National Ride The Wind Day is a holiday that falls on August 23rd and commemorates the anniversary of the first human-powered flight to win the Kremer prize. It’s a day when people are encouraged to literally and figuratively ride the wind. So even if you’re not keen on celebrating this day with a flight, you can still celebrate by adopting a carefree attitude and allowing the wind to blow you whichever way it might.

The History Of National Ride The Wind Day

Although we’re unsure who invented National Ride The Wind Day or when it was created, we do know that it commemorates the anniversary of the first human-powered flight to be awarded the Kremer prize. This occurred on August 23, 1977, when the MacCready Gossamer Condor became the first human-powered aircraft capable of sustained and controlled flight.

History Of The Kremer Prize

The Kremer prizes were established in 1959 by industrialist Henry Kremer to reward pioneers of human-powered flight. The first Kremer Prize was awarded to the Gossamer Condor on this date in 1977. The second prize was awarded on June 12, 1979, to Paul MacCready again, for his Gossamer Albatross flight from England to France.

Facts About The Gossamer Condor

Want to learn a bit more about the winner of the Kremer prize in 1977? If so, then we’ve assembled some facts for you about this aircraft and listed them below.

• Length: 30 feet
• Wingspan: 96 feet
• Height: 18 feet
• Empty Weight: 70 pounds
• Powered By: Human power
• First Flight: August 23, 1977
• Designed By: Paul MacCready of AeroVironment

Observing National Ride The Wind Day

As we briefly mentioned earlier, National Ride The Wind Day can be observed by taking a flight somewhere, or if you prefer not to fly, by taking a trip to a place you ordinarily wouldn’t go. You can also learn more about the Gossamer Condor or the Kremer Prize. While observing this holiday, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalRideTheWindDay to let everyone know that they should be observing this holiday as well.