Kite Flyer

 

April/May 2002 Issue

Route 66 Kite Club (R66KC)

 

Kite Club

Phoenix, AZ

 

To Visit Our Web Site Click Here!

Or go to: www.tmsquared.com/R66KC.htm (Please note that R66KC is in capital letters.)

 

Table Of Contents

Please note that there are several Hot Links usually in blue and underlined for your convenience. To access these simply click on them and they will take you there. (It is recommended that all articles be read.)

 

Hot Buttons

Descriptions

Editors Note

Quick Thoughts From The Editor

National Kite Month Is Here!

AKA News Or Director’s Editorial

Letter From The Director And/Or AKA News

Notes From The Prez

Note From The Region 12 Director

Upcoming Flying Events

This Months Flying Schedule

04/13-14/02 – Saturday & Sunday – Anthem Kite Fest

04/27/02 – Saturday – Third Annual Plateau Park Event

05/11/02 – Saturday – Sister Club Fly In San Diego

05/25/02 – Saturday – Riverview Park

Latest Fly Reports

What Happened On Last Months Flys

03/16/02 – Saturday – Indian School Park Fly Report

Future & Annual Events

Long Term Dates And Plans

Other News

Other Items Of Interest

Fast Food Fliers Competition Idea

Al Habib Is Now Married!

New Granddaughter For Gadget Man And Clan

New Gone With The Wind Owner Info

10 great places to really go fly a kite

Bermuda Kites

Kites Make For An Especially Good Friday

The Leading Edge

Flying Tips From The Fly’n Hawaiian

Snap Stalls

Flick Flacks

Fun Kite Stuff – Comics – Kite Eating Tree & IRS

Disclaimer

Cover My Ass Legal Ease

Copyright NON-Restrictions

Please Help Yourselves

 

 

Click Here For The

Calendar Of Events


 

 

 

Web Site Links

(Just Click On Them And Go!)

Charter

Membership Requirements

Past News Letters

Photos Of Events

Signature Lines To Remember

Kite Field Recommendations

Kite Stores

Kite Basics And Safety

 

Editor’s Notes

 

"And once you have tasted flight

you will walk  the Earth with your eyes skyward,

for there you have been and there you long to return...."

-- Leonardo DiVinci

Hey Kiters,

AKA’s National Kite Month is finally here and don’t you all love the great winds that AKA ordered just for us! Granted most of the country has some pretty good winds, but for Arizona, it truly is a God send.

Well you need to really look the schedule over for the next couple of months, and  mark your calendars well, because this is the best time of the season to fly and that is why AKA has selected this to be National Kite Month! (NKM). Almost all of the events listed are NKM events and you will most assuredly want to make every event you can. Kiters of all kinds will be coming out of the wood works to attend these events, so it will be the best time of all to watch some experts and get some tips and tricks on how to overcome your next stunt or hurdle. If nothing else, it is a time to see some really splendid kites and get some ideas on what kite you may require next in your kite bag.

But this is just local info I am talking about. So if you are planning to travel and want to find out what else is going on in the great country of ours, please take a look out on the AKA website and follow the NKM Calendar link to locate all the special events going on. ( http://www.aka.kite.org )

I want to make a special note for all of you regular Arizona Fliers, that our Annual Sister Club Fly in San Diego is coming in May, and NOW is the time to make those weekend reservations to join the fun. Because I tell you, you haven’t had a really great kiting experience until you leave the choppy winds of Arizona, and experience the constant and smooth winds of the coast. So get your reservations in now to make the three day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), event in San Diego. And for those of us that cannot get enough of their great winds, plan on staying the week, as several of us always do.

So keep your spirits up and we will be looking forward to seeing you on the fields very soon. Happy NKM and....

 

Keep’em Fly’n

Gadget Man Manson

thomas.m.manson@boeing.com

 

 

 

 

(Return To Table Of Contents)

 

 

 

 

AKA News Or 

Directors Editorial

 

 

 

From The AKA President

NATIONAL KITE MONTH: I'd like to enlist your help with a little practical joke I want to play on National Kite Month Coordinator Phil Broder.

 

You may remember that Kite Month went from 175 registered events in 2000 to 375 in 2001. Phil wants to break the 400 mark this year. But with your help, I'd like to see us get closer to 500!

 

The process is really simple. First, just plan to fly kites at some point in April. Invite a few friends together, air out your bag, and schedule some fun. That part is easy. And even if you live up north where the weather may still be iffy, you can plan a school visit, an indoor fly, a workshop, or just put a few kites on display at a local business.

