Day 7

It has been a week of travel and preparation for the race which finally starts tomorrow.

Due to the poor performance of 701 in the high heat and high density altitude on our way in to Denver there was a nagging concern over whether or not we blew a cylinder. 30 minutes to climb 400o feet worried both Sheryl and I. 701 was already inspected for the race so we obtained permission from race organizers to put it into the shop and get the cylinders checked. Luckily they are all checked out okay. Whew! What a relief. Had they not we would have sat here in CO awaiting repairs and most likely missed the race all together!

701 is loaded heavily with full fuel (a race start requirement), the two of us and luggage. To lighten the load and improve performance we shipped everything we could ahead to the race terminus and it amounted to 50 lbs. Here we thought we were traveling light. Light now is defined as a wash and wear shirt, Capri's, toothbrush, hairbrush and PJ's. Oh, the GPS, too.

We also located an intercom box so communications with ATC and each other will be much better.

Briefings today ran from 8 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon, so hopefully we are know what we are supposed to be doing over the next four days. Pictures are posted on www.airraceclassic.org.

Tomorrow will be wheels up at Centennial in Denver between 8 and 9. Our first stop is Liberal, KS, then on to Sweetwater, TX. Weather and time permitting we will proceed on to Lufkin, TX. Total distance is 813 nm (about 9 hours of flying time). Liberal, KS will hold the challenge of 30 odd planes trying to get fueled and back into the air as soon as possible. Sweetwater, TX should be less of a crunch. Too long of a delay will prevent sufficient time for the remainder of our planned route. Once the contestants start to spread out due to airplane type and flying styles we should have less congestion at these little airports which are mostly ill equipped to handle us all at once.

701 also has the distinction of being the second to the worst handicap so most of the folks should be far ahead of us before long.

Wish us luck!