"Ted Wagner" wrote in message .. .
I started my Super Bowl Sunday afternoon with a tow to 3000'. Upon
release I unlocked the gear lever and pulled it back firmly. About 1
inch short of the closed-position lock and still pulling hard, I gave up
and started thermalling. I learned how to fly with the gear down, I can
do it again.

A half hour later and 1000' higher I gave it another try. At a half inch
short, I cleared my air, tweaked the trim, let go of the stick, and
tried both hands. No luck. Hating to lose, I kept pulling, and pulling
and pulling. Questionable judgment, bad decision. 1600 feet later (as in
lower), I gave up and locked it down again.


Have you tried cycling the gear on the ground? [pause for grin]
Put it in a fuselage dolly and raise it above the gear extension
height and try it. Much better to do testing when you are not trying
to fly at the same time.

Also with some gliders if the gear weight is the problem you can push
forward on the stick while to reduce the g-loading to less than 1 g.
But it sounds like yours has a mechanical problem that won't be much
helped by anything except a repair.

Chris