Ryan Voight

Inaugural Ramp Launch

Photo by Jorge Grey

If you haven’t heard, New York State has been working on giving many of the scenic overlooks in the area a face-lift.  One of those overlooks is home to the Ellenville Ramp, which we use when wintery conditions prevent us from driving up the dirt road to our usual launch(s).  In addition to revamping the scenic overlook, the State of New York built for us an entirely new ramp… and paid for the whole thing (materials + labor, everything!).

Here is an album with some photos of the new ramp the day it was completed:

This was a bit of a surprise, and much credit goes to those that worked on liaising with the State- Greg Black and Wayne Neckles doing the majority of it.  The whole thing struck me on a very personal level, having just relocated back to New York after living in Utah.  One of the major reasons we left Utah was the state’s endorsement of land destruction, in the form of mining.  It’s a long story, and I’m not anti-mining… but mining in an urban area has some serious health issues for everyone living nearby (more on that HERE).  Also, one of the most unique flying sites in the world- Point of the Mountain in Draper, UT- is actively being mined away, with more of it disappearing every day.

You can probably see the juxtaposition created between New York and Utah values… and how this all relates back to flying, but also on a much more personal level as well.

Photo by “Ninja” Matt Hickerson

TODAY I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE THE FIRST TO LAUNCH OFF OF THE NEW RAMP!

Photo by Jorge Grey

Photo by Jorge Grey

Photo by Jorge Grey

It was a real privilege, and reflecting on it now it means a lot more to me than I thought it would… probably because of how my life experiences make me appreciate this new ramp, and what it represents.  Thanks to Ninja Matt and Jorge for the wire help, taking pictures, and driving my car down.  Deluxe!

Well now that the regular Ellenville launch road is iced up, and the ramp is warmed up… let’s go fly!!!

Photo by “Ninja” Matt Hickerson

Oh, and in case you’re wondering- it’s a fantastic ramp to launch from.  Worked GREAT!  And there seemed to be a little less rotor/ramp-suck, too!  But it was a bit cross, so perhaps that played a roll…