 

The second part is just as easy. Log onto the NKM web page <http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/> and click on the link in the lower left corner to register your event. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing. And if you add the address for a local newspaper or radio station, Kite Month Headquarters will send out official press releases for you.

 

Also, if you know of an event in your area, check to make sure it is registered. That includes club gatherings, kite surf brunches, and flier get-togethers. If something isn't registered, call the organizer and see if you can get it included. We want every fun fly and school program in the general calendar.

 

The next Kiting Magazine will detail all the cool prizes that individuals, stores, clubs and regions qualify for during our five week promotion. As a special incentive, EVERY REGISTERED EVENT WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL KITE MONTH POSTER!! Let's swamp Phil in events!!!

 

***

 

FREE AKA AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIPS: Earlier this year, we started sending monthly emails to a list of non-members we call AKA Affiliates. They get news, a calendar, tips and information about organized kiting. And the best part is that the program is free!

 

We currently have about 1000 registered affiliates. But we want about five times that number. Can you help spread the word??

 

We're looking for schools, clubs, store customers, and folks interested in kites that haven't yet made the decision to join the Association. Remind them that all they need to do is go to the web page, and in the Table of Contents under "Membership", click on "Become an E-Affiliate".

 

***

 

RAFFLE NEWS: This raffle thing can be fun! Earlier in February, during the farewell party at Kites On Ice, we drew the winner of the Toki Edo Kite. The party was at a popular Madison Hof Brau so to assure everything was above reproach, I had Patsy, the Bavarian waitress pull the winning ticket. I then had her phone Jason Robbins in Pennsylvania to tell him he had won. We caught him in the middle of a SuperBowl Party but I don't think he minded a bit!

 

Our next drawing will be at the Fort Worden Kite Retreat. We'll be giving away an $1800  Airform package including a 200 square foot Jordan Airform, a pair of 120 foot tails, six windsocks, and all the line and gear. I've seen the kite and it is *spectacular*. Rod and Cindy Thrall have donated this great prize and you can buy tickets online until February 24.

 

***

 

COBRA KITE BUGGY PACKAGE: We asked Cobra Kites for a buggy package for the next raffle and they responded in spectacular fashion. The package includes a Flexifoil 2002 Buggy, a Blade MkII 6.4 quad/dual line foil, a Skytiger Std 40, flying lines, the Power Trip Video, a comic helmet cover and a tee shirt. Here's your chance to join the traction faction for just a $5 investment. Go to <http://aka.kite.org/> and click on the link to the Great Kite raffle.

 

You can also get tickets for the "Big Kite Package" from GKPI and the "Rok battle in a Bag" from Premier.

 

***

 

AKA PUBLICATIONS ONLINE: We've been working to update all of our AKA publications so you can download them free from the web page. We've got everything from the Event Organizer's Manual and Kites in the Classroom to Safety Guidelines for Buggies and Kite Surfing. And of course, we have rules for kitemaking, sport kites, indoor ballet, and fighters and roks.

 

Just go to <http://www.aka.kite.org/pubs.html>. You can also access the Table of Contents and link to "Publications". And don't forget to download the latest version of the Membership Directory. We update it with new information monthly. Just find the Virtual Clubhouse in the Table of Contents. You can also link there directly at <http://www.aka.kite.org/data/members> (Your "username" is your AKA membership number and your password is your email address).  

 

***

 

WORLD SPORT KITE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Yes, we're going to Berck, France where AKA, AJSKA and STACK are hosting competition for the best sport kite teams in the world.  The festival runs April 6 - 14. If you are interested in joining us, try this link for discounted hotels and travel information.

<http://www.lodgingfrance.com/cities/berck_sur_mer_frm.htm>

 

***

 

There are some great kitemaking retreats scheduled for the next few weeks in the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast. If you are looking for some new designs or just some good time spent with friends, check out Fort Worden, MAKR, or MKS wich is taking place as we speak.

 

That's all for now! Have fun out there!

 

David Gomberg

 

          ***     David Gomberg, President ***

           American Kitefliers Association

               <http://www.aka.kite.org>

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Region 12 Director

Hello Flyers of Region 12.

 

Your Spring issue of Kiting is in the mail.  Our new editor is doing a fine job keeping up with deadlines and such.   There is a lot of Kiting happening over the next few months.  More so than ever before.  This email is a "Jump Start" to my Regional Report.

 

If you're in Hawaii this Saturday and reading this, get over to Kapiolani Park at the foot of Diamond Head for the 35th Oahu Kite Festival.  More info from Robert Loera, 808-385-5753.  Sadly, we had little notice on this one.  I'll try to get more info earlier next year so we can all go.

