy I-95 to meet up with Classic Racer 29. We finished our laundry, flight planning and packing. And then - a premier viewing of Beyond the Powder: The Legacy of the First Women's Cross-country Air Race, a documentary film by Hemlock Films.  This film was fabulous. Highlighting the 1929 race and showcasing the 2014 Air Race Classic. Team Baldwin Family Flyers showed up in the film and it was fun to see ourselves on the screen. The film is not in the final production form and is scheduled to show on PBS next Spring. 

The family entourage had a nice pre-race dinner in Frederickburg and then to bed for the final rest.  In Fredericksburg we were delighted to find the intersection of Williamk and Caroline Streets. 

Another terrific day: tip of Virginia's Northern neck and the airport BBQ

Friday AM team Baldwin Family Flyers did some administrative catch-up and then launched on some more road touring. First stop was the White Oak Civil War Museum. Wow. What a collection of artifacts and knowledge, of local civil war lore. The museum is managed by D.P. Newton whose family has been in the area for hundreds of years and were amongst those that found so many of the artifacts. The museum also contains a research center and D.P. certainly revealed a depth of knowledge that was impressive. Caroline began to recall the history of great, great, great grandfather Isaac Harris who served in the Sanitary Commission in 1860s. A message to Ned also revealed a wealth of knowledge about the history and region. We all felt some somber sentiments as we reflected on the times of war and strife amongst 'neighbors' near and far.  Our drive took us down to the 'crick' where the confederate soldiers were taken down to the shores. .

Next up for some more light regional flair and fare we drove to Fairview beach, a vacation spot on the Potomac River.  Tim's II restaurant served up some local crab cakes and a nice view of the river and across to Maryland. We parked in Virginia though for reasons I have not explored, the water is Maryland territory so once on the restaurant pier over the water we were technically in Maryland. 

The final tour outing of the day was to Caledon State Park. Here we enjoyed a 3-mile loop trail in the woods out to the Potomac. The park headquarters are in a house that was donated to the state, along with the large parcel of land,  for conservation. It is now a site of old growth forest preserve and prized bird habitat.   We enjoyed the activity and scenery. 

Wrapping up another fun day was the airport BBQ. Back at the hotel we freshened. Up and were fortunate to catch the ARC shuttle.  At the airport there was such merriment!  We chatted with racer friends, finally met our 'baby birds' Tiffany and Taylor, Classic Racer 45, and had fun. Tension was shed, we ate a picnic outside, played games, tried to hula-hoop and bopped to the music. 

Check-in, credentials and touring

Thursday morning's airport activities were  fun, a bit tense and hot. We motored over to the airport and immersed in the credentialing and inspection work.  Teams were reconnecting from previous races and becoming acquainted for newer racers.  Stafford regional airport is in a rural setting surrounded by woods, has one runway and only private traffic (no commercial service). 

The administrative work went smoothly. Inspection of the aircraft was quick!  There is an amazing network of volunteers that makes the Air Race Classic proceed.  Volunteers, and even students from a school in Seattle, assisted and learned about the aircraft credentialing and inspections.  

Returning to the hotel area off busy I-95 we checked in at the hospitality suite and enjoyed chatting with Candace and Susan from team 9. 

Next we were off on an adventure to tour Luray caverns west in the foothills of the Shenandoah national park. the caverns were quite impressive, and even a cool retreat from the heat.  We enjoyed the green rolling hills and farmlands.  Back into downtown Fredericksburg and a nice dinner at Kybecca. 

Another delightful day, four more until race start!  Here are some photos of the day's adventures. 

Fredericksburg, Virginia

We have arrived at the Race Start, relieved to be here and content to have a couple of days before the deadline of Friday 1200.   Once again we have been filling the days with adventure, challenges, laughter and good times. 

On Monday evening we dined at a local eatery in Kirksville and then took a driving tour around the A.T.Still University where the science of osteopathic medicine was founded in 1890's. Quaint old brick buildings. Also saw a Hollister plant which reminded Lydia of her workplace (Hollister makes medical supplies).  Heavy rainfall but no thunder or lightning. 

An early start in the am and back out to the airport. The Kirksville FBO group are super friendly and helpful. We told them we would be coming through next week though there is no saying how long we will be staying next time - a quick turnaround or who knows?

Tuesday Cara flew into Illinois and through to Indiana. Thunderstorms, cloudy skies, light rain- all sorts of weather. And - a strong headwind. We wanted to push through knowing that more storms are coming and we did not want to be stuck out west.  Cara made a nice landing at Indianapolis Executive airport where Montgomery Aviation were very nice and hospitable. It is great fun flying together and meeting interesting people along the way. 

Lydia flew the next leg into Morgantown, WV. Following the direction from ground we parked near the terminal and started to unpack the plane and clean the bugs from Indiana and Ohio. Just in time before the rain. Many thanks to Kathleen and Cameron for hosting us for the quick overnight. Sandy is  in Vancouver for the Digital Humanities Summer Institute

Caroline flew the team into Fredericksburg today.  This morning we pondered and hummed and deliberated and then- we better go!  While the going's good. Well, it wasn't that good, but was probably the best we would have had to be here by deadline on Friday. More storms a coming. The flight over was tense with weather concerns, ridge lines and the DC airspace looming to the east. We did well and made good decisions together. Coming in to the airport here felt great and the welcome was terrific. Wonderful volunteers. And so fantastic to see friends and meet new racers!

