by Jedd Ferris

Wright’s words are the motto for the Tennessee Tree Toppers-one of the oldest and acclaimed hang gliding clubs in the country, which formed the late 60s. Its 150 members soar regularly over the 40 miles of ridgeline that circles the Sequatchie Valley, Tenn.-hailed as one of the best hang gliding spots in the country.

Hang gliding depends on wind and the presence of thermals-columns of rising warm air. When wind runs into a mountain, it gets channeled in a vertical direction, which makes the mountainous Appalachian region a popular spot for hang gliding.

The Tree Toppers are world renowned for their expertise and achievement. Among them is Dean Funk, ranked 12th in the country and a member of the United States World Hang Gliding Team, which competes internationally every two years.

“Most of us are trying to fly for a duration of time and distance,” Funk explains. “On a good ridge lift day, I’ve had flights where I’ve been in the air for over eight hours.”

To see who can fly the farthest, the Tree Toppers host the Team Challenge on the first week of October each year. Teams score points based on the hang gliding mileage completed over seven days, and novice pilots receive handicaps and bonuses for their mileage. Teams from across the country are lined up to participate in the event that usually has around 60 pilots.

“It’s hard for beginners to find opportunities for advanced learning,“ explains Funk. “The Team Challenge helps open up the sport and make it accessible to some new folks.”

The competition starts and finishes at the Tree Topper hangar near Dunlap, Tenn., which will host a festival atmosphere with onsite camping for spectators

Visit treetoppers.org for more information.