I live in western PA, which is basically the black hole of model airplane competition. That's why I don't compete. I know I can drive 5 hours to contests over in Ohio or whatever, but I've done that kind of thing in the past with motocross, bicycle racing, and triathlons. I'm no longer interested in the hassle of traveling long distances just for a hobby. If I lived in an area where there were "local" contests, I'm 100% sure I would participate in all of them. Doesn't seem as if there are very many guys around here that would be interested in 'serious' flying.