Kite
Flyer
April/May 2002 Issue Route
66 Kite Club (R66KC)
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Kite Club Phoenix, AZ
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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.)
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Hot Buttons |
Descriptions
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Quick Thoughts From
The Editor National Kite Month Is Here! |
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Letter From The Director And/Or AKA News Notes From The Prez Note From The Region 12 Director |
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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 |
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What Happened On
Last Months Flys 03/16/02 – Saturday
– Indian School Park Fly Report |
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Long Term Dates And
Plans |
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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 |
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Flying Tips From The Fly’n Hawaiian Snap Stalls |
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Fun Kite Stuff
– Comics – Kite Eating Tree & IRS |
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Cover My Ass Legal
Ease |
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Please Help
Yourselves |
Click
Here For The
Web Site Links
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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
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
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.
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Rating: |
Fantastic |
Restrooms: |
Yes |
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Kiters That Can Fly: |
30 |
Drinking Fountains: |
Yes |
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Non-Kiter Visibility: |
Great |
Park Benches: |
No |
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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.
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Rating: |
Good |
Restrooms: |
South Side |
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Kiters That Can Fly: |
30 |
Drinking Fountains: |
South Side |
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Non-Kiter Visibility: |
Medium |
Park Benches: |
No |
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Distance To Amenities: |
3 Miles |
Shade Available: |
Lots |
Note: By popular demand and the desire
to socialize after a fly with a meal and possibly drinks, the club flying
events will be moving, periodically,
to SATURDAYS!!! Stay tuned as to when
this will start. Park selection will be
alternated so that no single group of individuals will have to drive a long way
all of the time.
Special
Note: Lady
Hummingbird and the Gadget Man have purposely bought three indestructible Beetles for guests! Please do not hesitate to ask for them when you have a
guest attending our events.
Latest Fly Reports
Nothing Of Interest To Report.
(Unless you have something! If so please sent it to Gadget Man Manson at: r66kc@tmsquared.com
)
03/16/02
– Saturday – Indian School
Park Fly Report:
Well the new park is a
blast with lots of places to fly single liners and stunt kites. The wind was
gusting to 35mph at times and caused some major concerns for safety and damage to
the kites. We had a great turnout with lots of club member families showing up
with their kids. Several non-club member types were already their trying their
hands at springtime flying in the blustery winds.
This place is great
due to it’s close proximity to the Veterans Home where many elderly vets are
spending the latter part of their years. Lady Jane’s father is there as well
and she delighted in dragging him in his wheelchair out to watch the color in
the sky. Old Gil even had the chance to hold a single liner himself which he
enjoyed immensely comparing it to a workout for his harms. Numerous other vets
came out as well to enjoy the great day and all of the flying festivities. For
these reasons alone we will be attempting to fly at this park again and again
in the future even though several members of the club have reported that when
the wind is it’s normal Arizona self, the surrounding buildings cause
turbulence and problems for our flying endeavors.
Below are several
other’s comments on the event and the park.
Gadget Man Manson
Another Point Of View On The Park
I am not a member of
your club but I receive your monthly e-mail because I inquired about your club
at one time. I appreciate receiving the e-mails in case I decide to stop by
sometime. I am writing to tell you about Steele Indian School park on 3rd
Street and Indian School. I live about three blocks from there. It is a very
large park with huge open fields, much bigger than the River..something park in
Mesa where I have flown with you once before. My only bad opinion if this park
is the wind. With as little wind as Phoenix does have this park seems to have
less. In the past couple days that it has been very windy I hurried home to go
fly at this park and found that the palm trees were not swaying in the wind as
much as they were further away from the downtown area. I'm guessing that being
centrally located in downtown Phoenix it must affect the strength of the wind
that appears to otherwise be stronger around town. Just FYI. It is still a
great park. Have a good time. Maybe
I'll see you out there tomorrow. 3/15/02.
Ryan Sexton
Other Info
Hi Tom,
It was fun having my
daughter out for some flying. Like most
kids, she has a passing interest in a lot of things. Kiting is one of them.
