NoShitThereIWas

Hey Deuce, no confirmation on the American Boogie yet for the weekend. I can definitely come and play Wednesday, Thursday and/or Friday. However, if it is busy at SMB on the weekend, I'll be there doing AFF and video. Is anyone coming out during the week? I'd like to see and jump with everyone! Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Nice Job Deuce. My favorite picture is the one of your baby blue reserve. I'll bet you were very happy to see her ...

I wanna go to the Chicks Rock Boogie ... That looks like FUN! Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I am currently practicing to get my PRO rating. You know what I've found??? I have become a much better canopy pilot now that I am actually aiming at a target and trying to hit it!!! I know it sounds silly but I have found a lot of strengths and weaknesses in my canopy control skills just by practicing accuracy. I am gaining more insight into flying in different wind speeds and learning more about my new 9 cell at the same time. Learning any new discipline in this sport is always exciting and challenging. I like how it also opens the forum and things in common to discuss and learn more about with other fellow jumpers. I am learning tons about flying my canopy and gaining self confidence everytime I hit that target. Who knows, maybe one day that will be me soaring into a stadium with smoke coming out of my shoes as part of a demo formation jump. Dreams can come true ... JUST DO IT! Blues, Jen O Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Wow, that looks cool ... I saw Cirque du Soliel's show "O" when it was at the Bellagio. They put on a fantastic show. I can only imagine a performance by them based on sensuality. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I'm not planning on traveling to Europe anytime soon, but I am curious as to what "speed skydiving" meets are. Please expound ... Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

So they told me my ideal celebrity date is Brad Pitt. Duh ... I may have been able to figure that one out on my own. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

DocJohn, You did a very nice job with Roger's video. I'll bet you have some good stories to tell from "back in the day". I hope the skydivers of your generation continue to share and tell the stories of what our sport was like "back in the day". There is so much that has been shared and learned in this sport and I hope the love continues to spread ... Blue skies, Jen O'Hara Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

OK so what is the scoop with OK drop zones? If I am travelling by car from Missouri through Oklahoma to Dallas, which DZ is the most logistically convenient one to hit on the way down? Are there any Okies out there??? Hello??? Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

As far as I know, Kelly and I are meeting in Rantoul August 4th-9th. Come find us or we can come find you. I have never been to the WFCC so I have no idea what to expect. Then I am planning on being at Quantum the following Tuesday (I think that is a day they are open during the week) and that would be the 12th of August. You and Skymedic need to come play with us!!! HeHeHe 4 way Hehehe Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Hey to all you Chicago/Missouri/Dallas people. I'm going to be in Chicago the first two weeks of August. Hoping to hit the first weekend of Summerfest at SDC and then Rantoul the week of Aug. 4-9 then Summerfest the last weekend Aug. 10-11. Then heading down to Missouri for a few days to visit and jump with Kelly at Quantum Leap Skydiving in Missouri and then I'm on the road to Skydive Dallas the weekend of the 120 Way State Record. So anyone who is going to be at any of those places during those times give me a holler. Going to buy my tickets tomorrow. Whew hoo!!! Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Thank you so much Bo for that beautiful video of Roger. It was great to watch and at the same time it brought tears to my eyes.

