Pine Mt. (training hill)

• Wind directionWNW (300°) → N (360°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

NW-facing training hill on the north side of Pine Mountain (~5100-5200 ft), ~26 mi E of Bend, OR; Desert Air Riders / Cascade Paragliding Club site. Faces NW, so look for N, W, or NW surface winds; instructor guidance gives an explicit ideal direction band of roughly 310-360 deg, with W (~270) workable as a cross/edge. Ideal speed ~10-15 mph; light end (8-10) is fine for the evening glass-off, which is the prime window (last ~2 hours before sunset) producing smooth, predictable lift. High-desert thermals can make midday rough/strong - the training hill is primarily an evening site. Watch for: any northerly component or strong cycles signaling overdevelopment, thermal/rotor turbulence behind terrain off-direction, and high density altitude at 5100+ ft (wing flies faster over the ground, longer takeoff/landing runs). Beginner/student-friendly training hill but P2 and local sign-off / club guidance recommended; coordinate via the Desert Air Riders Telegram group. Max usable base ~18 mph and gusts beyond ~22 mph make it unsuitable, especially given the elevation and student use.