Maybe one day when she is older she will develop a deeper interest in
kiting. It would be fun if she
did. But for now, it's dogs, scooters,
TV, clothes, Girl Scouts, etc.
Good to see you and all
your new gadgets. If I don't see you sooner,
I'll be sure to catch you out at Anthem.
Chris (The Schermanator) Schermann
(Special Note: We need to find more
parks with an audience to introduce more non-fliers to the sport. Some discussion
at the last fly was made of parks that might fit the bill. Please send in
your recommendations ASAP so that we can start trying them out. R66KC@TMSquared.com.)
Future & Annual Events
09/20-22/2002 – September
San Diego Sister Club Fly in San Diego w/ the TMF Social Club Event
More information to follow when available. See the May event below for
lodging information.
08/19-25/2002
– Washington Long Beach International Kite Festival
Voted Best Kite Festival in the World by Kite Trade Association
International
This will be the 21st annual Kite Festival held in Long Beach, WA. Long
Beach is located in the southwestern most corner of Washington State, near the
mouth of the Columbia River. Come and join us for a colorful, friendly fun
filled week! The "Events" icon will let you see details of the daily
events for the Kite Festival. There are a lot of exciting events planned, so
take a peek! "Featured
Flyers" will give you pictures and descriptions of the guests that will
participate in the festival. We have had some wonderful guests in past years
and this year is no exception. Please take a moment to peruse the Sponsors and
Volunteers section and meet the generous people who make this festival happen
every year. And if you've never been to the festival, you'll certainly find the
detailed view of the festival area on the beach, as well as instructions on how
to find The Long Beach Peninsula, worthy of your surfing time.
10/05/2002
– Pacific Beach Festival – Major Event For The San Diego Kite Club
10/06/2002 – One Sky One World (OSOW) Annual kite event for world
piece. More to follow as information becomes
available.
10/18-20/02 – Hardyville Days/Art In The Sky Kite
Fly – BullHead City
- - - Next Year - - -
01/01/2003
Wednesday - New Years Day Fun Fly (For those of us that can function that is.)
04/6/2003 - Easter Assention Tradition
One of our members,
Juan, states that he has a tradition in the country that he is from, Guyana,
which is to fly kites during Easter, especially Easter Sunday. Actually, this
is the only time kites are flown in Guyana he states. The reason being that
sending a kite up into the skies is significant of Jesus's resurrection and
ascension to the Father. He keeps this tradition with his family and plans on
flying Easter Sunday. We may or may not plan a fly on Easter each year, mainly
because lots of us plan on being together with family on this special day, but
we will all be with Juan in spirit. If you remember this tradition from Guyana
on Easter, try to get a kite up and think of this tradition.
If anyone has or knows
about traditions such as this, please send them in so that we can share them
all with the rest of the club. And let’s all join Juan and Guyana in this
wonderful Easter Ascension tradition!
04/1-05/05/2003 – National Kite Month
Events Occurring All Over The Nation (And The World) For more information
goto:
As for local events, we will try to keep you posted! See Below!
04/12-13/2003 – Weekend – Anthem Days Annual Kite Festival
Details To Follow Later. Check with ArFF at:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=arff&nav=start
05/10/2003 –Third Annual Sister Club Fly In San Diego (This may be moved)
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, and a myriad of other things for the family to do. We will be
joining the SDKC, (http://www.sdkc.net) at their Mission Bay Park for a Sister
club fly on Saturday, with a night fly on the beach Saturday evening hosted by
R66KC. A Saturday evening barbecue will be promoted as well. We would like to
have everyone stay at the same hotel if possible for easier logistics. The
“Beach Cottages” hotel, (website: http://www.beachcottages.com), 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 rooms through $250/night for a
two-bedroom cottage. Jane and I have a
one-bedroom cottage that we all can congregate at, so my recommendation is the
cheaper rooms. Everyone should get his
or her reservations in early because this is a popular place. Hope to see you
all there!
- - - Ideas For New Events - - -
We need help with these so if you have any ideas
that will support this event, please let us know by dropping us a line at: r66kc@tmsquared.com
Sunshine
Acres Children’s Home/Orphanage Charity Event – We need help in
coming up with ideas for this charity.
