East Bay - Albany Bulb

[amlerner]

Does anyone have any info on kiting from the Albany Bulb? Wind conditions, launching/landing? Is the best launch area the beach behind the horse trailer parking lot?

Thanks.

[rick]

I believe that is known as Racetrack. I don't see an entry in the Location forum for it, but it you search for Racetrack on this site, you'll find some good info.

[nick_80044]

Actually, this is one of the few local kiting areas that *doesn't* have much information on the site here. You can find some basics here:

http://www.norcalsurfshop.com/kite/bay- ... bay-bridge

As the racetrack is sometimes recommended as a "stepping stone" to riding at Berkeley, it would be great if someone here could provide the kind of detailed information that is available for Berkeley, Alameda, 3rd, et al.

[androka]

I kited here after learning to stay upwind. I liked being able to attach a leash to my bumper and self launch from the parking lot. Dogs and their owners are here and don't understand why you may be less then excited to ward off a canine while keeping your kite in the air as you enter the "toilet bowl."
On light days you need to get out of the bowl and I've seen a few kites end up on the rocks at the north end, by the "bulb" of Albany Bulb. Better to make that turn early, the light wind can get weird over there.
It often blows better than Berkeley/EmeryPoint or Marina Bay, although sometimes it doesn't. When it does blow its a nice place for after work kiters and doesn't have the same "Union Wind" that Berkeley does (meaning it doesn't shut off at 5pm).
For landing you can drop your kite right behind the sand dune onto ice plants, so that's good.
You must be able to stay upwind and you should be confident of your "solo" abilities, since you might be coming in or going out alone. Great view of the squatter condos at the tip of the Bulb. Is that enough Nick?

[WindMuch]

(Did you notice Nick's request for more info on the Racetrack was from 2010? I'm sure others will find your info helpful though, so thanks!)

[amir]

You're speaking of one of the many eastbay launches. If you are local you'll get to know it. Every wind year is different and EB is very fickle where the wind blows. But when it does...

[nick_80044]

(Did you notice Nick's request for more info on the Racetrack was from 2010? I'm sure others will find your info helpful though, so thanks!)

Yes, when I posted that in April of 2010 I was just heading into my second season and was still working on riding upwind. I've progressed a bit since then. But there's still no detailed info on the Racetrack in the "Sites" section so I guess my request is still valid.

On a related note--anyone have updates on the Racetrack/Bulb development project? I believe it was exactly two years ago that some of us attended the meeting in Albany about all the great plans. I stopped by the beach a couple of nights ago just to hang out and enjoy the view, and it doesn't look like anything is changing.

[stompdit]

They had a meeting in late November to certify the final plans, but haven't seen anything since then.

[adamrod]

watch out for the fog. it can shut that spot down like a switch.