On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 12:45:23 PM UTC-8, wrote:
On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11:55:02 AM UTC-6, John Carlyle wrote:
On Monday, February 16, 2015 at 10:24:23 AM UTC-5, Mike the Strike wrote:
No worthwhile places further east of the Rockies

Really? Ever hear of the Appalachians?

-John, Q3

Agree with John C. Cast your eyes on the OLC N. America Champion list of 2014 and yes, there is a pure East Coast pilot in 5th place, who would have thought. That's Michael Higgins of Fairfield PA and we have the honor to hear from him this weekend at our Midwest Soaring and Safety Seminar here in the Chicago area. Mike is logging some unbelievable flights in his Discus, the longest last year was over 1,341 km. Together with Baude Litt he also explored some fantastic Winter routes.
I suggest to Matt to include some of the very active E. Coast clubs in his search, my favorite is of course New Castle, VA.
Herb

Interesting discussion. Each ones definition of great soaring place is different. For some it means a place with potential for very long flights during the season even if the season is short or the great soaring days are sparse, for others it mean be able to fly year around regardless of how good the conditions are.
For myself, I am looking for a place where I can have access to multiple soaring sites (need variety) to be able to fly long XC (500km +) year around, all within 1-3 hours drive. So far living in the eastern Bay area provided me with good XC conditions 10 month of the year, but I suspect Southern California (San Diego area) is even better. I realize this is somewhat different from the criterias Matt has, but I would like to hear where else one can fly long XC year around in thermals. If that place has lower housing cost, than I may be able to retire earlier...
How about Florida? Only good in winter and spring?

Ramy