On Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 8:28:39 AM UTC-8, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
OK, question for everyone to ponder.

Many years ago we had a "backside of the ridge" day at Ridge Soaring. Last turnpoint was Williamsport, return to Ridge Soaring.
Just before the airport, the ridge rises a bunch, but we were on the wrong side (KS in the lead, SM second, me a little behind and a little lower......).
Suddenly, KS made a hard right turn towards the ridge followed by SM. I figured they knew something I didn't so, either we get through or 3 broken ASW-20's in one spot.
There was a low saddle just before the rising terrain, with some ridge speed (which we all had) it was to make sure you cleared the clothesline in someone's side yard.
Then, terrain follow down the backside to the finish, from memory, we were likely 800' above the airport 1-2 miles from the finish with plenty of speed.

No issues, perfectly safe.
If the current idea of a hard deck was in place, would we all be landed out?
Ground clearance was "maybe" a wingspan but with plenty of "zoomie speed" if need be.

Just asking.......;-)

Without knowing more, hard to say. It is interesting that you thought you might die, but followed them anyway . "No issues, perfectly safe" - after the fact. In a ridgey area, the ridges would typically be poking up through the hard deck, so crossing one would not be a violation. Low saves on the top of ridges are not what the hard deck is intended to non-reward. If the hoped for lift does not materialize, you can normally dive away to either side and safety. Low saves in the bottom of a rocky or forested valley are the target. That is simply Roulette - if the hoped for lift materializes you survive and win the day, if not you break the glider and yourself. I don't care (in the abstract) about the latter, but the former is a reward for risk.