Sarlat and the Dordogne keep us waiting

Tour ULM14 July 20182 min read

Wednesday 27 July, midday

Contrary to the forecast, the weather was a little capricious. A slight depression moved further south. High cloud prevented the warming and quick clearing of the stratus. We had to wait until the end of the morning to start the take-offs. Also, Muret-Lherm control, which was not under our responsibility, worked at a slightly slower rate than ours, which is quite normal when you are not used to the Tour's organisation. It took us nearly 2 hours to carry out the take-offs.

These long waiting times allow more relaxed conversations and new encounters. As the day before yesterday, the weight-shift machines left among the first to enjoy gentler air. In particular, we should note the arrival of a new participant on this 2016 Tour with an absolutely superb single-seat weight-shift. Everything is optimised, and the little toy with its 35 hp 4-stroke engine burns 4 litres per hour, or about 20 litres per day, with an average of 80 km/h airspeed. It is Fabien's Alizé-Mystic, on his first Tour, and he is delighted. So far he has suffered from the wind in the Durance valley, but everything is smooth and serene. It is proof that you can do the Tour with slow machines that are no less capable. Here too, let us try to dispel some nagging prejudices.

Having taken off late, we had decided to go a little faster in a straight line, but it is hard, flying over France, not to be drawn in by this rich countryside, especially when it resonates with the names of the Lot and the Dordogne. Châteaux are everywhere and we kept circling over the meanders of the Dordogne, which are coloured by countless kayaks. Holidays are everywhere and you cannot go a kilometre without being charmed.

We are on the magnificent plateau of the aerodrome south of the town. Temperatures are rising. It is clear blue sky again.

Sébastien Perrot

(Diogène GPS beacon)