ParaglidingEarth Site Link
Launch (N 04°48’50”, W 76°0’22”) 1470 m
Landing Zone (N 04°48’3”, W 75°59’27”) 949 m
Ansermanueva is one of those places you won’t find on any traveler’s list apart from paragliders. Situated North of Cali about three hours in the world famous Valle de Cauca, Ansermanueva is a small agricultural hub of around 20,000 inhabitants. The fly site here, Wayra, is comparable to the much more famous Roldanillo (site of several World Cups) nearby to the South. XC flights of 50k and greater are common from Wayra. The several days I spent flying here saw too much rain for a pilot of my level of experience to try any big XC flights, but soaring the many thermals around launch for hours at a time was a dream. I would include a visit at the top of the list for any traveling pilots and would come back in a heartbeat. If you wish to step in to a Colombia without a trace of grooming for tourists- Colombia where coffee beans are spread out to dry in the middle of the the street, where actual cowboys ride muddy steeds down the street, where no one is trying to sell you bracelets- Ansermanueva is for you. You will be be a traveler here rather than a tourist.
The launch site is located at the top of the ridge directly to the West of town. Launch direction will be facing to the East towards town. Thermals and ridge lift can be found along the spine descending directly downhill from launch.
Notes on Landing Zone: Top landings are possible here, as well as long XC flights. If you do need the closest LZ here, it is located on the mountain-ward side of the football field (far left side of town as seen from launch). The LZ is very unlevel and has several large trees. There are power lines parallel to the road on the West side. Wind in the LZ is usually from the SE in the afternoon. If this LZ proves impossible, there are many other open areas nearby. Expect to be swarmed by ten year olds competing to help fold your wing.
Flyable days per year: 350
Best times of the day: Variable. Mid day, usually after 12:00
Cost: Site fee is $2.000 pesos daily. Pay the property owner at the gate, whose name sounds something like “Mongoose!” If no one is present at the gate, just yell the name loudly a few times.
Other: A few pilots live in Ansermanueva, though there are more in nearby cities (Manizales, Pereira, Armenia). For questions about local transportation/lodging, contact Jaime (Gordo) with Cefiro Escuela de Parapente at parapente_efecafetero@hotmail.com. Jaime has a home in Ansermanueva and rents rooms of his house (near the LZ) to visiting pilots for $15.000 COP per night.
How to get there:
To Ansermanueva: From Manizales, Armernia, or Pereira, take a bus to Cartago. From the Cartago terminal, busetas (vans) make the half hour trip to Ansermanueva. Look for the label on the front of the vans, which will probably say “Anserma” instead of “Ansermanueva.” (Note that there is indeed another city a few hours to the North by the name of “Anserma”, so if you’re on the road for a few hours you’re on the wrong bus). In Ansermanueva, get off at the bustling main Plaza where there is a large, boxy looking cathedral.
To Wayra (Launch): As the launch site is on private property, it is necessary that your first visit be with a local pilot who can give you a site briefing. To reach Wayra, follow Calle 7 (parallel to the big cathedral at the main plaza) uphill. When the pavement stops, follow this unpaved road for around four kilometers. After much narrow, treacherous, and uninhabited road, there is a blue two-story house on the right side. Take a right here (the only right turn on the entire dirt road) and follow the road down a short steep hill, through the banana/coffee grove, then back up a short hill to the white gate (see photo below). This road was thoroughly washed out when I visited due to severe flooding and landslides and may be impassible in some parts except by foot.
Website: http://parapentecafetero.sportsontheweb.net/
Translation:
Welcome to Ansermanuevo
Altitude: 1500 m above sea level Radio Frequency: 145.600
Coordinates: (see above) Official landing site: Recreational park
Requirements: Must have a pilots’s license, issued by a school or club approved by Fedeaeros (local cub)
Fly site description: House Thermal located 100 meters (“the warehouse” and “the banana grove”) that tends to form over the launch site. Typical wind direction: frontal until 5:00 p.m.
Recommendtions: 1) Novice pilots, do not fly behind the launch ridge 2) If flying close to the slope we suggest flying out to the valley 3) Be careful with the two high tension power lines below.
Note: For security reasons, in this launch site it is prohibited to fly without a helmet, without an emergency parachute, and if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Should any pilots intend to fly in a manner conflicting with these rules, any member of Club Aires de Manizales has the authority to prevent their launch.
No comments:
Post a Comment