I just joined this group today and am a commercially rated (I can take paying passengers) glider pilot in the U.S. I own an ASW 15 and fly in the eastern part of the country. Ridge season is here and I just missed out on a good day on the Appalachian ridges. My glider is based five hours away and I had to attend a family function while my friends were flying hundreds of kilometers without turning. Maybe, next time! Welcome to the world of soaring. It never gets old.