2008 MIHABCS Final Standings (Official)

The first ever Michigan Hot Air Balloon Championship Series (MIHABCS) has come to a close.

Congratulations to Nick Donner for winning the 2008 'Open Series' & 'SEMBA Club Series' and to Shawn Raya for winning the 2008 'BFA Michigan State Championship Series'. Honorable mention goes to Joe Zvada for a solid 2nd place overall finish.

Plans are under way to further develop the 2009 MIHABCS. Have a great Holiday Season and an even better New Year!

MIHABCS Open Flight #6 CANCELLED

CANCELLED 11-06-08

Fun & Competitive For All...

Propane Included!

• MIHABCS Open Flight #6
• Rick & Crissy Kerber 486 135th Ave. Wayland, MI
• November 8th, 2008
• Pilot Briefing 7:00 AM
• Sunrise 7:26 AM
• Crissy Kerber's Famous Breakfast Following the Flight
• SEMBA Montgolfier Party PM in Brighton, MI

Confirmed as of 10-29-08:

1. Paul Petrehn
2. Rick Kerber
3. Derrick Jones
4. Woody Watson
5. Keith Kohtz
6. Ralph Payne
7. Tom Brown
8. Doug Mills
9. Jeff Pestun
10. Mike Nelson
11. Jeff Faber
12. Kristin Romer
13. Chris Smart
14. Shawn Raya
15. Paul Quandee
16. James Mitchell

Open Sanction Flight #5 CANCELLED

Open Sanction Flight #5 scheduled for this weekend (Oct. 18th) is cancelled due to a lack of motivation by your organizer. I apologize for having been to our US Nationals, World Championships and The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta all within the last 7 weeks.

I'll be posting additional information regarding our last Open Sanction Flight #6. Rumor has it that Rick Kerber will be hosting in his neck of the woods. We'll keep an eye on the weather and try to get a good one in.

Please keep the family and friends of Steve Lechendro in your thoughts and prayers and pray that Keith Sproul has a safe and speedy recovery.

Best Regards,

Paul Petrehn

MIHABCS Sanction Flight #4 Results

Joe 'Free Bird' Zvada

(Racer, Joe don't need no stinking Racer)

The MIHABCS sanction flight #4 consisted of a 2-part task. Joe 'Free Bird' Zvada, flying with a chip on his shoulder proved you don't need a racer to compete. Joe won both tasks with some great flying as the first balloon to each target. The 10 km flight took only twenty minutes to complete. All eleven balloons took off from a common launch, received results on both targets and landed in the same field. Very impressive considering there was a 35 km/hr right turn at 1,000-1,500 AGL.

A special thanks to Derrick Jones and John Gibbons for hosting yet another great MIHABCS flight. I hope you'll have us back!

Oh, and thanks to Jeff & Sandy Barlett for picking up Joe Zvada in Ohio on their way from Pennsylvania. Did I hear he's picking up your tab to Austria?

Sanction Flight #4 Battle Creek, MI Saturday AM August 9th

The MIHABCS Sanction Flight #4 will take place in Battle Creek, MI on Saturday (AM), August 9th. At least a two-part task and maybe even a three or four part task will be planned if the weather allows.

Pilot Briefing: 6:30 AM

Derrick Jones
22120 Waubascon Rd (1st Driveway South of Edmonds Rd.)
Battle Creek, MI 49017

If you're interested in competing in this flight please contact:

Derrick Jones
derrickjjones@comcast.net
or
Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com

Open Sanction Flight #3 Midland, MI

The weather held just long enough for a beautiful flight from Jill & Scott Strouse's home on Saturday morning. A total of eleven balloons flew with nine participating in a two part task. The first JDG was won by Midland's own Steve King with a .25 meter drop (see above photo). The challenging winds required a climb to 4,000-5,000 MSL for a 45+ degree left turn. Congratulations also go to Shawn Raya, Derrick Jones and Paul Petrehn for making the 100 meter scoring area.

Unfortunately, as everyone was setting up for the second JDG the southerly wind stopped altogether. Good thing was, everyone tied for 1st place, but the bad thing was it's only good for 500 points. Some were happier than others for the 500 point no result.

A great afternoon of fun, food and games were had by all. The evening flight was canceled by the sound of cold beer cans opening when a rain shower developed overhead causing a strong, but cool outflow breeze to cool things down.

Thanks again to Jill & Scott Strouse for opening up their home for a fun filled Saturday in July!

Open Sanction Flight #3 Midland, MI July 19th

The MIHABCS open sanction flight #3 is just around the corner. Scott Strouse will play host for an AM competitive flight, afternoon cookout and an evening fun flight for those that can stick around. A block of 10 rooms has been secured for a special rate of $72/night. All reservations must be made by Sunday, July 13th or the normal rate of $89/night will apply. Please contact the following hotel:

Fairview Inn

2200 W. Wackerly St.

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 631-0070

If you plan on attending, please contact either Scott Strouse, Steve King or Paul Petrehn so we can plan accordingly for the competition and cookout.

See you on the 19th!