The five of us from the paragliding club PARAnoia went to the Jura today. Due to the many low clouds we discussed various possible launching sites. Finally we decided democratically for the 'Balmberg' near Günsberg and drove (guided by André to the Weissenstein ;-)

Lots of clouds, just above the top of the hills. A few minutes after 12, the first pilots got airborne and started to gain height. We followed and occupied the weak thermal in front of the launch together. The thermals where weak, but reliable. But with the low base, one needed to concentrate to avoid a drop out.

A few kilometers before Biel I decided to turn and fly east, since I knew that the area in front of me is difficult and with the low base almost impossible to conquer. However I battled at first, took me a long time to make it back up to the base.

Near Grenchen I had to give up a good thermal, the REGA (Air Rescue) needed the airspace to retrieve a hang-glider pilot who crashed while taking off. Some how I managed to get back up. The southerly wind got stronger and the thermals carried me far over the ridge.

I now flew over Weissenstein, Günsberg in the direction of the 'Schwängimatt' near Balstal. Near Matzendorf I was pushed so far over the main ridge that I had no chance to get back on the south side of the ridge. I was lucky though and found on the north slope, protected from the wind a thermal which got be back to 1400 meters asl. I decided to change to the second ridge, desite my low altitude, since the clouds looked much better over there. It almost worked, almost. I eventually landed in Laupersdorf.

My friends from PARAnoia klanded nead Biel, only Urs Herzog managed (in the second attempt) to break the 50 km mark.

Flown distance : 40 km
Maximal height: 1690 meters asl
Duration: 2 Hour 45 Minute