Page 7 - 90-94 Meteor

ISSUE 1, 1990 THE METEOR
7
MOUNTAIN BIKINGATV.E.S. Take it to the hills!
V.E.S.
Aeronautical Classes
Flying on a Wing and a Prayer
by Richard Wharton This year Mr. Burke offered a new special art class for any- one interested in model avia- tion. This trimester, he has ac- cepted a group of six dedicated students who are interested in flight and model aircraft con-
struction.
The class has begun with
simple balsa wood gliders that can be constructed in a night. However, these students are intent on perfecting every part of their planes. They sand, cut, balance, and glue these planes with the purpose of getting the longest flight.
"The object of our first models is to see just what we can do with the most basic sticks with wings," says Mr. Burke. "Some of these kids have really put some time and effort into their projects and I'm sure that on the first good flying day we have, a few stu- dents will lose their planes due to their excellent flying capabilities. That's the whole object of free-flight, to lose your plane in the clouds or in
a thermal. It's really a blast! "
The students are currently using beginner kits, but Mr. Burke has already begun a "scratch-build", or a plane built strictly from planes alone with store-bought balsa wood. The students, once finished with the kits, will do the same, using different plans they choose from catalogs.
"It's really the cheapest way to fly, and I get to learn about flying and aerodynam- ics in the process, " says senior Charlie Martin. "I expect to finish a radio-controlled glider by the end of the class. That's my ultimate goal."
Although some of the class members are new to the hob- by,all are learning and build- ing at a quick rate. Most of the first-level models are com- pleted, and some students have begun work on their sec- ond project. Plans include everything from simple air- craft to realistic-scale space shuttles and jet airplanes.
Perhaps junior David Smith can ~urn the class up best in this way:
"I don't know if I'll be flying today, tomorrow, or next week. I just want to build 'em and watch 'em soar!"
by Richard Wharton
A new craze has been seen on the V.E.S. campus this fall, and it's the same craze that's sweeping the bicycle shops of America. The craze is moun- tain biking, a new way to get where you want to be and have
fun getting there.
Mountain bikes are relative-
ly new to the biking scene. In- vented in America in the late 70's or early 80's (no one knows for sure), the mountain bike, or ATB (All Terrain Bi- cycle) has the sturdy frame and wide, knobby tires for off- road use, and from ten to
twenty-one gears. This large variety of gear speeds allows riders the speed of riding on the road with the torque necessarytotacklesteeptrails and obstacles. Basically,
When looking at the V.E.S. mountain bike craze, a few names pop up as experts in the field. Senior Kellim Brown can often be seen riding his red Cannondale after school and on weekends:
"It's fun. You take the
average bike. It's road only. Now take the mountain bike. It's so versatile. Trailriding is more fun. You get to see more things, experience more challenges, and basically get a better ride. Mountain bikes are more durable, take more punishment, and can go more places. Besides, with a Moun- tain Bike, you can do it all!"
Other students feel the same as Kellim about riding ATB's. Most, like Seniors Tom Ed- wards and King Evans, feel that riding an ATB is a skill builder that never ceases to challenge the rider.
"Every ride is different, so you never get bored. I rode the same trail three days. The first day the weather was good, but the second day it rained, and the third day, last week, it was snowing. I never got bored with the same trail.''
Cannondale, Trek, Special- ized, Mongoose and Diamond Back are a few name brands for mountain bikes. ATB's are a great new way to experience the outdoors while getting good exercise and having a fun challenge. Try out a mountain bike today; it's a whole new
way to "get there,."
A TB's
both the dirt-bike and high- performance racing bike values.
combine the
best of