helicopter downforce

[GM]

These people on the beach seem to like it......

 

[hoopdriver]

Many years ago I did a 10,000-mile solo trek through Australia, the story of which became three-part series in National Geographic. I was joined periodically for a few days at a time by a photographer who would get shots that I could not get myself. While I was cycling through the Kimberley, a remote part of northwestern Australia, he chartered a helicopter to follow me one morning. They flew close - and I do mean close! At times the chopper pilot (a local who did mustering on the big cattle stations) was literally flying along side me. The downdraft and noise was incredible. It was all I could do to keep control of the bike - which I did manage to do - and at the same time try to look carefree and enjoying the open road, for the benefit of the picture. It was without question the weirdest hour of cycling I have ever experienced....