 

Saturday the 9th, We're heading to the Town of Yucca Valley (North of Big Bear) for "Family Kite Day".  7600 Sage Ave. is Yucca Valley High School.  Your AKA President David Gomberg, The Seal Beach Kite Club and other Flyers will be the "Having a Day".  Join us if you can.  Sunday the 10th is the 28th Annual "Festival of the Kite" in Redondo.  I feel a little like Jerry Dunphy..."From the Desert to the Sea"...Sorry, I had to.  Also on the 10th, We've been asked to join the local chapter of the "Indian Guides" for a day of flying and kite making at Berylwood Park in Simi Valley.  I told them I would put the word out.  I am very moved when groups outside our orgaization call and ask us for help.  3 other

groups have already asked me about sharing time together in April, I'll keep you posted.

 

The 17th is also a "Double Whammy".  The Tucson "Spring Kite Fiesta" is on with the help of the local medical center.  The Santa Barbara Kite Festival will be the same day at a new venue, SB City College, 721 Cliff Road.  This is basically EAST of Shoreline Park.  If your heading up from the Pier, it's on the left BEFORE Shoreline Park...Look for the kites!!!

 

Again, this is just a teaser before you get your copy of Kiting.  You will see more details in the magazine.  If you need info on any of what I've typed before you get the mag, LET ME KNOW.  I'll get you to the right people.  I will be out of town on BIZ Monday thru Wednesday afternoon.  Shoot me an email, drop me a line or a dime, I'll get back to you Wednesday evening.

 

Keep flying and try to enjoy your week.

 

Best Wishes & Winds,

 

Glen E. Rothstein

Region 12 Director, American Kitefliers Association - Come Fly With Us!  www.aka.kite.org

Vice President, Southern California Sport Kite League - www.scskl.com

Kite Flying hits new heights on the West Coast!...Check it out below:

 

http://community.webtv.net/OpusFader/VenturaCountyKite

 

 

(Return To Table Of Contents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Flying Events 

Note: All flying events will be from 12:00 noon through 4 or 5 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

 

National Kite Month Events

 

 

 

Third Annual Anthem Kite Fest

04/13-14/2001 Saturday & Sunday Club Supported Anthem Fun Fly -

This too is a club-supported NKM event. Take I-17 North about five miles from the Carefree Highway, north of Phoenix. Exit at the Anthem Way exit, then turn right and drive into the community. As you come to the park fountains, take another right (before the fountains) and proceed to the second parking lot on the left. The event is from 10am to 4pm, and will be a long day so bring your shade, water, and chairs. You will need to arrive early to get good parking because this will be a big event. This event is the third annual Anthem Days event so there will be lots of vendors, and events all over the place. The Fun Fly sponsors, the Tucson group, have requested that we bring our short line sets due to the limited space available. In this way, we should be able to get more people on the field at the same time. This will be the biggest event of the season, so come and join the fun.

 

 

The "Anthem Days Arts & Crafts Festival"

at Del Webb's Anthem Communities presents:

 

-2002-

-3rd Annual Anthem Days Kite Festival-

For the 3rd year in a row, the Arizona Free Flyers are coordinating this fun-filled 2-day kite flying event

at the wonderful Anthem Community in North Phoenix. Along with "Arts and Crafts," there will be plenty of

family activities to see and do, so bring the whole family..... and your KITES!

________________________

The new and growing community of Anthem is already establishing traditions for residents and visitors, all

of them geared toward families spending quality time together. This third annual Anthem Days has

something for all ages and interests, including a craft fair, 5/K race, kite flying and puppet shows. The craft

fair features more than 100 exhibitors hawking wares that range from home and garden items to clothing,

jewelry and gourmet foods. Look skyward to catch the stunt kite show, then come back down to earth for

the yo-yo exhibitions. Puppet shows, remote control boat demonstrations, a 5K race/walk, a business fair

and live musical entertainment throughout the weekend round out the attractions.

 

-When-

April 13-14, 2002

10am-4pm each day

(This is a TWO DAY Event!)

 

-Where-

Del Webb's Anthem Communities

-Directions from Phoenix-

Take I-17 North to the "Anthem Way" exit.

