USA FEDERALES  CLOSE TORREY PINES  GLIDERPORT FOR  US OPEN???

                                                    
                CLOSING A U.S. GLIDERPORT FOR A U.S. OPEN??? (isn’t that an oxymoron?)

                                                            ISN'T THAT AN INSULT????? 

                                                                  HELL YA!!!

LINDBERG'S ROLLIN BARRELS IN HIS GRAVE......

                                            BUT SUGAR RAY SINGS..............................

                                            

                                               “I JUST WANNA FLY!!!!”

SO WHADYA GOINNA DO ABOUT IT???  TP is down for 10 days, soooo whadya goinna do?  WATCH GOLF??? WHO CARES???. Why watch millionaires play stupid games?  The winners will win and the losers will lose whether you watch their boredom or not. You can read about in the paper the next day!  MEANWHILE...

GET YOUR GLIDER, GRAB YOUR COMPADRES,  MAKE A RUN FOR THE BORDER AND COME FLY THE BAJA! COME....


                                            
                                FREEDOM TO FLY IS IN BAJA!!! 

                                        

                        GOLF NEVER TRUMPS FLIGHT IN BAJA!!!!


                                
                                Bajabrent shows 'em what they can do with their HOLE of golf!!!!
                                                       
                                
                               "Give Me FREE FLIGHT or Give me DEATH!!!!, " proclaims BajaBrent
                                                                
Flying at La Salina--with BajaBrent-- means being at the right spot, at the right time, and no parawaiting!....AND NO GOLF!!!

                                
                       E-team XC champ John Pitt launches w/in 8 minutes of arrival

Fly for hours, soar with hawks, thermal to cloud base, fly XC, glide to the ocean, land on the carpeted LZ, right at the B-4 beach porch, and if you miss...into the sand you go!!!!

                                
                              (Bajabrent coming in for landing at the B-4 carpeted LZ)

Undoubtedly, you will make a choice whether to stay at the B-4 or some other local resort.  Bajabrent has good relations with the other local resort owners and appreciates services they can provide, HOWEVER, when it comes to Flying La Salina, perhaps you should consider the following

1. THE WORLD RENOWN B-4 caters to the pilot market. It has been featured in Phil Russman's  2008 DVD adventure "WHY WE FLY" and in other productions like Wing Envy's "ONE SKY".  The Pilot friendly environment hosted by Bajabrent (and Flipper) will make your stay as comfortable as possible.  The B-4 is on La Salina  beachfront and is a fairly easy glide from the ridge.  There is a carpeted terrace just above the sand in front of the beach porch at the B-4, if you can spot land!  There is also a second story observation deck above the complex accessible by spiral staircase that gives observers a 360 degree perspective of both the flying ridge and the ocean/beach. 
 
After hours, or when blown out the B-4 boasts a huge video/DVD library --of flying flix---for enjoyment on two mega-sets in grand room (stragically located) inclusive of super sound background.  Or you can enjoy a game of pool, in the covered courtyard, or oceanfront shuffleboard. You can hang with other pilots sharing the flying experience and enjoy that atmosphere in a more private facility than a motel or trailer park. Or find solitude on the semi-private/guarded La Salina Beach. The La Salina Cantina is stumbling distance from B-4.


                                
                                The B-4 porch, carpeted LZ is just BELOW this shot!!! (casey cadwell PPG photo)

2.  THE B-4 OFFERS REASONABLE ROOM RATES AND PILOT DISCOUNTS: Regular Room rates are discounted by 10% for pilots Basically rooms run between $75-$95/night before discount.  Prices are competitive with other local facilities. YES the rooms are private. Some have private bathrooms. For the budget minded: hostel-style Frenchy's Quarters, $40/night/person or 3 nights for $99.  All rates include breakfast on Sat and Sun morning. The B-4 can accomodate up to 20 comfortably, although you can score your own private room as well.  For more info on rates email bajabrent@msn.com or go directly to  see http://www.bajabrent.com/wst_page4.html. (pls note all rates are for minimum of 2 nights...)Bajabrent can also hook you up with your own private beach home rental...