I have raised $10,000/year for this Children’s home through the Harley
Owners Group (HOG), but do not have a clue as to how the R66KC can raise money
for these needy kids. Please send your ideas to r66kc@tmsquared.com Thanks.
Well you guessed it, I finally came up with an idea. With
all of the events that enjoy having us signal their events with a kite, would
could request donations to our charity on our behalf for our efforts! (yea like
right, what effort... ha ha). So keep this in mind and perhaps we can get more
big event planned, and some real monies for the Sunshine Acres Children’s Home.
We still need
ideas for this Charity Event!
Any thoughts
anyone?
Note: Any ideas for events, please
contact the Gadget Man at: R66KC@TMSquared.com.
Other News
Fast Food
Fliers Competition Idea
Make a kite from the containers, wrappings, bags, napkins, implements
(the litter stuff) or straws, lids, boxes, place mates, etc. Glue, staples,
fasteners, or tape, may be used for construction and assembly. Any tether cord
may be used for flying. No
"outside" materials may be added.
Flying is defined as lifting above the point of the tether point by at
least (you figure it.2 feet?) Last rule avoids the windsock being defined as a
kite. The US patent office defines the Japanese fish (windsock) as a kite,
though it does not fly.
I thought this up while on a cross-country Greyhound Bus ride and made
and flew the kites on the way to San Francisco.
Chicago Carl
Al Habib Is
Now Married!
That’s right folks our very own tent
maker/kite maker/bag maker/ and fly’n fool has tied the knot with his one and
only Christina! Well as I have always said, and for good reason, if you can
find a woman that will put up with you, grab her with both hands! So special
congratulations from us all Jonathan, and may your skies be filled with smiles!
New
Granddaughter For Gadget Man And Clan
Well the Gadget Man is a proud
new Granddaddy once again with the latest addition to the Clan, Hailey Jane
Parker. Arriving at 6:50pm on the 7th of March, the day after her
Grandmother Jane’s birthday. Weighing 6lbs 15ozs with a full shock of dark
brown hair. Their has never been a more proud Grandpa!!!
New Gone
With The Wind Owner Info
Hi Thomas,
Gone With the Wind is
now owned by Steve Hall and Christine Miller. It is now located at:
3030
Thorntree Dr. # 12
Chico,
California 95973
The URL has remained the
same. Email contact is: info@gwtw-kites.com
Phone: 530-894-2064
We now have a small
store front and welcome walk-in business.
Thanks,
Steve Hall
10
great places to really go fly a kite
Long savored as a childhood pleasure on a blustery spring afternoon, kite
flying has evolved into a high-tech, internationally competitive sport. And,
notes Mel Hickman of the American Kitefliers Association (www.aka.kite.org), it also is a potent
symbol: Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Taliban government's ban on
kite-flying in war-torn Afghanistan has sparked "kite flys for
freedom" around the world. Here, he points USA TODAY's Laura Bly to some
favorite places and events where fabric - and spirits - can soar.
Washington, D.C.
If a single event symbolizes the start of kite-flying season, it's the
Smithsonian Kite Festival held near the Washington Monument the last weekend of
March. But "this is the best place in the world any time of the year to
fly your kite as a statement of freedom."
Long Beach, Wash.
The Washington State International Kite Festival, held the third week of
August, is a pilgrimage for many kite fliers. "It's seven days of anything
to do with kites, fun and games for all ages, incredible homemade kites that
have more than 300 hours of sewing into them, and the annual attempt to have
4,000 kites in the air at one time." Don't like crowds, or can't come
during August? "Long Beach is just that, more than 20 miles of kite-flying
opportunities."
Callaway, Neb.
Just outside this small town, about 65 miles northwest of Kearney, is the
official Kite Flight Capital of Nebraska, a 200-acre prairie dedicated to
kites. Each Labor Day weekend, folks from all over the Midwest gather for an
annual kite reunion that has included everything from a wedding under an arch
of kites to the spreading of a kite flier's ashes during a memorial fly. Count
on "down-home relaxation, picnicking, friendly conversation, homemade pie
and burgers."
