RED BULL AIR RACES - SAN DIEGO 2017

RACETRACK PYLONS IN SAN DIEGO BAY 

     When I heard that the Red Bull Air Races were coming to San Diego, I really did not know what to expect. I only knew that the Red Bull beverage was way over-caffeinated for me. I had never heard of the air race. However, since they were held in San Diego from 2007 to 2009, many seemed to know about them. I heard mixed reviews. For people who lived near the bay it was generally negative. There were complaints about noise, crowds, possible plane crashes, and the fact that it was being held on Easter weekend. Others looked forward to the entertainment and, of course, returning to the quiet of their homes in the suburbs when the show ended.

      When the time came, tens of thousands of spectators came from all over to view one of the most amazing aerial events in the world. Some compare it to NASCAR races in the air. I have to agree that it was a spectacular show.

     San Diego is the second stop on the Red Bull World Tour schedule that began in Abu Dhabi in February and goes on to Japan, Hungary, and Portugal from here. It ends in Indianapolis on October 15 when the 2017 Red Bull Race Champion will be decided. The competing 14 masterclass pilots are considered the best in the world, with numerous flying achievements in their backgrounds. Their planes are streamlined to perfection and at the forefront of light aviation technology.

      The races were launched in 2003 and have been held annually, except for 2011-2013. During that time they were they were stopped for safety improvements following a fatal crash in 2010.

     The conversion of quiet San Diego Bay into an air racetrack started many days before the official event began on April 15-16. Large platforms were installed on the bay to mark the track, and to hold the pylons so that the pilots could swoop down and fly between them. The course covered the area between the San Diego Convention Center and the North Island Naval Air Station.

     The official viewing area was at the Embarcadero Marina Park with tickets starting at $20. A perfect place to be if you wanted to know who was racing, what their backgrounds were, and how the competition was scored. However, the visual spectacle of high speed, low altitude, and extreme maneuverability could be observed free from just about anywhere along the bay.

     The planes were based at Brown Field Municipal Airport and approached the track by flying over the Coronado Bridge.

      The free practice sessions began at noon on the Friday before, and continued, almost nonstop, until 7 p.m. They stopped a couple of times to allow for the military ships that needed to pass by. Otherwise, no luck if you were hoping to enjoy some boating on the bay, ride the Coronado Ferry, or even enjoy a conversation. It was the loudest day without much time in between the practice flights. I was beginning to understand the nay sayers.

     The event included a large black helicopter that was used for taking photos and videos for the news media. It was televised all over the world. Some said the helicopter was louder than the planes, and I think they were correct.

     Not surprisingly, San Diego provided near perfect 70 degree days, sunshine, and a mild breeze for the event. It was spectacular to see these small planes, flying at speeds up 230 mph, quickly changing directions, spinning around in the sky, and then swooping low through the pylons, circling again and repeating the maneuvers, all in a record speeds of 1-2 minutes. It was impressive. The downtown skyline in the background made it even more so. The planes were colorful. Some of the wings had stripes and other interesting designs which you could see as they flipped over and flew sideways.

    

      About 3 p.m. on Sunday we decided to walk down to the

Coronado Ferry Landing to observe the round of eight/final four races. There were thousands of spectators gathered in both directions along the water from the landing as well as many standing on the dock. I heard estimates that there were 40,000 spectators enjoying this event over the weekend. The winner of this event was Yoshihide “Yoshi” Muroya from Japan.

     One of interesting sideshows that took place on both days was the Red Bull helicopter stunt show. I didn't know they could fly upside down and flip around just like the small planes. Also, I used my binoculars to view parachuters drifting down from overhead and landing in a precise spot on the Embarcadero amongst the crowds.

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      It's the day after the Red Bull Air Race in San Diego and there's an incredible crew out there that is busy handling the logistics of moving the entire infrastructure of the race track, the planes, the pilots and their teams, race crews, and tons of materials to the next stop which is Japan. 

     I appreciated my peaceful walk along the bay more than usual and secretly hoped that the races don't return anytime soon.

RACETRACK MOVES ON TO JAPAN

NOMADIC MATT FOR TRAVEL INSPIRATION

      For anyone that wishes to travel the world on a budget, following Nomadic Matt on his blog, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter is a must. Matt Kepnes  (aka Nomadic Matt) has been traveling and writing for over 10 years and is always up to something new. Currently, he is hosting meetups in 11 cities across the country, as part of The Nomadic Network Tour, and promoting his latest book, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day.

      Just recently, in San Diego, Ron and I decided to meet up with this talented young man at the Brew Project Bar and Restaurant, where we were joined by at least another 50 interested travelers.

      Nomadic Matt is what I call a hardcore traveler, although he claims to be slowing down some. About 10 years ago, he quit his job in a cubicle, sold everything, and began to travel full time. He quickly realized how much he didn't need all of that stuff he left behind. He has been writing and helping others travel on a shoestring ever since.

     He spoke to the group for about 20 minutes and then answered dozens of questions. He recommended planning a trip one step at a time, which is usually good advice for most things. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the multitude of websites, books and blogs available to everyone these days. The first step might be to look at your budget and figure out a way to set a specific amount of money aside. He also said that he doesn't worry much about planning. because he never follows the plans anyway.

    

Another step he mentioned, which always works for me, is getting the flights booked—it's kind of like the point of no return.

     Matt develops travel community more than most writers do. For example, he organized a travel book club on his website that anyone can join. An avid reader himself, he found that the club motivates him to read a book a week. A favorite: Walking the Nile by Levison Wood.
   Matt's favorite place is Thailand, where he lived for two years.

    

BELGIUM

Some of his recommended websites: Couch Surfing (stay with locals & meet new people), Warm Showers (hospitality exchange for touring cyclists), and Camp in My Garden (private gardens for camping).

     After the presentation, he encouraged everyone to introduce themselves and learn from each other. Ron and I had a good time walking around visiting and were impressed with the diversity of people attending. We met a man who had couch surfed over 80 times. We visited with a woman who was going to spend six months on an Oceania cruise, traveling around the world in 180 days.

     Others were on their way to Greece, Peru and Italy—some with reservations and some without. One young photographer had lived in Africa for a year and was anxious to return. A recent retiree was about to begin traveling while writing two blogs (Matt offers online courses on travel writing and blogs). Some were even talking about their favorite travel shoes. You name it, and it was probably being discussed somewhere in that room.

     I think I went home with a case of travel overload--I had a nightmarish dream that night that all my stuff would not fit into a suitcase and it caused me to miss a plane to Sweden.

PORTUGAL