After negotiating a rental car we found our way to Aladin for a late lunch at 3:30. We had a Lebanese feast with all sorts of yummy mezze. Once fed and relaxed we checked into the hotel.  This evening we drove into old Fredericksburg, walked around the historic downtown, happened upon a community band concert, drove through University of VA Mary Washington College (Aunt Julia's alma mater), and treated ourselves to ice cream at Carl's. The area is very green and quite busy. Another adventurous day. 

Tomorrow we will attend to racer credentialing and airplane inspection. 

Our Spot tracker has been with us, and battery-operated since Kirksville, and will be in place during the race.  Follow us on www.trackleaders.com   We are Classic Racer 29

Race bound journey day 1

IRClassic racer 29 flew 571 miles today from KFNL in Northern Colorado across southern Nebraska into a corner of Kansas and finally across Northern Missouri. 

Cara flew the first leg to Holdredge, NE site of a stop in the 2013 air race.  Taking off to eastern Colorado we were initially in an area of low wet clouds. Made our way around and on to Nebraska. The wind was high on the landing though mostly down the runway. Cara is an excellent pilot and following this flight needs <2 hours to make the required PIC to pilot in the ARC!  Way to go Cara

Lydia flew left seat on the next leg.  Goodness this was challenging with low clouds and rain all over the region. Crossed many flooded areas and the high waters of the Missouri River. 

Some areas with pretty rolling but low hills and very green. 

At about 3:45 we landed in Kirksville, one of the ARC stops.  Bob was very friendly and helpful.  Fueled up and reviewed the route ahead- thunderstorms all around- 

and coming this way!!

We borrowed the courtesy car and bought some batteries for the spot then pondered the skies some more. Better call it a day.  

Preparations continue

Chargers, cables, Spot...  Check!

We are on the move

Classic Racer 29 is on the go.  Cara arrived in Silver City on Thursday.  She and Caroline finished up the plane preparations and Cara flew some hours PIC.  Sunny skies in New Mexico! 

Cara and Caroline departed KSVC this morning and flew North.  Destination KLSV, Las Vegas New Mexico. 

Bim, Dottie and Fred seeing off the racers from KSVC

Caroline is very familiar with KLSV and it marks the halfway point up to Fort Collins.  Alas the rain was falling in Las Vegas so the decision was to go on to Raton, a bit farther North.  Fueled up and onward.  What's that?  The door was not fully closed - landing in Trinidad, CO.  Ahh, much better.  On up under and around Denver airspace and into KFNL.

Cara flew 5.5 hours today!  Whoo hoo!  Lydia and Marc greeted Classic Racer 29, arriving in Northern Colorado at about 2:45PM.

Three Weeks From Tomorrow is Race Start Day

May is coming to a close and June beckons.  The start of the new month triggers a heightened level of excitement.  Race start is in three weeks!  Cara will fly to Silver City on the 10th and then together with Caroline will ferry Classic Racer 29 up to Fort Collins. 

From Fort Collins we will fly as a team again across to Virginia.  We have not decided on the exact route but will likely pass through one or more of the race stops en route to Fredericksburg.  This year the race route will present new and unique challenges.  We will not be crossing the Rockies, the continental divide or any peaks >10,000 ft MSL.  We will see historic sites, college towns and the Gulf Coast.

Foreflight has once again graciously offered all racers temporary accounts.  Along with the new acquisition of a Stratus 2 ADS-B receiver we will have even more sophisticated equipment in the cockpit. 

Marc and Lydia had a super fun time visiting in Silver City over Memorial Day weekend.  With courage and zeal both flew some touch and go's at Grant County KSVC - winds were blowing strong.  The Pilatus C-22 that brought us in from ABQ landed with very strong crosswinds and gusts.  Tis the season in the Southwest.  Dry, warm and windy.

N15695 is transforming into racer #29.  Caroline has ordered the applique race numbers to affix to the sides, avionics have tested out, and the surfaces are waxed smooth.  Still to come- completion of a grant application for LLL, readying the Silver City home for quiet time; two weeks of work for Lydia in Fort Collins; planning for weeks on the road/fly-ways for Cara and the rest of the crew. 

 

2015

The Baldwin Family Flyers are back!

2015!  Race Start take off day is in 78 days!  Wowser - we are looking ahead to the less than three months and it will be off to the races again.  This year we will race again in Caroline's wonderful Cherokee N15695, as Classic Racer 29.  So far it looks like 54 teams are registered for this exciting event.  We will start in Fredericksburg, VA and end in Fairhope, AL.


Last summer we flew from California to Pennsylvania over the Rockies, plains and on into the mid-Atlantic area.  The 2014 Air Race Classic was exciting.  We learned a tremendous amount about flying, about ourselves and our abilities, and had so much fun.  The summer was delightful with more lake fun and preparations for the new school year and ERAU. 

Over the winter we once again deliberated and then committed and the excitement is building.  Caroline has spent many hours preparing the plane and the records.  She and Fred (Thank you Fred and mechanics!) ensured the thorough annual inspection proceeded without incident.  See the picture below with the cowling removed for evaluation and examination.  With everything re-assembled, next up is the cleaning and waxing and a few more minor adjustments. 

 

Cara has been building the hours while busy with school and navigating the Florida skies. 

 

Lydia injured her right leg four weeks ago in a skiing accident & is relieved to have ongoing healing. 

 

We will be re-united again in about 10 weeks!

Please look at the website www.airraceclassic.org for more information as we go.

 

Stay tuned...