Bajabrent will tell how to find the best restaurants at the best rates, as well as buying other necessities locally WITHOUT PAYING TOURIST PRICES.  You also have kitchen privileges at B-4.  If you stay at a local resort YOU WILL PAY THEIR PRICES FOR meals, beverages etc.,....in the end you will pay more. 

3. STAYING AT THE B-4 SUPPORTS FlyLaSalina.com . The B-4 and Bajabrent ARE THE ONLY FINANCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM to the La Salina flying venue.  This flying site is NOT SUPPORTED by fees, licenses, or any other means normally associated with other flying sites.  There is no fee based flying school, gear for sale, etc.  Thankfully the local  Team FlyLaSalina members (2 ) contribute time, energy and resources, but in the end CASH is needed to pay for materials and manual labor. This is undertaken by Bajabrent.

                                    
                                     This crew of 4 worked 4 weeks to clean the LS flying site

Supporting the B-4 underwrites  the effort to maintain the ridge facilities and grooming the launches, parking area, switchback, and LZ's... 

                            
                            This Kat don't look BIG but he's making mince-meat of that huge cement
                            slab, with only a sledge-hammer and his brawn!...never underestimate 
                            the will of a Mexican!!!!  viva Mexico!

All windsocks (3 large) and 8 smaller ones, the apparatus they are attached to,  numerous flags, carpets, secruring their placement, transport etc.  are paid for entirely by Bajabrent.  Some of these items require replacement 2-3 times per year. 

                                
                                 Flipper stencils a large new windsock FLYLASALINA on one side.

                              

.. And our gracious Host...EJIODO LA MISION on the other....nice work Flip you deserve a toast!!!

                              
                                As Flipper would say WOOOOOLAAAHHHH...watch how you say that in "Mexican"
                                

      
      AND Bajabrent mooches  the credit....        .
    
                                            
                                            
                                  The sock is then mounted on Local Mexican constructed frame designed by Bajabrent


THE  two man erection!!!  Thanks Pitt you're such a Tarzan...

                                
                               (And although they always land at the B-4 beach---Team FlyLaSalina members
                                 John Pitt and BajaBrent erect  the inland LZ sock for the rest of you!!!!)
                                            
Pilots from all over the world enjoy flying at La Salina, but very few contribute any $$ assistance.   Your patronage  through staying at the B-4, purchasing "FLY LA SALINA.com" flying apparel, helps defray these costs. (available from Bajabrent directly, via email Bajabrent OR at the La Salina cantina).

                                    

 All Fly La Salina Baja flying gear, was designed  by Diane Gerard---(aka Flipper) who won USHPA recognition in 2007 for the La Salina logo design (USHPA Mag 12/07).  She also won the nationwide competition for cover of the October 2007 USHPA Magazine. Flipper received her P-1 and P-2 atTorrey Pines, although she now flies primarily at La Salina.

                                          
                   TEAM FLYLASALINA.com FLYING BEAUTY, GODDESS AND ARTIST: FLIPPER (aka Diane)
                        
4. TEAM FLYLASALINA.com  Bajabrent has flown La Salina for over 11 years and hundreds of hours.  He first started flying there at the time the switch-back was being built and has a deep love of the flying site. For years he flew almost entirely by himself.   Even today he flies there 80% of the time by himself. Until recently Team FLYLASLINA was comprised of the ravens and hawks who are natives to the flying ridge, and BB. He has names for them all, feeds them a little, and in turn they show him thermals---kinda like parahawking.  Two of the ravens nest nearby the B-4 and are known to soar the front of the house when conditions are turning on to encourage Bajabrent and other pilots to come fly.

