Ride the Wind Day

Ride the Wind Day is an annual celebration observed on August 23. The day is dedicated to the power of wind and the excitement it can provide. It was established to honor the anniversary of the first flight to win the prestigious Kremer Award. This award was created by Henry Kremer in 1959 for unpowered aircraft operated solely by the pilot’s muscular strength. To qualify for the award, the flight had to cover at least one mile at a specified height, following a figure-eight course and crossing over a ten-foot pole twice.

History

August 23 was chosen for Ride the Wind Day because, on this day in 1977, the Gossamer Condor 2 made history by flying 2,162 meters (about 1.34 miles) at a speed of 11 miles per hour, as certified by the Royal Aeronautical Society. The historic flight took place at Minter Field in Shafter, California. The Gossamer Condor 2 was designed by Dr. Paul B. MacCready and piloted by hang glider and amateur cyclist Bryan Allen. Today, this legendary aircraft is displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Interesting Facts

• In 1979, Bryan Allen set another record by flying across the English Channel in the Gossamer Albatross, a new model of human-powered aircraft. He also set records for distance and duration on the White Dwarf airship.
• The Gossamer Condor 2’s successful flight marked a milestone in human-powered aviation.
• Human-powered aircraft require the pilot to generate all the energy for flight by pedaling, making these achievements feats of both endurance and engineering.

How to Take Part

• Celebrate Ride the Wind Day by booking a flight on a glider, paraglider, or hang glider—or fly with an instructor for your first experience.
• Other ways to enjoy the sensation of flight include riding in planes, helicopters, hot air balloons, skydiving, or trying windsurfing.
• Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to see the famous Gossamer Condor 2 and explore other fascinating aviation exhibits. The museum also offers excellent online exhibitions.

When is Ride the Wind Day in 2025?

Ride the Wind Day is observed on August 23 each year.

Observations