In agreement with Chris, remember it is human nature and media whuffo nature to get the facts wrong or out of context. The only reason all this crap is being mentioned at all is because Roger was an icon and a public figure. Anyone who is a public figure tends to get sensationalized in the media when something of this nature happens. Just because it happens doesn't mean we can't see it for what it is. Media whuffos sensationalizing topics and people they don't understand or know anything about. Keep the strength in the core right now. We all know who and what we are and who and what Roger was and stood for (those of us who knew him). Please like many others have said, "SPREAD THE LOVE" Jen O'Hara TFx #4, 2002 TF #125 Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I couldn't help but comment on your post since it is so similar to my own experience. I also downsized from a Spectre 150 to a Stiletto 135. The only thing I wanted to mention is that I tried out 4 different Stilettos until I found the one I wanted to buy. Amazingly enough even though they were all the same size, they all flew a little differently. I think they are a kind of canopy that has their own individual personality. The first one I jumped had about 1100 jumps on it and threw me out of whack for the first 4 openings. I had to learn that with a Spectre, you can almost be in any crappy body position you want when you dump and that thing will still open up soft, on heading and balanced. After a few openings under the Stiletto when I opened in a left turn spiraling dive I learned that after you dump, these canopies are so sensitive to input unlike the Spectre that if you are someone who is used to watching the lines deploy off your back it could put you into a spin or line twists. So if you were used to doing that with your Spectre, try keeping your body fixed in the stable arch with your shoulders square to the horizon when you dump and try not to look up or over a shoulder to watch the canopy deploy. Check the canopy after it has fully inflated. That helped me tame down my openings and prevent an immediate Mr. Toads Wild Ride opening. Now I do not notice my openings as much. After about 25 jumps on my Stiletto and some good advice from our rigger, my Stiletto and I are off to a way better start. We still have a lot to learn about each other but the love between us is there. Hope you are enjoying yours as much as I am enjoying mine. Blues skies and safe landings. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Shark are you coming out to make the American Boogie? If you came out, I'd let you watch ... Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Hell Deuce, I think you'd qualify just fine. I'd love to see you out there orbiting us amazingly cool chicks doing hybrids. As far as I'm concerned, the Estrogen factor would be a qualifying one. Hope I get out to see you all there. Blue skies, Jen Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I got the news on Saturday ... Shocking to say the least. Still in shock, now I feel a sense of heavy sadness. My deepest condolences go out to Missy, Rook and Roger's family and friends. It is strange, I was just thinking the other day if anyone was to write a biography on any person in this sport, who would make the most interesting biography and Roger Nelson came to mind. He truly was one of this industry's pioneers and one of the most interesting, ambitious and hard working people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even if you didn't agree with all of his beliefs, Roger was a hard person not to admire and respect. I cannot imagine Skydive Chicago without him there but I hope his visions and memories stay alive and well. Blue skies Roger, You will be missed. Jen Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I am down with the all chick hybrids idea. That could be way fun. I know I could lay base and/or have Chop Chop teach me how to be a stinger. I could also be part of a rodeo. I have a little rodeo experience, Yeee Haw!!! Ok, but seriously, the idea of all chick hybrids has my interest. A chick videographer would need to come play too. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

How about night raft jumps??? Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

A Hawaiian shirt and luau? A 5 day boogie? I am thinking this is sounding like a don't miss boogie for sure. Is there camping, what are the accomodations? What is everyone doing? I read they are roasting a pig, too. Aaaah, memories of home. I'll be there at some point ... Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I'm in college, where do I sign up???

QuoteOh..and ref' your signature, it would read better as 'skydiving is not for you' (IS is missing) :0) Negative Grasshopper ... (with Japanese accent) If at first you don't succeed, Skydiving not for you. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Now I am going to have to come out at least for one day. Is this boogie one of those 3 day dealy-whoppers? I really dig the 3 day boogies. That usually means I can work at the DZ for the busy part of the weekend when they need me and still leave and get to the boogie in time for at least a day and a half. We'll just have to wait and see what happens that weekend but I am thinking this is sounding like fun. And if the Chop is there, you must be square. The Chop and I need to catch up on some freeflying and I think I read that Roger Ponce is organizing belly flopper dives. Right arm. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

Sport Rigs: 8-12 minutes dpending on the amount of chatter or distractions at the DZ Tandems: Used to be able to pack 4 in an hour. That was a long time ago. I'm not sure I even remember how to pack a tandem anymore. I usually pack my rig in 8 minutes flat and it never takes me less than 5 minutes. Make of canopy: Stiletto 135 Packing experience level: 9,000+ pack jobs. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

I just bought my first elliptical canopy and I love it. I started with a 1:1 wingloading under a Spectre 150. After about 625 jumps I bought the Stiletto 135 a couple weeks ago and I am lovin the 9 cell elliptical. I like the way they fly but I am going to miss those beautiful soft Spectre openings. In my opinion, not too many canopies can compare to the opening of a Spectre. But the Stiletto is sure to offer some fun times ahead. We are still learning about each other. Don't get me started on loving relationships with one's canopy. I won't go there. Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."