                            
      (TEAM FLYLASALINA.com local pilots Randolfo and Rebecca soar close to encourage Bajabrent to launch)

In the last year, TEAM FLYLASLINA.com has expanded for the inclusion of HUMAN pilots in PG, PPG, HG, and triking backgrounds, most of them reside in the USA. All Team Members are B-4 patrons who support the flying site through service, time, resources and commitments to the betterment of the site and supporting the local flying coummunity.  They include, Dr. Rudy Gallardo (trike pilot/local doc/neighbor); Flipper (aka Diane Gerard), Terry Flint, Patrick Eaves (Team Wing Envy), Susan (the Chief) Tom and Gloria Weedon, Murdoch and Jan Hughes (WA pilots and authors); John Pitt (E-team); Brian Keown; and ground crew members Jack and Verda, Jessie, Roberto, and Francisco! (with an honorable mention to ground team member emeritus Owen Tippon).  Team FlyLaSalina.com has a special honorarium called the DEAD PILOT SOCIETY: including our brethern who flew and parished at La Salina (or nearby) including: Alan Chucalate, Peter Schertel, and Harlan Dunbar. Peter's and Harlan's ashes are spread over the ridge.

                                        

Bajabrent believes La Salina is the finest flying site in Northern Baja.  However, it is not a beginner site, and P-1s and P-2s should come with an instructor or contact Bajabrent to discuss the same.  Injuries are not rampant but do occur due to pilot ignorance of the site. Bajabrent has a good neighbor-pilot-Dr. He lives 4 doors up and has an examination/treatment room.  He has already serviced several injured pilots.  He is a member of TEAM FLYLASALINA.com 

                                        

5.SAFETY AND SECURITY: In all the years Bajabrent has hosted guest (6,000+ guests and counting), there have been no crimes/thefts, etc. of any  to his guests  NOT ONE!(perhaps something petty).  The B-4 is located in a gated, secured and patrolled community of  retired gringos.  You will be safe, your car will be safe, and so will be your gear, (however you prioritize the same).  Admittedly recently  the Baja has received a lot of bad press surrounding crime etc.  Although Bajabrent believes this is a lot of unfair publicity---most is drug related,  isolated in TJ, or Gringos placing themselves in harm's way,  and thus has no impact at the B-4. More info on Baja crime at http://bajabrentsblog.bajabrent.com/2008/01/10/baja-tourist-warnings-crime-wave-or-ripple.aspx 

6. BAJABRENT WILL HOOK YOU UP!!!Obviously other things to consider is Bajabrent's unique familiarity with the "locals" who reside in/around the flying ridge including La Salina, Puerto Salina, La Mision, La Fonda, Ensenada, Rosarito Beach etc. When he is not entertaining pilots. The B-4 and  Bajabrent  hosts groups, functions of various size and mix, who stay at the B-4, He is s known as the local who "hooks you up" with dining, entertainment,  nightlife, and  even karaoke.  If you want to come to Baja, and be treated like a tourist, you are welcome to stay elsewhere.  If you wanna blend in with the locals and be welcomed as such, stay at Bajabrent's.

DID WE FORGET TO MENTION CHEAP GAS:  ITS ABOUT 75 cents/gallon cheaper and every bit as good in Baja.

In summation, staying at the B-4 places you right at the heart of the action. at the facility owned/operated by the main local pilot. Your patronage and friendship can help keep La Salina the premier flying venue in Northern Baja. 
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: BAJABRENT@msn.com or call 760-203-2658, to leave a message, if June 5-15 try 01152-646-155-4218, B-4 direct, or Bajabrent's cell: 01152-1-646-155-4218 (yes there is an extra "1", in the cell #) . 

PS: Don’t forget the 3rd Annual Fiesta Del Cielo-Full Moon Fly-in at La Salina, Oct.9-14, 2008. 

Every year, SLO comes to La Salina, they simply NAIL IT!  Not every year do they come on the same week, and had they come this year---the same week they did in 2007---they would’ve had a very stable, hot, Santa Ana week  (i.e. poor flying).  But as their luck would have it, they came a week later….and the wind gods blessed us with excellent conditions.

