CART
April
It’s a bit of a tight squeeze in the back of a glider, also known as a
sailplane, the non-mechanical aircraft that swoops and ducks on the currents of
the air. But that’s OK, you’ll be too busy gawping as the pilot uses thermals to
increase elevation, and soar like an eagle circling its prey below. 
A small plane tows
you high up in the sky, and then you get told to pull a lever, cutting the
bungee cord and releasing the glider. Imagine yourself in a bubble atop a paper
plane, and you’ll imagine the freedom and grace of soaring over some of
California’s most beautiful countryside. Of course, you can have it gentle if
you prefer, although you’ll feel those gusts of warm air thrusting you up like a
reverse rollercoaster. For the more adventurous, know that today’s sailplanes
can withstand more pressure than most fighter jets, and the G-force of some
simple maneuvers result in brief weightlessness (ask your pilot to release his
walkie-talkie and watch it float above his head) and screams of fun.
Rollercoaster junkies will be instantly addicted to this Banana, while the rest
of us will simply enjoy the sensation of winged flight as the Wright Brothers
discovered.
And you can safely relax knowing that gliders are considered to be amongst
the world’s best pilots, and gliders have a better safety record than small
planes. Although there is no engine, there is still a woosh of air coming
through small, circular air vents. It’s the woosh of speed. Twenty-five minutes
later, we land on the runway, speeding to the office and coming to a halt. My
hands are trembling from the adrenaline. Gravity feels awfully heavy.
Perfect for: Birthdays for boys and girls of all ages. Perfect For: Team
building, families, guys who have seen Top Gun too many times.
A Review by Robin Esrock - International Travel Writer and Adventurer see Modern Gonzo.com
Click here to view details of this experience