Go East to the "Welcome Center"

Go South to the "Community Park"

Park in lower parking lot

Click here for Community map

Kite flying arena is located on lower soccer field)

 

-Lodging-

Anthem Comfort Suites

42415 N. 41st Dr.,

Anthem, AZ. 85086

623-465-7979

Moderately priced rooms offered

(This hotel is right at Anthem)

 

-Featured Kite Events-

ROK Battles

Stunt Kite demos

Power Kite demos

Fighter Kite demos

Candy Drops for the kids

Single-line Kites showcase

Special Guest kite demonstrations

"Free Field" sessions for local flyers to enjoy

Kite Vending Booth to buy and sell kites and spinners

along with a "Lesson Session" to let new flyers try out their kites

 

-Special notes-

On-field safety is a prime concern, so the flying area will be taped off and secured. Each flyer should make

an example by promoting safe flying habits. No bottles, remote control cars/airplanes or Kevlar line sets

allowed on flying field. Please be sure to secure any pop-up canopies or sunshades with stakes, in case of

sudden wind gusts. Short line sets are also recommended and allow more flyers on-field at one time. A pilots

meeting will take place at 10am each morning in front of the PA tent. Fly safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/27/2001 Saturday Club Sponsored Third Annual Plateau Park Fun Fly: (See web site Kite Field Recommendations for maps.) As per usual the fly times are from 12 noon to about 5pm in the afternoon. Let’s try to do dinner and drinks after.

 

This Is The Route 66 Kite Club’s Big (NKM) Event

 

This should be a great time with a BBQ and a Beer Permit to go along with the kiting. So please bring your own beer, burgers, buns, relishes, hot dogs, etc. and lets all have a great day flying and Feasting! Happy Spring and Happy NKM!!!

 

Plateau Park (Northeast) This park is located approximately 100 Yards north of Union Hills on 16th Street. Take I-17 north to Union Hills, and go east to 16th Street (not Avenue). Then go north on 16th Street to Wescott and turn east. Parking can be found about 100 yards east of 16th Street on Wescott. We fly at the northern most ball field.

Rating:

Fantastic

Restrooms:

Yes

Kiters That Can Fly:

30

Drinking Fountains:

Yes

Non-Kiter Visibility:

Great

Park Benches:

No

Distance To Amenities:

2 Miles

Shade Available:

Limited

 

 

 

 

BIG Third Annual

Sister Club Fly In San Diego

 

05/11/2001 - Saturday

 

Come and tryout some really great winds with loads of fun for the whole family. Sea World, Old Down, Seaport Village, Mission Bay, Mission beach, the ocean, shopping, an actual Kite Shop, and a myriad of other things for the family to do.

 

Most of us will be making the six (6) hour drive Friday morning to the “Beach Cottages” and then returning on Sunday afternoon. Saturday we will be joining the San Diego Kite Club (SDKC), (http://www.sdkc.net), at their Mission Bay Park for a Sister club fly which will include a pot luck hosted by them (bring chips, salsa, soda, etc. to chip {ha ha} in). This event will also include their annual honoring of those that have passed event.

 

Once you think that you have had too much fun, the Route 66 Kite Club will host a night fly on the beach Saturday evening. This will be kicked off by a large flaming barbecue, starting at 6:00pm with some snacks being provided. This will be a, bring your own beer, burgers, polish dogs, steaks or whatever type event and again the Route 66 Kite Club would like to remind you to drink responsibly.

 

Others that may possibly be in attendance will be the AKA Region 12 Director Glen Rothstein as well as the Southern California Stunt Kite Association. So come and make this the grandest Sister Club Event EVER!

 

We would like to have everyone stay at the same hotel if possible for easier logistics. The “Beach Cottages” hotel is on Mission Boulevard (858) 483-7440 and right on the beach for everyone’s enjoyment with lots of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. The rooms run from $75-$85/night for hotel style rooms and up to $160/night for a cottage.  Jane and the Gadget Man have a one-bedroom cottage that we all can congregate for the barbecue that is right on the beach. This makes for a great starting point for the night fly as well. So our recommendation is the cheaper hotel style rooms. Everyone should get their reservations in early because this is a popular place. And we hope to see you all there! 

 

Note: The San Diego Kite Club, (our hosts) have asked for a head count, so please contact Gadget Man Manson at thomas.m.manson@boeing.com as soon as is possible to let him know you are coming. This will be passed along to the San Diego Kite Club. Thanks.

 

 

 

05/25/02 – Saturday – Riverview Park: (See web site Kite Field Recommendations for maps.) As per usual the fly times are from 12 noon to about 5pm in the afternoon. Let’s try to do dinner and drinks after.

 

Don’t forget to say HI to the ArFF group that usually flys there.

 

Riverview Park (Southeast) This Park is located approximately one quarter of a mile south of Highway 202 on Dobson Road. Take the 202 to the Dobson Road turnoff and head south. The park is on the west side of the road.

Rating:

Good

Restrooms:

South Side

Kiters That Can Fly:

30

Drinking Fountains:

South Side

Non-Kiter Visibility:

Medium

Park Benches:

No

Distance To Amenities:

3 Miles

Shade Available:

Lots