Berkeley, Calif.
This "very kite-friendly community" hosts its annual kite
festival the last weekend of July. But "locals find kite flying at Chavez
Park better during fall than summer. None of that fog, the winds are lighter
and steadier, and you fly with the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and San
Francisco."
Rockport, Texas
Besides supplying the kite-flying basics of wide-open beaches and steady
breezes off the Gulf of Mexico, this fishing community of 7,000 features great
seafood and "a relaxing small-town atmosphere with residents who
understand the need to 'go fly a kite.' "
Madison, Wis.
During the first weekend of February (yes, February!), the annual Kites
On Ice provides a rhapsody of color against the white ice of Lake Monona.
"One of the fastest-growing festivals in North America, Kites On Ice also
offers indoor kite flying, kite-making workshops, kite skiing, night flys with
lighted kites, historical exhibits, aerial photography from kites, giant
inflatable kites, miniature kites (try postage-stamp size) and truly friendly
kite fliers from around the world."
Newport, R.I.
Local kite fliers say you can fly year-round at Brenton Point State Park
on scenic Ocean Drive. You'll need to dress for the weather, but the rewards
include "unbeatable views and large grass fields (no sand blowing in your
face). Get there at dawn and fly with the rising sun."
Oxnard, Calif.
Sure, there are larger, better-known beaches in Southern California, but
Oxnard State Beach "offers an intimacy that attracts many local fliers.
Grass fields, cheap parking, onshore breezes, and friendly folk to chat with
highlight this state-run facility that prides itself on being clean and handicap-accessible."
Seaside, Ore.
Like a lot of tourist haunts along the West Coast, Seaside offers great
shopping, palate-pleasing restaurants and inexpensive motels if you're willing
to forgo a view of the beach. "Unlike many tourist towns, though, it has fully
stocked kite stores willing to sell you anything kite-related and a wide, long
beach to try your hand at playing with the wind." If you happen to be
there at day's end with the wind blowing out to sea, "teasing the setting
sun with your kite is a truly mystical experience."
Kitty Hawk, N.C.
"If you're not into year-round flying on miles and miles of beaches,
not interested in learning from the 'regulars' at Jockey's Ridge State Park or
watching your kite float all by itself along Cape Hatteras, and if creating
photo opportunities by flying your kite in the same frame as world-famous
lighthouses doesn't appeal to you, then skip the Outer Banks. But, then again,
flying your kites where a couple of brothers named Orville and Wilbur flew
theirs probably wouldn't be all that thrilling, either."
Bermuda
Kites
Hi
I did not make it to the kite flying event planned over the weekend.
I noted in the February newsletter that a fellow kite maker from Guyana named
Juan shares a common tradition of flying kites during Easter. In Bermuda we
also fly kites once a year on Good Friday - Easter Sunday. I will be publishing
two books entitled "Bemuda's Colorful Kites" and "Kite flying in
Bermuda" later this year. As I am also interested in learning more about
kite flying traditions throughout the Caribbean, I would appreciated if you
could let me know how I may contact Juan to discuss the Guyanaian Easter Kite
flying tradition further. I know there are other Bermudians who live here in
the valley and would like to contact any Phoenix Kite Club members who are from
Bermuda also.
I am sending you a summary of the tradition of kite flying in Bermuda. (see
below)
Looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Anthem Days Kite Festival.
Genie Jr.
Kites Make For An Especially Good Friday
Oh, go fly a kite!
On Good Friday, everyone in
Bermuda seems to be doing just that. All eyes are focused on the balmy, clear
blue skies, and the entire island shuts down for a day devoted to festive
gaiety. There's kite-flying, shooting allies (a game of marbles) and plenty of
plain good eating, with lots of hot cross buns and codfish cakes.
Good Friday, or Kite Day, is one
of the great traditions of Bermuda and has been celebrated in this unusual way
for more than a century. However, if you ask any of our senior citizens how it
all got started, you'll hear a different oral account from virtually every one
you question.