The group stayed at the B-4 for 6 days and flew each day, with the exception of Tuesday which was blown out.  Between the excellent cross country skills inherent among several pilots, namely: Pat Eaves, Eric Hack, Dave Salmon, and John Pitt, several important cross country goals were accomplished under the guidance of Bajabrent. 

On one flight 4 pilots flew from La Salina, crossing the river gap to the north and soaring the northern ridge and landing at La Fonda beach.   Subsequently, flights were made from La Salina, south over the south gap, and on east of Bajamar, around Mirador and landing at Salsipuedes, some 15 km south. 

On a third flight, pilots launched at Salsipuedes at about 100 feet ASL., and climbed to 1500 +, and after soaring north a couple of clicks then turned south and flew another 10 kms over the San Miguel toll bridge and landing in Ensenada.

On a fourth flight,  a group launched just south of Cantamar dunes, at  Gateway (the old hang gliding site) and flew south along the ridge line behind La Fonda, eventually crossing the river gap again, reaching La Salina flying ridge and landing at the B-4. another  15 km trek. 

 
If one simply links each leg of these accomplishments, it is conceivable for pilots to launch at La Salina, fly north to Cantamar on morning southerly conditions, then return south crossing back to La Salina, during the westerlies of late morning/early afternoon. And further proceed south to Ensenada as the westerlies turn more north during the later afternoon.  Each of these legs were flown this week and the connection among legs will evenutally be made. 

It is important to note that Gateway is around KM 55 (toll road) and El Sauzal---where we landed south of the Ensenada toll gate---is around KM 110.  So John, Dave and Patrick accomplished each leg over this 55 KM stretch. 

Meanwhile the remainder of pilots enjoyed daily ridge soaring at La Salina, kiting the Cantamar Dunes, and soaring the ridge north of Cantamar.

Of important note, local Mexican beginning pilot, “Jesse” was assisted, primarily by Patrick in ground handling. And later by just about everyone else as he learned to ground handle, kite, and bunny-hop his first moments at the dunes. 

Since then others have come to his assistance in obtaining instruction and gear, including Patrick, John Pitt, Brian, Bajabrent, and especially Terry Flint.  And thanks to Bob Armond for transporting the wing from Brian to Bajabrent.   

BUT at the end of the trip John Pitt, renown Lake Elsinore XC record holder, (who has already logged a 30+ mile flight from La Salina) stated

"  I believe this has demonstrated that we can go XC 60 maybe 100 miles on the right day right here from La Salina, its amazing here!"

Thanks goes out to Patrick, Eric, Sharon, Dave, John, Gloria, Tom, Brian, Jack, Pavlo,Tom, Flipper,Kevin, Travis, Jesse and the rest for making this an exceptional flying venture at La Salina and B-4. 

SECOND ANNUAL LA SALINA, BAJA  
"FIESTA DE CIELO, FULL MOON FLY-IN"
September 26-October 1 2007 

 SPONSORED BY: www.FLYLASALINA.com , LA SALINA AIRSPORTS CLUB,  AND www.BAJABRENT.com

This is an open invitation to Paragliders, Hang Gliders, PPG, Ultralight Pilot, Base-Jumpers and Enthusiasts: EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

There will be a whole series of events including: Longest Flight (time-wise); Highest Flight; Flight to Goal, Bomb-drop; Treasure Hunt; Spot Landing; Race to Launch; Cross-Country; Beach Tows (payout winch); Tandem Base Jumpers and a few OTHER surprises!!!

AT LA SALINA FLYING RIDGE

BAJA MEXICO

 SPONSORED BY: www.FLYLASALINA.com , LA SALINA AIRSPORTS CLUB, JOHN PITT AND www.BAJABRENT.com 

This is an open invitation to Paragliders, Hang Gliders, PPG, Ultralight Pilots and Enthusiasts: EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

There will be a whole series of events including: Longest Flight (time-wise); Highest Flight; Flight to Goal, Bomb-drop; Treasure Hunt; Spot Landing; Race to Launch; Cross-Country; Bungee Launching (yep you read that right!) and a few OTHER surprises!!!

