Thanks Chris.

Actually I'm a Jersey Bird myself (Glen Rock, Patterson area). I do plan on flying in NH on the 12th, and maybe even one in NJ sometime. The mix I want is mostly for knife edges, which I don't have to do in the pattern comp anyway, although it would be super helpful when I make corrections in my line with rudder. Anyway, can't be done and there's nothing I can do about it. I wasn't thinking I would be too nervous at this one since I'm so new; I don't really have any expectations. If I can take off and land I'll be happy

It's amazing how many people don't understand pattern. I was flying with a couple of guys today, who kept trying me to chase them, saying I needed to do that if I wanted to fly pattern well, and they kept talking about speed. They've been in the hobby for 20 years, and have even worked in hobby stores selling rc plane gear! I think guys at the club wonder why I'm not doing more challenging 'tricks' when I'm actually challenging the heck out of myself, trying to make partial loops of equal radius, fly in a straight line, etc. It's hard! There's definitely a lot more going on than meets the eye, that's for sure. Heck, this whole next week is going to be devoted to trimming! Probably a good 4 days and a gallon of fuel, just trying to get the plane to fly straight. I'll bet they think I'm nuts.

Anyway, maybe I'll see you in JerZ one day. We should keep in touch or something.