Many stories relating to kite-flying
on Good Friday have religious significance. The basis for kite flying on Good
Friday can be traced back to a Bermudian who had difficulty explaining Christ's
Ascension to Heaven to his Sunday School class. So he took his class to a high
hill and launched a kite bearing a likeness of Jesus Christ. Once the kite
caught the air current and was borne aloft, the teacher cut the
string and the kite ascended
higher and higher until finally it reached heaven. Reportedly, this is why
Bermudians fly their kites on Good Friday, to show how well their predecessors
remembered the lesson demonstrated.
Flying kites has
been a Good Friday tradition in Bermuda for decades.
Photo: GIS
Another story tells how a Sunday school teacher, trying to explain the ascension of Christ to her students, illustrated the story by flying a kite on Easter Sunday. When the kite went soaring into the heavens she cut the string, and the kite rose higher until it disappeared into the blue.
However, another piece of folk lore says kite flying became a tradition only when a local preacher had difficulty getting people to attend church. So he had them fly kites on top of a hill, to bring them closer to heaven, and conducted a service as they did so.
Whatever version you accept, the interesting thing is that one particular design of a traditional Bermuda-made kite is in the shape of a cross, of the type used to crucify Christ. And at one time in Bermuda's history, kites were not flown until after 3 pm on Good Friday. Nowadays, they go up at any hour and some remain aloft the whole day. Only if it rains do they come down quickly, to avoid soaking the tissue paper out of which they are made.
Although the exact origin is
unknown, kite-flying is believed to have started in the Orient or Greece
thousands of years ago. Kites have been used in the practice of religion,
science and, of course, children's games throughout the course of history. It
was just a matter of time before kites made it to Bermuda, but little was
written on the topic before the 1940s. Kite-flying did not really take off here
until the '50s after World War II. And today just about everyone on the island
is involved in the Good Friday ritual, either as a spectator or participant.
Visitors are amazed how Bermuda's sky is littered with kites on Good Friday,
the home-made "Bermuda" variety in particular, all having very long
cloth tails usually made from discarded bed-linens.
Real Bermudian kites are not the
imported plastic variety but are made from different colors of paper-tissue,
wood, metal and string. Some are huge, in exquisite patterns, and require
several sturdy men to get into the air. You'll be amazed at how high these
Bermuda kites fly, the hours or days or weeks that go into constructing them -
and how long they stay up. Horseshoe Bay, in Southampton Parish, is a
particularly good place to see these kites go through their aerial paces.
Bermuda Headstick kite
Flying High!
Photo: GIS
Kite-flying is enjoyed by entire families, and there are many Bermudian households that produce kites for retail sale as well as personal pleasure. The original Bermuda Boxy Kite is one of the first kites many Bermudian children have the opportunity to make. Constructed from dead, dry fennel sticks, brown paper bags or (nowadays) plastic trash bags, it is simple to make -- the connecting strings of the kite are generally just pushed through holes in the paper covering the kite sticks.
Design Perfection
Photo: GIS
Kite Day is not just an occasion to view some of the colorful and
vivid displays of kite mastery. You can also hear the various sounds produced
by the kites' "hummers." One kite famous for this is the Somerset
Kite, or the Buzzer, which makes the loudest high-pitched humming sound of any
of the kite designs on the island. Another of our favorite kite designs is the
Three-headed Roundie, known for its splendid patterns, shape and many hummers.
It is definitely a beautiful sight to behold soaring against azure blue skies.
A 20 Footer!
Photo: GIS
For Kite Day, most Bermudians tote their carefully crafted, cherished kites to Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton for the annual Bermuda Kite Festival. Thousands gather for a festive outing that begins with an early morning church and song service, followed by a kite competition, organized games and entertainment and a performance by the Gombeys.
Double Header!
Photo: GIS
Started some 20 years ago, this popular Good Friday beach party brings together families, friends and visitors to cheer on the pitching of some pretty fantastic kites. Prizes are given for kites ranging from a maximum of 6 feet wide to the smallest kite at the minimum of 4 inches.
This kite was made
with thread.