                                                                           
For non-pilots and observers, tandem flights will be available from some of Southern CA and Baja's most experienced trained professionals in paragliding, and ultralight. So finally there will be a chance for you to soar like a hawk, raven, eagle, or whatever your dream!

The Fiesta begins Thursday, October 5 and extends until Tuesday October 10, 2006.  This provides up to 6 days and 5 nights at the venue. Saturday night is the actual OCTOBER HARVEST FULL MOON--the biggest moon of the year---and therefore should be spectacular.  Friday night will actually be the best night to "Fly the Full Moon" for reasons Bajabrent will explain later.  Recognzing that Monday October 9, is the Columbus Day holiday, the main days of the event will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be the spillover day, in the event we get skunked on conditions another day.

Some expected attendees: The E-Team from Lake Elsinore John Pitt, Mike Quinn and Greg Launt; San Luis Obispo Flying Club, Tom Morris and the SLO Team Wing Envy (Patrick Eaves, Eric Hack, and the team);  PPG Motorheads Dan the Fan-Man, Mike Wellborn,  and the LOCO locals Bajabrent, Flipper, Eric, (lil HG boy),  Mad Maxine; Team Volare: Gabrielle, Luis, Jose,  and THE Doc;  Team Rosarito/TJ Adrian Gomez; “Team Ridge Ravens” (Randolpho, Rebecca, Ramon, and Raul) Helen the Hawk, the infamous “Buzzards De Sur”, AND YOU!!!

SPECIAL NOTE: All proceeds from this event are being used to cleanup the flying area. Many of you who have flown here in the last few years have witnessed the decay of the facilities as well as the indiscriminate dumping of debris by both Gringos and Mexicans.  Bajabrent will be undertaking a significant effort to clean and restore the site with the assistance of local Mexican workers. Please support this activity to enhance the beauty and utility of this beautiful facility.

There will be press coverage and awesome t-shirts designed by FLIPPER!!!  Best lookin design in the flying industry!!!

FLY-IN PACKAGES
The main packages will be for a 4 day/ 3 night package stay for $99/person.  This would include 3 nights at Bajabrent's B-4 Beachclub see www.BAJABRENT.com ; 3 continental breakfasts; 3 rides to launch and a comp gift . There is a present limit of 10 beds at the Beachclub.  There is also up to 5 beds at the Beach Casita down the street. Sleeping arrangements will be provided on first come/first serve basis.

Bajabrent has also reserved the La Salina Hotel/Cantina rooms for those of you who would prefer your own bed with private bath.  The 3 night package runs $199 for a private room and Fly-in package;  You can also book a room with two beds/bath for 2 pilots for $299 for 3 nights and Fly-in package. 

Baja Season Packages are also available, especially if you are PPG or Ultralight, pls let us know your interest.

Finally, anyone bringing a non-participatory guest (e.g. significant other sharing your pillow) needs to check with us on special rates accordingly.

Obviously some of you will be interested in another night or two.  Extra nights are available for a very reasonable rate, pls inquire accordingly. 

EMAIL: bajabrent@MSN.COM   see:  www.BAJABRENT.com 
call US: 760-203-2658  MEX: 01152-646-155-4218

AND REMEMBER TO "REACH FOR THE SKY"
Social Distortion
"UNDER THE MEXICAN MOONLIGHT"
Concrete Blonde

(this event has been authorized and approved by our gracious host: The Ejido La Mision, Los Duenos de La Salina Ridge) VIVA MEXICO Y VIVA EJIDO LA MISION!!!

