airtwardo 7 #26 May 20, 2004 It was about 15 years ago... I was doing a demo into Chicago, at Hawthorn Race Tack for their 150th anniversary. Hugh celebration! We were just a part of an early evening 'air show' being performed to commemorate the event. It was late in the year, and it was snowing... And as anyone from Chicago can tell you, in the 'Windy City' it actually snows SIDEWAYS! Better than 1/2 of the schedules acts scratched because of the weather... But you know how those jumpers are! We just took the spot Waaay out, and went for it. I started jumping not far from Chicago in '76... so I have plenty of experience with 'backing in' a square in high winds. We all made the track...large, open and empty. I, in fact had enough control to put it right in front of the indoor grandstands where the big party was going on. As soon as my boots hit snow, I chopped the main so as not to get dragged and turned to wave at the crowd who were all yelping and clapping. 1/2 hour later we're at the bar inside with the party people, everyone who's anyone is there...and in 'black tie' attire... Except us of course in hero costumes....I mean JUMPSUITS! This gorgeous red head in a black 'gownless evening strap' says... "Which one of you guys landed right here in front, I GOTTA MEET THAT GUY!" So now 15 years...3 kids..2 dogs and a huge house later... I'm STILL paying for that jump! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raistlin 0 #27 May 20, 2004 For me, it was the one on my fifth jump after AFF when my altimeter got broken right in freefall and stuck at 6k. So there I was, falling and thinking, hey look I never noticed this before - it seems like I'm really low while in reality I'm at 6k, woohoo! I am really now able to perceive freefall from a whole new angle... but hey.. it's approaching kinda fast. Hmm... but 6k... hmm... nope, too fast... oh damn, throw that PC out... and I did, and was under a canopy. Then, just as I reached up to unstow the brakes, there was a pop and I was under two canopies. Although I wasn't technically falling fast enough for that Cypres to fire, it did :( As luck would have it, this was the ONLY rental rig that was a Racer... get it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #28 May 21, 2004 Good story! Mine doesn't match, but my only chop cost me over $650. I've heard Dead Mike's bill was over $2 million dollars after all the surgery's were completed_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyRock 0 #29 May 21, 2004 Quote I'm STILL paying for that jump! Dude, that is an awesome story!!! -Seth :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dougiefresh 0 #30 May 21, 2004 Quote...Except us of course in hero costumes....I mean JUMPSUITS! This gorgeous red head in a black 'gownless evening strap' says... "Which one of you guys landed right here in front, I GOTTA MEET THAT GUY!" So now 15 years...3 kids..2 dogs and a huge house later... I'm STILL paying for that jump! And totally worth it, I'm sure. I like your description of her dress too... Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. --Douglas Adams Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #31 May 21, 2004 AD test, about 120 bucks. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpmonkeyUK 0 #32 May 21, 2004 my first jump was the most expensive considering its got me addictaed to the sport...(why cant i be happy collecting old matchboes or something cheap ;)) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