Photo: GIS
And the kite-flying can bring on
a pretty hearty appetite. Between all the events, festival patrons enjoy
fresh-baked, moist hot cross buns and fish cakes fried to golden-brown
perfection. It's a delectable, tasty treat that has become a big part of Good
Friday.
So the next time you come across
a sole kite flyer on a windy spring day in your neighborhood park, stop and say
hello. It just might be a Bermudian homesick for Good Friday.
Tips
and Tricks from our own club expert, Roman (The Fly’n Hawaiian) Trugillo.
The Smile Factor
I fly
for the smiles :)
The smiles I get when I pull off a double axle
with practically no wind....
The smiles I see on a kid when he sees a colorful
kite in the air....
The smiles that go around when meeting new kiters
for the first time....
The smiles that go around when you meet up with
long, lost kiters....
The smiles that are anticipating the next kite
you pull out of your bag....
The smiles that are brought to a special kiting
event....
Start racking up some frequent flyer smiles!!! Go
and fly a kite!!
Aloha Roman
The Leading Edge
(Anyone
Want To Provide Some Tips? Please Contact The Gadget Man With Your Ideas.)
Snap Stalls
Aloha,
Kite Flyers! This month’s topic will be
the ever-so-important trick for the dual-line stunt flyer, the Snap Stall. Why is it so important you ask? It is the basis for setting up for an axle
and can earn you big points when done at the right beat in competition. It also is very impressive when a kite is
going full speed on a ground pass and just stops on a dime at the will of the
pilot.
The
trick is quite simple to explain and very hard to master on all kites. Each kite will stall better or worse than
others. Practice with a more stable
kite like a TNT (Trick ‘n Track) or an Alpha Plus. Of course, you can always use what you are more comfortable with
or what you already have.
Launch
the kite into the air and try to perform this high above ground at first so
there is room for mistakes. The edge of
the wind window is the perfect place to practice since it slows or stalls
without doing hardly anything. But the
snap is what we’re after and so we’ll have to bring it closer into the
power-zone (center) of the wind window.
Now,
do a horizontal ground pass (that’s fly the kite parallel to the ground for you
newbies) from left to right. Pull your
left line to start the kite into a left turn.
As the kite’s nose points up, cancel the turn by pulling on the right
line slightly and then bring both hands back to neutral. Depending on the wind speed, you will have
to stall the kite by walking forward or running. When done correctly your kite should turn and stop within a split
second.
Also,
depending on the turning radius of the kite being used, it will take either
mere wrist motions or quick forearm motions to snap and stall the kite. Practice closer to the power-zone as you get
better and you will hear the sail snap like a whip. Do it to music and see if you can match the move to the
beats. Then try connecting the Snap
Stall with other moves to make your own combination.
Until
next time, I’ll see you on the Leading Edge!
Straighten
up and fly right!
The Flyin’ Hawaiian
Flick Flacks
And Other Fun Stuff!
Disclaimer
The Route 66 Kite Club (R66KC), the editors of the “Route 66 Kite Club - Kite Flyer” (currently Thomas Gadget Man Manson), the American Kitefliers Association (AKA), and any contributors to this editorial, make no claims concerning the accuracy of materials appearing in this publication. Any and all information relating to kiting, rumors or otherwise, will be published without efforts in authentication or verification of the source. Efforts will be made to screen out items of malicious intent, without any guarantee of the success of these efforts. Updates or clarifications of previously posted information or rumors, are requested, and will gladly be posted in the following edition.
Reminder: I will be publishing anything and
everything that comes my way that relates to kites. If you wish to communicate
with me, and DO NOT want something
used in the Kite Flyer, please indicate what part of your E-mail is private.
Otherwise, everything is fair game. Send me something, come on, I dare
you! In any event, I could really use the help so send your articles to: R66KC@TMSquared.com.
Copyright
NON-Restrictions
Reprints or redistribution of
this publication ARE permitted.
Notification of the editor is required, and the “by line” or “photo by”
required for all reprints. Default to: “Reprinted from Route 66 Kite Club-Kite
Flyer By Tom Gadget Man Manson” unless otherwise specified. So help yourself!