Hang pilot, Ben Rogers (650.269.9036), recently began exploring new sites in southern San Benito County, including Tumey Hills, Goat Mountain, New Idria, Panoche and Wild Ass.
In the spring of 2005, paraglider pilots took their first flights at Goat Mountain and were encourage by the results. The main LZ is a large, grassy field, but it's a 6.5-1 glide, so it's not suitable for inexperienced pilots. There is a 3.5-1 bail-out LZ, but it's not an easy LZ. One of the many features of the site is the common occurrence of a convergence over launch. There is also considerable XC potential
From Hollister, take Highway 25 for 40 miles and turn left on Coalinge Road. (The road sign is hard to spot, so check the distance. The turnoff is a 90 degree right turn.) Continue along Coalinge Road for 18 miles, until you get to the LZ, a large fenced-in field on the right. There is a parking along the side of the field. To get to launch, go back about 1/2 mile along Coalinge Road. Turn right into Clear Creek park, over the stream, and follow the bike trail.
As with any new site, please get a site intro from a knowledgeable pilot before flying. Because this is a new site, we need to be especially sensitive about leaving a positive impression with the locals.