LA FIESTA DEL CIELO, Luna Llena De la Salina Del La Volar-en Lugar Del Festival (Octubre 5-10): Canto del vuelo de la salina del la, camino del peaje del kilómetro 73 (salida de la salina del la de Puerto). Goce del cornucopia de colores como paragliders, planeadores de la caída, los paragliders accionados (PPG), y trikes del ultralight, llevar los cielos sobre salina del la. Se espera que los pilotos de los E.E.U.U., de México, y de Suramérica compitan en la participación de las competencias: velocidad, distancia, precisión, resistencia y acrobacias aéreas. El área de la observación está a milla del ½ al este del camino del peaje en la salida de la salina del la (siga las muestras). Las sesiones de la mañana y de la tarde ocurrirán. Los vuelos en tándem estarán disponibles para los no-pilotos. El acontecimiento es patrocinado por www.FLYLASALINA.com, el club de Airsports de la salina del la y www.BAJABRENT.com. Gracias especiales a Ejido de La Mision. Esto está no un acontecimiento del beneficio y libre para el disfrute, del público. Información experimental en http://bajaflight.flylasalina.com/ o llamada Bajabrent en los 646-155-4218 (MÉXICO) 760-753-5887 E.E.U.U.; email bajabrent@msn.com NOTA ESPECIAL: Todos los ingresos de este acontecimiento se están utilizando a la limpieza el área del vuelo. Muchos de usted que han volado aquí en los últimos años han atestiguado el decaimiento de las instalaciones así como descargar indistinto de la ruina por los gringos y el mexicano. Bajabrent emprenderá un esfuerzo significativo de limpiar y de restaurar el sitio con la ayuda de trabajadores mexicanos locales. Apoye por favor esta actividad para realzar la belleza y la utilidad de esta facilidad hermosa.

La Salina PPG gathering, July 8th and 9th.  Make reservations immediately.  Plan to stay Saturday night, but consider Sunday night for an easier border crossing Monday.  Also consider coming down on Friday.  RV hookup spots available but reservations are required.

www.bajaseasons.com

A great option for accommodations is Baja Brent's pilot Bed and Breakfast at:

www.bajabrent.com

Brent is a fabulous host, a great pilot, and his cozy B&B is right on the Beach.  Brent also knows the 600 foot La Salina ridge site better than anyone, and can serve as a guide for those interested in PG.  You can PG from the ridge all the way to the beach!

Also, please sign up for this SoCalBajaPPG Yahoo list started by Michael Purdy from World Talk Radio:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoCalBajaPPG

There are many reasons to get local San Diego pilots flying together:

1. You can learn technique and site information from each other.

2. It's safer and way more fun to fly together.

3. We can keep each other safe and responsible to preserve the sport.

Here's a list of the pilots from our area.  It is interesting to note the various aviation backgrounds.  Please forgive me if I've made an error.  Please forward this to others that you think would want to come.

PPG Pilots:

Don Anderson

Jeff Hamann

Sem Kurtulus

John O'Connor

Dan Schooler

Nicholas Stroumtsos

Mike Wellborn

PPG/Skydivers:

Giles Fabris

Terry Flint

Bill Weber

PPG/PG pilots:

Steve Bishop

Brad Geary

Tom Hale

Bruce Moffat

Steve Torgesen

Steve Tustison

PPG Organizational and Instructor Pilots:

Bob Ryan (Turbo) PPG/PG/HG Instructor

Casey Cadwell PPG/PG/HG Instructor

Bob Armond PPG Instructor www.ParaToys.com

Michael Purdy PPG/PG www.WorldTalkRadio.com

Jeff Goin PPG/PG/HG/Fixedwing/helicopter/ occasionally volleyball nets, www.USPPA.org

IMPORTANT:

This email has been sent directly to all the pilots listed and to the SoCalBaja Yahoo Group.  All future notices will ONLY be posted on the Yahoo Group.  Sign up!  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoCalBajaPPG

I leave for Italy (PG trip) on Friday, returning on July 3.  I'm available by email or the list.

See you there!

Phil Russman

www.litetouchfilms.com

619-993-1922

phil@litetouchfilms.com