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BAYBORO, North Carolina USA — Tripoli North Carolina, Tripoli East North Carolina and Tripoli East Virginia enjoyed their inaugural launch this past weekend at their new launch site in Bayboro, with fliers taking to the skies for two days with A impulse through M. Everybody who attended was dazzled by the field's size, and while there was still a field of corn, and most of the soybeans had not yet been harvested, these crops will be gone by their October two-day launch. At that time they will set up their launch pads about one mile from the edge of a rough circle about 2.5 miles in diameter with no trees, no power lines and no crops. Because of the proximity to the Cherry Point Marine Air Station, there is not much chance that the clubs will get waivers over 12,000 feet of airspace. The launch schedule for the balance of 2007 is as follows: Oct 13-14: Fall WELD
Oct 27-28: 2-day Sport Launch
Nov 17-18: Sat Sport - Sun EX
Dec 15-16: Sat Sport - Sun EX Securing the field was the work of a gentleman by the name of Lionel Overton. He has been hunting with the family that owns the land for several years. After lossing Whitakers, Lionel happened to mention to one of the sons that he was a member of a high-power rocketry club and that that they could really have a great time on a piece of land that large and empty. His approach must have been "just right" because that man mentioned the proposition to his father and uncle who co-own the property and they thought it would be fun, also. Lionel then went the extra mile and applied for an FAA waiver himself. To get to the new site, drive to New Bern, cross the Neuse River on 17/55 and within one mile of the river, turn right on NC 55 East. Drive 7.5 miles to the crossroads of Grantsboro and turn left on NC 306. Drive north for 1.9 miles and turn right on Paul's Farm Road, go about 1 mile and look for signs and the club trailer. If you are coming from northeastern North Carolina, Greenville or Little Washington, you will probably take down route 17 and turn left on NC 55 East at Bridgeton.
The club's motel of choice is the Travelodge at 3465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (Highway 17/Business 70) in New Bern, telephone number 252-638-8166. Rates are $61.75 for 1 bed and $66.50 for a 2 bed room. When you call to make a reservation mention the "Rocket Club Corporate Discount" to get these rates.
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