Hombres Pajaro Copa

Big day for us - they held a press conference at the hotel introducing us and really playing up our titles/accomplishments. It was fun to be a part of, but hard not to laugh at times, particularly since we were all doing our best to make the others laugh during their interviews. All of the major television stations in Guayaquil were there and it took up most of our day, so no flying. Raul's energy and dedication to our sport is fantastic. Wouldn't it be nice if we could gather so much attention (not to mention major sponsorship) for a hang gliding comp in the US.

We will leave first thing in the morning for the long drive to Canoa...just one full practice day before the competition starts on Friday. Meanwhile, the boys are having fun hiding each others' parts at the hotel. Dustin is freaking out because his 9 kilos of lead ballast (just enough to give him the same wingloading as Jeffo) has mysteriously disappeared. I'm guessing it will magically turn up again before we head out in the morning.

Thankfully, they didn't make me do the interview in my pitiful Spanish. Left to right at the table are Mike Glennon from Colombia, me representing Germany, the press guy, Raul, the bossman putting on the show, Mark Dowsett from Canada and Dustin from the US.