NEW Distance Race Cocoa Beach - Vero

[ricki]

and this ...

"ust for those of you who might not have understood the last email regarding where the meetings are being held:

Meeting Friday night will be held at Liar's Pub in Grant.

Meeting Saturday (the day of the race) will be held at Cherie Downs.

Sorry for any confusion the prior email might have created.

If you have any questions, please email or call me directly"

[ricki]

Hey AJ,

What issues does Patrick AFB pose to this downwinder? We don't want to cause any problems.

[ricki]

Originally Posted by RickI

Hey AJ,

What issues does Patrick AFB pose to this downwinder? We don't want to cause any problems.

I tried to get a hold of AJ via email on this last night, asked for input via email or on here with no reply then or now. I am concerned about possible problems with a kite ride by of Patrick AFB. I recall years back we had some issues with Air Police chasing down kiters riding near there. It would be good not to aggravate the situation with a mass of kiters going through their take off corridor with training flight touch and goes. At least without permission or some assurances from the base that this wouldn't be a problem.

AJ, this is your que to speak up. Tried to help get the word out about the race per your request but lacking further input on the situation, this segment of the race appears to be ill advised.

[kent]

I hope it's not an issue. I understand that they down wind through this area quite frequently. It's such a short area, I wonder how far off the coast you need to be in this zone to be legal.

I can see that they don't want riders there all day, but given that the race start is just to the North, all riders would be through the area with in 30 minutes at the most.

I hope that this can be worked out.

On another note, if it can be worked out, AJ had better start pumping it now to get some interest. It's a pretty long drive to do so I'd like to see at least 50-60 riders there in order to make it fun.

Rick, is there any way you can toss up a poll to see how many riders are planning on attending? From my side, we have a good group coming, but only if there is going to be some good attendance, if not we will just do a fun down wind ride. Let me know. AJ WHERE ARE YOU???

[ricki]

I am still trying to find out how to setup a poll on here. Used to know how to do it on the last software package. Hope it is an option with the current setup.

Didn't you say guys regularly do downwinders off the airbase Kent? That is some pretty useful local info, as I've said my knowledge of issues in the area is years old. At that time there were problems heating up. It has been suggested running further offshore of the base. I think I was close to a mile off the south side of Lake Worth Inlet the 60 mile run before last to Ft. Lauderdale. It isn't that hard to do and could make a big difference in this case. Once again, this would be a great time for AJ to provide some input on his race. There is interest but there are also concerns, time for some information exchange.

[ricki]

AJ just gave me a call with a summary of things. He spoke to various USCG, Air Force and related personal at five offices related to Patrick AFB and the area. He described the race, what is involved and verified there were no problems with the activity. All parties he spoke with said they didn't have a problem with the race going past the airbase baring landing there or loitering off the base.

AJ told me after the start he will drive down to the north area of the base where to the boardwalk and verify that kiters stay a reasonable distance off shore, several hundred yards or more and successfully get past the base. He will intercede with issues that arise but from current statements, there shouldn't be any.

This is AJ's deal, not mine, but it sounds like fun and seems to be ok with the authorities. NOTE: this doesn't mean it is OK to launch and kite off the base because it is not. Locals likely know this already from years past. He will provide a lot more detail in the party and Captains meeting.

[Boschoss]

I was VERY concerned about the race crossing through PAB. I know that they do not want kiters there at all. I called A.J. and asked him about it. He seems to think it will be OK. But I am still very concerned about it. Especially since this is my backyard and not his.

Anyone participating in this race PLEASE STAY AS FAR OUT AS POSSIBLE! You do not want to be greeted by a helicopter and machine guns.

Also...It is SPRING BREAK. The beaches have been PACKED! I do not see how tons of riders are going to possibly launch from Cherie Down. We rode there today at like 3:00 and the beach was very crowded. The race is going to be on a weekend too! You couldn't possibly launch 40 kites there on a Saturday. Not to mention all the swimmers up and down the beach!!! PLEASE STAY FAR OFFSHORE IN COCOA BEACH if you do participate.

If you are in the Cocoa Beach area and need anything for the race...stop by the Ron Jon Surf School and check out the ONLY kite shop in the area by Good Breeze Kiteboarding. The Surf School is two blocks north of the main Ron Jon Shop behind the Pizza Hut. We are also doing a Kite, SUP and Surf Demos in the main Ron Jon Surf Shop on the next two Fridays (3/20 and 3/27) between 2-4. Ride safely and call me with any questions about Cocoa Beach.

Billy Bosch (386-235-9804)

[Boschoss]

I just want to make it clear that Good Breeze Kiteboarding and the Ron Jon Surf School are NOT involved in anyway with this race. I hope that it is successful and runs smoothly. I will try to get away from work to check it out. Good luck to all riders!

[kitebdr1962]

Hey Guys. I am sorry that I have not been on this forum, but I have been busy with issues. I have talk to "People" at PAFB, they have said it will not be a problem. I will make sure of that after the start of the race, and put myself down at the boardwalk, to make sure everyone stays off the beach. If there is any law enforcement issue's, I will handle them before I start the race myself..I do know that this is Spring Break Time, but the race is going to happen early in the morning on Saturday, hopefully before the crowds get there. I too am from this area, and have been here kiting for over 10 years, so I can call this my own backyard, per say. I too do not want anything to happen to this Sport, and the business that it generates.I will be posting more info on the race in the morning, so be sure to check back on the forum..I want to give a "Shout Out" to Rick and Kent for helping Me to make this happen, Thanks Guys...Hope to see everyone at the party, if not, at the race site Saturday morning, 9:00...

[mikerooka]

what time @ Cheries for Meeting & start?